If money were no problem, what restaurant in Chapel Hill would you pick? (Durham: how much, neighborhood)

[no kudzu]

We are in a rut-always picking kids eat free or old favorites but reasonable places to eat. I know Chapel Hill is supposed to be a foodies paradise but we still-after 9 months- haven't gone to anyplace we were really impressed with. So I'm thinking we are too cheap...how much would we expect to spend at the best restaurant in chapel hill- no alcholol.

Mama Dipps has been a real enigma to us. What's the big deal? after 3 trips DH said no more.

[dcgrl]

mama dips is wretched.

by no alcohol, do you mean a restaurant that doesn't serve alcohol? (I can't help you there!)

In any case, I really like Jujube (on hwy 54) and Lantern (on Franklin St). One of the best restaurants in town is Bonne Soiree, in the West Village Courtyard. Entrees at Bonne Soiree are in the neighborhood of $30/person. (not kid friendly, LOL)

Jujube is more in the mid to upper teens, as is Lantern (actually closer to 20s).

I also think carolina crossroads at the carolina inn is good (mid20s to 30 for entrees)

[huckdisc]

Consider this another vote for Jujube, Lantern, and Bonne Soiree. Try also Il Palio.

For cheaper fare, Flying Burrito has good burritos and Peppers has good calzones and Suttons has great burgers with homemade cherry cokes.

[no kudzu]

of course I meant "if money were no problem"
we don't drink so no need to factor that in
not looking for place to take kids- a special treat for the two of us over christmas while we will have a live in sitter

thanks all

[Kids_Dentist]

Wife and I have gone to Elaine's several times and it never disappoints. I would think a meal there without alcohol would be ~ 70-100$.

http://www.elainesonfranklin.com/

I've heard rave reviews about Restaurant Bonne Soiree, if French is your thing. That's definitely more formal than Elaine's. Whenever I've walked by (it's tucked down an alley, very quaint/small) all of the men had on a coat. I can't help you on price since we have not been there but I would assume it would be similar to Elaine's.

[J_Lurk]

We've really enjoyed Elaine's and Lantern on our rare date nights.

I've heard a lot about Bonne Soiree, but haven't had the chance to try it.

Oh and ... if I were looking for southern I'd probably go to Crook's Corner.

I've heard fame has not been good for Mama Dip's. It has been many years since I've been there.

[Clever User Name]

Bonne Soiree or, just a short drive south from Chapel Hill, Fearington House. Fearington will likely be all done up for Christmas.

[CHTransplant]

Elaines, Crooks Corner, Bin54 and 411 West are among my local favorites.

[StanFischlerHockE]

I second Elaines.

[jln69]

I like Elaines as well. Although not in Chapel Hill, I really like Magnolia Grill in Durham.