Raleigh Recommendations
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing
Great restaurant with small-batch craft brews, innovative pub grub, Sunday brunch & outdoor seating overlooking the Raleigh skyline. Jason and Ellie went here on one of their first dinner dates!
Angus Barn
One of the most iconic Raleigh restaurants, Angus Barn is a delicious steakhouse specializing in prime rib and filet mignon, shrimp cocktails, and creamed spinach along with one of the largest wine selections in the state. Ellie and Jason have spent many anniversaries here. Typically reservations are made very far in advance, so if this is on your Raleigh to-do list, we encourage you to book ASAP.
Poole's
Ellie's favorite restaurant! A diner with seasonal comfort food, cocktails & house desserts in a retro-chic setting. Owned by James Beard Award-winning Raleigh chef, Ashley Christensen. Heads up: there's usually a long wait if reservations aren't made in advance.
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery
Both Ellie & Jason loved coming here as kids. Ellie's family only knows it as "Turny Stool" because of the spinning barstools you are seated at. Classic American fare like chicken parm, tuna casserole, and soup make up the savory side of this cafe’s lunch and dinner menu, but in reality Hayes-Barton is where Raleigh comes for cake.
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Southern home cooking serving breakfast and lunch. Ellie & Jason have had brunch dates here & city market is an adorable place to wander around after.
Beasley's Chicken + Honey
You know Ellie & Jason really just want to be recommending Bojangles...but to avoid putting a fast food restaurant on their wedding website, here's the next best thing! Beasley's has updated versions of fried chicken & waffles & other Southern classics in a modern setting.
Caffe Luna
Tuscan-accented Italian fare served in an airy, art-filled space with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Kerr & Chappell families recently had dinner here together after Ellie said "yes to the dress!"
Armadillo Grill
This was a favorite lunch spot for Ellie & Jason's high school friends. They have Tex-Mex staples including soft tacos, burritos & margaritas in a low-key space with outdoor tables.
Bida Manda
Hip, modern hideaway for Laotian fare & exotic cocktails in a slick, yet woodsy looking space.
Crawford and Son
A dinner spot located in historic Oakwood serving modern comfort food owned by Scott Crawford, a five-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef in the Southeast.
Scratch Kitchen & Taproom
Dishes made from scratch with a focus on southern hospitality. A quick walk from the brand new Downtown Cary Park which is a perfect place to walk around in the springtime.