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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Durham

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cucciolo Osteria Durham restaurant
1. Cucciolo Osteria Durham
4.7
Exceptional(1646)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 33 times today
Cousins Jimmy and Julian Kim welcome you to Cucciolo Osteria Durham! A sister restaurant to the original Cucciolo Osteria in Seoul, Korea, offering modern Italian cuisine with a twist.We are located in the same building as the Amtrak train station, just opposite side, next to West End Wine Bar.
A photo of NanaSteak restaurant
2. NanaSteak
4.8
Exceptional(2615)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 48 times today
NanaSteak offers high-energy upscale dining at its finest. Enjoy drinks and appetizers with friends at the beautiful and well appointed bar or dine from a menu full of local North Carolina fare. The award wining wine list offers many unique and interesting selections to compliment any meal. With an impeccable attention to detail, this is the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary evening. In short, NanaSteak is more than just Durham's finest steakhouse.
A photo of Mothers & Sons restaurant
3. Mothers & Sons
4.6
Exceptional(142)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 42 times today
Our lunch and dinner menus differ greatly. Please see the menu link below to see an example of our offerings.Partners Matt Kelly and Josh “Skinny” DeCarolis are proud to offer Mothers & Sons, a trattoria in downtown Durham featuring regional Italian food with seasonal sensibility. DeCarolis introduces the first restaurant in the South to focus on fatta a mano —handmade pasta. Mothers and Sons offers antipasti dishes such seasonal bruschettas or smoked octopus. Choose from primi dishes like the bucatini al amatriciana, squid ink tonnarelli or rigatoni alla norma and secondi dishes like the bistecca alla floretina and eggplant parmigiana. Dishes are made with seasonal ingredients so menus may change depending on when you visit. An extensive Italian wine list, dozens of amari as well as an imaginative cocktail list with an italian flair assures there will be a drink that will complement your meal perfectly.
A photo of M Tempura restaurant
4. M Tempura
4.8
Exceptional(608)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Durham
Booked 9 times today
M Tempura is a special occasion spot for its traditional Japanese tempura and Kaiseki Omakase offerings. Reviews rave about the excellent service and delicious food, with many recommending it for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. The attentive staff and carefully crafted menu ensure a memorable and delightful experience for diners.
A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant
5. Fairview Dining Room
4.8
Exceptional(1877)
Price: Expensive
• American • Durham
Booked 25 times today
The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has been reimagined as a lighter, brighter backdrop for our renowned fine dining experience. Featuring custom details hand-crafted for the space by regional artisans, this new design simply enhances what you have loved for years. With the reopening of the new Fairview Dining Room, our Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his imaginative culinary team have introduced a new Fall menu, perfectly complementing the elevated look and feel of the space. Indulge in a savory Cheshire Pork Tenderloin or delicious Duke of Crabcake with a sommelier suggested wine and finish with a decadent hand-crafted dessert from our pastry team, each dish embracing cozy flavors perfect for fall.
A photo of Metro 8 Steakhouse restaurant
6. Metro 8 Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(917)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 13 times today
Metro 8 Steakhouse is a go-to spot for special occasions. With its upscale ambiance and professionally-trained chefs, it's perfect for date nights or celebrating special events. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive service, delicious food, and excellent wine selection. One even celebrated their anniversary with a chocolate soufflé! It's a place where the food, atmosphere, and service come together to make memorable dining experiences.
A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant
7. Nasher Cafe at Duke University
4.6
Exceptional(856)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Durham
Booked 28 times today
The 125-seat indoor/outdoor Nasher Cafe overlooks the garden and sits adjacent to the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen "Corridor Pin" sculpture, providing a serene and beautiful ambience. The Nasher Cafe offers local and sustainable products forged into creative lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Guests can experience a world class museum as well as restaurant in one stop.
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Durham restaurant
8. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Durham
4.3
Awesome(2132)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 22 times today
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse serving authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio for drink specials and bar bites. We offer top-notch service and upscale dining at a modest price. Reserve Your Table with us today.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Durham restaurant
9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Durham
4.5
Awesome(2100)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 27 times today
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.
A photo of Il Palio restaurant
10. Il Palio
4.7
Exceptional(1753)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Chapel Hill
Booked 10 times today
Il Palio is an intimate restaurant in the Siena Hotel. We strive to emulate the best of the great Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass. Our vision is simple – use the best local and Italian ingredients as purely as possible and serve them with comfort and pride. We cook as an Italian might in North Carolina.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robert
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We arrived 10 minutes late. They were able to get us in quickly even though Duke had a game. The menu had changed since it was a game night to their "Game Menu." It was similar but they didn't have their steaks or lamb that I had my heart set on. Our server, Kristen was wonderful. We let her know our time constraints and dietary restrictions. She accommodated flawlessly. The front of the house manager seemed like an active participant in everything going on. Food was wonderful and was a good value. I look forward to coming back when we can spend some time and really enjoy what they have to offer.
    More info
    Fairview Dining RoomPrice: Expensive• American• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • Justin
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful experience sharing appetizer, salad with vinaigrette and pastas. Outstanding white wines, and house olive oil was great. Would go again in a minute.
    More info
    Mothers & SonsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.6
  • Marc
    New York City •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Ate upstairs. Great service. Nice selection of wines. Cosmo’s were perfect. We had a variety of dishes and all were great.
    More info
    NanaSteakPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • Angela
    Miami - Dade •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    What an amazing experience at M tempura. Food is fantastic, good balance of course, perfect portion. Definitely want to come back again
    More info
    M TempuraPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • Geoff
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 29 Dec 2024
    This restaurant is BALLER. Shockingly delicious. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat
    More info
    Cucciolo Osteria DurhamPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Durham

Durham, Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill boasts a vibrant dining scene, ideal for those looking to celebrate special occasions in a memorable setting. Restaurants in this area cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, offering everything from upscale, gourmet experiences to intimate, cozy settings. Each restaurant is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that each meal is not just eaten but celebrated. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a milestone anniversary, or a significant birthday, you'll find establishments in Durham that specialize in making your special events extraordinary. The selection of eateries in this region is known for their culinary expertise and the ability to create unique, flavorful dishes that are perfect for any celebration. The ambiance of these restaurants is carefully curated to complement the exquisite menus and enhance your dining experience, making every occasion feel even more special.

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