I am such a foodie and love to dine out with my hubby. We plan regular date nights and visit many of the awesome local restaurants and I am going to share some great romantic spots to go and eat with your honey on Valentine’s Day. Disclosure: I have dined at all these restaurants and had great experiences. I have no issues with franchises and chains but, there’s just something about supporting a local business that makes it all the more worth it. I love all sorts of food so this list will give you variety and I’ll even throw in a couple of bonuses for you. Oh… When I’m with my husband on a date no matter where we are I find it romantic but, the décor and lighting in some of these restaurants definitely makes it so much more romantic. So, if you aren’t familiar with “The Triangle” I live in Durham, NC and the Triangle consists of Raleigh, Durham, Cary & Chapel Hill. I can’t wait to see where I end up dining this Valentine’s Day! #Dinner4Valentines
1.) Zinda (New Asian Dining) РThis restaurant offers a great Southeast Asian menu with a full bar and popular nightlife location on Friday and Saturday nights for anyone who wants to party after a date! I just love the Asian D̩cor! They are open for lunch, dinner, drinks and tea. 301 Fayetteville St. #120 Raleigh, NC 27601 Website: Zinda Raleigh
2.) G2B Gastro Pub – I love the menu at G2B Gastro Pub. It’s American Cuisine and you have a great variety of starters, entrees and Bar Menu. I’ve had one of the BEST Burgers from G2B and Chef Carrie is AWESOME! The desserts are amazing too! They are open for Dinner Tue-Thur. Fri & Sat. 3211 Shannon Rd. #106 Durham, NC 27707 Website: G2B Gastro Pub
3.) The Pit – There is a location in Raleigh and Durham. They have the best eastern style chopped bbq. I had a double combo with pulled pork, beef brisket, hushpuppies, baked biscuit, candied yams, heirloom cabbage collard greens AND… Banana Pudding! Yum! 321 W. Geer St. Durham, NC 27701 Website: The Pit Durham
4.) ACME – If you have a taste for “Upscale” Southern American dishes in a fine dining establishment then this is your place. I had the Classic Steak Frites (Grilled Angus Beef Loin, house-cut fries and chimmichurri butter. You may want to call ahead and secure that reservation. They are open for dinner daily at 5:30 and Sunday Brunch. 110 East Main St. Carrboro, NC 27510 Website: ACME
5.) Mez – If you love contemporary Mexican Food then Mez is the place for you. The atmosphere is great for a date night. I had the beef brisket tacos and loved every single bite! Mez is open for lunch Mon. – Fri. and Dinner Mon. – Sat. 5410 Page Rd. Durham, NC 27703 Website: Mez Durham
6.) Beyu Caffe – Beyu offers you everything! You can get breakfast, lunch or dinner. The dessert menu is insane and it doubles as a Jazz Club with events happening on a daily basis. You can get your coffee or espresso and they have a full bar! The Drunken Jumbo Shrimp with Garlic Bread is so yummy! Beyu is open seven days a week in the heart of downtown Durham. Website: Beyu Caffe
7.) Solas – I absolutely love Solas! The overall atmosphere in downtown Raleigh makes you feel like you are in Miami or New York. There are three levels to enjoy and they have rooftop amenities that overlook Glenwood South. It’s a great view. Solas is a five star restaurant, lounge, bar and night club. The menu is 419 S. Glenwood Ave. Raleigh, NC Website: Solas Raleigh
Bonuses: These are great date locations and the food is amazing!
Bahama Breeze – I absolutely love Caribbean food! The atmosphere at Bahama Breeze takes you on a little escapade to the islands with the available outdoor patio dining, palm trees, fire pit and reggae music playing in the background. I have so many favorite entrees from Bahama Breeze. I say try them all! They are open Sun. – Thur. 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Fri. – Sat. 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. Website: Bahama Breeze
Chai’s Noodle Bar & Bistro – I’m not even going to lie, I just go for the Bubble Tea! Coconut is my favorite. Lol! I always get some Singapore Noodles with Chicken and it’s so delicious. Chai’s is open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm 2816 Erwin Rd. Durham, NC 27705 Website: Chai’s Noodle Bar
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles – I’m addicted to the Shrimp & Grits and The Carolina Cockerel (Three Chicken wings, blueberry waffle and peach & apricot schmear), YUM! You want southern cuisine with a European twist then visit Dame’s. Open: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. 317 W. Main St. Durham, NC 27701 Website: Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Cuban Revolution Restaurant & Bar – I love the build your own rice bowls! I have a field day creating my meal. I also love the fried chicken wings for an appetizer and gelato for dessert. Thay have a full bar, great atmosphere and live entertainment sometimes. 318 Blackwell St. Durham, NC 27701 Website: Cuban Revolution
Sweets: There are days I go straight for the sweets! Valentine’s Day Cupcake Date Anyone?!?!
Gigi’s Cupcakes – gourmet cupcakes baked fresh daily! My favorites are wedding cake, lemon dream supreme, chocolate chip cookie dough, white midnight magic and midnight magic. 8521 Brier Creek Pkwy. #105 Raleigh, NC 27617 Website: Gigi’s Cupcakes
Small Cakes Durham – I’m so excited about Small Cakes Durham. They recently opened and I can’t wait to visit. I plan to try the Choco-holic, Hot chocolate cupcake, Kentucky Bourbon cupcake, Thin Mint Cupcake, Hot Fudge Sundae and Lemon Drop. 4711 Hope Valley Rd. 4D Durham, NC 27707 Website: Small Cakes Durham
Fun Fact: Last year our Valentine’s Date was at Dave & Buster’s! I just wanted to have a little fun! We ate dinner, enjoyed a few cocktails and then got really competitive when we entered the gaming arcade. It was a great night! I hope you enjoy the listing of some of my favorite local restaurants. Where are you going to dine this Valentine’s Day?