Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Raleigh

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

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!

Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (815)

$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

Jefferson

Dined 4 days ago

Great atmosphere. The quietest restaurant we have ever eaten at. Food is impeccable. Definitely expensive, but very well worth it. We will be back!

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Popular dish

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (952)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Cary

About the restaurant

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar has been serving Cary & the Triangle since 1991. Owned and operated by Will & Margie Hennessee, Maximillians offers global cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Offering over 15 wines by the glass in addition to an extensive bottle list, or enjoy one of our hand crafted cocktails or local draft beers. We hope you will join us, and if it is your first visit, it won't be your last! Cheers!

Top review

Linda

Dined 3 days ago

The food was amazing! I had Korean beef and my friend had Pamlico shrimp with angel hair pasta. We both enjoyed the meal tremendously! We tried the coconut ball for dessert and it was very tasty. We had to bring most of it home. The meal portions were generous. We also tried the homemade faccia bread that was also delicious! The service was excellent as was the wine. I can’t wait to go back!

The Capital Grille - Raleigh

4.8

4.8 (2647)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.

Top review

DeniceVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Our annual Christmas Eve dinner was exceptional. The steak was cooked perfectly. The sides and desserts were delicious. Our waitress, Audrey, was very professional and attentive.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon 10oz

Popular dish

Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake

Popular dish

Soy Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Encore Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (95)

$31 to $50

Italian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Now Accepting Reservations For July 9th and beyond,
The crew from Northside Bistro are now going to provide some amazing Italian cuisine, Top notch Steaks, and delightful seafood. Expect to see some of the great cooks and friendly staff you expect at Northside along with some great new team members we are excited to introduce to the area.
Chef John and his team are excited to bring you some takes on classic Italian cuisine along with some expected twists and turns to keep things current and we will always hunt for the highest quality ingredients we can find. Service promises to be warm and inviting never taking our focus off the details that matter while still keeping it fun and light hearted.
The decor here at Encore is a polished but comfy, the environment will create great energy and a sense of community but still provide some romantic corners for a Romantic evening with loved ones.
Carol and John are so excited to bring their second offering to the North Raleigh area!

Top review

Becky

Dined 1 day ago

Great new spot in the Wakefield area. Service was excellent. Food was very good, some items a little more expensive than anticipated but great to have a higher quality dining option nearby without heading downtown.

Azitra

4.7

4.7 (1359)

$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

Beth

Dined 4 days ago

Delicious as always. Service was a tiny bit slow as can be expected on a busy holiday when they are one of the few restaurants open, but staff were extremely nice and the meal was wonderful.

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Popular dish

Butter Chicken

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Cary

4.6

4.6 (2463)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Cary

About the restaurant

Expect nothing less than an extraordinary meal and first-class service from one of the most outstanding prime steak houses in the world: Ruth's Chris Steak House. Among the most distinctive dining destinations in the area. At Ruth's Chris Steak House your service will always be first class-attentive but never fussy.

Top review

Gina

Dined 2 days ago

Food is always consistently good. All the food and the mixed drinks were perfect. The only negative thing I could say is they say us by a larger party and they were loud. Probably should've asked to move.

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Fleming's Steakhouse - Raleigh

4.6

4.6 (1814)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Your Raleigh Fleming's is located at the Crabtree Valley Mall, just north of the Raleigh Beltline on Glenwood Avenue and only a short distance from RBC Center and North Carolina State University. Fleming's in Raleigh is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room or Outdoor Patio. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

David

Dined 6 days ago

Great food, great service and it was a very enjoyable evening

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Popular dish

Main Filet Mignon

Ruth's Chris Steak House - North Raleigh

4.5

4.5 (1844)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Raleigh is located in the vibrant midtown community of North Hills. Whether it's a romantic steak dinner for two, an important business meeting, or a private party, Ruth's Chris Steak House can accommodate your needs and our Raleigh steakhouse provides guests with a warm, comfortable atmosphere of casual elegance.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Our food was perfectly prepared and presented. The waitress (Riley) was attentive, personable, and professional. Her personality and table side preparation of the Banana Foster was an added bonus. All of which made for a memorable Christmas Eve.

Bellini Italian Cuisine

4.2

4.2 (17)

$30 and under

Italian

Holly Springs

About the restaurant

Welcome to BELLINI ITALIAN CUISINE, a taste of Italy in Holly Spring, NC. Located at 7256 GB Alfort Hwy, we offer a warm atmosphere for special moments.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Enjoy our delicious CAVATELLI ORTOLANA, traditional LASAGNA, exquisite LINGUINI SEAFOOD, and savory CHICKEN ROLLANTINE, each prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients.

SPECIAL PLATES: Try our succulent OSSOBUCO, tender LAMB SHANK, and exquisite BRANZINO MARECHIARA for a true Italian culinary experience.

Enjoy our cozy atmosphere with Italian background music in a controlled environment to escape the hustle and bustle. Our well-stocked bar offers high-quality Italian wines and fresh cocktails. Additionally, we have a cozy indoor patio for outdoor dining in a tranquil, natural setting. Follow us on social media to stay updated on special promotions, including beverages and appetizers that complement our dishes.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Top review

melissaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The food, staff and service were very good! It was Christmas Eve and a bit busy, but the staff really steps up and covers for each other. Refreshing. Filling water glasses, clearing plates, etc. Will return soon.

Brio Italian Grille - Crabtree

3.9

3.9 (446)

$30 and under

Italian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Brio Crabtree is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Raleigh, NC serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio Crabtree is the place to eat in Raleigh, NC for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

Top review

Graciela

Dined 5 days ago

Great choice for Christmas today! Food was very good although the risotto was too spicy to my taste. Service was excellent!

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