Date Night Restaurants in the Triangle (Raleigh & Surrounding)

Taverna Agora

If you’re looking for fabulous date night restaurants in the Triangle, we have tons of suggestions for gorgeous eateries and exquisite meals.

date night restaurants

While our average date nights usually involve low-key, casual spots, we love to visit more elegant restaurants for special occasions. The greater Raleigh area is full of exceptional options for a special dinner, and I will be continually adding to this list as we try more of them.

date night restaurants

Here are our favorite date night restaurants in the Triangle, organized by the city! We hope you find a new favorite and can enjoy a special evening out somewhere new.

Date Night Restaurants in Raleigh

Jolie

Jolie is a magnificent French bistro in Downtown Raleigh that boasts a superb menu, a beautiful design, and a charming rooftop patio.

From the moment you step through the front doors to the minute you finish your last bite of dessert, you will feel impressed with every detail.

Cortez

Cortez is a VIBE. It feels like a fancy tropical getaway in the heart of Raleigh.

The menu focuses on seafood, Mexican-American small plates, and unique cocktails. Oysters and shrimp not your cup of tea? You’ll enjoy their land options like smash burgers and steak.

Put on that pretty dress you haven’t worn since your vacation, and enjoy some drinks with your significant other!

Vidrio

Vidrio is arguably the most beautiful restaurant in Raleigh, maybe even North Carolina. The design is absolutely breathtaking and offers an atmosphere unlike any other in the Triangle.

vidrio

They specialize in Mediterranean-style dining and cuisine with small plates brought out as they are ready instead of all at once. They encourage patrons to take their time enjoying each dish and cocktail.

The menu changes often, so it’s always worth returning to try something new.

vidrio

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

St. Roch is one of my all-time favorite restaurants with its inviting atmosphere that transports you to the streets of New Orleans and a menu that would blow anyone away.

Crawfish hushpuppies and ‘gator bolognese are just two examples of unique but refined dishes you can find here. Never skip the beignets with bourbon caramel sauce for dessert. Trust me.

Oak Steakhouse

I LOVE a good steakhouse, and I think they are surprisingly hard to come by. A medium steak and warm dinner rolls are the way to my heart, and Oak Steakhouse has me smitten.

Their beef wellington, bread, and sides are perfection. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the food is unforgettable.

date night restaurants

Mulino Italian Kitchen + Bar

Mulino is one of my top recommendations if the atmosphere is everything to you on a date night. Poolside dining under string lights? It doesn’t get much more romantic than that! It’s truly an Italian oasis right here in the Triangle.

Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar

Every inch of Taverna Agora is meant to transport you to Greece, and it succeeds.

The rooftop is one of the most romantic, charming dining spaces in the Triangle, and it’s covered in lush greenery. Their menu is full of Mediterranean favorites to indulge in while listening to beautiful traditional Greek music.

Coquette Brasserie

Coquette is another restaurant I recommend when hunting for a charming atmosphere. Coquette is gorgeous inside, designed to look like a traditional French brasserie.

coquette

We prefer dining here for a lovely brunch, but dinner is also a great choice!

soup

Date Night Restaurants in Cary

MC Restaurant

MC is one of the best restaurants I’ve enjoyed dining at! Located in a cute historic cottage in the heart of Cary, MC allows patrons to dine inside, on the porch, or in the garden.

mc restaurant

The modern Asian plates are outstanding, and the attention to detail is impressive.

Colletta Italian Food & Wine

Colletta is probably my favorite Italian restaurant I’ve eaten at, and as the daughter of an Italian woman, that’s saying a lot! The mood is cozy yet modern, and the dishes are simply outstanding. The famous lasagna is the best I’ve ever had. 

Date Night Restaurants in Durham

Juju

Juju is one of the most incredible restaurants I’ve ever dined at and remains in my top 3 at all times.

Serving refined Asian-style tapas, Juju has a menu that is simply brilliant. The short rib & goat cheese wontons and bing bread are absolute MUST tries!

M Sushi

While there are plenty of great sushi spots in the Triangle, genuinely upscale, quality sushi is a little harder to come by.

M Sushi is one of the best sushi restaurants and is famous for its sushi rolls, small plates, and elegant atmosphere. I’ve only tried carryout from here, and it was phenomenal, so I’m confident the dine-in experience is even better!

m sushi

Other Great Date Night Restaurants around the Triangle

Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant

Amalia’s turned an adorable historic home in Wake Forest into a cozy Italian restaurant, a true GEM. The chef graduated top of his class at a world-renowned culinary school in Italy and brought his talents here. We are so lucky! We love this restaurant.

Rustic Roots

Rustic Roots is a lovely farm-to-table restaurant on the outskirts of the Triangle in Bunn, only about a 20-minute drive from us in Wake Forest.

While it’s famous for being a steakhouse, you’ll find other great menu items using local ingredients, like burgers and salads.

Pro tip: Their brown butter cake is one of the best desserts we’ve ever had!

Don’t see your favorite on the list?

If your favorite date night restaurants in the Triangle aren’t on this list, let us know in the comments! We are excited to expand this guide and try your recommendations!

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12 Comments

  1. I HIGHLY Recommend Kai Sushi & Sake Bar in Greystone Village on Lead Mine Road, Raleigh ( http://kaisushisakebar.com ). As a Sushi Lover, you can not beat the quality or their Sushi Combo Special. I’ve gone all over NC and beyond and Still have Not found anyone that’s close to Quality or Price.

    Reply
    • We will have to try it! Thanks for the recommendation!

      Reply
  2. Angus Barn?

    Reply
  3. Taberna Tapas in Downtown Durham. It’s been a favorite of ours for years – so much so that we did our wedding rehearsal lunch there!!

    Reply
  4. Oro in Raleigh is amazing! Their menu consists of delish small plates and the instagram worthy presentation of the drinks make it a memorable experience.

    Reply
    • Try Amalieä! Its a pop up dinner series about every month and they do amazing Michelin level Caribbean cuisine!

      Reply
  5. Bella Monica Raleigh, Tazza Kitchen in Cameron Village, Osha Thai Holly Springs, and Peak on Salem in Apex are a few of our date night favs

    Reply
  6. Hummingbird’s is amazing. Chef Estella is the best.

    Reply
  7. Hi, We love Bodega and Farm Table in Wake Forest for date night options. Love your posts. Thank you for sharing them!!
    Michelle

    Reply
  8. Thanks for the list! Also, totally agree with you about Oak Steakhouse. The parkerhouse rolls are so good and their steaks never disappoint.

    Reply
  9. You must try Oro in downtown Raleigh! One of our favorite spots. Their drinks are all served with some kind of fun twist and the food is amazing.

    Reply
  10. Rustic is a favorite.Always great good and wonderful service. It is so worth the drive. You won’t regret it 😄.

    Reply

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