Raleigh, North Carolina: 5 Restaurants You'll Want to Visit

Whether you're in the mood for an upscale night on the town or a more casual dining experience, you'll find a restaurant to suit your tastes conveniently located in or near downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Choose from delicious Japanese cuisine, zesty Italian food, tasty Vegetarian dining, classic American fare, and much more. Here are 5 popular Raleigh restaurants you'll want to take the time to visit when you're in town.

Second Empire Restaurant at the Historic Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879) offers fine dining in its private dining rooms as well as a tavern area and a glassed atrium room for a more casual experience. Named for the Second Empire Victorian architectural style of the magnificent building, the restaurant menu features Contemporary American Cuisine and seats up to 250 people. Second Empire is located at 330 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. You can phone them for information and reservations at 919-829-3663.

A Triangle favorite since 1975, The Irregardless Café at 901 W. Morgan Street is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday brunch. They offer a fresh selection of seafood, local vegetables and fruits, prepared meats, an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, and homemade desserts. They also offer catering for business and personal functions and often feature live music. For details call 919-833-8898 or 919-610-0872.

If you're in the mood for Asian food, check out Five Star Restaurant on 511 W. Hargett Street. This chic downtown restaurant serves traditional Chinese fare such as hot and sour soup plus their own signature dishes like 5 Star General's Chicken and Heat Seeker Shrimp. The restaurant is open for dinner 7 days a week. Take out is also available. Phone 919-833-3311 for details and directions.

For a thoroughly modern dining experience, visit Sono Japanese Restaurant. Enjoy your favorite sushi in this sleek downtown restaurant. This new downtown favorite offers a wide selection of fresh entrees and free valet parking. Open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner 7 days a week Located at 319 Fayetteville Street, phone 919-341-7971 for more information.

The Angus Barn, a landmark restaurant located in North Raleigh at 9401 Glenwood Avenue is must-visit for any meat lover. Serving the Raleigh area since 1960, the Angus Barn is now one of the nation's most successful restaurants and ranked one of the 100 best restaurants in the United States. The menu features entrees including North Carolina farm-raised prawns, marinated beef fillets, barbecued ribs, filet mignon, prime rib, and much more. Choose from a wide selection of wines, appetizers, and desserts. Available for private dining as well as large banquets. Open 7 days a week for dinner. Phone 919-781-2444 for reservations and current menu specials.

These are only a sampling of the fine eating establishments worth visiting in the Triangle area. While there are a considerable amount of restaurants big and small throughout the Raleigh North Carolina worth checking out, these 5 are a great place to start.