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Some say the Umstead and Herons have such high Forbes ratings because they've been allowed to try repeatedly to get the rating only because the owners of both are friends. Such "do-overs" are not normally accepted.
That scenario sure makes sense to me, because I stayed for three days and ate at Heron's twice, and I would never go again. It didn't even rise to a two-star level in the hotel or restaurant.
Go see online reviews elsewhere; I'm certainly not the only one to have such an awful experience.
I've been to most mentioned here except Herron's so I can't comment on it, but Second Empire is head and shoulders above any others if your criteria is a true fine dining experience. The Lantern may have better food but it's a casual atmosphere. Il Palio is in Empire's category as well with and has a different style of service
My top recommendation is Second Empire. I also like Margaux's and Bloomsbury Bistro. Sullivan's and Ruth's Chris are good high end steak house chains. All in Raleigh.
As you can see, this is such a subjective topic.
I have enjoyed dining at Il Palio in Chapel Hill, and Ruth's Chris(when I was in a steak-only phase when dining out). Both have had very attentive wait staff which helped make the evening that much more enjoyable. I also go out in a good mood and with good company (wife, or wife and our close friends) so we make the best of these outings. I've dined at the Angus Barn and Sullivan's several times too--had great food and a good time--but the overall experience was not in the 'fine' category.
I'm a pretty good cook and I can definitley cook a steak, so my criteria when I'm planning on dropping $100++ is something I can't do, but an expensive steak is nice once in a while. just seems likea waste to spend $100 when you could buy a couple of dang nice steaks and a nice bottle of wine for$40
Raleigh, excluding chains? Second Empire, Bloomsbury Bistro, Saint Jacques, J Betzki's, Margaux's in that order.
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