Whats the best fine dining restaurant in the area? (Charlotte: house, buy)

[Bull City Rising]

Originally Posted by LewLew

I'm noticing most people are listing Durham and Chapel HIll restaurants. Are there more in those areas?

Durham/Chapel Hill has the rep as having a disproportionate number of fine dining restaurants -- the two cities, lumped together, got named the "Foodiest Small City in America" by Bon Appetit a few years ago. Not mentioned so far here is Magnolia Grill in Durham, a regular fixture on national top-ten restaurant lists for years. Many of the fine restaurants elsewhere in the Triangle have chefs who started working for the Barkers at Magnolia Grill and went on to open their own establishments.

Not to say Raleigh/Cary doesn't have fine places too. The aforementioned Herons is enjoyable. So too by rep is downtown Raleigh's Ashley Christensen, who's been in the news a bunch lately for her establishments (and her Iron Chef appearance.)

I'd also add, in Durham (where I'm more familiar personally with the offerings) Four Square to the list of places to check out. Personally I like them more than Nana's but everyone has a personal preference.

[evaofnc]

Originally Posted by meh_whatever

We did Heron's for our anniversary this year. We stayed at The Umstead that night as well. It was lovely.

Ruth's Chris and An are two places that are quite nice for anniversaries and such if you're in Cary.

I've always wondered what An was.

[evaofnc]

Originally Posted by LewLew

I'm noticing most people are listing Durham and Chapel HIll restaurants. Are there more in those areas?

Raleigh has a lot of top-notch dining, but not as many places that I would bother to throw on a suit to go to as compared to Chapel Hill and Durham. Ashley Christensen, as mentioned above, it a well-known chef in Raleigh that churns out fantastic food, but her restaurants are more low-key hipster places than fine dining establishments.

[rnc2mbfl]

For downtown Raleigh, I'd recommend the following for their blend of ambience and food:
The Mint - Index
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern -
Restaurant Info (though I would avoid on the weekend as it becomes a nightclub atmosphere and less upscale dining feeling)
bu (Bu*Ku)

[Native_Son]

Or you could try the Fearrington House... combine it with an evening at the inn.

[Usedtobe VaNC]

Heron's.....yes, it is in a hotel...but not just any hotel. You will feel special and pampered from the moment you walk in.

[escapenc]

An is Asian cuisine. I have heard it is great but I have never been there. I would recommend Ruth Chris, Second Empire, Saint-Jacques, or Rey's.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by Usedtobe VaNC

Heron's.....yes, it is in a hotel...but not just any hotel. You will feel special and pampered from the moment you walk in.

It's probably just me - I've been to way too many business meetings and seminars at the Umstead.

[shellsd]

Sullivan's does an excellent Filet.

[ZimaCheryl]

I'd suggest Revolution (on Main Street in Durham - don't get it confused w/Cuban Revolution).

Try the pick 3 or pick 5. The chef goes off menu & makes a unique meal just for you. I've done this several times & never been disappointed!

Revolution Enter