The Fiction Kitchen is a brightly-colored vegetarian restaurant with an innovative, seasonal menu. The restaurant began as a pop-up restaurant project and has evolved into a thriving culinary institution with a permanent location in Raleigh’s depot and warehouse district. Fiction is a temple to fresh, creative vegetarian cuisine: think succotash farro risotto or nori rolls with sashimi tofu. Absolutely everything served at the Kitchen is vegetarian and regionally-sourced, and most items are vegan. Fiction serves brunch on Sundays.
This fine-dining restaurant and tavern serves new American cuisine in a restored 19th Century Second Empire Victorian. The restaurant is more than worth a visit for its refined atmosphere and gourmet food. Casual dishes are served in the cellar tavern, while a creative seasonal menu is offered in the formal dining room. Visitors can enjoy a beer in the tavern or a pre-dinner cocktail while seated in the covered front-porch. Second Empire is a first-rate destination for an elegant dinner.
Vinos Finos is a departure from run-of-the-mill drinking and dining experiences. Located inside European-themed Lafayette Village, the wine bar is designed to sample tapas-style dishes and world-class wines. The staff here is more than happy to help with wine selection and pairings. Dark woods, leather furniture, and warm colors make the interiors feel like an old-world wine shop. Vinos Finos encourages patrons to converse, and the intimate, colorful setting is doubly suited for first dates or casual business meetings.
This vibrant cafe, bakery, and German restaurant can safely be called a local favorite. Seasonal menus feature eclectic German specialties made with only locally-sourced ingredients. The bakery offers a generous menu of breads, cakes, pastries, and cookies. Guglhupf’s interiors are stunning, and feature an interior terrace and courtyard, a beautiful patio for outdoor dining, and an atrium. The cafe also often hosts wine and local food-related events, and exhibits the work of local artists.
This restaurant is a dynamic tribute to grandmothers, the caretakers of Lebanese culture and food. Modern and airy, Sitti (or, “grandmother”) serves classic Lebanese dishes with a few twists, including falafels, zaatar roasts, and kabobs served alongside grilled ribeye steaks and salmon. Enjoy any one of a number of authentic Mediterranean dishes, grab a Lebanese beer, and take a seat at the restored art deco bar. Zitti offers spacious and elegant outdoor seating in one of the best patios in Raleigh.
If you long for a trip to Italy, Il Palio is the next best thing. The rich upholstery, hand-carved credenzas and fresh flowers sets off the mural of Siena and Venetian prints on the walls. Italian sconces and soft candlelight create the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner or intimate lunch. The aged prosciutto from Parma tucked into an arugula salad is exceptional. Homemade potato gnochetti with almond basil pesto is comfort food gone sophisticated. The tiramisu is the chef's own family recipe. It is located in the renowned Siena Hotel.
Located close to Nash Green park in Raleigh, A Place at the Table is a well-known community cafe in the area. Delicious eats like salads, sandwiches, waffles and soups are served here. In addition to indoor seating, this eatery also features curbside seating arrangements. This pay-as-you-can eatery allows patrons to pay for their meal, donate a minimum amount, volunteer, or pay for a meal token. This is a great place to visit for those who want to give back to the community.
Boulted Bread is a local bakery situated in Raleigh. This cozy shop has their own flour mill and makes their own bread varieties which include, Ciabatta, Baguette, Seeded, Levain and Rye. For a quick and delicious morning snack of freshly baked croissants and coffee, this bakery is the perfect place to go. The seasonally changing menu includes Chocolate Croissants, Morning Buns, Apple & Cinnamon French Toast, Quiches, Scones and Savory Croissants as well.
The Fiction Kitchen is a brightly-colored vegetarian restaurant with an innovative, seasonal menu. The restaurant began as a pop-up restaurant project and has evolved into a thriving culinary institution with a permanent location in Raleigh’s depot and warehouse district. Fiction is a temple to fresh, creative vegetarian cuisine: think succotash farro risotto or nori rolls with sashimi tofu. Absolutely everything served at the Kitchen is vegetarian and regionally-sourced, and most items are vegan. Fiction serves brunch on Sundays.
Stanbury is a fun and inviting bar located in Capital Park, Raleigh, where delectable and exciting New-American cuisine dishes are prepared to perfection along with a wide range of cocktails expertly concocted by the mixologist. Enjoy fine-dining items like the Grilled Romaine, Seared Scallops, Grilled Quail, Crispy Pig Head and Roasted Marrow. The extensive variety of white and red wines compliments the delicious food at this restaurant perfectly, however if wine is not for you, you can always ask the bartender to prepare a drink especially for you.
Celebrate traditional tapas style dining at Humble Pie. It consists of shareable bite sized servings of hummus, tostadas, BBQ shrimp, sea scallops and calamari that are spiced in authentic Spanish condiments. The house-made sangria is a pleasant accompaniment to the meal as one converses with friends. Jazz music fills the dining space adding to the fun mood and the helpful staff make the experience all the more special. Chef Andy Cordova has succeeded in creating a place for himself in the dining circles of Raleigh with this gem of a place.