8 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Triangle (2024)

Herons

Fall in love over lobster, burgers, or escargot in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

by Matt Lardie Updated Jan 18, 2024, 8:23am EST

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: 8 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Triangle

• Pocket
• Flipboard
• Email

| Herons

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. 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 Troy Revell 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 co*cktail menu — pairings are available with all tasting menus.

• Open in Google Maps

Fearrington House

When it opened, Chapel Hill’s Bluebird quickly became one of the Triangle’s most talked-about restaurants. With a classic French bistro menu to match its 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 co*cktails available to complete the vibe.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

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.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

Forrest Mason Media

Stepping down into the sleek, darkened space of M Sushi diners are presented with one of the most well-executed sushi experiences the Triangle has to offer. For special occasions, the grand omakase menu is the way to go. Chef Mike Lee and his team present a series of traditional Japanese courses and can recommend the perfect co*cktail, wine, or sake to pair with each bite.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

Durham’s Alley Twenty Six was a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for best bar in the United States, and with a list of innovative co*cktails 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 co*cktails 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).

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

A tasting menu experience at Herons is the ultimate date night — chef Steven Devereaux Greene and his team present an avant-garde menu, akin to Noma or El Bulli, with dishes that delight all the senses. The “Art Tour” tasting menu features anywhere from eight to 15 courses and can be paired with wines from the restaurant’s extensive selection. Herons is conveniently located inside the Umstead Hotel & Spa, making it a great choice for a romantic night away.

• Open in Google Maps

Herons

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 co*cktails, 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.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

Barcelona Wine Bar

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 co*cktails. Finish up with a chocolate tart or go true Parisian with a cheese plate.

• Open in Google Maps

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. 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 Troy Revell 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 co*cktail menu — pairings are available with all tasting menus.

• Open in Google Maps

Fearrington House

When it opened, Chapel Hill’s Bluebird quickly became one of the Triangle’s most talked-about restaurants. With a classic French bistro menu to match its 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 co*cktails available to complete the vibe.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

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.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

Forrest Mason Media

Stepping down into the sleek, darkened space of M Sushi diners are presented with one of the most well-executed sushi experiences the Triangle has to offer. For special occasions, the grand omakase menu is the way to go. Chef Mike Lee and his team present a series of traditional Japanese courses and can recommend the perfect co*cktail, wine, or sake to pair with each bite.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

Durham’s Alley Twenty Six was a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for best bar in the United States, and with a list of innovative co*cktails 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 co*cktails 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).

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

A tasting menu experience at Herons is the ultimate date night — chef Steven Devereaux Greene and his team present an avant-garde menu, akin to Noma or El Bulli, with dishes that delight all the senses. The “Art Tour” tasting menu features anywhere from eight to 15 courses and can be paired with wines from the restaurant’s extensive selection. Herons is conveniently located inside the Umstead Hotel & Spa, making it a great choice for a romantic night away.

• Open in Google Maps

Herons

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 co*cktails, 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.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

Barcelona Wine Bar

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 co*cktails. Finish up with a chocolate tart or go true Parisian with a cheese plate.

• Open in Google Maps

• 13 Hottest Restaurants in the Triangle, May 2024
• 18 Charleston Bars and Restaurants With Impressive Outdoor Views
• Where to Drink in Charleston Right Now, May 2024