Support Us Button Widget

Three dinners to treat someone special to in Raleigh

In case you are tasked with planning the perfect birthday — or any — dinner celebration, here are three dinners to treat someone special to in the City of Oaks.

RAL-Oku-Dec23

The mont blanc cake + ice cream mochi are a must-try at O-Ku.

Photo by RALtoday

City Editor Cat here. I recently spent my birthday week surrounded by family + good eats in the City of Oaks. Just in case you are tasked with planning the perfect birthday — or any — dinner celebration, here are three dinner recs to treat someone special to in Raleigh.

Empire’s signature roasted angus ribeye.

Not pictured: The chef autographed keepsake menu.

Photo by RALtoday

White tablecloth experience

If you’re looking for something elevated and intimate, book a reservation with Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, a true Raleigh hidden gem. My fiancé took me here for my birthday, and I was blown away by the minutiae. We showed up an hour early to pinky up with a cocktail in The Tavern — the historic Dodd-Hinsdale house has a lounge and bar area in the elegantly restored cellar for casual meals and pre-dinner cocktails.

After a libation, we were then escorted upstairs to our table for a gourmet dining experience. I recommend the charcuterie plate, Empire’s signature roasted angus ribeye, and the Empire chocolate souffle, which was prepared for us tableside.

Chicken parm and a glass of red wine.

Peep the kid’s cup — my niece and nephew love Vivo’s pizza.

Photo by RALtoday

A family affair

My Raleigh fam arranged a dinner at Vivo Ristorante for an early birthday soirée — this is our favorite family friendly place to dine because of the casual atmosphere, attentive staff, and quality bites.

This family-owned Italian eatery always serves fresh ingredients and top-notch service. I recommend the chicken Parmigiana accompanied by a cosmopolitan, my grandmother’s favorite.

Two people sharing sashimi and a bottle of sake.

The sparkling sake elevates all of the fresh sashimi flavors.

Photo provided by O-Ku

A unique date night

Surprise your special celebrant with an over-the-top meal at O-Ku. The restaurant is currently offering 12 pieces of chef-selected sashimi and a bottle of sake for $100 — and let me tell you, it’s fresh.

We were lucky enough to have our reservation window during the happy hour promo as well — Monday through Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. — so we enjoyed crispy dumplings as our appetizer. We ended the night with one of the best desserts I have ever tasted — the mont blanc cake + ice cream mochi are a must-try.

Do you have a memorable birthday celebration in the City of Oaks? Share it with us.

More from RALtoday
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Raleigh has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
Get your hats and mittens — it’s finally snow season in Raleigh. While the 919 isn’t known for its wintery weather, we’re holding out hope for some history-making snowfall soon.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
The Townes at Carlton Pointe offer brand-new townhomes ready for move-in just in time for the holiday season.
Take a look at the new additions and what’s coming soon to the North Hills development.
These grand gifts given to Raleigh are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility, or RUS Bus, will include a multi-use development combining transit, residential, and retail spaces in the Warehouse District.
Hurricane Helene devastated parts of WNC, including areas where the NC-native Fraser fir grows. While many farms recovered, here’s how you can support NC Christmas tree farmers across the state.
Dreamville Festival, one of Raleigh’s largest events, will end in 2025. Explore its financial impact on Raleigh’s economy.
In early 2025, Hone-Sharpen, a unique culinary experience, will open in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow multi-use development. We sat down with the founder behind this innovative experience, Cherisse Byers, and talked about some of what’s to come.