One of our most exciting and flavorful dining experience in months. Our downtown Raleigh dining…read morescene has amazing options, and Madre has stayed under our radar for no particular reason. We dined at their lovely bar back in the first months of their opening, and it was good. We had met the general manager, Red, and were impressed with the flavors of our one appetizer, Calabrian Chicken, yet we never rushed back. Now, we feel compelled to return ASAP to enjoy these exceptional flavors, fabulous teamwork system of service, and a comfortable chic atmosphere. The place was happening at 5:45 pm on our recent dining night out with friends. Grateful to have a reservation we were seated at a very comfortable banquette type of seating. It felt like dining in a friend's home. Our server, William, is excellent at his job. Very efficient, great input on food choices, and quite personable. The meal started off with a burst of flavor as we enjoyed their fairly new offering of a ceviche called Eye of the Tiger that featured a sauce you can never get enough of. Wish their bread service was a bit more inspired, but the Le Farm bread did soak up some of the various sauces sent out from a very inspired kitchen team. Food runners help make certain the tapas come out fresh and hot when needed. They are a friendly group of hospitality workers who seem to genuinely enjoy their work and treat their guests with sincere appreciation. It all starts at the top, and GM Red is a personable and sound leader. We loved the Chef's pasta, our octopus dish was stellar, the Calabrian Chicken almost stole the show, but the unctuous flavors on the plate of the Seared Halloumi was hands down my favorite. I love how this culinary team can crank out such outstanding flavors table to table and patron to patron without missing a beat. The energy in the room must feed their souls & for that we are grateful. Lastly I wish to mention the thoughtfully curated wine list where my husband discovered a treasure of a wine from the Familia Torres brand. It was exquisite and paired perfectly with Madre's flavors. Our friend who frequent their bar often rave about their Mezcal margarita! Another visit. See you soon Madre familia!

This used to be one of my 3 go-to first date restaurants, but I've had to cut it from the list…read moreafter realizing it makes literally everyone in the place seem irresistibly sexy, and that is not wise. Truly, though, I'm here often and love it - my dear friend and I are both heavy-duty allergy kids and the Madre squad is exquisite at managing cross-contamination and adapting plates to be accommodating. If you have nothing else, order the cauliflower with the green goddess dressing. Maybe order that two or three times, actually. The salchipapas are probably my favorite app in Raleigh. Also, the owners are both super cute, and the Bryan Costello design is magnifique. I would hire that man to redo my entire home to feel like Madre.

Such a great spot in downtown Raleigh. Best cocktails and bartenders. The fish dip and onion…read morefritters are so good!

Urban Oak is a nice little oasis rooftop with nice city views, in ans outdoor seating and a huge…read moresquare bar. Nice ambiance, music, vibes. Perfect for small or large groups. Service was timely and attentive from staff. We had rounds ans rounds of champagne, and it was a nice chilled evening. Minimal noise level. I also had the lamb meatball which I felt like were a bit over cooked so they tunes out hard and rubbery. Luckily, it didn't sway my opinion of my experience. Next time I'll have to pop in for a solid meal to see how that goes. Would recommend, would go again.

Tapas tapas and more tapas! One better than the other. We did run into a huge problem though,…read moreexplained in more detail below. Wife and I started our quick little anniversary getaway here, and they nailed it. The place itself is gorgeous. Huge patio with greenery, baller bar area in the middle of the upscale open space, which gives a modern and chic vibe. That problem I mentioned? Deciding what we were going to order off of the amazingly stacked tapas menu. One sounded better than the other, plates coming out to the left and right of us...we were deer in headlights not knowing what to do, words didn't come out when our friendly and knowledgeable server came by. As far as problems go at a restaurant, I guess it could have been worse. With helpful guidance and knowing our love for anything foodie related, we just started picking one by one after a few sips of our well balanced cocktails (another large menu with anything and everything for fellow cocktail lovers out there). Had to go with a meat and charcuterie board first. A decadent manchego, a creamy French that was smooth and tangy, plus a 20 month cured ham that was salty and smoky. Honestly everything that came out after was a 10/10. From the wild mushrooms, Wagyu carpaccio and bone marrow, to the pork belly, corn bunuelos and steak paillard...everything was cooked to perfection with amazing spices and sauces that complemented each dish perfectly. (See pics and captions for more details) These chefs and mixologists know what they're doing here. 2 managers came by our table to make sure everything was going well. Top notch service, top shelf food and drink, modern and upscale decor and vibe. A perfect concoction for a special night out with family or friends.

I like Barcelona Wine Bar mainly because they are open late so you can have a nice meal after 9 pm…read more The bar is the highlight as they make good crafted cocktails and they do have an extensive wine list. The ambiance is dark and nice for couples or friends. The booths at the bar are not the most comfortable, so I prefer a table. The tapas are those you find at a traditional Spanish tapas place. The papas being amongst the most popular are a good staple. The charcuterie is also very nice. The other tapas can be hit or miss depending on what is seasonally offered. On this visit, I wanted Brussels sprouts but they were no longer on the menu and the lamb was not a bone in lamb but rather ground meatballs. Not bad, just not what I expected. It's not a place I seek out to come, but it's solid food and drinks that fills a need when I want a late bite.

One year ago, I took my now wife here for our first date. Today, we came back to celebrate our…read moreone-year anniversary, and the experience was just as special as we remembered. The staff could not have been more accommodating. Our waitress, Katie, was incredibly friendly and attentive, and the manager, Sammy, went out of her way to make us feel welcome. The chef even came over to introduce himself, which was a really nice touch. We also learned during our visit that the restaurant has recently been recognized by Michelin, very well deserved. Won't be surprised if they get their first star in the coming months. Definitely save room for the desserts, I've never tasted anything like it. A perfect place for a special night, and it'll always mean a lot to us since it's where our story started. We'll be back soon.

I made a reservation for four adults and my one-year-old through OpenTable, expecting a pleasant…read moredining experience. Instead, we were met at the host stand and immediately informed of a "no children under five" policy. This was presented not as an unfortunate misunderstanding, but as an oversight on our part, with staff insisting we should have known because it appears on their website. The issue, however, is that the reservation was made through OpenTable, where no such policy is disclosed. Even after the fact, I checked the restaurant's website and found the policy buried under a separate "policies" tab--not exactly front-and-center, and difficult to miss unless you were actively searching for it. Expecting guests to intuit or independently verify hidden policies, especially when booking through a third-party platform, feels unreasonable. More disappointing than the policy itself was the tone with which it was communicated. The interaction felt cold, dismissive, and entirely lacking in hospitality. We were told that the manager could be asked, but by that point, we already felt quite unwelcome. Restaurants are, of course, entitled to set their own policies--but how those policies are communicated matters just as much. Unfortunately, this experience left us feeling unwelcome and chastised rather than valued as guests. We will not be returning.

Bottom line: Lunch at Flour & Barrel was great! Small but nice selection of items on their lunch…read moremenu. The Radiatore small pasta was delicious and satisfying while just the right size for lunch, adding chicken for a protein boost. My friend enjoyed the Chicken Parm Sando and Kardashian Chopped Salad. Good service in a surprisingly well decorated atmosphere, I would come back to Flour & Barrel for more Italian goodness! The Deets: I wanted to catch up with a friend over a weekday lunch and we scoped out Flour & Barrel in DTR to do just that. When entering in from the pretty nondescript exterior/entrance on the corner of North and Harrington Streets, it becomes a colorful well decorated bistro/bar type feeling inside which is welcoming. We were shown to our table next to one of the wide windows facing North St, I liked this table with lots of natural light and yes, I am a people watcher as well. The server took our drink orders and asked if we had any questions about the menu. The lunch menu is pretty succinct but well represented, offering focaccia sandwiches (sandos), small pastas (pasta handmade in-house), and salads. It also has a wine and craft beer selection also if needed. My friend went with the Chicken Parmesan Focaccia Sando (has pomodoro, mozzarella, and basil) with Kardashian Chopped Salad (made with romaine, salami, provolone, piquillo peppers, artichoke, and garbanzo) for a side while I chose the Radiatore small pasta selection. The Radiatore is described on the menu as "our version of carbonara but creamier / guanciale / egg" so naturally it caught my eye. I am usually pretty cut and dry about wanting carbonara to be the traditional type but since they stated upfront that this is their version, I was willing to give it a go. I am glad I did, as this pasta dish was great. The serving was the perfect size for lunch, plus I was able to add chicken to it as well. The sauce was creamy and delicious, going well with the al dente pasta. This meal was most satisfying and I would love to get this one again in the future. My friend really enjoyed the sando so much, he had originally planned to eat half and take the other half home...that didn't work out the way he planned as he devoured the whole sandwich there, it was that good. He also enjoyed the salad as well. Our server did well checking on us and making sure we had what we needed. I am so glad we decided to try out Flour & Barrel for lunch, it worked out perfectly and was a very enjoyable meal.

Omgg! You MUST go to Flour & Barrel if you are visiting or live in Raleigh. First- I read about…read morethis place and its focus on homemade bread and pasta. Literally my two fav things in life. I also read about the restaurant guru, Anthony, who was there and came to chat with us in person. Such a nice and friendly guy. Lastly, of course I was excited to try this place with its ties to Top Chef. Shoutout to Chef Katsuji Tanabe. Ok now about the food. AMAZING. You must try the table bread and the pasta. We had to try the Radiatore- carbonara yum. And of course the meatball. So good. This place is meant for sharing since they are small plates. I wish I could have tried more items on the menu! Our server, Autumn, was a delight too! Thanks for the great food and hospitality!!

Do you want to have a great time out with friends? Bring them to Oro. There's a parking deck across…read morethe street nezt to Beasley's thats free on the weekend. Take $75.00 with you and get the cheese choice. I've never had such a delicious assortment of food to touch my palette. I was taken to another plane of existence. Juicy, fresh, and the service was quality. You have to try it. Check the menu and $ first because it won't be for everyone, but it is well worth it. Make a reservation as they were full when we went.

First, our server wasn't just good, he was fantastic. He said he'd been at Oro for 13 years…read more Truffle Mac and cheese was perfect, just the right amount of truffle. Brussels were great, enough sweet to compliment the Brussels. Sea bass had a very nice flavor and a nice presentation. Jerk chicken is hot! Customers should be warned. Wellington was requested medium rare, but came out medium well.

As always the staff is very nice, helpful and patient (so many delicious options)…read moreI got a fantastic salted latte, it was made perfectly and tasted so good. I parked just up the road at Dorothia Dix Park, it was a short beautiful walk. I sat inside and sipped on my coffee and enjoyed the music. You can sit in or out, you can order food. They have recycling when you are finished.

A great way to start your Friday! Local coffee house with delicious food and even more delicious…read moredrinks! I grabbed a Iced Peach Tea with mint, orangecicle donut with creme, and coffee cake! My mom and I especially enjoyed the refreshing mint in the tea. They even offered to warm our coffee cake!

Brunch at Raleigh Botanical Cafe with my girlfriends was exactly the kind of Sunday reset we…read moreneeded. From the seamless online ticketing to the elevated atmosphere, everything felt intentional. The DJ brought the energy, the food delivered, and the complimentary mimosa (with a virgin option available) was a nice touch. We sat both inside and outside, and even with the cold, gloomy weather, the outdoor heaters kept things warm and comfortable, which made the experience that much better. The weather may not have cooperated, but inside and out? Nothing but good vibes and great company. Effortless, fun, and definitely worth it.

Brunch Buffet included: Assorted fruit, spinach salad, eggs, pork sausage & bacon, mini chicken &…read morewaffles, French toast dippers, cheese, jams, fruit parfait, donuts & other pastries. Not bad for 30.00 all you can eat however it wasn't great at all. The food was room temp. I guess this would work if you're super toasted & need to fill your stomach up but for someone who truly wanted to enjoy the experience- I couldn't. Here's what I enjoyed... the fresh juice, the patio & the atmosphere. I do not recommend the food at all.

Went with some international friends to Level7 Rooftop and loved it! Great city views, fun vibes,…read moreand cocktails that hit the mark -- from classics to fruity twists. Bartenders were friendly, and the rooftop breeze makes chatting easy. Ideal spot for a casual night out in Raleigh! It's an upscale bar so one cocktail can cost about $20 with tax, minus the tip. I got the Xenias Oasis and it was good.

Not bad! Awesome views!…read more My daughter and I were in town a few Friday's ago for a concert at the Lenovo Center and I only needed a room to chill and change clothes. Granted the cost was pricey but I was sold on this rooftop restaurant vibe. Level 7 is sexy! Level 7 is an open concept! Level 7 treated us just fine. Now my daughter always wants fries wherever she dines, but this restaurant only served tots. Bummer! Minus a half star. And my go to is a fresh margarita or a Cadillac margarita and they didn't do either. Minus a half star. Nevertheless, my burger and tots were decent and suffice enough as a meal I shared with my daughter before the show. I did get a margarita and asked for it to be prepared a certain way but it didn't match the vibe of Level 7. Pre-made not crafted. Now if you're in the area perhaps a glass of wine and just relaxing is all that's warranted here. I wouldn't recommend you come for the food... good vibes only. Valet parking or there's a garage within walking distance. Go at your own risk. Have fun and enjoy life :)

I was seated promptly, well taken care of, and had a delicious bacon cheeseburger. Really nice view…read moreand overall feel. Even a balcony with outdoor seating once it warms up a bit. Would definitely recommend!

I visited High Rail last night during Restaurant Week and ordered from the special Restaurant Week…read moremenu. I ordered the sea bass, which was noticeably different from what was listed on the menu online. The online menu included risotto, but what was served instead was a sauce-based preparation. The price I was charged also did not match the price listed on the website. That said, when I brought this to the attention of our server, he immediately spoke with management, and the issue was corrected without any pushback. I really appreciated how professionally and promptly they handled it. On the plus side, the ambiance is very nice and upscale, but not in a way that makes you feel like you need to dress up to be there. It's polished but comfortable. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive throughout the evening. For anyone who hasn't been before, the entrance can be a little confusing. The restaurant is accessed through the Hyatt Hotel and is located on the seventh floor. Overall, a solid experience with good service and atmosphere, just a few menu inconsistencies to be aware of during Restaurant Week.