Fine Dining

Whether it’s a special occasionor you’re just in the mood for anexceptional culinary experience,there’s definitely a seat at thetable for you in the Triangle’sfiner dining establishments.

Most Triangle newcomersmight brush off the big red barnon Highway 70 near RDUInternational Airport as a quaintrelic from days gone by. Whatthey don’t know is that theAngus Barn is one of the mostpopular restaurants in theTriangle, and has been fordecades. In addition to juicysteaks with all the extras, AngusBarn boasts the largest collectionof Wild Turkey decanters inthe world. Check them out inthe Wild Turkey lounge as youenjoy a refreshing cocktail, snack on a sumptuous appetizer,and wait to be seated.

Second Empire Restaurant andTavern in Raleigh has spent the betterpart of the last decade becomingone of the premiere dining establishmentsin the area. Theambiance is stunning and the foodis out of this world. Second Empireis the recipient of the AAA FourDiamond Award, the DiRoNA Award(Distinguished Restaurants of NorthAmerica), and the Wine SpectatorAward of Excellence for the pastseven years. For a truly mouthwateringexperience try the Chef’sTable, where 2-8 people can dineexclusively in the kitchen with ChefDaniel Schurr. Melt to the tastes ofa menu along with wine pairingsdesigned especially for you.

Magnolia Grill’s award-winningchefs Ben and Karen Barker wrotethe book on New Southern cuisine—literally, they have a cookbook. Thiswildly popular Triangle favorite spothas earned many accolades, beingnamed in Bon Appetit, Food andWine and Southern Living magazinesand in The New York Times.Salty peanut pie, pepper relish andinteresting grits dishes are amongmany offerings that make Magnoliaa longtime favorite in the Triangle.

Chef Scott Howell cut his teeth ata four-star restaurant in New York,and then generously decided toshare his expertise with us beginningin the early 1990s. Nana’s inDurham is now a landmark for finedining. After starting with Howell’s“must-taste” Risotto, venture outand try the Squab or Guinea Hen.

If you’re in the mood for exoticfare, Tallula’s Restaurant in ChapelHill may be just what you’re lookingfor. Middle Eastern andMediterranean offerings such asTurkish pizza and a number oftapas dishes can be enjoyed behinda privacy curtain, if you call inadvance.

Make it a point to tickle yourtaste buds with one of the manyopportunities for a memorable diningexperience in the Triangle.