Anniversaries are moments that deserve thoughtful celebration—an intimate table, flickering candles, meaningful conversation, and food that touches the soul. Living and traveling across the U.S., I’ve had my fair share of anniversary dinners in many cities. But when it comes to Raleigh, North Carolina, something about this Southern gem makes it feel especially romantic. It’s elegant without being showy, creative without trying too hard, and filled with chefs who truly cook from the heart.
Over the years, I’ve collected a short list of my absolute favorite upscale dining spots in Raleigh—each one perfect for an anniversary dinner or any occasion when you want to celebrate love with fine food. These are not just restaurants—they’re experiences.
Let me walk you through five of the best fine dining spots in Raleigh, from ambiance to appetizers, from menu standouts to money-saving tips. I’ve also sprinkled in some travel wisdom for booking flights, stays, and dinner tables, especially if you’re visiting Raleigh from out of town.
1. Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
Location: 330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cuisine Style: Contemporary American, fine dining
Price Range: \$\$\$\$ (Expect to spend ~\$160–\$220 for two with wine)
Reservation: Required, best made 2–3 weeks in advance via OpenTable
The Experience
Nestled inside a beautifully restored 19th-century Dodd-Hinsdale House, Second Empire is elegance wrapped in historical charm. From the moment I stepped onto the polished hardwood floors and was greeted with warm Southern hospitality, I knew I was in for a special evening.
The atmosphere here is refined but never stiff. High ceilings, soft lighting, and quiet, piano-backed ambiance set the perfect tone for romantic conversation. For a truly intimate evening, request a corner table near the fireplace or, if the weather allows, on the enclosed veranda.
What to Order
Appetizer: The Pan-Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras is a must. It’s served with local apple butter and toasted brioche—rich, silky, and indulgent.
Main Course: Go for the Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with truffle whipped potatoes and haricots verts. Perfectly medium-rare, beautifully plated.
Wine Pairing: Their sommelier guided us to a small-production Napa red that paired flawlessly.
Dessert: The Grand Marnier Soufflé—light, aromatic, and worth the 15-minute wait.
Pro Tip
Ask about their seasonal tasting menu—it’s not always advertised. And don’t forget to sign up for OpenTable points; they add up surprisingly fast toward future meals.
Travel Tip
If you’re flying in from out of state, I recommend using Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor fare trends into Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Hotel-wise, Booking.com offers boutique and upscale stays within walking distance to this restaurant.
2. Death & Taxes
Location: 105 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Cuisine Style: Wood-fired contemporary American
Price Range: \$\$\$ (~\$140–\$180 for two)
Reservation: Strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Use Resy.
The Experience
Chef Ashley Christensen, a James Beard Award winner, brings the fire—literally. Death & Taxes is all about wood-fired cooking and refined simplicity. The restaurant has a moody, sultry vibe, with dim lighting and an open kitchen that gives you a front-row seat to culinary performance.
We dined here on a rainy anniversary night, and the smell of charred leeks, roasted oysters, and smoked butter in the air was intoxicating. This place feels like a hidden speakeasy for people who worship food.
What to Order
Appetizer: Charred Oysters with Brown Butter—smoky, rich, and briny.
Main Course: The Bone-In Ribeye cooked over hardwood flames. Juicy, crusty, and deeply flavorful.
Side: Their wood-fired carrots with romesco sauce are unlike anything you’ve had.
Drink: They have a tight but thoughtful wine list. Also, excellent craft cocktails like their Smoked Old Fashioned.
Pro Tip
Dining early? They offer a smaller prix-fixe menu between 5–6:30 PM with significant savings. Call ahead for info—it’s not listed online.
Travel Bonus
Combine this dinner with a stay at The Casso, Raleigh, a Tribute Portfolio hotel just two blocks away. You can book it via Expedia and use loyalty points or bundle it with your flight for extra discounts.
3. St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar
Location: 223 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Cuisine Style: Modern Southern with a New Orleans twist
Price Range: \$\$\$ (~\$130–\$160 for two without wine)
Reservation: Recommended on weekends and holidays; book via OpenTable
The Experience
St. Roch isn’t your traditional white-tablecloth fine dining spot—but that’s exactly why I love it. It has a refined, soulful edge, ideal for couples who want to feel a little adventurous while still wrapped in the comfort of expertly prepared food. When we celebrated our third anniversary here, it felt like we had been swept away to a stylish French Quarter hideaway.
Dark wood, exposed brick, and jazz playing softly in the background—it’s atmospheric and intimate. The vibe here is upscale-casual, and the food has that wow factor that keeps conversations lively and plates wiped clean.
What to Order
Appetizer: Chargrilled Oysters with Herb Butter and Parm—these are addictive. Smoky, garlicky, and buttery, served sizzling hot.
Main Course: Low Country Shrimp & Grits—rich in flavor with house-made andouille sausage, creamy grits, and a perfectly balanced spice.
Dessert: Banana Pudding Crème Brûlée—a playful and brilliant fusion of Southern classic and French technique.
Drink: Ask for the bartender’s special—mine made a bourbon-based Sazerac that was smoother than silk.
Pro Tip
They sometimes do \$1 oyster nights during off-peak days. If your anniversary falls midweek, you can have an indulgent meal for half the cost. Call ahead and check their Instagram for updates.
Travel Tip
If you’re visiting Raleigh just for a day or two, consider booking short-term accommodations via Airbnb near the Warehouse District—you’ll be within walking distance of most top-rated restaurants, including St. Roch.
4. The Willard Rooftop Lounge (AC Hotel by Marriott)
Location: 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cuisine Style: Upscale cocktails & small plates with skyline views
Price Range: \$\$\$ (~\$100–\$150 for two depending on drinks)
Reservation: Strongly advised for weekends; use Resy
The Experience
The Willard isn’t your typical restaurant, but for those anniversaries when you want cocktails, sharables, and sweeping views of the Raleigh skyline, this rooftop lounge is unforgettable.
I remember celebrating a milestone anniversary here—just as the sun was setting. The light reflected off glass towers, jazz music wafted through the air, and the curated menu of small plates let us linger and savor each bite over hours of good conversation.
The Willard is sophistication without pretense. It’s more about vibe and intimacy than a formal, coursed meal—and that can be a magical choice depending on what you’re in the mood for.
What to Order
Small Plates: The Crab Beignets are a revelation—light, crisp, and delicately seasoned. Also, the Short Rib Sliders are tender and packed with umami.
Cocktails: Don’t skip their signature Pear Pressure (gin-based, herbaceous, with a kick of jalapeño). They take their mixology very seriously here.
Dessert: Espresso Pot de Crème—just enough bitter-sweetness to finish off the night.
Pro Tip
Request outdoor seating at the edge of the rooftop. You’ll get the best views and the most privacy. Dress warmly in cooler months—they do provide heaters but it’s breezy up top.
Travel Tip
For package deals, consider Hotels.com which often offers rewards after several stays, and they list Willard’s hosting hotel, AC Hotel, with excellent room rate combos.
5. Vidrio
Location: 500 Glenwood Ave Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27603
Cuisine Style: Mediterranean-inspired, modern upscale
Price Range: \$\$\$ (~\$120–\$170 for two)
Reservation: Easily made via OpenTable
The Experience
Vidrio is art on a plate and art on the walls. This restaurant feels like dining inside a Mediterranean gallery—hand-blown glass installations cover one wall, casting soft color through the space. The open, airy layout and stunning design elements create a celebratory mood from the moment you step in.
We came here on our fifth anniversary, and it felt like entering a Mediterranean dream. The staff made us feel welcome, the menu was vibrant and creative, and the wine selection was enormous—over 300 bottles.
What to Order
Appetizer: Grilled Spanish Octopus with Romesco and fingerling potatoes. Smoky, perfectly charred, and tender.
Main Course: The Braised Lamb Shoulder with Harissa is their signature, and for good reason—it falls apart with a fork, and the flavor is bold yet balanced.
Wine: Ask the sommelier for pairing suggestions. Their Mediterranean white wine list is outstanding.
Dessert: Olive Oil Cake with Citrus Curd—light, zesty, and a perfect ending.
Pro Tip
Join their mailing list before your trip—they occasionally send out tasting menu offers or complimentary drink vouchers. Their Sunday wine flights are also an excellent value.
Travel Bonus
Planning a longer stay? Trip.com often bundles flight + hotel + dining credits, and Vidrio is sometimes part of their “Featured Raleigh Experiences” listings.
Tools I Use to Plan My Anniversary Dinners (and Trips)
To pull off seamless, memorable anniversary getaways—or even same-city culinary escapes—I rely on a handful of trusted platforms:
🛫 Flights
- Google Flights: Tracks fare trends, helpful for booking budget-friendly flights to Raleigh-Durham (RDU).
- Skyscanner: Great for flexible date searches and regional airports.
🏨 Hotels & Lodging
- Booking.com: Easy comparisons and great filter tools.
- Airbnb: Ideal for romantic homes near Downtown Raleigh.
- Expedia: Reliable for hotel + flight bundles with discounts.
🍽️ Restaurant Reservations
- OpenTable: My default—reward points + easy rescheduling.
- Resy: Excellent for exclusive or high-demand restaurants.
- Tock: Ideal for tasting menus and prepaid experiences.
🎟️ Tours & Experiences
- GetYourGuide: Local food tours, cooking classes.
- Viator: Last-minute activities and events.
Anniversary Memories Etched in Taste
There’s something deeply emotional about sharing a great meal with someone you love. It’s not just the food—though that’s essential. It’s the lighting, the timing of each course, the way the waiter smiles when they pour your wine, the comfort of your partner’s laughter across the table. Raleigh offers that kind of magic.
From the smoky oysters at St. Roch to the panoramic rooftop romance at The Willard, to the formal elegance of Second Empire—each restaurant I’ve listed here gave me more than a meal. They gave me a memory.
Planning an anniversary dinner in Raleigh? Choose one of these spots, make a reservation early, and let the city’s culinary talents do the rest. Whether you live nearby or you’re flying in for a special occasion, this city has more than enough elegance, warmth, and deliciousness to make your evening unforgettable.
