If you're looking for a restaurant where you can have both a great meal and a romantic evening, look no further. Here are five restaurants that are sure to be a hit with your date.
1. Chamas Brazilian Steakhouse
© Tammy Biondi
Chamas is a lot of fun and has all the makings of a great date restaurant: romantic lighting, an extensive wine list, wonderful food, and a doting wait staff. However, a word of warning is in order: this isn't necessarily a great choice for a first or second date. Why? You're likely to eat until you're stuffed. This is a buffet, and the food is so delicious (and decadent!) that you probably won't be able to say no to a second (or third) round of garlic-marinated steak or spicy Brazilian sausage. Couples who are at a less fragile stage in their relationship are likely to thoroughly enjoy this place and have a really memorable meal.
905 West Main St. #115, Brightleaf Square
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-1309
905 West Main St. #115, Brightleaf Square
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-1309
2. Four Square Restaurant
Photo courtesy Jeana Lee Tahnk and Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau
If you or your significant other like historic homes and/or bed and breakfasts, Four Square restaurant is likely to be right up your alley. It's located in a restored 100 year-old house that still looks like a house--not a restaurant--both inside and out. The food at Four Square is fresh, seasonal and artfully presented. If the weather is nice, ask to be seated on the restaurant's screened-in porch, where you'll be able to enjoy views of Four Square's flower garden.
2701 Chapel Hill Rd.
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 401-9877
2701 Chapel Hill Rd.
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 401-9877
3. Cafe Luna
Mention Cafe Luna to just about anyone and they're likely to say "I love that place!". After all, it's hard to go wrong at a cheerful, artfully-decorated restaurant that serves dishes like "Fresh Pasta Stuffed with Lobster, Crab, Prawns and Ricotta Sauteed in Cream with Tomato" (for $15.95!). Be sure to make reservations: Cafe Luna is very popular. If, after dinner, you're going to the ballet, symphony, or other show at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, be sure to take advantage of Cafe Luna's free parking and theater shuttle.36 East Hargett Street (at Hargett & Blount)
Raleigh , NC 27601
(919) 832-6090
4. The Fearrington House Restaurant
This restaurant is the epitome of fine dining. It has won just about every award there is to win (it has stars and diamonds and Zagat points galore) and is recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the nation. If you and your darling dream of eating at the finest restaurants in the world, you can start in your own backyard at The Fearrington House Restaurant. Bon Apetit!2000 Fearrington Village Center
Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 542-2121
5. Frazier's
If you want to take your date to a high-end restaurant, but don't want to deal with snootiness--from either staff or patrons -- give Frazier's a try. The menu is innovative (honey-basil ice cream, anyone?) and features thoughtful dishes that really showcase the main ingredients, some of which are locally-produced. Frazier's wants you to think of their ambiance as "upbeat, at-ease Manhattan". Translation? The food is good and no one will give you the evil eye if you show up in short-sleeves.2418 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 828-6699