Romantic Restaurants in Raleigh, NC

Irregardless Cafe & Catering is a beloved Raleigh institution offering fresh, local, farm-to-table cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting. The café began as the community’s first vegetarian restaurant and has since evolved into a popular eatery and catering company that caters to vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. The market-driven menu highlights delicious, healthy, and hearty dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, reflecting a long-standing commitment to sustainability.

Recommended For: Vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, sustainable food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking wholesome, local cuisine in a lively atmosphere.

• Enjoy a diverse, market-driven menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients for all diets.
• Savor delicious, hearty dishes crafted for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.
• Experience live jazz performances that add a vibrant, community vibe to your meal.
• Support one of Raleigh’s pioneering sustainable restaurants, operating since 1975.
• Book catering services for events, offering the same fresh and creative local cuisine.

Irregardless Cafe & Catering, 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-833-8898

Mandolin, located on the corner of Oberlin and Fairview in Raleigh’s charming Hayes Barton neighborhood, is a contemporary dining destination offering elevated modern American cuisine with a Southern twist. Housed in a stylish, bistro-inspired space, Mandolin is committed to using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and regional produce from nearby farms.

Recommended For: Foodies, couples, farm-to-table enthusiasts, and anyone seeking refined Southern cuisine in an elegant, modern setting.

• Savor farm-to-table dishes made with grass-fed meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce.
• Indulge in handmade pasta, crisp salads, and creative Southern-inspired entrées.
• Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, craft beers, and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
• Relax in a chic, bistro-inspired space with a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere.
• Experience one of Raleigh’s top spots for dinner, weekend brunch, or a special occasion.

Mandolin, 2519 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Phone: 919-322-0365

The Angus Barn Steakhouse is a legendary Raleigh landmark, renowned for its classic American-style cuisine, in-house dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and decadent homemade desserts. Helmed by Iron Chef America winner Walter J. Royal and his expert culinary team, The Angus Barn offers an unforgettable dining experience in a beautifully appointed dining room.

Recommended For: Steak lovers, special occasion diners, couples, and anyone seeking iconic American dining with a touch of Raleigh history.

• Indulge in perfectly dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted American dishes.
• Relax with a drink in the famous Wild Turkey Lounge or the exclusive Meat Locker smoking lounge.
• Enjoy rare vintages and selections from the award-winning wine cellar.
• Host unforgettable events in private dining rooms or dedicated event venues.
• Experience one of Raleigh’s most iconic and celebrated dining destinations, open nightly.

The Angus Barn, 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone: 919-781-2444

Bida Manda Laotian Restaurant and Bar is a trendy, urban gem in downtown Raleigh, specializing in inventive Laotian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Named after the Sanskrit ceremonial term for “father and mother,” Bida Manda offers a natural, woodsy setting with sturdy tables crafted from salvaged church doors, vivid purple floral arrangements, and vintage paintings and tapestries of saffron-robed monks.

Recommended For: Southeast Asian cuisine lovers, adventurous foodies, couples, and anyone seeking a stylish, one-of-a-kind dining experience in Raleigh.

• Savor inventive Laotian dishes made with exotic, aromatic ingredients.
• Indulge in signature plates like crispy pork belly stew and catfish steamed in banana leaf.
• Enjoy the artful, woodsy atmosphere with vintage Southeast Asian decor.
• Relax with global wines, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails from the full-service bar.
• Experience one of Raleigh’s most beloved and unique dining spots, perfect for lunch or dinner outings.

Bida Manda Laotian Restaurant and Bar, 222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-829-9999

Restaurants For a Date

Bloomsbury Bistro, nestled in Raleigh’s charming Five Points neighborhood, has been delighting diners with globally inspired, French-influenced cuisine for over two decades. This cozy, unpretentious bistro is the perfect setting for a relaxed yet refined evening out. Under the creative direction of classically trained Chef John Toler, the menu features vibrant seasonal dishes like roasted duck with butternut squash, mushroom risotto cakes, and decadent banana crème brûlée.

Recommended For: Intimate date nights, wine enthusiasts, and fans of globally inspired French cuisine in a relaxed neighborhood setting.

• Experience Chef John Toler’s creative fusion of ethnic flavors and classic French technique.
• Dine on elegant seasonal dishes like roasted duck and mushroom risotto cakes.
• Pair your meal with global wines by the glass or bottle, plus craft beers and top-shelf spirits.
• Unwind in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening out.
• Visit Tuesday through Saturday for dinner-only service in this local favorite bistro.

Bloomsbury Bistro, 509 W Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Phone: 919-834-9011

Caffé Luna is a beloved Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant located in a beautifully preserved historic building in downtown Raleigh. Known for its airy, art-filled interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows, this family-friendly eatery has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over two decades.

Recommended For: Family dinners, romantic dates, and celebratory meals in an elegant, historic setting with authentic Italian charm.

• Dine in a beautiful, historic building filled with warm hues and natural light.
• Feast on housemade pasta, pizza, fresh seafood, and premium meats.
• Celebrate in one of three private dining rooms for weddings, parties, or events.
• Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere ideal for families, couples, and groups alike.
• Visit for lunch and dinner Tuesday–Friday, or dinner only on Saturdays.

Caffé Luna, 136 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-832-6090

Gravy is a warm and inviting Italian-American eatery in downtown Raleigh that pays tribute to the comforting, red-sauce classics of family-style Italian cooking. This family-owned restaurant features a charming interior and cozy courtyard, making it ideal for both casual lunches and intimate dinners. The menu offers beloved staples like Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, Eggplant Pie, Lamb Shank, and traditional Spaghetti & Meatballs—all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms. Guests can pair their meal with approachable wines, craft beers, or a selection of casual cocktails.

• Indulge in classic red-sauce dishes like Lasagna, Chicken Parmigiana, and Spaghetti & Meatballs.
• Try modern Italian-American favorites like Eggplant Pie or Braised Lamb Shank.
• Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with courtyard seating and family-style hospitality.
• Pair your meal with a casual wine, local craft beer, or a signature drink.
• Dine daily for lunch or dinner in one of Raleigh’s coziest Italian spots.

Gravy, 135 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-896-8513

Margaux’s Restaurant, located in Brennan Station, is a standout Raleigh dining destination celebrated for its ever-evolving farm-to-table menu, vibrant ambiance, and outstanding service. Combining the energy of a cosmopolitan city with Southern warmth, Margaux’s delivers a fine-dining experience perfect for special occasions. The globally inspired menu features bold and inventive dishes such as Crispy Fried Oysters with sesame hoisin, Pamlico Sound Crab Cakes, Braised Beef Short Rib Tacos, and Thai Crab Noodle Salad with miso broth.

Recommended For: Special celebrations, adventurous foodies, and those seeking a dynamic, upscale dining experience with Southern charm.

• Dine on farm-fresh dishes with global influences and seasonal flair.
• Taste signature items like crab cakes, short rib tacos, and Thai noodle salad.
• Enjoy impeccable service and a warm atmosphere enhanced by a crackling fireplace.
• Relax on the patio during summer for an elegant open-air experience.
• Celebrate milestones in a setting that blends fine dining with vibrant energy.

Margaux’s Restaurant, 8111 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
Phone: 919-846-9846