Second Empire Restaurant
(919) 829-3663
330 Hillsborough St
Raleigh,
NC
27603
35.780562
-78.643845
Neighborhood: Central
Hours:
Open for Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Tavern opens at 4:30pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 6.24.09
What People Are Saying About Second Empire Restaurant
The Owner
Second Empire Restaurant
Owner
Located in downtown Raleigh?s historic Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, exceptional service and gourmet cusine for an unforgettable dining experience. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern features our award winning Contemporary American Cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Upstairs enjoy the ultimate dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of charm and grace. Downstairs in the Tavern and beautiful Atrium room enjoy a lighter fare menu and more casual environment. The Capitol Room, Raleigh Room, Pine Room and Atrium Room are available for private parties seating up to 55 people or various combinations of rooms for parties up to 300 people. Second Empire is very proud to be the recipient of the DiRoNA Award the AAA Four Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1998.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Diners enter through leaded glass doors to stand in front of an ornate staircase. Linen-covered tables are placed throughout several lavish rooms. Warm tones and gentle candlelight add the finishing touches to this romantic setting. Start with the flavorful "Sapelo Mud River" clams, steamed perfectly and enhanced with Italian sausage. For entrees, the sauteed diver scallops over smoked duck and the roasted Australian lamb rack in a white truffle lamb jus are both top notch.
User Reviews
LMar
June 03, 2009
Great food, romantic, and staff is eager to please. If you are in town for business then head here or Frazier's, but skip Magnolia. (Magnolia is just a big, snobby fish in a little pond.)
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ses6008
March 08, 2009
We went here for my birthday 11/08. The service was fabulous. They asked me when making reservations whether or not we were celebrating an event, and I told them it was my birthday. When we arrived, my menu had a happy birthday message printed on it as well as being signed by the owner and head chef. This little attention to detail was continous throughout our experience. It is, however a bit pricey. Expect to be paying top dollar, however I feel that you have to pay to get a real fine dining experience. We usually go to steak houses in the area for events like birthdays and anniversaries, but we have now found our new special event restaurant. The only drawback I saw was that the chef seemed to be into the "new thing" of doing some purees with the entrees, so if you are not into purees or sauces, you probably won't like everything going on in some of the dishes. Expect to get a real sort of "top chef" kind of dinner where everything in the dishes complements each other, but if you are the kind of person who likes to be able to change things around in your entrees, this may not be the place for you. Each dish is obvously clearly thought out and executed superbly, but it's not the kind of place where you can pick your sides. We absolutely loved our experience and will be coming back for more soon!
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OnTheReal
March 05, 2009
I have always been attracted by Second Empire's curb appeal and vintage ambiance. Due to a tight purse, I always would sigh in passing and say to myself that one day Im going to dine there. Well, a year or two passed and I couldnt stand it anymore. One of my dear friends came in from out of town to visit. She had to go to dialysis and still remained her chipper and high spirited self. I came to grips that everyday can be a special occassion. Just because.We splurged and laughed like old times. Staff was very courteous and attentive. Food was just wonderful. I cant even recal everything that we ordered, but I know I dined sufficiently and savored every morsel. I think I'll take my sister there when she comes to visit. We were seated in the dining room by the bay window wich was quite nice.
read full reviewThe Details on Second Empire Restaurant
Save Money:
For a look at the Dodd-Hinsdale house at half the price, dine downstairs at the more casual Tavern.
Know Before You Go:
For a first-hand kitchen experience, call ahead and reserve the chef's table where you can watch the workings of the Second Empire staff. (Advanced reservations required.)
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Debit Card
General Merchandise Store Products:
Restaurant Special Features:
Fine Dining, Business Dining, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
On porch only
Message from Second Empire Restaurant
- AAA Four Diamond Award Winner!
- Tavern Menu
- Private Parties available
Located in downtown Raleigh?s historic Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, exceptional service and gourmet cusine for an unforgettable dining experience. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern features our award winning Contemporary American Cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Upstairs enjoy the ultimate dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of charm and grace. Downstairs in the Tavern and beautiful Atrium room enjoy a lighter fare menu and more casual environment. The Capitol Room, Raleigh Room, Pine Room and Atrium Room are available for private parties seating up to 55 people or various combinations of rooms for parties up to 300 people. Second Empire is very proud to be the recipient of the DiRoNA Award the AAA Four Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1998.
