Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern in Raleigh is a true gem, offering an exceptional fine-dining experience within the historic and beautifully preserved Dodd-Hinsdale House. From the moment you arrive, the elegant atmosphere sets the tone—refined yet welcoming, with a sense of timeless charm that makes any evening feel special. The cuisine is nothing short of outstanding. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented, making each plate feel like a work of art. From the rich, flavorful paella to the evening special of perfectly executed crab cakes, the food delivers both creativity and balance, highlighting high-quality ingredients and expert technique. Each bite is as delicious as it is beautiful. The service is equally amazing—our server Sam and his assistant were polished, attentive, and genuinely warm. A special highlight was dessert: each pastry choice was outstanding, clearly made with the same care and artistry as the main courses. To make the evening even more memorable, the chef personally signed our menu, a thoughtful gesture that made our anniversary feel truly special and unforgettable.

The service and overall atmosphere were truly the highlight of our experience. My husband took me here for my birthday, and I was immediately impressed by the upscale ambiance. Our waitress was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, she guided us through the menu and helped create a special, celebratory experience for my day. As for the food, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. I started with a salad that was overly salty. The lamb I ordered was decent, but I’ve had better, and my husband’s duck was just okay. While the dishes were fine, they didn’t stand out or feel worth the price. Overall, the ambiance and exceptional service stood out far more than the food itself.

First timer and will return! When the hostess called to confirm and asked if we were celebrating something special, I mentioned our anniversary. We arrived for our 6:45 reservation about 6-7 minutes early and were seated immediately in the main dining room. We were presented with the standard menus, wine list, special cocktail list, etc., plus a copy of the menu with a Happy Anniversary (with our names) at the top and signed by the Chef as a keepsake of the evening -- such an awesome touch. Every staff member was amazing. They were knowledgable, friendly, authentic, and attentive. We started with the Aleppo Margarita (great amount of spice and flavor) and a standard Rum & Coke (also balanced for something simple). For firsts, we split the pork belly and a foie gras special. The depth of flavor was incredible. Perfect amount of sauce, accents, and temperature. For seconds, we both had the ribeye. We're definitely picky with steak, in general, as we both can make great steaks - these were flavorful and excellent cuts. I was surprised that the recommendation was "Medium." My husband got his rare and I said medium to medium-rare. Medium rare is my go-to, but with the Chef recommending Medium, I didn't want to stray too far from the preferred. The outermost parts of my steak edged on the far side of Medium, but the rest was just as asked for. I would consider my husband's medium rare (at least 90% of it), so there are probably some hot parts of the grill/pan. All that aside, the cut, flavor, and sides were so well-balanced. We split a bottle of WillaKenzie Pinot Noir and it went well with all. We were stuffed and didn't even consider dessert. We would absolutely return because of top notch service, attention to detail, atmosphere, and quality and taste of food! While we did spend a lot per person (according to google review options), there are many dishes and wines by glass options that make it more affordable!

My family and I went there to celebrate. It was an amazing dinner. The food was so flavorful and different than any other place. The chef is very talented at combining flavors. The desserts were very unique, but very good. For example, their was a chocolate and apricot cake which I’ve never had before and it was amazing. It seemed like the chef put his own touch. Our family all ordered different dishes. The highlight of the night was definitely all of the desserts lol, the ribeye, and calamari. Also shouout to Amanda for remembering all of the dishes and specials lol 😂

Our visit to Second Empire was absolutely phenomenal! Elegant Victorian house, the ambience set the tone for a perfect dinner. Every dish we tried was a masterpiece! Just amazing! Impeccable service!!! We felt like VIPs! It was our anniversary dinner and everyone at the restaurant made sure we had an excellent experience. I can’t wait to return! If you are looking for an upscale dining experience in Raleigh with unforgettable food and service, Second Empire is a must visit. Highly recommend!!!

We came to celebrate our anniversary, and the staff did several things to help us celebrate. Derek was our waiter, and he was very knowledgeable about not only the menu, but the history of the restaurant as well. Staff was very accommodating, checking in frequently but not too much. The food was delicious, and the presentation was fantastic. We started with the French onion soup and the roasted duck leg at pineapple salad. For entrees, we had grilled moroccan seasoned swordfish and the New Hampshire crabcake. Both were perfect! In addition to the delicious food, we enjoyed some of their signature drinks. To top things off, Derek gave us a tour of the home/restaurant. It was an excellent experience.

This is truly an exceptional dining experience. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the service very much. This is a special occasion restaurant. They made our 39th wedding anniversary very special!. We even had a signed menu from the chef waiting for us! Highly recommend for those special occasions!

I have a habit of being too effusive in my praise in many of my reviews, but for SECOND EMPIRE, I cannot possibly hold back. This restaurant is phenomenal, on every level. The owners are to be commended for renovating, establishing, and sustaining this iconic Victorian building as a culinary jewel in the downtown Raleigh landscape. The menu and the food experience are wonderful, and the table service is nothing short of professional; a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and efficient staff of servers. Micaela, in particular, although one of the youngest servers, demonstrated a flair for courteous, eloquent delivery in her expression of the components of every special menu item. She was dazzling. 😊 The chef and their team outdo themselves with local, fresh ingredients, and flavor combinations that are out of this world. The atmosphere is semi-formal and relaxed; a relief from the ordinary eateries that we are so often accustomed to. The no-rush ambiance is appropriate for their upscale price point. I cannot recommend Second Empire highly enough. It’s sublime.

Bottom line: Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern delivered a wonderful meal this visit. Every part was great. The cheese board, French Onion Soup, and the night's filet special I feel deserve all five stars. Good service in a charming Victorian house atmosphere. Awesome! The Deets: I've not experienced Second Empire in such a very long time, so when some friends/coworkers suggested we hit Second Empire after work recently then I was all in. Set in a large Victorian era house in DTR, it is beautiful as well as charming inside and out. We decided to hang in the tavern/bar area downstairs for dinner as we did not have reservations for the night. After a surprisingly minimal wait, we were guided to one of the side wall seating areas in the tavern area where you can also order/enjoy dinner. They have a great menu of beers, wines, cocktails, and mocktails to enjoy pre-meal. I went with the Sweet Tart mocktail (tasting very much like the candy namesake, and very sweet indeed) and the non-alcoholic version of Bitburger beer with my meal. We all decided to share a five cheese plate to begin our meal experience and every cheese was so delicious, it was so worth it. I also chose their French Onion Soup for a first course starter as well and I have to say it was nearly perfect, I would definitely order again! Lots and lots of cheese with a perfectly seasoned (as in not overly seasoned but balanced) soup with plenty of croutons within it. For my main course, I went with their filet special that night. When it came out, it had a beautiful presentation. I asked for it medium rare and it was cooked perfectly. The accompanying items gave it a wonderful profile including the sauce, hominy, potatoes, kale...just everything blended together for an amazing filet, I was very satisfied! Our server was helpful and knowledgeable, we were well taken care of during our meal. Definitely giving all the stars for this visit to Second Empire, I had a great meal!

Maybe it was the time of day that we went (-8pm) but it was alright. The food tasted good but it was definitely cold/lukewarm. I think we looked past that since the food did taste good. I 100% believe it couldve been better. The chocolate apricot cake was disappointing. Not just bc it was a 'fine dining' restaurant but in general this cake was pretty dry and lacked flavor. However the bavarian cake was wonderful. Our server was nice - he was very fast paced and didnt spend too much time with us which was fine. Our water glasses were never empty so i will say the service is pretty great. We were definitely taken care of but nothing that gave "out of our way" experience. It may have been bc it was the end of the night I appreciated how they decorated - it really is a beautiful home. Just wish we enjoyed the food more.

We booked our anniversary dinner here, and from the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted and well taken care of. For starters, we had a crispy point Judith calamari and the crispy Beeler farms, braised pork belly. The pork belly was definitely the star- it literally melted in our mouth and was packed with so much flavor we couldn't get enough. For our entrees, we ordered the grilled beeler farms pork rack chop & the Roasted Australian lamb rack. The pork chop paired perfectly with the sauces- honestly, I was speechless. The lamb rack was also incredible--tender, perfectly cooked and seasoned just right. To end the night, we had a chocolate martini and crème brûlée for dessert, and both were absolutely superb. Everything from start to finish was amazing. Will definitely be coming back to try more dishes highly recommend this place.

Hands down, this place is easily one of the best fine dining establishments I've encountered! We had drinks in the tavern, then dinner in the atrium. We opted for the Pepsi Pork Belly to share. I got the special filet mignon and husband got the rack of lamb. For dessert, well, I knew I had to do soufflé! ALWAYS DO SOUFFLÉ IF GIVEN THE OPTION! Husband got something tasty, but he's asleep now and I can't recall what it was. But he loved it! Seriously, EXCELLENT service. Wonderful fellow patrons (sigh of relief), and just... such a wonderful way to spend our 11th wedding anniversary this evening. Thank you to the whole team for being the epitome of professional and providing exquisite service. Thank you chef and kitchen for giving it your all. I know it's stressful back there! Proud of you! Michelin, wake up! You're sleeping on this one. Also, if you've made it this far.... And you happen to travel to San Diego. Check out Born & Raised--on the same vibe wavelength, IMO. Superb!

Absolutely amazing dining experience with Sam as our server, Will as the back server, and Amanda overseeing things as manager. We were excited to have my brother and his wife enjoy the cuisine Chef Daniel Schurr and his team executes nightly at Second Empire. They were truly impressed with each course, stating that this was the best meal they have ever experienced. (And they dine out often in various cities and countries!) Our server Sam was beyond exceptional with his sharing of the history of the Dodd-Hinsdale house. He brought to life the people who were a part of the house's past and helped us gain a stronger sense of appreciation for the efforts made to save the house from ruin and restore it to its present day glory. Sam is one of the most accomplished servers we have had the fortune to be served by in our many years of dining in white tablecloth restaurants. He and Will work seamlessly together. The soup of the evening puréed together cauliflower and eggplant with accoutrements that made it memorable. The roasted duck leg & grilled pineapple salad was enjoyed by my brother and his wife as they marveled at the harmony of the ingredients Chef chose for this dish. I opted for the Turbot special on this particular visit to Second Empire, and it was stunning to look at the presentation and absolutely delicious in its flavors! My husband went to one of his favorite entrees, the grilled Beeler Farms pork rack chop. This particular dish NEVER disappoints as we have heard from many regular guests we meet weekly at the bar. The savory polenta that features a creamy ricotta cheese & grain mustard is unctuous as it blends with baby kale, bacon, curried Brussels sprouts, and cabbage salad, all wearing a ginger raisin cider vinegar jus. Sam was quite convincing in his description of his favorite dessert, the lemon & chocolate tart (gluten free for those of you that are interested). We chose to take that tart and the most exquisite almond & orange Bavarian cake (GF) home with us for late night indulgence. As the four of us devoured every last morsel of pastry chef Amber Atkins' creations we agreed that we are blessed to have the Second Empire family in our lives

A Raleigh staple with good reason. From being greeted upon entering, to leaving out the front door, the service, ambiance, and overall experience exceeded expectations. Chef Daniel Schurr has got to be one of the most talented chefs in Raleigh blending classic dishes with modern twists and flavors. From starters to desserts we enjoyed every aspect of the meal.

If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would! We were greeted so kindly upon arrival and seated right away in a lovely spot. Our waitress--who's only been there a year--served us with the kind of grace and expertise you'd expect from someone with decades in fine dining. I truly feel terrible for not remembering her name!!! As someone with celiac, I'm used to limited options. But every single thing here can be made gluten-free--and not just safe, but spectacular. My son treated me to a fancy dinner, and it was honestly the best I've ever had. We started with a gorgeous charcuterie tray featuring duck and artisan cheeses with GF bread, then foie gras, followed by a filet for me and lamb chops for my son--both were phenomenal. We split two desserts to top it off. From start to finish, every bite was perfection. The prices are what you'd expect from an upscale experience--but the portion sizes are surprisingly generous. Make a reservation--whether downstairs or upstairs--so you can take in every moment of this exquisite meal.

What a fun date night! My wife and I came here and had an elegant, intentionally slower dinner together. My only regret is that we didn't get to try more items on the menu. The chef definitely knows what he is doing in the kitchen. Our waitress was great! Thanks for a wonderful evening!

If you're looking for a perfect venue for a special occasion or celebration, Second Empire would be a perfect setting. The historic setting, classic decor, & intimate rooms makes this place truly special. Service was exceptional and attentive. Our server was very eloquent and knowledgeable about each menu item. The stand out is the food...Each & every dish was perfectly matched flavor wise, cooked perfectly and beautifully plated so that you truly taste with your eyes first. Even though the restaurant was pretty busy, it never felt crowded nor loud making this a perfect setting for an intimate dinner.

My family had a wonderful experience here to celebrate my dad's birthday a little while ago, and everything was phenomenal from the food to the service! Plus the historical charm of this building / house is just so lovely and perfect for a date night or special occasion. We arrived a bit early for our 7pm reservation so they seated us downstairs in the Tavern for a while before leading us back up to the main dining area for our table once it was ready. We got a nice and cozy corner table, and they even gifted my dad with a personalized menu from the chef for his birthday :) The 3 of us shared two starters, both of which were featured that day and were not on the printed menu -- foie gras on potato rosti and mushroom soup with bacon, Serrano ham, etc. The mushroom soup was good but what really stood out was the foie gras, which had the perfect texture that melded beautifully with the crunch of the potato rosti! For entrees, I got the sauteed Chilean sea bass, and my parents got the roasted Australian lamb rack and roasted Pennsylvania duck breast. Out of these three, my favorite would be the sea bass -- the fish was tender and light, and flavor of the sauce was so delicious. The duck breast was also a hit while the lamb might have been the least favorite (though that doesn't mean it was bad per se). Finally, we ended the night with dessert, and we got the key lime pie and the vanilla & chocolate wafer pudding pie. Both were fantastic and it was great to have a more chocolate-y dessert along with a fruity / tart dessert! The slices also aren't too big which was nice, since we were all very full by this point.

I loved everything about dinner at Second Empire. Several colleagues and I were closing out an offsite in Raleigh and we dined at Second Empire on the final night of our meetings. The Second Empire experience begins upon entry into the the late 19th century building -- a former residence -- in which the restaurant is located. My party started with cocktails in the tavern, a warm, dark, mostly subterranean room that only would have been made more enchanting had there been a fireplace. Still, as we sipped and decompressed from an intense week, the space was a perfect place to relax. When my party was complete, our server came to offer us a tour of the building. It was a delightful way to get a better understanding of the history of the space and a welcome treat. I started with the cucumber and melon medley salad, which I ordered without ham. It was a delightful blend of cucumber with various melons and feta and I found it to be a great palate cleanser. Both sweet and savory, flavorful and light, I could have turned it into an entree salad and been very happy with it. As I mentioned, I ordered my salad customized by the removal of ham, as I am a vegetarian. The menu, as presented, does not have many (if any) vegetarian options, but our server was quite helpful in offering many, many options from the menu that could be customized to suit my dietary preferences. After enjoying my salad, I moved on to my main course - a stir fry that is not on the menu but which should be. Excellent execution and flavor, the strip fry was full of seemingly every vegetable that the kitchen had on hand. It was fresh, well seasoned, and not in the very least oily. I finished my meal with an excellent slice of key lime pie. Tart, but not too tart. Sweet, but not too sweet. It was, perhaps, a bit gluttonous of me to have pie after having eaten every meal out for three days, but I am so glad that I ordered a slice and I ate it with unabashed gusto! I hope to return to Raleigh soon and will return to Second Empire!

So we've been here nine years and have always wanted to try this place. Be prepared to spend a bit but honestly it's an experience. First the restaurant is in an incredible space. The detail in each room is fantastic. The staircase was to die for. We had exceptional service. Our drinks were quite good. Food was excellent. I had French onion soup which was one of the best I've ever had. The filet mignon special was equally delicious and perfectly cooked. Crème brulee didn't miss a beat either. If you have a few extra dollars to spend on a very special occasion- check out this long time gem in downtown Raleigh

There was nothing about this dinner that was not beyond superlatives. The service, from the welcome, to the visit to the bar before dinner, to the most attentive, engaging, and well informed waiter I have ever met, was flawless. The restaurant itself is charming and full of personality. And of course the food was amazing. Don't miss the cheese plate to set the mood and tempo for the evening! Between the 3 of us we had raw oysters, the cheese plate, the filet mignon special, pork chop, with a perfectly paired wine recommended by our waiter. We finished off with a chocolate soufflé and almond and orange Bavarian cake. Pricey to be sure, it we were celebrating a 70th birthday and a UNC graduation, and cannot imagine a better experience!

The food is delicious, service is wonderful and the ambiance was wonderful! We both had steak if was the perfect si3 portion.

Undoubtedly One of the Best Restaurants in the Raleigh-Durham Area ---- After moving to the area earlier this year, I have had the opportunity to eat at dozens of local culinary establishments in search of the best food experience. I believe we have a winner! Having traveled to over 69 countries, 33 states, and 6 continents, I have had the opportunity to dine at some of the world's best restaurants with some of its finest chefs. The Second Empire takes staple classics found around the world. It adds its own unique flair, flavor profile, and combination of ingredients to elevate the entire experience to a truly elevated level. ---- From the charming old-school house atmosphere with its unique décor, a warm family environment, and elegant ambiance, to attentive and informative staff, and exemplary food, they have truly elevated the entire patron experience. ---- We started with the Crispy Point Judith Calamari, a lesson in balance and texture to learn. Each bite boasted a lightly breaded outside with a soft, sweetly tender calamari within. The creamy roasted pineapple garnish added a subtropical sweetness, elevating the course far beyond a fried starter-like experience to one of refined flavors. ---- The Classic "330" French Onion Soup was a sophisticated, yet reassuring, take on the classic without the typical beef broth. This is only the second time in the US that I have had the opportunity to enjoy a truly authentic French onion soup, where the broth is made from the main ingredient, not beef-flavored broth. This chef truly demonstrates the classic French training that creates masterpieces. Rich, sweet depth was added to the rich broth by caramelized Spanish onions, and Gruyère melted into a rich, nutty layer over toasted herb croutons. Every bite was packed with both heartiness and subtlety, demonstrating that great ingredients, when cooked well, can create deep satisfaction. ---- The Grilled Beeler Farms Pork Rack Chop*- Beautifully browned and seared, the pork rack chop easily stood out on its own. Cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, it was complemented with a creamy, rich ricotta cheese and grain mustard polenta, providing a great balance of subtle tanginess and creaminess to the dish. Added to this blended mix of baby kale, curried Brussels sprouts, bacon, and cabbage salad was a dish that offered a mix of savory, bitter, and smoky flavors. The addition of the ginger-raisin cider vinaigrette jus created a crisp, sweet, and spicy balance, which harmonized the entire dish. ---- The Pennsylvania Five-Spiced Duck Breast* was a culinary exercise in precision and global influence. Seared to a precise medium-rare, the duck's rich, gamey flavor was complemented by the Provençal hominy and eggplant, as well as the creamy zucchini and mozzarella. The braised Napa cabbage and elote salad provided texture and freshness, while the ancho chili roasted pineapple sauce added a hint of sweetness and heat, but not enough to overpower, instead highlighting the duck. The dish was in balance, being both complex and comforting, which made it unique. ---- Lastly, there was a 7-ounce filet special. Unfortunately, since it's a special, I don't have the lengthy combination of ingredients that made up this perfect dish. However, the preparation and execution were flawless, with the main staple - the filet-- seared to a perfect crust with a juicy and tender texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. The culinary sophistication, achieved by combining all the ingredients, creates an elevated view of a classic meal. ---- Overall - I can't say anything else. It is by far one of the best restaurants in the area. I would not only recommend this restaurant to anyone without hesitation, but I would challenge local restaurants to learn a lesson from this restaurant's impeccable overall customer experience and culinary execution.

Second Empire is the perfect fine-dining restaurant experience fit for a celebratory dinner! The tavern is beautiful on the inside and out, the flavors of the food were beautifully crafted and made my palate sing, and the menu prices were extremely reasonable for portion size and quality of food. Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable of both the food and the history of the tavern. The timing between the first course, entree, and dessert was perfect. We came to celebrate getting pregnant and the chef printed us out a personalized, signed menu which was such a lovely and thoughtful touch. We started off with complimentary bread that was so soft, perfectly salted, and had great herbaceous rosemary flavor. For first courses, the crabmeat & pineapple salad had such interesting flavors - the roasted poblano coconut dressing was sensational. The braised pork belly was very tender and not too fatty like a lot of pork belly, though it was a bit dry, and I love a good pupusa. The entrees were insanely tasty. All of the meat and seafood were PERFECTLY cooked, and this chef's sauce game is on point. All of the sauces throughout are dishes had so much depth of flavor. We ended our meal with the sweet potato bread pudding - PHENOMENAL! We will be back to eat literally everything on their menu. FIRST COURSES *Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & Roasted Pineapple Salad w/ spicy cucumber carpaccio, sesame seeds, jicama, plantains & celery root, roasted poblano coconut dressing *Crispy "Pepsi Cola" Braised Pork Belly w/ queso blanco cheese & chow chow pupusa, sweet potato puree, black bean & corn ragout, pineapple salsa, mojo verde salsa ENTREES *Pan-Roasted Sea Scallop & Braised Short Rib w/ sautéed asian mung beans & red quinoa, baby bok choy, maitake mushroom, sweet potato puree, mandarin salad, ancho chili curry sauce *Pan-Roasted Australian Lamb Rack w/ ricotta cheese & basil pesto polenta, wilted spinach, celery root & haricot verts, dried date salad, grain mustard sauce DESSERT *Sweet Potato Cherry Bread Pudding: NC sweet potato tea bread soaked in spiced cherry custard w/ fresh & dried cherries, topped with streusel crumble and cherry ice cream; serve w/ ginger crème anglaise, blackberry sauce, & ginger snap cookie DRINKS *Hibiscus Spritz mocktail: hibiscus tea, lime juice, club soda *Old Fashioned

Great place, Great Service and Great Food Our server was amazing she gave a good history on the place and explained in details all the food options and special they have. We had an amazing celebration.

The mere fact that it took 2 months to reserve this place due to its popularity increased our anticipation up until entering the restaurant. We arrived on a Wednesday evening around 5:00pm as reservations were set at 5:15pm. Pros: -It's luxurious and historical -Everyone their job really seriously -My husband enjoyed his steak (no pictured) -The bread is good with or without butter -For a restaurant situated downtown, I was happy to find that parking was plentiful in the back of the restaurant -Before we sat down, my husband was gifted with a personalized menu with three Chefs signature Cons: -My chicken taste like chicken- it was difficult to eat, I probably had roughly about 7 small bites to keep the conversation going as my husband ate , I could tell that the actual meat wasn't seasoned. The flavor came from the veggies and sauces. --Many of the sauces are pork based I would give it another try but would not try the chicken again, maybe try a starter and enjoy the atmosphere.

Great food and service! The oysters were fantastic. Drinks were very well done. Dessert was very nice.

S Tier. Everything you hear about this restaurant is true; it's THAT good. The pinnacle of fine dining in the triangle. They have a basement bar they invite you to enjoy while you wait for your table to be ready. All staff is very well spoken and enjoys what they do. The entrees are tied to their seasonal menu depending on what ingredients are the best. You'd be hard pressed to find something that doesn't taste good. The restaurant is in an old colonial house so each room has its own charm and history. Not much parking onsite but it's downtown so there's a bunch of close by paid to park options that are easy to access.

The ambiance was beautiful with the setting in what feels like a home. Service was impeccable and our group was attended to with no issues. Food was top tier with unique and flavorful dishes. Highly recommend for a business meal or date night.

Enjoyed the meal, the atmosphere and location but probably won't be one I'll visit again soon. On the higher end for anything downtown and while food quality was good, you're also paying for the atmosphere and presentation.

We had a wonderful fine dining experience at Second Empire for my birthday. Not somewhere I would go often but on a special occasion. Lots of complex dishes excellently prepared with a variety of sauces so every bite can have a different flavor. The cocktail concoctions are unique. Wait staff is very knowledgeable. Chocolate soufflé was amazing!

What an incredible experience at this restaurant tonight. Even though the hostess almost couldn't find our reservation that had been confirmed two times, the service was exceptional. Our r server Matt was welcoming and informed. We began our meal with the charcuterie board, the French onion soup, the octopus and shrimp salad and the arancini balls. All was very good except we couldn't find any octopus anywhere! For dinner the men ordered the filet, my DIL ordered the duck, and I ordered the scallops. Delicious. For dessert we had the chocolate soufflé, the sweet potato and cherry bread pudding, and the expresso semifredo. It was a lovely experience in a beautiful setting.

Wow... best dinner and experience we've had in a while! Beautiful and delicious food. So impressed and we'll definitely be back!

The food was spectacular. For my appetizer I ordered a southwest soup that had tomatillo, corn, and other stuff i don't remember but it was DELICIOUS. Entree was the filet mignon cooked a perfect medium rare. For dessert hard the almond cake. It was amazing!!! So much flavor. Definitely on the smaller side with the portions still left very satisfied. The service was great. Got some history or on the building. Glasses stayed full. Checked on us often. Loved it! The ambiance was good there was a table next to us who was ridiculously loud but other than that no complaint on the place itself. Definitely coming back!

I went for the first time. We were celebrating my brother's birthday. The staff were extremely friendly. The atmosphere was lovely. The building is beautiful both inside and outside. The food was absolutely amazing. It was seriously the best meal I have had in a while.

By far the best meal in NC! Chef Daniel and his crew are awesome. I had the black grouper with the morel mushroom app and it was to die for. My wife had lamb and it was cooked to perfection. Great service. No better place to eat and/ or celebrate something special. They have a chefs table too that we have done 4x. It is a wonderful experience as well. It books 6 mo out so you gotta be diligent.

Absolutely wonderful service and food. I'm not sure I will go back because of parking limitations. Their small lot was full and there were no available spots on the street. I ended up spending 15-20 minutes downloading a parking app and inputting credit card information. By the time I joined my party, they had already been served their cocktails. A restaurant of this quality should have valet parking. If I do ever go back, I will take an Uber.

OK, so it was our wedding anniversary. My husband called in to make a reservation. The girl who answered was very giggly kind of unprofessional, but he made the reservation anyways she said that there was no room for five people. Technically would be two adults two children, and one highchair, so she said there was absolutely no room, but there could be room for four which led me to believe that maybe they don't welcome kids too much... But when we got there, there were so many empty tables. This was on a Wednesday at 5 PM the place looked beautiful, lots of paintings good ambience. The staff was very attentive very nice to our face at least but I know they were talking behind the stairs about us bringing our baby . The food was really good we got several items including the arctic salmon . The free bread was not very good . We won't be returning and wish we would have spent that money elsewhere where employees didn't act like by bringing a baby we were scaring off their oh so many customers on a Wednesday evening .

My first time dining for my husband 50th birthday. Our waitress Destinee was amazing. She provided us with a detailed history of the house where the restaurant is operating out of built in 1879. Destinee made wonderful food recommendations and made our celebration a memorable one. The food was delicious from first course lump crab salad to quail. Our main course dishes were beautiful plated with French influences. Also I have to add their chef is one of the best in the area. We can't wait until our next special celebration. Thanks again!

It was my birthday yesterday so we figured to celebrate at Second empire. Because our last experience was good. This time well hard to say. We got there early because I reserved for 5:15. However it appears I mis read the date on the reservation. Fortunately they weren't as busy so we were seated downstairs. The wait staff asked twice when we are celebrating and we informed them twice that it was a birthday celebration. The waitress didn't spear to be as well versed in the specials. But then again last time our wait said that specials as in poetry. Must have been a special gift of his. For appetizers we had dishes to share. Fois gra - it's always pretty good. Velvety smooth Calamari- pieces were too big and some were a bit rubbery. I didn't like it. Mushrooms soup - it didn't look pretty but tasted great. For second course. Barramundi - it's a special for the night. The texture was good and all the potatoes and asparagus plus other sides mingled well. Duck breast - for my 9 year old so we ordered well done instead of the recommended medium. The side of the duck was a bit hard to chew but the flavor was good. The side veggie seems a bit too much in a sense that it overpower the duck itself. Trout - my hubby like the trout. Desserts. Key lime pie - my son loved it last time. But this time he said it didn't taste as good. The sour flavor he liked seems to be replaced by bitterness of the lime. Soufflé- waited a long time for this - it was good. I did enjoy it. Cheese cake - hubby liked the pistachio cheesecake. But then again he lives pretty much all cheesecakes. Big Disappointment- no candles on dessert because the walk waitress forgot. Why do they ask what we celebrate then. Feels that the service level was definitively down from our last visit. The waitress always hurried from our table and to serve other tables. I suppose the labor shortage could've been a cause or management. I did notice the other table also celebrating birthday was presented with a different menu. I would like to know why we were given such option. Maybe we were not the right color. Very disappointed. Anyways. I don't plan on coming back again for celebration any time soon.

The fanciest restaurant I have ever been too, and y'all know a redneck like me hasn't seen many! Haha but they made you feel like family as soon as you come through the door. Me and my love were celebrating our 11th year anniversary and we wanted to try somewhere more upscale and "adult" haha. I gave her 3 choices and she chose here and thank 6lb 3oz baby Jesus she did. It was so good! I got the chefs special which was a filet mignon the best piece of meat I have ever ate. I literally cut it with my fork. The sides were great paired with that as well. It had a great classy feel inside and we had just a great dinner. Whatever you guys are doing back there keep doing it

Had an amazing experience last night at Second Empire. Gorgeous place, full of character, top notch service from knowledgeable waiters, incredible food and more. Cannot wait to go back there to try other menu items!

The service was incredible and the restaurant has a very good atmosphere for a romantic dinner with impeccable food!

We have been wanting to try this place for a while and it did not disappoint! Our waitress did a great job explaining the nights specials and made sure the whole evening went smoothly! Nick the assistant made sure we had plenty of water! We tried the eggplant cauliflower soup and Tiger Prawn octopus appetizer both were amazing, I pledged to figure out the soup recipe ! Then for mains, we had the duck breast and one of the steaks, So good. Dessert was bomb and then I got a signed menu to take home for my birthday

1. Food was excellent. Went for a graduation dinner. Each of us had a different dish (lamb tack, pork chop, sea bass, salmon, and roasted chicken) and they were all exceptional. I still think about that meal weeks later. 2. Service: Top tier. The chef even signed a menu for me for my graduation! I've never had anyone do that and it was so special that they thought of me. Our waitress gave us a lovely history on the home the restaurant is in, and knew the menu down to a science. She was fantastic. 3. The ambiance is so classic. I love old homes, and this one still had the historic feel to it. Can't wait to go back for the next special occasion!!

An absolutely outstanding experience start to finish! We were celebrating my sister's birthday and they made it so special! We enjoyed salad, calamari and the sea bass special and filet special. We had a cozy table for two on the main floor and our server Bailey was awesome! Can't recommend enough!

On the uppend end of restaurants, I absolutely love this place. The vibe is classy, the food is delicious, staff is professional and friendly and it's centrally located. This was my first time dining in at Second Empire, and what I ordered was on point: 1. Empire baby mixed greens: Fresh and delicious. 2. Pan-roasted black angus premium fillet: Juicy and soft. 3. Vanilla bean crème brulee: The right amount of sweet. The only limitation l, just like any business located in a downtown, is parking. There is some affordable street parking around. Overall, an absolute must of you are in Raleigh. 100% coming back.

This is one of those special places that you save for an anniversary or other special occasion. the only thing you'll be able to complain about at the end of the meal is the size of the bill. from the beautiful house to the appearance of the food to the food's taste to the service, this is expensive but worth it. their menu is online with prices so you should know what you are in for. I finished with a fantastic 20 yr old tawny port.

Had a nice dinner at second empire again. Food is fabulous, enjoy every bite. I ordered quail every time I came. I tried foie gras this time, very tender. Duck breast very good portion and flavorful.

My husband took me to Second Empire for my birthday a few weeks ago and it was just as lovely and delicious as expected! The ambiance at Second Empire is amazing, I would love to check out the lounge area. It's definitely got a tavern feel, but also a white cloth experience while in the dining room! The service was great - our waiter was very knowledgeable, accommodating, and friendly. He also gave me a nice signed birthday menu, which was sweet and thoughtful! The menu is extensive enough, but not too busy. The wine list was amazing, but that will have to wait since I am expecting. We both opted for water. Our waiter let us know that they can create anything for individuals with a food allergy, which was nice, as my husband has a dairy allergy. We started with the grilled shrimp and goat cheese arancini and the tender greens salad, both of which were phenomenal. So fresh and flavorful! I would order both of these menu items again and look forward to doing so! For our entrees, I opted for the Ribeye and my husband a special made chicken dish with mashed potatoes. I would usually order a steak medium-rare or medium, but since I couldn't, I trusted the waiter when he let me know a medium-well or well steak would still be delicious, and he was right. No, it was not the same as a medium-rare or medium steak but it was great, due to the very experienced and amazing chef, and quality of meat. This was served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. My husband's dinner was simple but delicious! I can't wait to go back to Second Empire and enjoy dinner and a glass of wine in the lounge area!

The service at Second Empire in Raleigh, NC, was absolutely top-notch, and my husband and I had an amazing time celebrating his birthday there. Now, let me tell you, I'd been dying to try this place for ages, but you know how it goes - you don't want to dine at such the most romantic restaurant in Raleigh alone. So finally, my husband became the worthy companion I needed! Of course, being the ultimate procrastinator, I thought of booking the chef's table last minute - only to find out it's fully booked until next year! Talk about "you snooze, you lose" in the world of good food! Nevertheless, we opted for regular seating, and Second Empire did not disappoint. The best part? When we checked in, they handed us personalized menu for my husband's bday - a sweet touch that made my husband feel extra special on his big day. The servers were on point, sharing their vast knowledge of the menu and the restaurant's history, which added a nice touch of elegance to the whole experience. Now, let's talk about the food - the Grilled Tiger Prawn & Australian Octopus and the off-menu foie gras were nothing short of spectacular. Seriously, that foie gras was so good it should have ordered a double. While my husband's Ribeye was seasoned to perfection, my duck breast was feeling a bit "ducky" that night and ended up a tad dry. Dessert time - My husband devoured the Sweet Potato Cherry Bread Pudding while I savored the Espresso Semifreddo like it was a caffeinated masterpiece. We couldn't decide which one was more divine! But here's the kicker - I was originally torn between Second Empire and Heron for our celebration. The deciding factor? Heron had a dress code. I can't be bothered with the idea of strict attire rules (but if that's your jam, then you do you!) when all I want to do is savor a delicious meal. So, Second Empire it was, it won us over with its scrumptious offerings and relaxed dress code. Despite the dim lighting wreaking havoc on our picture-taking ambitions, the impeccable service and delicious dishes made it an unforgettable night. We're already plotting our grand return - this time, I'll set an alarm for that elusive chef's table reservation, no snoozing allowed!

I love Second Empire!! Everything about Second Empire is top notch!! The staff is AMAZING!!! I went for my 40th birthday and they made me feel so special!! The chef is amazing the employees are so knowledgeable about the menu. My husband has a shellfish and egg allergy and the team at Second Empire took great care of us to ensure he didn't order anything that could cause an allergic reaction. The atmosphere is fantastic, its an elevated dining experience!! Second Empire is definitely an elegant top-tier restaurant and with amazing employees!!! BEST RESTAURANT EVER!!!

I have dined here twice over the last few months for special occasions. The service was impeccable, and the food just as delicious. So many nice touches, such as them splitting our appetizers in two portions( to not have to share one plate), giving us a preprinted menu with our special date & hand written note from the chef, etc.. We have had the seasonal salad, beef tartar, and calamari (twice) for appetizers. The calamari was top 3 I've ever had! Super tender, fabulous dipping sauce that differed each time. All entree's we've tried - 4 so far - have been wonderful and gorgeously plated. Two were on menu and two were specials that evening. For dessert we have tried their chocolate layer cake, chocolate souffle, and creme brulee. All so delicious as well! We have also had a few cocktails there which have all been on point! My experiences here make me think of what it would be like to eat the food from Top Chef (a favorite show of mine). The thoughtful food pairings with each dish and the beautiful presentations are top notch in my opinion. I can't wait to go back again & again to eat this food!

The food overall was delicious and they were able to tweak a couple of items to satisfy everyone. The roasted pepper soup was by far the best I've had (true depth of flavor and I choose without the heat of the harissa oil). The special filet was very tender and cooked to perfection. The garlic smashed potatoes were a bit overkill on the garlic side. The bananas foster martini is worth going back for again soon (before it comes off the special menu). Service was great but noise from the large party next to us killed the ambience. Highly recommend

Second Empire has been a favorite place of ours since moving to Raleigh 12 years ago. This visit was even more special as we celebrated our anniversary and the staff was so kind and congratulated us and the chef signed a menu to mark the occasion. We love that touch and save them! Our server, Sam was just perfect! He was friendly, professional and made recommendations in regard to the menu items and specials that really helped us to choose the best meals for us! I had a Cobia special that was absolutely amazing and my husband's was fantastic, too. We were seated downstairs in the alcove with a wonderful view of our bustling Raleigh sidewalks. I cannot say enough about the service, ambience and delicious food. It was a very special evening!!

What we ate: * Quail app: this was disappointing. It had like 2 bites of meat on it. The veggies it came with were the star of this dish. Not worth the price for the portion IMO * Pork belly app: very tasty, we enjoyed this * Lamb: asked for medium rare but it was rare rare. A little underwhelming * Steak: perfectly cooked, really delicious! * Bread Pudding: so good, really enjoyed it * Espresso dessert: good, but the bread pudding was better The service: Started out strong. The level of detail our server recited on the specials was highly impressive. Service was great until it wasn't. Our server forgot about us for a while and attended to the larger table next to us even though we ordered and finished our meals first. We waited and waited to order another drink and to hear about desserts. I feel like they were favored because they had a birthday in their party. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I'll be back, but I'll be getting the steak next time and will probably get the French onion soup.

One of the best trained wait staffs I've ever had the pleasure of being served by. The food was excellent and presented superbly.