7 tantalizing restaurants in Durham for date night

Are you and your partner overdue for a romantic date night? Here are eight restaurants in Durham to try that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Posted 11:00 a.m. Aug 22, 2022 — Updated 3:49 p.m. Mar 13, 2023

DURHAM, N.C. — Did you know that there are more than 292,000 people living in Durham, North Carolina? With so many people in one place, it only makes sense that there need to be enough restaurants to keep everyone satiated. But when it comes to finding good restaurants in Durham for date night, you might be wondering where you should go.

Fortunately, knowing how to plan a date night in Durham doesn't have to be as difficult as you might think because there are more romantic restaurants in Durham than you might expect. Keep reading and learn more about your options below.

1. Viceroy

When it comes to planning a date night, you can't skip a visit to Viceroy. This restaurant is a unique blend of Indian and British food. One of its specialties is shepherd's pie.

If you're not in the mood for that and instead want something with a bit of a kick, Viceroy also offers some amazing curry. To wash that all down, you'll find a wide selection of beer and wine to choose from. You can enjoy all that while enjoying the British pub-like atmosphere.

The best part is that the prices are quite affordable and the food is high-quality.

2. Zweli's Kitchen

If you're looking for food that is truly unique, you'll have to go to Zweli's Kitchen. What makes the food here so unique, you might ask? It's the fact that the food is authentic Zimbabwe-style cuisine.

Zweli's expands with American Tobacco Campus location

This might sound unusual, and it is because Zweli's Kitchen is actually the only restaurant in the country that serves this kind of food. For that reason, you can go wild when it comes to experimenting with foods you've never tried or even seen before. The restaurant may not look like much since it's situated in a strip mall, but the food is certainly something to share with a special someone in your life.

UPDATE: Zweli's is relocating from Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard to Brightleaf Square.

3. Vin Rouge

If you're craving authentic French food, Vin Rouge is the way to go. When you go inside this restaurant, you'll feel that you've been transported to France with its bistro-like interior. It even has a patio if you want to enjoy the fresh air on a cool night.

Vin Rouge serves all sorts of food, so you and your partner shouldn't have any trouble finding something to eat. From seafood to steak to salads and beyond, you'll find that everything on the menu is quite delicious. And, of course, there are plenty of fine wines available.

This restaurant is a bit on the expensive side, but the food makes it worth it.

4. Killer Queen

Check out this new wine bar in the former home of Bar Brunello. This is the third wine bar to occupy this spot at 117 E. Main St. and it is unique in that if offers a plush Parisian vibe. Their patio, nestled between two buildings, has great lighting and a cozy feel. The food menu is also more expansive than its predecessors. Definitely check out their Sunday brunch.

5. Mothers and Sons

What if you're in the mood for Italian food? Then you'll have to take a stroll down to Mothers and Sons. This restaurant serves authentic Italian food, but it also offers its own unique twist on the classics.

Here, you'll find all sorts of pasta to enjoy. This is not to mention that the restaurant makes all of its pasta by hand, so you know that it's fresh. The prices are a bit on the expensive side, but the high-quality food makes up for it.

The only downside is that the menu is all in Italian, but most options are quite obvious, so you shouldn't have too much trouble ordering.

6. Alley Twenty Six

If you're looking for someplace that serves creative cocktails, you can't miss Alley Twenty Six. The bartenders will immediately welcome you, and you'll find the atmosphere to be quite warm and cozy. There are many cocktails to choose from, and if you don't know what to pick, the bartenders can give you some pointers.

The food is also high-quality, and there are many options available.

Durham's Alley Twenty Six first of its kind to be nominated for James Beard Award category

7. Mateo

Mateo serves authentic Spanish food, which can be hard to find, especially when Mexican restaurants are so popular. The Spanish food Mateo serves focuses on paella, steak, olives, and tapas. In short, it pretty much embraces the Mediterranean diet.

There are also plenty of options for seafood and Spanish omelets. Of course, you can't miss out on the delicious wine they have to offer.

The Best Restaurants in Durham

There are many restaurants in Durham, and the ones listed above are perfect for date night. From Italian cuisine to French and beyond, you shouldn't have any problem choosing a great restaurant.

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