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I'm actually not looking for anything in particular - just wanted to get a thread going about great, slightly more formal places to eat. I know of plenty of fun places to go, but haven't had the time (or the resources) to sample all of the more expensive options.
In that case, you can add Coquette, Frazier's Wine Bar, Bloomsbury Bistro (which works for fine dining as well), and Sitti, all in Raleigh - in addition to the ones I've mentioned earlier. I'll concur that Four Square belongs on your radar too.
And we haven't even talked about good casual places yet. But, that should be enough to keep you busy for a while.
So glad to see some of my favorites already mentioned on the thread!
Heron's - yes, on the stuffier side but definitely a place to impress when people think of a typical "fancy" place. The chef's tasting menu is over-the-top - I remember one of the courses was an enormous piece of foie gras that was really too rich to finish!
Saint Jacques - LOVE the service and atmosphere and food! The strip mall feels takes away from the initial impression but once you get inside, Lil and his crew are fantastic. And they'll always do a little something special if you are celebrating something. Took friends there who love La Residence in CH but liked Saint Jacques even better!
In Durham, like Piedmont, Revolution, Vin Rouge for fancier seeming places with pretty good food.
Second Empire - the first I went there was for a office holiday party in a room down by the Tavern. I was a little disappointed by the food. But! Have been back twice for the chef's table where you sit IN THE KITCHEN with a customized menu (usually riffs on some of their menu items but with fancier frills) and the fun of watching all the action. It's not a very romantic place in the sense that it's not dim with candles but it's so much fun! The chef explains everything and talks to you throughout dinner and you are invited to prowl around the kitchen. Sometimes they throw you bits of extras that looks good, i.e. some calamari that looked delicious, a cheese plate, an extra dessert.
18 Seaboard - one of my new favorites. Great atmosphere, fantastic food and service. My favorite waiter is gone (sad) but still excellent service.
Oops! Not sure how the Durham recs got into the middle of the post. Also agree with Clever User Name that we haven't touched any of the good casual places!
I've been consistently impressed with Nana's in Durham. Another favorite of mine is Thai Cafe, also in Durham. Not quite as fancy, but the food is delicious.
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