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The best dinner in Raleigh - 9 spots to make your mouth water

Looking for a great place to have dinner in Raleigh? We've got you covered. Here are 9 fantastic restaurants in Raleigh.

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Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown city skyline at dusk.
By
Eric Openshaw
, WRAL contributor

There are many great places to find a delicious dinner in Raleigh, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 9 favorites. Whether you’re looking for American fare, BBQ, or something else entirely, these restaurants will not disappoint.

The best dinner in Raleigh | Downtown Raleigh restaurants

Raleigh is a city that is constantly growing and changing. With new restaurants and businesses popping up all the time, it can be hard to decide which one to try first. If you're looking for the best dinner in Raleigh, you don't have to look any further than these nine restaurants.

The Pit restaurant in Raleigh
The Pit could be the best dinner in Raleigh! There’s nothing quite like a barbecue dinner, and The Pit in Raleigh is one of the best places around to enjoy one. This barbecue restaurant has been a local favorite for years, thanks to its mouth-watering dishes and affordable prices.

The Pit offers an extensive menu of barbecue favorites, including ribs, chicken, pork, and beef. The meats are slow-cooked over hickory wood chips for hours, resulting in tender and juicy goodness. And don’t forget the sides – The Pit’s macaroni and cheese is legendary!

If you’re looking for a great barbecue dinner in Raleigh, The Pit is definitely the place to go. With its casual atmosphere and tasty food, it’s sure to please everyone in your group.

Wye Hill is scheduled to have its grand opening on Wednesday, June 12.
Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing is a must-go for anyone looking for an amazing dinner. The food is absolutely incredible, and the brewery offers a great selection of beers. The atmosphere is perfect for a date night or night out with friends, and the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. If you're looking for an amazing dining experience, be sure to check out Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing!

If you’re looking for an amazing dinner spot in Raleigh, Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing is the place to be. This restaurant offers up a variety of mouth-watering dishes, all made from fresh, local ingredients. Plus, their in-house brewery means you can enjoy a cold one while you eat! And it’s one of the best rooftop restaurants in Raleigh, NC!

Looking for a delicious meal to enjoy? Look no further than Tazza Kitchen Village District. This Raleigh restaurant offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes that will have you coming back for more. The best part? You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Tazza Kitchen all year round.

No matter what you're in the mood for, Tazza Kitchen has something to satisfy your taste buds. From salads and sandwiches to pasta dishes and pizzas, there's something for everyone on the menu. Plus, with daily specials and a rotating list of desserts, you'll never get bored of eating at Tazza Kitchen.

If you're looking for a great place to eat in Raleigh, be sure to check out Tazza Kitchen. You won't be disappointed!

Transfer Co. Food Hall. Photo: Eric Openshaw
There’s a new food hall in town, and it’s quickly becoming one of the best places to eat dinner in Raleigh. Transfer Co. Food Hall is home to a variety of great restaurants, all under one roof. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, tacos, burritos, pizza, or barbecue, you can find it here.

The food hall is also perfect for those who want to try something new. With so many different restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone. And if you can’t decide what you want to eat, no problem! There are several food courts where you can mix and match dishes from different restaurants.

Irregardless Cafe
There’s a tasty restaurant in town that’s made a name for itself as the place to go for an amazing dinner. Irregardless Cafe is located in downtown Raleigh and offers a unique dining experience that you won’t find anywhere else. The menu features a variety of dishes that are all made from scratch, and the chefs take pride in using only the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, you’re sure to find something to your taste at Irregardless Cafe. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – the desserts here are absolutely delicious!
42 St. Oyster Bar
If you're looking for a seafood dinner, look no further than the 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill in Raleigh. This popular spot offers everything from fresh oysters to crab legs, and there's something to satisfy everyone's palate. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day. Best of all, the prices are very reasonable, so you can enjoy a fantastic meal without breaking the bank. If you're looking for an amazing seafood dinner, the 42nd Street Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill should be your go-to spot.
Centro
Looking for something a little south of the border for dinner tonight? Look no further than the popular cantina Centro. From the Botanas (snacks), to their mains, and and finishing with dessert, Centro has some modern takes on Latin-American classics. Try the Mole Poblano. It's incredible, and it features a 20 ingredient mole recipe that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Vivace restaurant, in Raleigh's North Hills development, has expanded its outdoor seating for more dining during the pandemic. (WRAL/Keely Arthur)
When it comes to dinner, Raleighites know that Vivace is the place to be. The restaurant is consistently voted the best in town, and for good reason. The menu is packed with delicious options, the service is top-notch, and the atmosphere is perfect for a special night out. Whether you're looking for something romantic or fun and festive, Vivace in North Hills has you covered.
Second Empire Restaurant
If you're looking for an exquisite dinner experience, look no further than the Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern. This AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant is located in historic downtown Raleigh and offers a unique blend of contemporary and traditional Southern cuisine. The menu is constantly changing to reflect the seasonality of ingredients, but some signature dishes include pan-seared scallops with bacon and sweet potato puree, slow-roasted pork rack with blackberry gastrique, and Carolina shrimp and grits. The wine list is also award-winning, featuring over 1,000 bottles from around the world. And don't forget to save room for dessert - the Second Empire's peach cobbler is legendary!

Is your mouth watering yet?

What do you think the best dinner in Raleigh is? Raleigh has some amazing restaurants that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner spot or somewhere to take the family, these seven restaurants are sure to please. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start sampling the best dinner in Raleigh! Maybe you’ll find the best restaurant in Raleigh, NC!

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