Restaurants in Raleigh:
518 Italian Cafe, 518 West Jones St., 919-829-2518. With a casual, trendy atmosphere, 518 has become a
favorite among twenty-somethings and others across the Triangle. Northern Italian pastas, shrimp, steak
and chicken specialties. Wood-fired pizzas and lots of vegetarian items. $$$
Angus Barn, 9401 Glenwood Avenue, 919-787-3505. The "Barn" has become a dining institution in
Raleigh since the 60's. Located on Hwy 70 near the airport, it has become a nationally recognized
steakhouse with a million dollar plus wine cellar set in a theatrical, big-barn setting made plush. Plenty of
parking. $$$$
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant, 220 Wolfe Street, 919-836-9909. Southern homestyle cooking at its
best. Platter-sized pancakes and fluffy biscuits are a specialty as well as country-cooked meats and fresh
veggies. Dixieland jazz on Saturdays. Popular & a great dining experience for out-of-towners. Repeated
"Best In The Triangle" winner. $
Bistro 607, 607 Glenwood Avenue, 919-828-0840. Absolutely lovely romantic setting with a fine nouvelle
cuisine heavy on French accents. Creamy vichy-ssoise, Salmon under Sabayon, earthy duck terrine, classic
sauces and wonderful homemade breads & desserts. $$$
Bloomsbury Bistro, 509 W. Whitaker Mill Rd., 919-834-9011. Where the over-thirty elite meet for
Martinis. Worldy plates composed with French technique. Duck- porcini pate, Sesame seared salmon,
Caramelized onion tartlette. Casually cush - wear your Dooney & Bourke. Fine banquet facilities available.
$$$
Butterflies, Spring Forest and Falls of Neuse Rds., 919-878-2020. In tune with the seasons and offers an
ever-changing, health-conscious menu. New American cuisine with eye-popping presentation and an
emphasis on "less fat" preparation. Comfortable, upscale & exquisite decor. Cactus Flower, 5300
Homewood Banks Drive, 919-789-0125. Fabulous selection of eclectic American fare from the West,
featuring Californian pizzettes,
Hawaiian tuna steaks, Navajo-style nachos, Baked stuffed trout, Midwestern pit-roasted chicken and
much more. Spacious, upbeat and delightfully decorated. $$
Cafe Tiramisu, 6196 Falls of Neuse Rd, 919-981-0305. Authentic Italian simplicity with fine selection of
wines and tasty, homemade pasta dishes. Established Chicken Marsala & Veal Parmigiana hard to beat.
Classy, yet casual atmosphere with cozy interior.
Caffe Luna, 136 East Hargett Street, 919-832-6090. New York-styled restaurant with superb, authentic
Italian food (lots of pasta dishes!) with a thought-provoking wine list. Comfortable seating with an
additional, terrace for moonlight and amore. $$$
Capri Restaurant, Falls of Neuse and Spring Forest, 919-878-4424. Hearty & good Neopolitan Italian
fare, specializing in seafood, chicken, veal & pork. Yummy homemade breads. Jolly atmosphere with
affordable prices.
Casa Carbone Ristorante Italiano, 6019-A Glenwood Ave., 919-781-8750.Traditional, family-owned &
operated trattoria serving the Triangle for over 40 years. Authentic, Neopolitan-style, Italian cuisine with
super reputation for cook-from-scratch recipes. $
Claudio's Ristorante, 6300 Creedmoor Rd., 919-847-0083. Specializing in creative, made-to-order
Northern Italian cuisine. Superb Tiramisu. Nice decor with exquisite bar & romantic atmosphere.
Dalat Oriental Restaurant, 2109 Avent Ferry Rd., 919-832-7449. Emphasis on Vietnamese cuisine: herbrich & aromatic. Superb Dalat Rolls, spring rolls & traditional meal-sized soups are not to be missed!
Enoteca Vin, 410 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 350, Glenwood South, 919-834-3070. Trendy wine bar/bistro
with extensive wine list offering a number of wines by the glass or by the ounce! Excellent imported cheese
selection. Cured foie gras with arugula. Grouper with leek fondue. Sophisticated following.
Fins Restaurant, 7713-39 Lead Mine Road, 919-847-4119. Critically acclaimed chef. 'East-meets-West'
styled (fushion) cuisine with a strong accent on seafood. Upscale, quiet ambience. Has a great reputation.
Fosters American Grill, 521 Daniels St., 919-832-9815. Casual and mellow dining with a varied menu
and some architectural interest. Fosters features both upscale entrees & good quality bar food. Live jazz
and acoustics Wednesday and Friday nights. Attracts a good crowd as the place to be seen. Ample parking
around Cameron Village. $$
Frazier's, 2418 Hillsborough Street, 919-828-6699. A fine dining experience whether you are out for a
casual lite fare or a bang-up delicious filet mignon. Super appetizers plenty of vegetarian choices. Menu
changes with the seasons. Great management with a friendly & knowledgeable staff. Recommended. $$
Gino Russo's Oyster Bar & Restaurant, 6204 Glenwood Avenue, PleasantValley Promenade, 919-4200340. Hands-on oyster feast. Outstanding crab cakes, steaks chops & best rice pilaf! Slick and comfy decor
with rich wood & earth tones. Live music on weekends.
Glenwood Grill, Glenwood Village Shopping Center, Glenwood Avenue/Oberlin Rd, 919-782-3102.
Southern "Low Country" specialities with New South and multi- cultural touches. Lunch serves
sandwiches, soups, pasta and fresh daily specials. Dinner switches gears to fine selections of beef &
Seafood with a nice selection of regional wines. Comfortable, upscale atmosphere and service.
Hard Times Cafe, 410 Glenwood Ave. South, 919-835-1600. Year after year, after year, Spectator readers
have voted Hard Times Cafe the "Best In The Triangle" for their chili. But their babyback ribs are also hard
to beat. Great laid back atmosphere with patio seating, a nice selection of brews on tap and good, friendly
service with well-managed, personalized attention by owner. Great any time of the year! $$
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery, 2000 Fairview Road, 919-856-8551. The walls of this 50's style diner
are covered in portraits of the stars, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Sinatra, and the list goes on. Black
& White films are shown on the tv and jazz permeates the air along with the rich smells of the homecooked food. Save room for dessert, it's some of the best around. $
Hibernian Pub & Restaurant, 311 Glenwood Avenue, 919-833-2258. Fine Irish fare, filling a flavorful.
Love the curried chips! Fun pub atmosphere with soft live music, a weekly pub quiz & nice, chatty
bartenders. SundayBrunch available. Sidewalk seating. $$
India Mahal, 3212 Hillsborough St., 919-836-9742. Spicy and aromatic Indian cuisine that's very
authentic and popular. Casual atmosphere. Family run with small amount of seating. $
Irregardless Cafe, 901 W Morgan St., 919-833-9920. Began as Raleigh's first vegetarian, "healthy
cuisine" restaurants in the 70's. Always innovative & creative menu that changes frequently and has
expanded to serve seafood & meat choices. Live, soft music nightly. Comfortable, ambient setting.
Jade Garden, 1207 Hillsborough Street, 919-833-7798. Always impressive! Numerous vegetarian & meat
dishes specializing in Hunan, Szechuan & Beijing recipes. Intimate setting, family-owned with excellent
service. Take-out available & ready within "15 minutes." $
Jean-Claude's French Cafe, 6112 Falls of Neuse Rd, 919-872-6224. Authentic French cuisine with
superb crepes. Homemade omelets, quiche & desserts. Great sauces with meat entrees. Impressive wine
selection.
Kanki Japanese House of Steaks, Crabtree Valley Mall, Glenwood Ave., & Old Wake Forest Road, 919782-9708(Crabtree) 919-876-4157 (OWF). Sit around a large hot plate and be mesmerized by the
chopping, skewing & preparation of the chefs who bring fun to the feast. Plentiful portions of beef, seafood
& chicken dishes all cooked before your very nose. Great family night out! Sushi bar is recommended too!
Lilly's Pizza (Five Points), 1813 Glenwood Ave, Five Points, 919-833-0226. Cool, fun & hip with a great
assortment of interesting pizza toppings..including the Cow Tipper! Nice sidewalk patio. Local art work on
display and some great memorabilia abound. Bustling on the weekends. $
Mandarin House, 422 Woodburn Rd, 919-821-2641. Multi-regional, a-la-carte Chinese cuisine. A cut
above the rest with food skillfully prepared.
Margaux's, 8111-111 Creedmoor Rd., 919-846-9846. Contemporary bistro-style ambience. Comfortable,
up-scale, 'Eclectic Mediterranean' fare with nouvelle bells and whistles. A super fresh shell bar. Great steak
with hollandaise, lamb with coconut curry. Funky chi-chi decor. High-energy bar scene. Conservativelyheeled patronage. $$
Melting Pot, 3100 Wake Forest Road, 919-878-0477. Fondue is fun at this Raleigh dining landmark.
Consistent good quality of seafood, meats and veggies for feasting, plus desserts, with a nice variety of
dipping sauces to choose from. Try the French Quarter entree of shrimp, tenderloin, Andoville sausage and
boneless chicken breast rolled in cajun spice. From dipping to traditional swiss cheese to chocolate...it's all
good!
Michael Deans Wood Oven & Bar, 1705 Millbrook Rd., 919-790-9992. Lots of New American, woodfired specialties with delicious meats, seafoods and specialty pizzas. Casual dress o.k. in upscale decor and
environment. Patio seating available. Live music on the weekends.
Mo's Diner, 306 East Hargett Street, 919-856-9938. Absolutely charming atmosphere in restored, 19th
century home close to downtown Raleigh. Eclectic, multi-cultural fare with delightful touches like garlic
mashed potatoes. Made to feel special! Great for taking a date. $$$
Museum Cafe, N.C. Museum of Art, 2110, Blue Ridge Road, 919-833-3548. Actualy a popular lunch spot
in an airy, dining room on the lower level of the Museum. Fresh, tasty eclectic fare. Daily specials, healthy
salads & soups. Nice crab-cake wraps. Dinner on Friday only $
Neomonde Deli, 3817 Beryl St., 919-834-7799. Pleasant cafeteria-café style surroundings with tasty
Middle Eastern fare including Tabouli, Hummus, Falafel, Pita & Baklava. Small selection of Lebanese
groceries available too. $
Nina's Ristorante, 8801 Leadmine Road, 919-845-1122. Exceptional, multi-regional Italian cuisine served
in elegant, romantic surroundings. Classic Sicilian & Tuscan signature dishes. Vegetarian, pasta, veal,
chicken, beef & seafood. Made from scratch sauces by Nina herself. Very hands-on preparation & service.
Notable write-ups include Wine Spectator.
P.F. Changs, Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Avenue, 1-919-787-7754. Chinese chain restaurant
gone chic. Polished presentation. Vegetables rolled in soothing lettuce wraps to wok-seared tuna. Sheer
sauces. Flashy urban setting attracts jet-set.
The Portobello, 7901-101Falls of the Neuse Rd., 919-847-1790. Very interesting, innovative upscale
Italian / Mediterranean cuisine with delicious seafood & stone-fired pizzas. Taste the fresh herbs and
ingredients every time! $$
Ri Ra, 126 N. West St., 919-833-5535. Lots of little nooks and crannys to have an intimate lunch or dinner,
plus numerous bar space to talk soccer with the native Irish workforce. Excellent lunch buffet and noncomprimising dinner with all the traditional Irish fare you can handle, Interesting collection of memorabilia
decorates both the interior & exterior. Outside seating available. $
Rockford, 320 1/2 Glenwood Avenue, 919-821-9020. Great after work meeting place. Good crowd,
trendy, fun & a super menu for all budgets and diets. Great innovative daily specials. Nice range of
vegetarian, healthy meals. Great salads & sandwiches! Cool atmosphere... Never ceases to impress. $
Second Empire, 330 Hillsborough Street, 919-829-3663. Ultimate architectural resplendence for a fine
dining experience. Situated in a rehabbed, Victorian mansion close to downtown with quality,
contemporary American cuisine, top-of-the-line wines and noteworthy beers. Reservations recommended.
$$$
Simpson's Beef & Seafood, 5625 Creedmoor Rd., 919-783-8818. For the ultimate in fine, but not too posh
dining, night club atmosphere and first rate food - Simpson's has everything! Mel Simpson has a great
reputation and knows food period. This is the place for a superb, bone-in prime rib, but there's lots of
excellent meat, pasta & vegetarian dishes, plus elegant live piano music. $$
Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, 505 West Jones Street, 919-832-4604. Enormous wood & exposed
brick watering hole, favored by yuppies. Nice microbrew with trendy fare including applewood smoked
pork chops to four cheese ravioli. Patio seating available. Live music in bar area.
Sub Conscious, 3209 Hillsborough St, 919-833-3495. One of Hillsborough Streets' few surviving &
thriving independent eaterys. 19 years on, Sub Conscious is still serving some serious subs, salads, pizza
subs & soups, all individually made to order. Real cheddar fries, great chicken philly, catering & kids
menu. Extras include patio seating, pac man and pinball.
Sullivans Steakhouse, 444 Glenwood Ave, 919-833-2888. Kind of place Dean Martin would plough down
a few Martinis with other rat-packers. Much heralded steaks, oysters and robustly-portioned garlic mashed
potatoes. Cosy booths a-plenty. Winner of many, "Best In The Triangle" Awards by Spectator readers.
Sushi Blues Cafe, 301 Glenwood Ave., 919-664-8061. The place for late-night sushi ('till 2 a.m. on
weekends). Lots of fans flock to this small establishment. Reminiscent of a Hard Rock Cafe. Jazz & Blues
decor (?) with pretty good assortment of Sushi, especially for the beginner, $
Tartines Bistro Provencale, 1110 Navaho Drive, 919-790-0091. Long-serving Raleigh establishment,
tucked away nicely for cozy, intimate Bistro-style dining. Upscale, Southern French cuisine, cooked to
order, prepared with fresh herbs and seasonal veggies. Loyal clientele.
Tir Na Nog, 218 S Blount St, Moore Square, 919-833-7795. Thematically Irish in both decor and food,
though the menu takes one beyond the 'Emerald Isle.' Cottage Pie, Fish 'N' Chips, Boxty's as well as keen
salads and pasta dishes. Lively atmosphere with traditional Irish music weekly, darts and jolly Irish
barkeeps. $$
Vertigo Diner, 426 S. McDowell St., 919-832-4477. Decided Generation X'er appeal. Upscale multicultural menu served up in a downscale, trendy ambience. Fun cocktails, great service. Arguably has the
best soup in the Triangle! $$
Vic's Italian Cafe & Pizzeria, 351 Blake Street, City Market, 919-829-7090. A City Market gem. Popular
for lunch, but also has a nice dinner menu. Recommended dish: Shrimp Fra Diavlo!
Vincent's Pizza & Pasta, 3911 Capital Blvd, Tarrymore Square, 919-876-6700. Picked by Spectator
readers as the "Best Italian Restaurant" in the Triangle 2001. Friendly, family run deli/restaurant with New
York style preparation and portions. Super subs, great lunch menu that will please even the heartiest of
appetites. Transplanted Italian/New Yorkers seem to flock here. $
Waraji Japanese Restaurant, 5910-147 Duraleigh Rd., 919-783-1883. Arguably the best Japanese
restaurant in the Triangle. Classic, artistic interior in mod tones with first-class sushi and creative Japanese
cuisine extended beyond the predictable Teriyaki dishes. Usually busy at both lunch and dinner which is
why Waraji doesn't advertise - Its reputation speaks for itself. $