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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Raleigh

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

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

A photo of JALWA INDIAN BISTRO restaurant

JALWA INDIAN BISTRO

4.9

4.9 (29)

$31 to $50

Indian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Indulge in the pinnacle of refined fine dining in Raleigh at Jalwa Indian Bistro, where our sophisticated ambiance embodies the essence of elegance and poise. As we present a harmonious symphony of flavors and opulence that will delight your senses, courtesy of our exquisite Modern Indian Cuisine. Our dishes are meticulously crafted by our Executive Chef, the Internationally Acclaimed Chef Mukesh Gautam, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Whether you seek an intimate sojourn, a celebratory gathering, or a sublime culinary escapade in the heart of Raleigh, Jalwa Indian Bistro is the quintessential destination for every occasion, offering an unparalleled level of epicurean excellence in fine dining.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Impeccable service, creative and delicious food, beautiful surroundings. Can’t wait to go back!

A photo of Azitra restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1375)

$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

L

LaurenVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Azitra is always a delight! We love the ambience, service, quality, and food equally as much. I am all about the overall experience and Azitra has the experience figured out. We ordered the Brussels sprout appetizer and it was perfectly crisp. We both ordered traditional Indian fare and garlic naan. 10/10 would recommend!!

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A photo of Butter Chicken of a restaurant

A photo of Herons restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3152)

$50 and over

American

Cary

About the restaurant

Herons, the signature restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina, offers an exceptional fine dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Located close to Raleigh, North Carolina, Herons is known for its locally inspired, seasonal menus and stunning garden views, Herons showcases a full-view kitchen and an elegant, art-filled dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Every detail—from the fresh, regionally sourced ingredients to the curated wine list—reflects a commitment to artistry and culinary excellence.

Top review

D

Danny

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent experience. Food pairings were great and service was excellent.

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A photo of Miso Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Raleigh restaurant

Oak Steakhouse - Raleigh

4.8

4.8 (2416)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Oak Steakhouse Raleigh continues the legacy of the original Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, SC, with a modern take on the classic steakhouse. Located in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh, Oak Steakhouse offers an innovative approach to steakhouse dining, serving farm-fresh dishes alongside steakhouse classics. Under the direction of executive chef Todd Woods, Oak's menu highlights the restaurant's relationship with local farmers and purveyors. To complement the menu, Oak's expansive wine list features California Cabernet and Old World reds, including a selection of Italian and Spanish wines, as well as an array of artisan domestic wines. In celebration of Raleigh's local brewery scene, Oak Steakhouse showcases local brews alongside domestic and international beers. Classic and creative, seasonal cocktails are also on the menu.

Top review

M

MichelleVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Cameron was our server and as always, he provided top notch service and made our dinner a delightful experience! Enjoyed the lamb chops and Bibb salad for dinner, everything was well prepared and delicious

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A photo of 8oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant

8oz Filet Mignon

A photo of Roasted Bone Marrow of a restaurant

Roasted Bone Marrow

A photo of Oak Steakhouse Burger of a restaurant

Oak Steakhouse Burger

A photo of Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant restaurant

Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (846)

$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

KM

KayMDee

Dined on Feb 28, 2025

Wonderful dinner and great ambiance - perfect atmosphere for friends to get together. The service was fantastic and the food was delicious! Burrata with squash appetizer and the risotto lobster were both excellent! My husband got the ravioli with truffles and it was amazing. We’ll be back!!

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A photo of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese of a restaurant

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese

A photo of Risottino of a restaurant

A photo of Caprese di Bufala of a restaurant

Caprese di Bufala

A photo of East End Bistrot Raleigh restaurant

East End Bistrot Raleigh

4.8

4.8 (300)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Located in Raleigh, East End Bistrot, part of Giorgios Hospitality Group, offers an exceptional dining experience combining classic French techniques with Asian-inspired flavors. Our menu showcases high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, expertly crafted into unforgettable dishes. With a curated selection of fine and rare wines, handpicked by our sommelier, each meal is paired perfectly. Whether you're celebrating or enjoying a night out, the impeccable service from our knowledgeable team elevates your experience. Discover why East End Bistrot is a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Top review

B

Barbara

Dined 4 days ago

The service, the sommelier. The food!!!! Incredible!!! Our favorite high-end restaurant in Raleigh!!!

A photo of Lilyann's Steakhouse restaurant

Lilyann's Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (81)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Rocky Mount

About the restaurant

Classic American Steakhouse offering a curated menu of premium steaks, sipping bourbons, craft cocktails, and more.

Top review

T

Thomas

Dined 3 days ago

This was our first time to Lilyann’s Steakhouse and we enjoyed it very much. The service was exceptional. Our waitress was attentive and very nice and helpful. Our food was cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful. The only suggestion I can think of is maybe a sound barrier near the kitchen to lessen the noise. It was a little loud at our which was by the kitchen. We had a great experience and look forward to coming back soon. TB

A photo of Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar restaurant

Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

4.7

4.7 (3072)

$30 and under

Italian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Mulino Italian Kitchen and Bar, a locally owned Italian restaurant that has been named one of Raleigh's best by Raleigh Magazine. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, minutes from the Raleigh Convention Center, Mulino offers an authentic dining experience that showcases the rich flavors and traditions of Italy. Guests can enjoy classic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients, perfectly paired with wines from Italy & beyond.

Mulino’s inviting atmosphere includes cozy indoor seating & a beautiful outdoor patio, available on a first-come basis. Mulino can accommodate parties from 2 to 250 guests. For groups of 12 or more, a special large-party menu is available to enhance your dining experience.

Parking is available at 209 N. Dawson Street, 329 N McDowell Street, and streetwise along Lane Street.

We look forward to welcoming you to Mulino Italian Kitchen and Bar, where every meal is crafted with passion and every guest is treated like family.

Top review

R

RogerVIP

Dined 6 days ago

What an exceptional spot for any occasion—whether it’s a romantic date night, a business dinner, or simply an evening to indulge. The food quality is outstanding, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list designed to enhance every dish. The experience is effortlessly elevated by the made-to-order bread—absolute perfection. Pair that with the scallops and their rich, velvety sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s nothing short of unforgettable. Every bite is a masterful balance of flavor, crafted with care and precision. If you’re looking for a place that truly excites the palate and delivers an unmatched dining experience, look no further.

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A photo of Gnocchi of a restaurant

A photo of Tagliatelle of a restaurant

A photo of Sullivan's Steakhouse - Raleigh restaurant

Sullivan's Steakhouse - Raleigh

4.3

4.3 (5159)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Where the historic Pine State Creamery once stood, you’ll find our Raleigh location, nestled amidst the youthful Glenwood South neighborhood. Packed with the best Raleigh has to offer in shopping, art galleries, and nightlife, this hip thoroughfare is a vein through the heart of downtown.

Enjoy Sullivan’s Raleigh’s unique take on upscale steakhouse fare across our expansive menu. Seafood starters abound, from tempura lobster tails to charbroiled oysters. Enjoy a classic iceberg wedge or Caesar salad before moving on to the main event: our cut-above steaks. Served with your choice of sauces, sides, and signature butters, there’s a filet or strip to suit every taste.

A night at Sullivan’s Raleigh is about more than just the food—it’s our lively atmosphere that sets us apart. At the intersection of luxury and comfort, Sullivan’s is a bar-centric neighborhood hub. Familiar servers greet you, prepared to recommend dishes and drinks that align with your taste.

Top review

R

RuthVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Phillip was great! Customer service was outstanding

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Prime New York Strip of a restaurant

Prime New York Strip

A photo of Gonza Tacos y Tequila - Cary restaurant

Gonza Tacos y Tequila - Cary

4.2

4.2 (573)

$30 and under

Mexican

Cary

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO NORTH CAROLINA'S AWARD-WINNING COLOMBIAN-MEXICAN TACOS Y TEQUILA JOINT! Currently serving Dinner and Drinks.

Top review

T

Toni

Dined on Feb 13, 2025

Birthday dinner at my fave spot - always outstanding, and this visit was no different.

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