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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Elegant American restaurant & more-casual tavern set in a historic, circa-1879 Second Empire house.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: (919) 829-3663
Website: http://www.second-empire.com/
Menu Photos
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Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern –
Fine Dining in Raleigh NC,special occasion,special event,romantic,weddings,downtown dining,AAA Four Diamond restaurant,receptions,rehearsal dinners,bridal …
Menus – Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Our Dinner Menu changes seasonally and features Chef Daniel Schurr’s creations from the freshest seasonal ingredients. This menu is offered in all dining areas.
The Tavern – Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern –
Fine Dining in Raleigh NC,special occasion,special event,romantic,weddings,downtown dining,AAA Four Diamond restaurant,receptions,rehearsal dinners,bridal …
Reviews
Jem Lundy
The service and overall atmosphere were truly the highlight of our experience. My husband took me here for my birthday, and I was immediately impressed by the upscale ambiance. Our waitress was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, she guided us through the menu and helped create a special, celebratory experience for my day.
As for the food, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. I started with a salad that was overly salty. The lamb I ordered was decent, but I’ve had better, and my husband’s duck was just okay. While the dishes were fine, they didn’t stand out or feel worth the price.
Overall, the ambiance and exceptional service stood out far more than the food itself.
… moreAs for the food, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. I started with a salad that was overly salty. The lamb I ordered was decent, but I’ve had better, and my husband’s duck was just okay. While the dishes were fine, they didn’t stand out or feel worth the price.
Overall, the ambiance and exceptional service stood out far more than the food itself.
T. Valdes
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern in Raleigh is a true gem, offering an exceptional fine-dining experience within the historic and beautifully preserved Dodd-Hinsdale House. From the moment you arrive, the elegant atmosphere sets the tone—refined yet welcoming, with a sense of timeless charm that makes any evening feel special.
The cuisine is nothing short of outstanding. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, making each plate feel like a work of art. From the rich, flavorful paella to the evening special of perfectly executed crab cakes, the food delivers both creativity and balance, highlighting high-quality ingredients and expert technique. Each bite is as delicious as it is beautiful.
The service is equally amazing—our server Sam and his assistant were polished, attentive, and genuinely warm. A special highlight was dessert: each pastry choice was outstanding, clearly made with the same care and artistry as the main courses. To make the evening even more memorable, the chef personally signed our menu, a thoughtful gesture that made our anniversary feel truly special and unforgettable.
… moreThe cuisine is nothing short of outstanding. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, making each plate feel like a work of art. From the rich, flavorful paella to the evening special of perfectly executed crab cakes, the food delivers both creativity and balance, highlighting high-quality ingredients and expert technique. Each bite is as delicious as it is beautiful.
The service is equally amazing—our server Sam and his assistant were polished, attentive, and genuinely warm. A special highlight was dessert: each pastry choice was outstanding, clearly made with the same care and artistry as the main courses. To make the evening even more memorable, the chef personally signed our menu, a thoughtful gesture that made our anniversary feel truly special and unforgettable.
Melinda Cotter
First timer and will return! When the hostess called to confirm and asked if we were celebrating something special, I mentioned our anniversary. We arrived for our 6:45 reservation about 6-7 minutes early and were seated immediately in the main dining room. We were presented with the standard menus, wine list, special cocktail list, etc., plus a copy of the menu with a Happy Anniversary (with our names) at the top and signed by the Chef as a keepsake of the evening — such an awesome touch.
Every staff member was amazing. They were knowledgable, friendly, authentic, and attentive.
We started with the Aleppo Margarita (great amount of spice and flavor) and a standard Rum & Coke (also balanced for something simple).
For firsts, we split the pork belly and a foie gras special. The depth of flavor was incredible. Perfect amount of sauce, accents, and temperature.
For seconds, we both had the ribeye. We’re definitely picky with steak, in general, as we both can make great steaks – these were flavorful and excellent cuts. I was surprised that the recommendation was “Medium.” My husband got his rare and I said medium to medium-rare. Medium rare is my go-to, but with the Chef recommending Medium, I didn’t want to stray too far from the preferred. The outermost parts of my steak edged on the far side of Medium, but the rest was just as asked for. I would consider my husband’s medium rare (at least 90% of it), so there are probably some hot parts of the grill/pan. All that aside, the cut, flavor, and sides were so well-balanced. We split a bottle of WillaKenzie Pinot Noir and it went well with all.
We were stuffed and didn’t even consider dessert. We would absolutely return because of top notch service, attention to detail, atmosphere, and quality and taste of food! While we did spend a lot per person (according to google review options), there are many dishes and wines by glass options that make it more affordable!
… moreEvery staff member was amazing. They were knowledgable, friendly, authentic, and attentive.
We started with the Aleppo Margarita (great amount of spice and flavor) and a standard Rum & Coke (also balanced for something simple).
For firsts, we split the pork belly and a foie gras special. The depth of flavor was incredible. Perfect amount of sauce, accents, and temperature.
For seconds, we both had the ribeye. We’re definitely picky with steak, in general, as we both can make great steaks – these were flavorful and excellent cuts. I was surprised that the recommendation was “Medium.” My husband got his rare and I said medium to medium-rare. Medium rare is my go-to, but with the Chef recommending Medium, I didn’t want to stray too far from the preferred. The outermost parts of my steak edged on the far side of Medium, but the rest was just as asked for. I would consider my husband’s medium rare (at least 90% of it), so there are probably some hot parts of the grill/pan. All that aside, the cut, flavor, and sides were so well-balanced. We split a bottle of WillaKenzie Pinot Noir and it went well with all.
We were stuffed and didn’t even consider dessert. We would absolutely return because of top notch service, attention to detail, atmosphere, and quality and taste of food! While we did spend a lot per person (according to google review options), there are many dishes and wines by glass options that make it more affordable!
Joseph Martin
My family and I went there to celebrate. It was an amazing dinner. The food was so flavorful and different than any other place. The chef is very talented at combining flavors. The desserts were very unique, but very good. For example, their was a chocolate and apricot cake which I’ve never had before and it was amazing. It seemed like the chef put his own touch. Our family all ordered different dishes. The highlight of the night was definitely all of the desserts lol, the ribeye, and calamari. Also shouout to Amanda for remembering all of the dishes and specials lol
… moreAlex Dreytser
Our visit to Second Empire was absolutely phenomenal! Elegant Victorian house, the ambience set the tone for a perfect dinner. Every dish we tried was a masterpiece! Just amazing! Impeccable service!!! We felt like VIPs! It was our anniversary dinner and everyone at the restaurant made sure we had an excellent experience. I can’t wait to return! If you are looking for an upscale dining experience in Raleigh with unforgettable food and service, Second Empire is a must visit. Highly recommend!!!
… moreA E
The service was fine, I had the scallops. Over $50 with tip for three scallops just is not worth it. The scallops needed way more salt and maybe a side of lemon to balance the flavor. Overall, service was fine, but not at all what I am used to visiting fine dining establishments. Underwhelmed on all fronts.
… moreBlane Rice
This is truly an exceptional dining experience. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the service very much. This is a special occasion restaurant. They made our 39th wedding anniversary very special!. We even had a signed menu from the chef waiting for us! Highly recommend for those special occasions!
… moreDisha Victor
Best fine dining restaurant in Raleigh! My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday. The food was exquisite and the ambience was amazing. They even gave me a signed menu by the chef as a birthday gift. Truly loved the whole experience. Highly recommend it!
… moreBRAD CROOKER
I have a habit of being too effusive in my praise in many of my reviews, but for SECOND EMPIRE, I cannot possibly hold back. This restaurant is phenomenal, on every level.
The owners are to be commended for renovating, establishing, and sustaining this iconic Victorian building as a culinary jewel in the downtown Raleigh landscape. The menu and the food experience are wonderful, and the table service is nothing short of professional; a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and efficient staff of servers. Micaela, in particular, although one of the youngest servers, demonstrated a flair for courteous, eloquent delivery in her expression of the components of every special menu item. She was dazzling.
The chef and their team outdo themselves with local, fresh ingredients, and flavor combinations that are out of this world.
The atmosphere is semi-formal and relaxed; a relief from the ordinary eateries that we are so often accustomed to. The no-rush ambiance is appropriate for their upscale price point.
I cannot recommend Second Empire highly enough. It’s sublime.
… moreThe owners are to be commended for renovating, establishing, and sustaining this iconic Victorian building as a culinary jewel in the downtown Raleigh landscape. The menu and the food experience are wonderful, and the table service is nothing short of professional; a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and efficient staff of servers. Micaela, in particular, although one of the youngest servers, demonstrated a flair for courteous, eloquent delivery in her expression of the components of every special menu item. She was dazzling.
The chef and their team outdo themselves with local, fresh ingredients, and flavor combinations that are out of this world.
The atmosphere is semi-formal and relaxed; a relief from the ordinary eateries that we are so often accustomed to. The no-rush ambiance is appropriate for their upscale price point.
I cannot recommend Second Empire highly enough. It’s sublime.
Camerons Culinarium
Really cool restaurant with great food. Started with a 3 cheese plate. The sheep’s milk blue cheese was the star of the show. They had a dinner course special of foie gras and a filet mignon. Both were paired with too many things to remember but everything paired really well together in every bite. A great balance of savory and sweet.
… more