Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Fearrington House Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1810)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Closed January 1st through January 5th. Service will reopen on January 9, 2025.

The intimate dining rooms within The Fearrington House Restaurant welcome guests with exceptional service and a seasonally changing menu. Executive Chef Paul Gagne commitment to exceptional farm-to-fork cuisine is woven throughout the dining experience.

From partnerships with local farms, including Harland's Creek Farm in Pittsboro and Lil Farm in Timberlake, to herbs harvested from gardens on the property, to dishes that celebrate North Carolina’s seasons, The Fearrington House’s mission to provide Relais & Chateaux level cuisine and service to guests has remained constant since opening in 1980.

Our menu is complemented by a beverage program featuring an extensive wine list, a full cocktail bar, and beers celebrating North Carolina breweries.

Any Allergies and Food Preferences are to be provided in advance. If not provided, not all requests can be accommodated.

Top review

Brendon

Dined 7 days ago

The entire experience was incredible. Thank you for making my in-laws sixty third wedding anniversary a very special occasion. Every person in the building made us feel welcome and contributed to the evening being a truly special. Thank you for taking such great care of us.

Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (816)

$50 and over

Italian

Wake Forest

About the restaurant

Amalia Fumelli is the inspiration behind Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant. She was born in Italy in 1932, and grew up on a farm. As she grew up, she took an interest in cooking and learned everything about the Italian kitchen from her mother and grandmother. For countless hours each day, Amalia began making hand-made pasta with her rolling pin on an old, wooden table. After many years, she had mastered her pasta creations through her skilled handiwork, precise cutting skills, and the amount of love she put into her work.

Over time, Amalia has passed all of her secrets and knowledge about food along to her children and grandchildren. One grandchild in particular, Filippo Fanfani, gained a passion for the art of cooking through her guidance. As a child, he spent all his days at his grandmother’s house preparing meals for his family. The two have a strong bond, that began with their conjoining love of creating meals that are enjoyable for everyone.

Top review

David

Dined on 26 Dec 2024

A wonderful dinner with family. Great food, service and ambiance. We definitely will be back!!

Discover more

Popular dish

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (953)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Cary

About the restaurant

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar has been serving Cary & the Triangle since 1991. Owned and operated by Will & Margie Hennessee, Maximillians offers global cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Offering over 15 wines by the glass in addition to an extensive bottle list, or enjoy one of our hand crafted cocktails or local draft beers. We hope you will join us, and if it is your first visit, it won't be your last! Cheers!

Top review

Linda

Dined 7 days ago

The food was amazing! I had Korean beef and my friend had Pamlico shrimp with angel hair pasta. We both enjoyed the meal tremendously! We tried the coconut ball for dessert and it was very tasty. We had to bring most of it home. The meal portions were generous. We also tried the homemade faccia bread that was also delicious! The service was excellent as was the wine. I can’t wait to go back!

The Capital Grille - Raleigh

4.8

4.8 (2650)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.

Top review

Sheila

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

We had a fantastic Christmas Eve dinner. The ambiance was cozy and festive, making it perfect for a family holiday meal. Each plate was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. We all had steak for our entrée, which was truly a highlight of the evening. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who made sure we felt special throughout the night. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a special meal this season!

Discover more

Popular dish

Filet Mignon 10oz

Popular dish

Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake

Popular dish

Soy Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Parizade

4.7

4.7 (3309)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Durham

About the restaurant

Parizade is Mediterranean inspired culinary creations. A vast open kitchen spans the length of the restaurant. Surreal art by Henryk Fantazos adorns the walls and ceiling. Parizade is truly the crowning jewel of Giorgios Hospitality Group. *Large parties, please call the restaurant at 919-286-9712*

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

A family favorite for Christmas Eve! All the food was delicious and the service was top notch. Highly recommend!

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (1359)

$30 and under

Indian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Azitra is an "Indian Culinary Nirvana" sharing the love of great food, wine and community.

We pride ourselves on fun takes on Indian food, both modern and contemporary. We have a Wine Spectator award winning wine program, and an innovative cocktail program.

Azitra awakens the inner soul through colorful ambiance, rich Indian palate and complex tastes with a seductive dining room, a fashionable bar, intimate private lounge and outdoor seating. We strive to create memorable dining experiences day after day. Guests can sample the vibrant flavors of India. Our menu features classic Indian cuisine reinvented for today’s more discerning palate. We invite you to indulge in India’s culinary treasures, time after time.

Top review

Beth

Dined on 26 Dec 2024

Delicious as always. Service was a tiny bit slow as can be expected on a busy holiday when they are one of the few restaurants open, but staff were extremely nice and the meal was wonderful.

Discover more

Popular dish

Butter Chicken

Fleming's Steakhouse - Raleigh

4.6

4.6 (1818)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Your Raleigh Fleming's is located at the Crabtree Valley Mall, just north of the Raleigh Beltline on Glenwood Avenue and only a short distance from RBC Center and North Carolina State University. Fleming's in Raleigh is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room or Outdoor Patio. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

travisk

Dined 6 days ago

Phenomenal as always. No brainer for my daughter’s 17th birthday as we eat here often for special occasions or just because before a hurricanes game. Start to finish is amazing the onion ring and wagyu beef app was like butter, but the beef is pure perfection. All 3 kids of mine ate everything (yes even crab legs) and everything was great. But that’s nothing new for us. Everytime is unforgettable. Can’t wait to return soon before a Canes game!! Happy New Year

Discover more

Popular dish

Main Filet Mignon

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Durham

4.5

4.5 (2100)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Durham

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Durham is located in the Renaissance Center at Southpoint; adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn.

Whether you’re planning a casual dinner with friends, a party to celebrate, business meeting or banquet or a romantic dinner, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the most distinctive dining destination in the area. Ruth’s Chris professional, but personable staff will make your evening a sizzling success with first class service that is attentive but never fussy.

Top review

DonnaVIP

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

Our server, Thomas, could not have been kinder or more generous. We were so happy to be at one of his tables.

Discover more

Popular dish

Sweet Potato Casserole

Bellini Italian Cuisine

4.1

4.1 (18)

$30 and under

Italian

Holly Springs

About the restaurant

Welcome to BELLINI ITALIAN CUISINE, a taste of Italy in Holly Spring, NC. Located at 7256 GB Alfort Hwy, we offer a warm atmosphere for special moments.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Enjoy our delicious CAVATELLI ORTOLANA, traditional LASAGNA, exquisite LINGUINI SEAFOOD, and savory CHICKEN ROLLANTINE, each prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients.

SPECIAL PLATES: Try our succulent OSSOBUCO, tender LAMB SHANK, and exquisite BRANZINO MARECHIARA for a true Italian culinary experience.

Enjoy our cozy atmosphere with Italian background music in a controlled environment to escape the hustle and bustle. Our well-stocked bar offers high-quality Italian wines and fresh cocktails. Additionally, we have a cozy indoor patio for outdoor dining in a tranquil, natural setting. Follow us on social media to stay updated on special promotions, including beverages and appetizers that complement our dishes.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Top review

melissaVIP

Dined on 24 Dec 2024

The food, staff and service were very good! It was Christmas Eve and a bit busy, but the staff really steps up and covers for each other. Refreshing. Filling water glasses, clearing plates, etc. Will return soon.

Brio Italian Grille - Crabtree

3.9

3.9 (447)

$30 and under

Italian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Brio Crabtree is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Raleigh, NC serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio Crabtree is the place to eat in Raleigh, NC for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

Top review

Joanne

Dined 7 days ago

Enjoy Brio’s. It’s a treat to go. They are very accommodating.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

Explore more Diners' Choice lists