Diners' Choice: Great for scenic views restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking restaurants that have the most scenic view in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Herons

4.8

4.8 (3154)

$50 and over

American

Cary

About the restaurant

Herons, the signature restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina, offers an exceptional fine dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Located close to Raleigh, North Carolina, Herons is known for its locally inspired, seasonal menus and stunning garden views, Herons showcases a full-view kitchen and an elegant, art-filled dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Every detail—from the fresh, regionally sourced ingredients to the curated wine list—reflects a commitment to artistry and culinary excellence.

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great ambiance, and our server was outstanding! We always enjoy Heron's! Thank you!

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4.8

4.8 (1901)

$31 to $50

American

Durham

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Barbara

Dined on Feb 28, 2025

The afternoon tea was delightful (albeit pricey). Among the diners it was fun to see moms and their well behaved children dressed to the nines having tea there. The three plate tower of food- savory, sweet and scones was enough for a meal- actually more than a meal. There were about 35 people at 3 PM on a Friday afternoon. The was little noise, just quiet conversation.

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CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKE

La Terrazza

4.7

4.7 (437)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Raleigh

About the restaurant

La Terrazza, the newest addition to Umbria Hospitality Group, presents a delightful fusion of southern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by an enchanting city skyline view. With seasonal delicacies, premium ingredients, and market-fresh produce, our menu showcases traditional favorites with innovative flair. Step into our inviting dining space adorned with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, or unwind at one of our two bars – one indoors and the other nestled in a patio enclosure. We aim to whisk you away to a culinary experience like no other. Patio seating is first come first serve for reservations.

Top review

Daniel

Dined 3 days ago

We were there for dinner. Bread, salad, desert amazing!! 1 of 2 appetizers very good. Other appetizer was not exciting. Ravioli was good but expected a little better because of inhouse made pasta. Very much enjoyed outdoor seating. Would go back to enjoy ambience and try the Pizza. I wish I could put 4.5 stars.

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Simply Crepes Cafe of Raleigh

4.7

4.7 (192)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

A full-service restaurant and bar. Offers progressively traditional, French Canadian farmhouse vibes. Scratch-made comfort food is handcrafted in our kitchen using fresh meats, produce, signature sauces and dressings.

Menu Musings: Nosh on some of fan favorites for breakfast like French toast, Maple Sausage Stackers, oatmeal creme brulee, simply strawberry crepes. Lunch can be healthy! Many gluten and dairy free options. Try a Mediterranean Chicken (or make it vegetarian with tofu). Vegan friends love the Thai Curry Crepe. Food Network has featured our Rugby Crepe on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Try it, is it the best?! Come for dinner and grab a burger or fried chicken sandwich. After dinner nutella dessert crepes - yes!

Top review

Robert

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food and superb service. One of my favorite restaurants in Raleigh. Highly recommended for everyone to try Simply Crepes!

Tenth & Terrace

4.6

4.6 (98)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Rooftop restaurant and bar on the 10th floor in the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown. The restaurant features contemporary American fusion dishes, signature cocktails, and an INCREDIBLE VIEW! Perfect spot for a date night or if you want to grab a pre-show cocktail and bite to eat. Located in close walking distance to the Raleigh Convention Center, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, and the Red Hat Amphitheater.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Great relax8ng evening. We sat on the outside couches. The staff lit the heaters, because the temps were dropping and there was a breeze, and it warmed our space up and we were perfectly comfortable. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I look forward to going back and highly recommend.

RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Raleigh

4.6

4.6 (311)

$50 and over

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

The RH Rooftop Restaurant is located on the third floor of RH Raleigh, The Gallery at North Hills. Enjoy a menu of enduring classics and signature dishes, along with a curated selection of Champagnes and wines. Dine in a year-round skylit garden escape with heritage olive trees, sparkling chandeliers and a cascading, cast-stone center fountain.

Top review

Shawna

Dined 3 days ago

Lunchtime staff are welcoming and helpful. The ambience and rooftop views are exquisitely appointed. The service was exceptional. We had to twice ask for things that the waiter forgot and we received them quickly. The staff were complimentary and very attentive to our requests.

Coffee Bar at The Durham

4.4

4.4 (539)

$30 and under

American

Durham

About the restaurant

The Coffee Bar at The Durham is a morning-to-night gathering place where days begin with breakfast and Counter Culture coffee, afternoons invite co-working and casual meetings over salads and sandwiches, and evenings unfold with classic cocktails, spirit-free drinks, and shareable plates. It’s low-key — order at the bar, then settle into a book, puzzle, or board game with friends. With a welcoming atmosphere and room to gather, it’s an ideal spot for clubs and meetups to come together. Light-filled by day, cozy by night, it’s not quite a coffee shop, not quite a bar — it’s the perfect in-between.

Reservations available via Open Table for Brunch and Special Events or Contact our sales team at 919-768-8831 to reserve space in advance for your club or meeting.

Top review

ErinVIP

Dined on Mar 2, 2025

The New Orleans special Sunday evening supper was delicious; our server was attentive and friendly; and the tables are spaced out enough that it was possible to have (and hear) a conversation. Highly recommended.

The Willard

4.4

4.4 (608)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Raleigh

About the restaurant

The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh's Best Rooftop Bar of 2022 & 2023, offers signature craft cocktails and inspired bites with stunning views of downtown Raleigh.

The centerpiece of The Willard is the Large Terrace with panoramic views of the Raleigh skyline and dual-sided fireplace surrounded by comfortable, yet modern, seating. Heaters make our outdoor spaces comfortable year-round. Inside, a 22-seat bar is the focal point of the dining room, while Skyview Boardroom offers a unique dining experience for 6-12 guests.

The Willard’s cocktail menu playfully leans into Raleigh’s nickname as the City of Oaks, offering signature craft cocktails aged in oak barrels and cocktails where smoke is a key ingredient.

The seasonal food menu, crafted by Chef Kyle Teears, includes shareables like papas bravas and charcuterie, as well as salads, Flatbreads, and entrees like the Lamb Burger and Steak Frites.
Located on the 7th floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.

Top review

JoyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Brunch at The Willard offered a great menu selection, though we were disappointed that the jazz performance was cancelled. The waitstaff were exceptionally friendly and attentive throughout our meal. The manager personally greeted guests and interacted with everyone, adding a warm touch to the dining experience.

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Overlook Raleigh Downtown Restaurant

4.2

4.2 (136)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

The Overlook features a seasonal internationally influenced full-service menu accompanied by premium spirits, wines and local brews, as well as a rotating selection of signature specialty entrées created by our Executive Chef Johnny Petrie. We are located directly across from the Raleigh Convention Center, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and the Red Hat Amphitheater.

LOCATED INSIDE THE RESIDENCE INN RALEIGH DOWNTOWN

Top review

Susan

Dined 6 days ago

Convenient for a pre-concert meal. Not too crowded when I was there. Excellent service. Chicken BLT was just OK.

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Experience

BURGER & BREW THURSDAYS

High Rail

4.2

4.2 (50)

$31 to $50

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

High Rail is a vibrant new bar and restaurant in Seaboard Station, downtown Raleigh, offering breathtaking views and a lively atmosphere. Our world-class cocktail program features handcrafted drinks using the freshest ingredients, expertly made by our talented bartenders. Our menu features refined New American style cuisine, to perfectly accompany the stunning views. High Rail is perfect for after work drinks, date night on the terrace, or a celebration with friends.

PLEASE NOTE: we only take reservations for a very small number of tables in order to prioritize walk-in seating.
For groups over 4 people, please call us to book directly.

Top review

tizzy

Dined 5 days ago

Loved the food plus the views! Will Be Back Very Soon.

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