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.
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.
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.
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 .