Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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I wanted to see what types of upscale dining environments were out there in the RTP area. We are moving from Philly and have many great dining experiences throughout our city and also have some great restauranteurs like Steve Starr who have several different upscale environments and specialties that allow you multiple choices for your dining p. We are looking for places that are unique - no chains - and upscale for the night out with house specialty drinks and entrees that you can't get anyplace else.
Lots of choices on the Chapel Hill and Durham side.
Lantern (in Chapel Hill) just ranked #47 and Magnolia Grill (Durham) #11 in Gourmet Magazine's list of best fine dining in the U.S. I believe Magnolia Grill is the top-ranked southeastern US restaurant.
I know Durham best, so a few fine choices in the Bull City (which has a rep as one of the dining meccas of the southeast). Most of these are going to be in the $25-50 per person for dining.
Four Square
Nana's
Piedmont (made Food & Wine's list of best new US restaurants for 2006)
Rue Cler
Pop's
Anotherthyme
Parizade
Vin Rouge
Starlu
If you want steak, one of the top rated steak houses is The Angus Barn, on Hwy. 70 near the airport and Brier Creek.
Its locally owned bye the Eure family and a Raleigh landmark.
They also serve some of the best seafood around. The service is the best you will find and if you are the least bit unhappy, they will do anything to make you happy...except for cleaning your house...I already asked.
I've been to most of the upscale restaurants in RTP, and I believe the best one is Fearrington House in Pittsboro. I am a big fan of French cuisine, so your mileage may vary. It's a Relais & Chateaux property, and the food, ambiance, and service are all top notch.
For fine dining, Fearrington House and Il Palio are probably the top choices (not my kind of dining experience though).
For awesome food, Mag Grill and Four Square are my favorites.
Angus Barn is funny, some people rave about it, other (like me) think it is overpriced for a decent steak. If you like dropping big notes on wine though, they are supposed to have one of the best wine selections in the area (along with Fearrington House)
Angus Barn is funny, some people rave about it, other (like me) think it is overpriced for a decent steak. If you like dropping big notes on wine though, they are supposed to have one of the best wine selections in the area (along with Fearrington House)
The Angus Barn certainly has the best wine list in the area. As a matter of fact, it rivals almost any wine list you will find anywhere in the US.
The Angus Barn certainly has the best wine list in the area. As a matter of fact, it rivals almost any wine list you will find anywhere in the US.
How true...and the staff educated, but not condescending.
I can tell the waiter I would like a glass of red, moderate priced, soft tannins and a fruity finish (or what ever I am in the mood for)...and they bring me two or three to taste depending what they have open.
I get to try some great wines and don't feel like I am gambling or looked down upon.
I've never had a bad steak at The Angus Barn. Once I was with a large group and we had asked if they could keep each group straight, when it came time for the bill. Well our waitress had problems and one of the guys got a bit antsy and complained. The manager came over and said the entire dinner was "on the house". I mean, there were 16 of us!
Its more than "just steak". Its The Angus Barn! Its been written up in a lot of magazines and its rated as a 5 star restaurant so you HAVE to eat there eventually just so you can say you have! Its a Raleigh landmark!!!
For upscale dining, we have liked Magnolia Grill, Fearrington, Elaines and Second Empire. Out of the four, I think Magnolia Grill was the best. We personally did not like Four Square when we went there. Thought food was just ok.
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