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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Durham

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cucciolo Osteria Durham restaurant
1. Cucciolo Osteria Durham
4.8
Exceptional(1664)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 32 times today
Cousins Jimmy and Julian Kim welcome you to Cucciolo Osteria Durham! A sister restaurant to the original Cucciolo Osteria in Seoul, Korea, offering modern Italian cuisine with a twist.We are located in the same building as the Amtrak train station, just opposite side, next to West End Wine Bar.
A photo of NanaSteak restaurant
2. NanaSteak
4.8
Exceptional(2650)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 32 times today
NanaSteak offers high-energy upscale dining at its finest. Enjoy drinks and appetizers with friends at the beautiful and well appointed bar or dine from a menu full of local North Carolina fare. The award wining wine list offers many unique and interesting selections to compliment any meal. With an impeccable attention to detail, this is the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary evening. In short, NanaSteak is more than just Durham's finest steakhouse.
A photo of Mateo Bar de Tapas restaurant
3. Mateo Bar de Tapas
4.8
Exceptional(2447)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Durham
Booked 29 times today
Mateo Bar de Tapas is the first solo venture from chef Matthew Kelly, housed in the old Book Exchange building in the heart of downtown Durham. Featuring a menu that blends the flavors of Spain with beloved ingredients and dishes of the South. We offer a casual, yet refined, menu of Spanish small plates with Southern inflection. Accompanying the food is a robust Spanish wine list as well as one of the largest sherry offerings in the country!
A photo of M Tempura restaurant
4. M Tempura
4.8
Exceptional(621)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Durham
Booked 2 times today
M Tempura is a special occasion spot for its traditional Japanese tempura and Kaiseki Omakase offerings. Reviews rave about the excellent service and delicious food, with many recommending it for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. The attentive staff and carefully crafted menu ensure a memorable and delightful experience for diners.
A photo of Nanas restaurant
5. Nanas
4.8
Exceptional(406)
Price: Expensive
• American • Durham
Booked 32 times today
Nanas is a neighborhood restaurant in Durham, North Carolina. Helmed by Chefs Matt Kelly and Nate Garyantes, Nanas pays tribute to Nana’s, our beloved predecessor, while reimagining all of the details. Abundant, local ingredients shine on our seasonal menus, which feature dishes like Twice-Baked Grits Soufflé, Duck Ragout Tagliatelle, and the iconic Nana’s risotto alongside seasonal wood grilled whole fish, crispy lamb shoulder, and fresh-baked breads and desserts made daily in house. In our cozy bar you'll find finely executed classic cocktails and local beers, while the wine program offers upwards of 250+ labels of impeccably curated, farming-first wines. If your desired time for a reservation is not available our bar seats are open on a first come first serve basis. Call your nana, it's time to eat.
A photo of Nikos restaurant
6. Nikos
4.6
Exceptional(467)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Durham
Booked 45 times today
NIKOS offers a treasure trove of flavors distilled from Greece and the surrounding regions — spanning from the southern coast of Crete to the north of Mount Athos, and from the Ionian islands to the Aegean Sea.We invite you to embark on a culinary journey that encompasses health, wisdom, dreams, passions, and the timeless pursuit of ideas that transcend boundaries.
A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant
7. Fairview Dining Room
4.8
Exceptional(1900)
Price: Expensive
• American • Durham
Booked 24 times today
The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has been reimagined as a lighter, brighter backdrop for our renowned fine dining experience. Featuring custom details hand-crafted for the space by regional artisans, this new design simply enhances what you have loved for years. With the reopening of the new Fairview Dining Room, our Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his imaginative culinary team have introduced a new Fall menu, perfectly complementing the elevated look and feel of the space. Indulge in a savory Cheshire Pork Tenderloin or delicious Duke of Crabcake with a sommelier suggested wine and finish with a decadent hand-crafted dessert from our pastry team, each dish embracing cozy flavors perfect for fall.
A photo of Parizade restaurant
8. Parizade
4.7
Exceptional(3339)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Durham
Booked 25 times today
Parizade is Mediterranean inspired culinary creations. A vast open kitchen spans the length of the restaurant. Surreal art by Henryk Fantazos adorns the walls and ceiling. Parizade is truly the crowning jewel of Giorgios Hospitality Group. *Large parties, please call the restaurant at 919-286-9712*
A photo of Metro 8 Steakhouse restaurant
9. Metro 8 Steakhouse
4.5
Awesome(929)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 3 times today
Metro 8 Steakhouse is a go-to spot for special occasions. With its upscale ambiance and professionally-trained chefs, it's perfect for date nights or celebrating special events. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive service, delicious food, and excellent wine selection. One even celebrated their anniversary with a chocolate soufflé! It's a place where the food, atmosphere, and service come together to make memorable dining experiences.
A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant
10. Nasher Cafe at Duke University
4.7
Exceptional(860)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Durham
Booked 23 times today
The 125-seat indoor/outdoor Nasher Cafe overlooks the garden and sits adjacent to the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen "Corridor Pin" sculpture, providing a serene and beautiful ambience. The Nasher Cafe offers local and sustainable products forged into creative lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Guests can experience a world class museum as well as restaurant in one stop.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mena
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Came here yesterday for my boyfriend’s birthday dinner and would definitely be coming back. The food, service, the experience was all very great.
    More info
    NanaSteakPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • Joe
    San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great option for three and four course traditional Italian meal with a date or group. Knowledgeable staff. Maggie was helpful with both the food and wine menu. Open air kitchen makes for an aromatic environment, tonight was brown butter sage.
    More info
    Cucciolo Osteria DurhamPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Atlanta •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great food, fun atmosphere, could work on course pacing, although since it’s tapas it works out
    More info
    Mateo Bar de TapasPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • JoeVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Fantastic dinner on Valentines Day. Prix Iixe menu was outstanding - something for everyone. Wine pairings were very well done. Enjoyed the entire night. One bit of advice - parking here is at a premium and nearby businesses do not like to share. So, take an Uber/Lyft if you can.
    More info
    NanasPrice: Expensive• American• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • StephenVIP
    Charlotte •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We took refuge from truly nasty weather in the refuge of cozy (49 occupancy) and warm M Tempura. This was our third time here and the food was again marvelous. We had the omekase and all of the dishes were delicious and light. Chef Savannah Miller doesn't tinker much with the menu, mostly seafood, but I wouldn't want her to. One novel addition was a dolma with a shiso wrapper and almond dukkah. So nice!
    More info
    M TempuraPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Durham
    •
    4.8

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Durham

Durham, Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill boasts a vibrant dining scene, ideal for those looking to celebrate special occasions in a memorable setting. Restaurants in this area cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, offering everything from upscale, gourmet experiences to intimate, cozy settings. Each restaurant is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that each meal is not just eaten but celebrated. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a milestone anniversary, or a significant birthday, you'll find establishments in Durham that specialize in making your special events extraordinary. The selection of eateries in this region is known for their culinary expertise and the ability to create unique, flavorful dishes that are perfect for any celebration. The ambiance of these restaurants is carefully curated to complement the exquisite menus and enhance your dining experience, making every occasion feel even more special.

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