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Oysters, charcuterie, and shrimp on plates, on a white tablecloth.
Oysters, charcuterie, and more at Vin Rouge.
Forrest Mason Media

8 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Triangle

Fall in love over tapas, oysters, or wine in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

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Oysters, charcuterie, and more at Vin Rouge.
| Forrest Mason Media

What makes a restaurant “romantic”? Arguably the answer is subjective, romance comes in many forms (and hey, who’s to say some burgers and Cookout shake enjoyed in the car with a beloved isn’t high romance?), but in general, diners tend to look for a few things when booking a meal with that special someone. Good ambiance, a unique and memorable dining experience, and top-notch food are clearly the order of the day. From there, the experiences can diverge — one couple might like a bustling, hip vibe for their date-night dinner ambiance, while another might prefer to tuck themselves away in a cozy corner where conversation is easy and privacy is assured.

There are easily dozens of restaurants across the Triangle that might fit the bill for a romantic night out, but the following eight establishments hit all the right notes when it comes to ambiance, experience, and, above all, food. From a lively bar setting where the tapas seem to flow endlessly to one of the most iconic and celebrated dining rooms in North Carolina, those hungry for both romance and a stellar meal will be well-served at any of these spots.

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The Fearrington House Restaurant

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The Fearrington House Restaurant (located at the luxury inn of the same name) has been one of the Triangle’s most coveted reservations for generations. Guests have quite literally helicoptered in for a meal at the restaurant, which is available as a three- or four-course seasonal menu or a more elaborate seven-course tasting menu, both of which are overseen by longtime chef Colin Bedford. The setting itself is designed for quiet luxury, with diners spread among the rooms of the original farmhouse that forms the heart of the larger Fearrington House complex. Sommelier Todd Chatterton recently took over as beverage and service director and is in charge of the restaurant’s more than 1,500 bottle wine collection, as well as the cocktail menu — pairings are available with all tasting menus.

Exterior of a stately home.
The Fearrington House provides for a romantic evening.
Fearrington House

Bluebird

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Chapel Hill’s Bluebird has quickly become one of the Triangle’s most talked-about restaurants. With a classic French bistro menu to match it’s cozy, cafe-like interior, everything about Bluebird just screams date night. Foie gras, beef tartare, steak frites, duck confit, and more are on offer for a Paris-in-the-Piedmont moment, with French wine and classic cocktails available to complete the vibe.

Yamazushi

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Yamazushi specializes in the kaiseki style of Japanese tasting menu, which itself is based on a traditional omotenashi tea ceremony. All of this is to say that much care, thought, and precision go into each of the eight to nine courses that are prepared by chef George Hitoshi Yamazawa and presented at precisely timed intervals throughout the dining experience. The restaurant also offers sake pairings designed to complement each course, and beer is available as well. The clean lines and calming tones of Yamazushi’s interior lend themselves to an overall atmosphere that encourages diners to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Vin Rouge

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French food and romance seem to go hand in hand, and one step inside Durham’s Vin Rouge will make anyone feel as though they’ve been whisked away to Paris. Classic French food pairs with an extensive French wine list, all served in an intimate setting full of little corners to hide away in. In warmer weather opt for the romantic walled patio, where couples can spend the night sharing bowls of steaming moules frites, tender trout amandine, and a truly indulgent gratin de macaroni.

A table full of mussels, steak frites, and shrimp.
The French fare at VIn Rouge.
Forrest Mason Media

Alley Twenty Six

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Durham’s Alley Twenty Six was a 2022 James Beard Award semi-finalist for best bar in the United States, and with a list of innovative cocktails from owner Shannon Healy paired with a menu of shareable small and large plates from chef Carrie Schleiffer, it's easy to see why. Tucked away at candlelit tables, diners can mix and match dishes to pair with cocktails for the perfect date night, or go big with one of the Bull City’s most talked-about burgers, the Alley Burger (add foie gras for a decadent evening out).

Barcelona Wine Bar

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The tapas flow almost as easily as the wine at the Raleigh outpost of upscale chain Barcelona Wine Bar. The lively space is infused with the smells of albondigas, mushrooms a la plancha, Spanish tortillas, and more, all washed down with craft cocktails, beer, and a glass (or three) from the restaurant’s extensive wine list (heavy on Spanish wines, of course). The menu truly is designed to be shared, and plates can appear on the table as fast (or slow) as desired. Bonus: The restaurant is just steps from the downtown Raleigh Amtrak station, so those who live westward in Cary or Durham can turn date night into a true adventure with a train ride to dinner and Uber home.

Paella with eggplants and squash.
Vegetarian paella at Barcelona Wine Bar.
Barcelona Wine Bar

Stanbury

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If adventurous dining is the ideal date night then a table at Stanbury is a must. Set inside a small house off of North Blount Street, Stansbury’s oft-changing menu has a little bit of everything. Most dishes are meant to be shared and recent offerings included oysters (both raw and fried), beef heart bolognese, a grilled ribeye, tuna crudo, and a crispy pig’s head. Stansbury is walk-in only, so get there early on weekends.

Jolie is where chef Scott Crawford’s farm-to-table cuisine takes a trip to France, all served in an intimate bistro-like interior and romantic rooftop terrace. Escargot, gnocchi Parisienne, and a classic roast chicken are some of the menu items on offer — all to be enjoyed with a superbly edited wine list and Jolie’s craft cocktails. Finish up with a chocolate tart or go true Parisian with a cheese plate.

The Fearrington House Restaurant

The Fearrington House Restaurant (located at the luxury inn of the same name) has been one of the Triangle’s most coveted reservations for generations. Guests have quite literally helicoptered in for a meal at the restaurant, which is available as a three- or four-course seasonal menu or a more elaborate seven-course tasting menu, both of which are overseen by longtime chef Colin Bedford. The setting itself is designed for quiet luxury, with diners spread among the rooms of the original farmhouse that forms the heart of the larger Fearrington House complex. Sommelier Todd Chatterton recently took over as beverage and service director and is in charge of the restaurant’s more than 1,500 bottle wine collection, as well as the cocktail menu — pairings are available with all tasting menus.

Exterior of a stately home.
The Fearrington House provides for a romantic evening.
Fearrington House

Bluebird

Chapel Hill’s Bluebird has quickly become one of the Triangle’s most talked-about restaurants. With a classic French bistro menu to match it’s cozy, cafe-like interior, everything about Bluebird just screams date night. Foie gras, beef tartare, steak frites, duck confit, and more are on offer for a Paris-in-the-Piedmont moment, with French wine and classic cocktails available to complete the vibe.

Yamazushi

Yamazushi specializes in the kaiseki style of Japanese tasting menu, which itself is based on a traditional omotenashi tea ceremony. All of this is to say that much care, thought, and precision go into each of the eight to nine courses that are prepared by chef George Hitoshi Yamazawa and presented at precisely timed intervals throughout the dining experience. The restaurant also offers sake pairings designed to complement each course, and beer is available as well. The clean lines and calming tones of Yamazushi’s interior lend themselves to an overall atmosphere that encourages diners to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Vin Rouge

French food and romance seem to go hand in hand, and one step inside Durham’s Vin Rouge will make anyone feel as though they’ve been whisked away to Paris. Classic French food pairs with an extensive French wine list, all served in an intimate setting full of little corners to hide away in. In warmer weather opt for the romantic walled patio, where couples can spend the night sharing bowls of steaming moules frites, tender trout amandine, and a truly indulgent gratin de macaroni.

A table full of mussels, steak frites, and shrimp.
The French fare at VIn Rouge.
Forrest Mason Media

Alley Twenty Six

Durham’s Alley Twenty Six was a 2022 James Beard Award semi-finalist for best bar in the United States, and with a list of innovative cocktails from owner Shannon Healy paired with a menu of shareable small and large plates from chef Carrie Schleiffer, it's easy to see why. Tucked away at candlelit tables, diners can mix and match dishes to pair with cocktails for the perfect date night, or go big with one of the Bull City’s most talked-about burgers, the Alley Burger (add foie gras for a decadent evening out).

Barcelona Wine Bar

The tapas flow almost as easily as the wine at the Raleigh outpost of upscale chain Barcelona Wine Bar. The lively space is infused with the smells of albondigas, mushrooms a la plancha, Spanish tortillas, and more, all washed down with craft cocktails, beer, and a glass (or three) from the restaurant’s extensive wine list (heavy on Spanish wines, of course). The menu truly is designed to be shared, and plates can appear on the table as fast (or slow) as desired. Bonus: The restaurant is just steps from the downtown Raleigh Amtrak station, so those who live westward in Cary or Durham can turn date night into a true adventure with a train ride to dinner and Uber home.

Paella with eggplants and squash.
Vegetarian paella at Barcelona Wine Bar.
Barcelona Wine Bar

Stanbury

If adventurous dining is the ideal date night then a table at Stanbury is a must. Set inside a small house off of North Blount Street, Stansbury’s oft-changing menu has a little bit of everything. Most dishes are meant to be shared and recent offerings included oysters (both raw and fried), beef heart bolognese, a grilled ribeye, tuna crudo, and a crispy pig’s head. Stansbury is walk-in only, so get there early on weekends.

Jolie

Jolie is where chef Scott Crawford’s farm-to-table cuisine takes a trip to France, all served in an intimate bistro-like interior and romantic rooftop terrace. Escargot, gnocchi Parisienne, and a classic roast chicken are some of the menu items on offer — all to be enjoyed with a superbly edited wine list and Jolie’s craft cocktails. Finish up with a chocolate tart or go true Parisian with a cheese plate.

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