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Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

4.6
·491k reviews·,

An elegant American restaurant and tavern in a historic 1879 mansion, renowned for fine dining and impeccable service.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Atrium

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An elegant American restaurant and tavern in a historic 1879 mansion, renowned for fine dining and impeccable service.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience an unforgettable evening with exquisite cuisine and impeccable service in a beautiful historic setting."

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special occasions or date nights.

Try the Chocolate Soufflé

This decadent dessert is a must-have, praised by reviewers as a standout.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

American

Price

$$$

Phone

(919) 829-3663

Address

330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Mansion Ambiance

Historic Mansion Ambiance

Dine in a beautiful, circa-1879 Second Empire house, offering an elegant and historic atmosphere.

Exquisite Cuisine and Presentation

Exquisite Cuisine and Presentation

Experience meticulously prepared food with surprising flavor combinations and fantastic presentation.

World-Class Wine Selection

World-Class Wine Selection

Complement your meal with an extensive and eclectic wine list, featuring world-class selections.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#SecondEmpire #Virgo #Libra #DowntownRaleigh
@falarie_spencer
19 likes • 298 views

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special occasions or date nights.

Try the Chocolate Soufflé

This decadent dessert is a must-have, praised by reviewers as a standout.

Some of #raleighnc staple restaurants. Add them to your list! #raleigh #919 #raleighfood #raleighrestaurants #raleighfood #raleighfoodie #downtownraleigh
@relocatingtoraleigh
1.1K likes • 48.2K views
Old school, Raleigh restaurants. #raleighnc #raleighncfood #northcarolinafood #northcarolina #raleigh
@themidlifemaniac
897 likes • 16.7K views

Ask for Recommendations

Knowledgeable servers can guide you to the perfect dish and wine pairing.

Weekday Visits

Opt for a weekday visit for a potentially quieter and more intimate dining experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for special occasions or date nights.

Try the Chocolate Soufflé

This decadent dessert is a must-have, praised by reviewers as a standout.

Ask for Recommendations

Knowledgeable servers can guide you to the perfect dish and wine pairing.

Weekday Visits

Opt for a weekday visit for a potentially quieter and more intimate dining experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is highly praised for its exquisite food, impeccable service, and elegant ambiance set within a historic mansion. Diners frequently celebrate special occasions here, noting the attentive staff and unique touches like signed menus. While most reviews are glowing, some find the complex flavors slightly overwhelming, though still delicious.

"So impressed! A friend recommended sitting downstairs since it’s the same menu and we loved it. Amazing service from Chris who also told us all about the history of the restaurant / building.

I had the potato soup and the filet (both from the specials menu) - phenomenal. Really enjoyed the cocktails too. Plus, they gave me a menu with a personal happy birthday message printed on! Would recommend to anyone."

Alex Shaw

"The service was impeccable. Waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and the history of the restaurant.

Ambiance is on the fancier side with white table cloths and an emphasis on fine dining. The menu is varied with each dish being very complex with lots of flavors going on at once, borderline overly so. However, they are all in balance so everything still tasted good.

I will note that seafood Paella was more of a jambalaya with Latin flavor profiles. But was still tasty.

Definitely worth going at least once to experience the ambiance and the chef’s menu."

Michelle Labdon

"Best fine dining restaurant in Raleigh! My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday. The food was exquisite and the ambience was amazing. They even gave me a signed menu by the chef as a birthday gift. Truly loved the whole experience. Highly recommend it!"

Disha Victor

What People Like

Exceptional service
Exquisite food and presentation
Elegant historic ambiance

What People Dislike

Flavors can be complex

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for special occasions or date nights, as it is a popular dining spot.

The restaurant offers an elegant, upscale, white-tablecloth dining experience within a beautiful, historic circa-1879 mansion.

While the menu changes, standouts frequently mentioned include the chocolate soufflé, rack of lamb, and various seafood dishes.

Google Review

Yes, the attentive service caters to dietary restrictions, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.

Yes, the restaurant also features a more casual tavern area downstairs, which offers the same menu.

Google Review

The restaurant boasts a world-class and eclectic wine list, with knowledgeable staff to assist with pairings.

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The heart of the internet

EDIT 2: Herons, Fearrington Village & Second Empire are gonna be my big 3. Herons wine list is very appealing. Wish me luck everyone!

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