14 Upscale Restaurants in Raleigh Perfect For Any Date Night

Main image courtesy of Restobiz.

When you find that special someone, you want to take them to some place equally as special when you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, promotion, or other event. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ten upscale restaurants in Raleigh for your next date night, so that your special someone feels just how special they are. From seafood restaurants to steakhouses, Raleigh has a variety of upscale restaurants to choose from. All you have to do is pick the one that will make your loved one the happiest.

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1. The Oak

The best Bourbon bar in Raleigh.

4035 Lake Boone Trl | Raleigh | theoakraleigh.com

This bar is known as the best bourbon bar in Raleigh. The Oak has over 90 different bourbons to try, including their in-house blend, as well as wine and craft beers on draft. They use fresh ingredients in their drinks, just as they do in their Southern fusion food. 

Menu favorites include the Braised Pork Shoulder, which comes with Southern mac & cheese and fried brussel sprouts and is topped with a BBQ drizzle, and the Bourbon Sliders which are comprised of angus beef, bourbon onion jam, smoked gouda, lettuce, black pepper mayo, and Union Special brioche buns.

For dessert, be sure to try the Cast Iron Bread Pudding with a bourbon brown sugar compound butter. Everything is better in a cast iron, and this dessert is no exception.

If your special someone loves bourbon and Southern-inspired fare, this is just the place for your next date night.

“This has become one of my favorite places! We came here for brunch one weekend. Little did we know they were going to serve some amazing food! Highly recommend this place to everyone and I can't wait to go back!” - Yelp Review

2. Vivace

Contemporary Italian trattoria.

4209 Lassiter Mill Rd | Raleigh | vivaceraleigh.com 

This Italian restaurant offers handmade pasta and an expansive wine list. If your special someone’s favorite food is Italian, you should take them here for your next date night.

Guests rave about their Scallop Risotto, which comes with carrots, brussels sprouts, and parmigiana reggiano. Other favorites include the Four Cheese Ravioli with wilted spinach, roasted garlic crema, and tomato sauce and the Spaghetti with Meatballs.

In addition to an extensive wine list, Vivace offers a variety of tasty cocktails including the Figaro, fig bourbon, dolin red, and angostura, and the Brillare Rye, rye, aperol, lemon, and prosecco. 

“Good food, nice ambiance and good service. We usually dine at vivace on weekends for lunch or dinner and the service has always been quick. There is also tons of seating inside and outdoors and the staff is always friendly.” - Yelp Review 

3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Upscale steakhouse and wine bar.

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4325 Glenwood Ave | Raleigh | flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming's is the place to celebrate a special occasion, if you want to celebrate with a Prime steak and a glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail, that is. This is the upscale restaurant for a date night for a couple of steak lovers.

There are a variety of premium Prime steak options on their dinner menu, as well as fresh seafood and innovative plant-based plates. Guests love the Filet Mignon, the Crab Cakes with a roasted red pepper and lime butter sauce, the Sweet Chili Calamari lightly breaded and tossed with sweet chili sauce, and the Prime Bone-In Ribeye.

The Chocolate Lava Cake is a must. This rich chocolate cake with a molten center of Callebaut belgian chocolate and served with premium vanilla ice cream and chopped pistachios is to die for, even when you are full from your meal.

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“We absolutely love Flemings! What I love most about this steakhouse is the wonderful staff, the management, flexibility to allergens- it truly makes it all worth it. We will always be back at Flemings for everything fun and celebration.” - Yelp Review 

4. The Cortez

Chef-driven seafood and oyster bar.

413 Glenwood Ave | Raleigh | cortezraleigh.com 

Want to celebrate your loved one’s birthday with delicious seafood? Come to The Cortez.

The Cortez is a fresh seafood and small plates experience with a selection of tropical cocktails. Executive Chef Oscar Diaz's menu is a reflection of his weekly walks through the farmer's market and the fish brought in by the local fishermen. This dining experience will be an experience like no other you’ve ever had before. What better way to celebrate a birthday or job promotion?

From the Raw Oysters and the Lobster Roll to the Yellowtail Ceviche and the Charred Octopus, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The same goes for the cocktails. 

“Cortez offers seafood-centric contemporary Latin American in an eccentrically hip atmosphere for one of Raleigh's most distinctive and gratifying dining experiences. The food is creative, thoughtfully sourced and carefully prepared. (Order the "Sailboat" to sample a variety.) The drinks uphold the same quality.” - Yelp Review 

5. Stanbury

Hidden gem with upscale American eats.

938 N Blount St | Raleigh | stanburyraleigh.com 

If you want upscale American food without the glitz and glamor of an upscale restaurant, check out this hidden gem unbeknownst to many in Raleigh. 

The dishes are inspired by the day's offerings, reflecting seasonal availability and “the unique qualities and mood of each day.” You won’t find a menu online, but you will find reviews of what some guests enjoyed on the given day they went to Stanbury.

Crispy Pig Head, Pork Chop, Grilled Romaine, Fried Oysters, and Tagliatelle are just some of the many dishes guests have had the pleasure of experiencing at Stanbury. Pictured is the Currywurst with fries, which we personally can’t take our eyes or minds off of.

If you want upscale food in a relaxed atmosphere, check out Stanbury.

“This was a real hidden gem that most of my friends in Raleigh haven't heard about. It's very hip. I ordered the NC Striped Bass. Cooked perfectly and very filling. I'm definitely going to come back here. Great vibe.” - Yelp Review 

6. Death & Taxes

Contemporary wood-fired cooking.

105 W Hargett St | Raleigh | ac-restaurants.com/death-taxes 

This restaurant offers contemporary wood-fired cooking from female chefs Ashley Christensen and Lauren Ivey.

On their menu, you will find plates like the Long Island strip steak with smoked sweet potato, aged beef fat butter, and chimichurri and the Farfalle with embered vegetable bolognese, parsley pistou, parmesan, and tobacco onions.

Begin with the Roasted NC oysters with chili butter and preserved lemon gremolata and The Golden Rule, golden beet-infused vodka, brandy, ginger, burlesque bitters, and lemon, if you want to have the full Death & Taxes experience.

Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or having a spontaneous date night, Death & Taxes welcomes you to their restaurant and bar. 

“I ordered the steak after talking to them about how they cook it and I was not disappointed. All in all, I really enjoyed the restaurant and the food was excellent. I'll certainly be back next time I'm in the area.” - Yelp Review 

7. Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Hand-cut steaks and signature cocktails.

410 Glenwood Ave | Raleigh | sullivanssteakhouse.com

Sullivan’s specializes in hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, signature cocktails, and swinging live music. It’s everything you want in an upscale restaurant.

We recommend starting with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake or the Oysters on the Half Shell. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with any of their bone-in cuts, hand-cut steaks, or fresh seafood and chicken dishes.

Dress up your steak with one of Sullivan’s signature butters or complimentary sauces. (We’ve heard good things about their Cajun butter!)

And don’t knock it till you try it: The Knockout is Sullivan’s signature martini made with mandarin vodka infused with fresh golden pineapple. It’s delish!

“I'm going to start my review with the cheesesteak egg rolls because they are AMAZING. I've often heard about Sullivan's egg rolls and how they're the best in town and a must try, and they did not disappoint at all.” - Yelp Review 

8. Rey’s Restaurant

Fine dining with a French Quarter flare.

1130 Buck Jones Rd | Raleigh | reysrestaurant.com 

This Raleigh restaurant offers signature “New Orleans, French Quarter-Inspired” meals. 

The Grouper Lafayette, pan fried grouper topped with sauteed crabmeat over a New Orleans style butter, is a menu favorite. While the Bourbon Street Pork Chops, twin 6 oz loin chops, marinated in garlic, soy, and bourbon and topped with a white wine, apple and raisin chutney, is a favorite among meat lovers. 

If you don’t end your night with the Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake, a rich flourless cake with raspberry filling, then you aren’t ending your night right.

If you and your significant other want to try something new on your next date night, this is the place.

“Absolutely fantastic food and above and beyond service always.  I have been twice in the last month and will be returning for my birthday dinner in a few weeks. Great drinks and the crab cakes are to die for!” - Yelp Review

9. Bloomsbury Bistro

French-inspired New American Fare. 

509 W Whitaker Mill Rd | Raleigh | bloomsburybistro.com 

This neighborhood bistro offers French-inspired New American fare. Offerings include Butternut Squash Bisque, Bistro Truffle Fries, New York Strip, Chicken Pot Pie, and more. 

The Fettucine Carbonara is our personal favorite. It comes with hand-cut semolina pasta, tofu “bacon,” melted leeks and green beans, mushrooms, sweet potato puree, and reggiano. This is a great choice for vegetarians and meat eaters alike!

If you want delicious food in a cozy atmosphere for your next date night with your significant other, go to Bloomsbury Bistro. 

“Decided to meander over to check this place out for the first time after we finished up a movie at the Rialto. I had a green curry mahi mahi and my husband had the meatloaf. We couldn't decide which  was better. Go, you won't regret it!” - Yelp Review 

10. Barcelona Wine Bar

A restaurant that brings Spanish classics to life with a wine bar.

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430 W Martin Street | Raleigh | barcelonawinebar.com

Sometimes spicing up date nights with something more upscale is a great choice. Treating your significant other to some great food at The Barcelona Wine Bar, for example, is a great choice if Spanish food is a go-to. The Barcelona Wine Bar features an upscale setting with Spanish tapas and other classic dishes, and your choice of a glass of wine to complement the food.

Couples won’t want to miss out on some of their signature dishes that they offer, which can include anything from spiced beef empanadas, patatas bravas, seafood paella, bacon wrapped dates, jamon and manchego croquetas, pork belly, and even a grilled hanger steak. Any of their delicious meals can be paired with a red or white wine of your choosing to complete the delicious meal.

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“Great experience!! Came here for a date night with my husband for the first time. Easy to make reservations. Our server Nate was really attentive and helpful at explaining things.” - Yelp Review

11. Taverna Agora

Get a taste of Greek culture through this upscale restaurant.

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326 Hillsborough Street | Raleigh | tavernaagora.com

For many people, the sight and the smell of Greek food is enough to make their mouths water. While gyros are a staple in their cuisine, there are many other types of classic Greek recipes worth checking out, and they can be found at Taverna Agora in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a high-end restaurant serving up Mediterranean eats that serve brunch, lunch, and even dinner.

Taverna Agora is a restaurant that couples and others for special occasions don’t want to miss out on. They serve up some delicious Greek flavors and classic recipes that include stuffed pork chops, braised lamb shank, lamb chops, Taverna grilled chicken, and even a chicken souvlaki platter.

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“Our experience here was cozy and very inviting. I had lamb chops and they were cooked perfectly. It was the perfect place for our Anniversary.” - Yelp Review

12. Yard House

New American-style food with an extensive draft beer list. 

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4208 Six Forks Road | Raleigh | yardhouse.com

One of the most American things to enjoy is going to a sports bar and being able to watch football, baseball, basketball, UFC fights, and tons more. If you and your date want to do this, but enjoy a more upscale setting, Yard House is an incredible restaurant to choose from. With tons of New American dishes to indulge in and an extensive draft beer list, Yard House is an incredible restaurant to enjoy with your significant other.

Yard House features tons of delicious dishes that scream American, but in a fancier style. Some of their popular dishes include Nashville hot chicken, street tacos, a kale caesar salad, moo shu egg rolls, fish tacos, fish and chips, garlic lobster pasta, and even their signature boneless chicken wings.

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“I've been to several Yard Houses across America and this one is as good as any of them. It's a good thing that standards are pretty consistent throughout the nation.” - Yelp Review 

13. Bonefish Grill

A contemporary seafood chain with beer and wine selections.

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4421 Six Forks Road | Raleigh | bonefishgrill.com 

Seafood is popular all around the country for many people where there are tons to choose from depending on your location. There are many contemporary seafood restaurants in the Raleigh area, but none are quite as good as the Bonefish Grill. This restaurant features classic seafood dishes, handheld plates, steaks, and many draft beers, wine, or signature cocktails to pair with your dish.

Bonefish Grill features fresh fish seafood dishes that are perfect for any date night occasion. Some of their tastiest dishes are the bang bang shrimp, blackened baja fish tacos, calamari, Maryland-style crab cakes, corn chowder soup, Atlantic salmon, chilean sea bass, and some classic fish and chips.

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“I ordered the fish and chips, while my fiancé ordered the burger and French toast. These portions are HUGE! And the price is definitely right.” - Yelp Review

14. J. Alexander’s Restaurant

Wood-fired American fare food and drinks.

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4600 Crabtree Valley Avenue | Raleigh | jalexanders.com 

A high-end American restaurant is perfect for date night where there is something on it for everyone. It’s important to consider J. Alexander’s Restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina for any special occasion where they are known specifically for their wood-fired cuisine with the highest quality dining experience out there. 

J. Alexander’s is the perfect hotspot for anyone interested in some upscale American cuisine. Some of their most popular dishes are the prime rib, steak rolls, crab cakes, New York strip steak, filet mignon, caesar salad, steak burgers, cajun ribeye steak, and even sushi, such as the spicy tuna roll.

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“The food was really delicious. The salmon was cooked perfectly! My husband enjoyed his steak. We also enjoyed drinks and dessert.” - Yelp Review

Check Out These Top 14 Fancy Restaurants in the Raleigh, North Carolina Area For Any Special Occasion

Let us know in the comments which of these upscale restaurants in Raleigh you try first for your next date night! You and your significant other will have a great experience at any of these restaurants.