Wyatt, our waiter was fantastic. Laid back, friendly, and very knowledgeable. We started out by sharing the Georgia Quail and the salad, both of which were prepared perfectly. For the entree I had the Australian lamb rack which was positively perfect. She had the Trout special which was also wonderful. For desert we shared the Goat cheese cake, which was very unique: had the texture of a Ricotta cheese cake, with a more distinct flavor that was wonderful. Experience was flawless so thanks to all read more

This is a beautiful, historic building in downtown Raleigh and is my husband's favorite special-occasion restaurant. The food is incredibly creative and delicious, and every visit feels like an experience. Their foie gras is outstanding, they make a fabulous Old Fashioned, and their nightly specials are super creative. They will also pre- split appetizers for you if you are sharing. When celebrating an anniversary the chef signs a decorative menu to take home, which is such a lovely keepsake. (Yes, I saved ours) The service is polished and attentive without feeling overdone--exactly what you want for a fancy night out. A few practical notes: the parking lot behind the restaurant is often full, but there is street parking and several paid lots nearby. Definitely make a reservation, especially for Valentine's Day--as it books up months in advance. read more

See all

I know I've written a review for this restaurant at least one other time but they've somehow disappeared. Probably because it has been a long time since we have been. Armed with a gift certificate I'd been gifted, and with the current menu looking good, we made a reservation for an early Friday night dinner the 4th of July weekend, which was also a First Friday, so we were a little concerned about parking, but we got there a little early and got one of the two remaining spots in their small lot out back. We chose to eat downstairs, which also meant we could get in a little earlier. Upstairs doesn't open until 5:30. We had 5:15 reservations in the Tavern. Dinner was very pleasant. Our Server (Justin I believe) was fantastic. Incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and specials, down to the smallest detail and even shared special prices without having to be asked. Love that! We started with an Italian Chardonnay for me and a dirty martini for Him. They brought us a very plain looking bread that was full of subtle flavors that blended beautifully. For apps I had to try the Quail which was so wonderful and way heartier than I expected. I ate every bit of it and could have left happy but we had already ordered mains. He started with the Calamari which was not top of Justin's list, but it was decent. And so much that he couldn't finish it all. For entrees, I had the Swordfish, which honestly I wouldn't do again. The veggies on it were pretty much raw, and while I don't care for mushy veggies, I don't want them raw either. And overall, the flavors in this dish weren't a big hit with me, even leftover when I was hungrier, just not my thing despite the great sounding description. He enjoyed the heck out of his paella, with only one critique, and that was that he would have preferred a crispy bottom to the rice. We were too full for dessert. Of course this is fine dining, so prices are up there, but not outrageously so. I did think it was silly that they charged an extra dollar for the blue cheese stuffed olives for His martini though. read more

See all

Absolutely stunning historic building with wonderful ambiance. The service was 5 star. Our waiter Wyatt was top notch. The food was plated beautifully and the taste was spot on. The wine list is extensive and the cocktails are perfectly crafted. Overall one of the best dining experiences. For a date night, special occasion, or if you just want a great culinary experience you won't want to miss this one! read more

See all

I bought dinner at Second Empire for my daughter and her boyfriend for her 30th birthday. They both shared photos of their experience there- the place, the food, the cocktails, and the sweet birthday treat. They raved about the menu. I live 3.5 hours from her and wanted to do something special for her. She said that this experience was beyond special! read more

My partner and I came here to celebrate our 8 year anniversary. I had been once before, probably a decade ago, and this was his first time. I encourage making a reservation here - they are busy and it is in a refurbished historic house. They do have tons of seating but on a typical weekend, they seem to have little walk-in space. We came on a Saturday evening at 6:30pm. We were sat and greeted by our servers - there were three that helped us. After letting us know all of the specials for the evening, I ordered the salted maple Old Fashioned and my partner ordered a mocktail. They had a whole separate mocktail menu. I don't recall the names of the mocktails he ordered but they were delightful with the second one, which had ginger beer in it, our favorite. My old fashioned was so delightful I ordered a second one. For the first course, I ordered the Duck Confit & Tofu Steak Salad. While this was delicious, calling it a salad is a bit of a stretch. The portion is small but delightful. My partner got the Empire Crispy Local Lettuce Salad, which was your standard salad though with nothing that stood out to me. For our entrees, I got the Pan Roasted Sea Scallops and my partner got the special of the day, which was a filet mignon dish with Johnston County collard greens. I remember getting the sea scallops the one time I came before and these absolutely lived up to what I remember. My partner thorough enjoyed his meal as well. For dessert, I got the creme brulee and he got the empire chocolate souffle. Both were absolutely delicious and a perfect way to top off our dinner. We enjoyed our meal as the snow started to fall, which was a lovely sight while we were tucked away warm inside. Overall, this is an award-winning spot in the Triangle. It is definitely worth a stop in whether you're visiting the area or you're a local. read more

See all

This was my first time at Second Empire. I hadn't heard of the restaurant, but I was taken there for my birthday, and it was a wonderful surprise. I would have walked by the restaurant as it's unassuming from the outside, but it's quite a beautiful building. I liked the uniqueness of the building. There are multiple levels, and we ate in the lower level. There was a waiter and an assistant for our table, so we were never ignored and received great service. For a starter, we had the Crispy Beeler Farms "Pepsi Cola" Braised Pork Belly, which was so delicious! There were so many wonderful flavors and great texture in that dish. When it was gone, I wanted more. For my entrée, I had the Moroccan Seasoned Bell & Evans Chicken Breast. Chicken breast can be dry, but the chicken was cooked perfectly. I requested the sauce on the side, but when I tried it, the sauce was divine! The side of rice was flavorful as well. There wasn't anything that I ate that I did not enjoy! I would definitely eat here again. read more

See all

Second Empire was truly an experience and a work of art. The historic building alone is stunning, and the atmosphere feels special from the moment you walk in. We went on New Year's Eve and arrived earlier than our reservation time but were quickly accommodated despite how busy it was. Service was excellent throughout the night. Upon arrival they took our coats and provided a ticket, and the attention to detail continued all evening. Our waiter was wonderful and went the extra mile to explain the specials in detail. They swapped silverware between courses and cleared even the smallest crumbs from the table -- the kind of thoughtful touches you expect at a higher-end restaurant. The food was outstanding. We shared the Cajun ribeye, which they split for us, and was absolutely amazing and full of flavor. The pork belly appetizer and salad were also excellent. My son had the duck and loved it. One note: my mom ordered the seafood paella without seafood. The staff did warn that it would still have a fish-based flavor, and it ended up being very fishy and not great. In hindsight, it would have been better to choose a dish that didn't require modification. The price remained the same despite removing the seafood, which is understandable but still worth noting. Overall, the pricing felt fair given the quality of the food, the setting, and the standout service. This is a beautiful, memorable dining experience and I would definitely return and recommend it. read more

See all

The food was okay, a tad salty but the waitstaff instantly offered to remake the dish. I didn't want to ask them to do that, though, bc otherwise food would be thrown out. The service stood out to me most. The ambiance was nice, although the lighting was pink. Overall it was a positive experience; their raw oysters were tasty and the chicken was good. read more

See all

I wanted to take my wife for her birthday/Valentine's Day, but I was late and it was booked solid. We booked a few days in advance and got right in. They called to confirm which was nice. When we arrived the restaurant smelled like seafood, which I wasn't expecting. We ordered the ribeye, and a appetizer. The food was really good and tasty, everything was well seasoned. The restaurant was really cool and historic. Overall it was a nice place and good food. read more

Second Empire Restaurant And Tavern - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Our family was in town for Christmas 2025, and I made certain to have a reservation at Second Empire as it's their favorite place to dine while visiting us. We requested our favorite room which is the Atrium (although dining anywhere in this historical home is special). We were greeted warmly by the host team and seated immediately with Albert as our server for the evening. Each time a server here recites the specials of the evening, they never skip a beat. We are continuously mesmerized and impressed with the reciting of each ingredient and the layering of flavors as they bring to life Chef Daniel's cuisine through words. Our dining experience began with a lovely bottle of Sancerre. The wine list at Second Empire is thoughtfully curated, holding many gems so make certain to treat yourself to a special bottle (or three!). We enjoyed as our first courses the crispy Judith Point calamari and the warm duck confit and braised Spanish rabbit salad. The calamari is rings only (I am a tentacle gal myself and keep hoping Chef might change things up soon on this dish!), and the flavor of the creamy roasted pineapple tartar sauce is exceptional. There is no proper way to give justice to the duck & rabbit salad - it is a MUST try as the black "forbidden" rice & orange salad, pecans, rutabaga puree, fennel, pickled cabbage, dates, and pomegranate agave dressing blend together with the proteins for a "dream about this all night" dish! Our daughter went with the paella per our suggestion as we love the way Chef Daniel and his culinary team shake it up on this dish. Having lived near Ybor City in Tampa where they put out some amazing paella dishes at a variety of Spanish restaurants, I feel qualified to say that this Second Empire paella holds court with the best of them. My sister-in-law went with the crab cake special, and she is very particular about her seafood as she hails from New England. Chef maintains the quality of this dish by adding no breadcrumbs, no fillers, and the meal is out of this world fresh and bursting with flavor. She is still talking about her crab cake! I opted for the grilled Scottish salmon, and it is prepared with sauteed zucchini discs & roasted asian eggplant, creamy black "forbidden" rice, feta, pear salad, and a basil saffron cream sauce that balances out the dish. My husband's go-to at Second Empire is the grilled Beeler Farms pork rack chop. This meal hosts fabulous flavors of sauteed fingerling potatoes & pancetta ham, black olives, spaghetti squash, a cucumber & gold beet salad, and is finished off with a maple syrup pimiento pepper jus. Not one bite remained! The dessert Chef Amber produces some exquisite desserts, so we asked our personable and efficient server Albert which one would travel best home with us since we had not one inch of room for dessert at that time. We took home the Almond & Orange Bavarian Cake (which happens to be gluten free). We were treated later that evening to the flavors of almond macaroon cake layers, filled with vanilla bean bavarian custard & infused with mandarin oranges & mango. Served with blood orange cardamom anglaise & blueberry sauces. Garnished with almond cookie & fresh berries. Crazy delicious! https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g49463-d444917-r1045628984-Second_Empire_Restaurant_Tavern-Raleigh_North_Carolina.html# read more

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. read more

See all

Food was superb. Seafood paella was packed with seafood and flavors that send your taste buds to the moon. My wife's scallops were awesome as well. James provided excellent service. He was very knowledgeable of the menu and he really loves his job. All the way staff are just lovely. The classic mansion feel in the mai dining room is where you want a special experience. We just had a fantastic experience. read more

Second Empire Restaurant And Tavern - Empire Seafood Paella. Excellent packed with seafood yum. - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

See all

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

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. read more

See all

I went to Second Empire with my family when they were here to visit and we had a great experience! My parents loved hearing about the history, we thought the food was delicious and the service was excellent as well. The restaurant is in a historic home, so it feels like more of a "special occasion, white tablecloth" type restaurant. I did think it was a bit pricey and the portions were on the smaller side. But everything tasted great and we were all very happy with the quality of service. read more

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 read more

Second Empire Restaurant And Tavern - Filet Mignon special - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Such a grand anniversary experience! The restaurant feels elegant yet cozy. The hospitality and menu knowledge of the staff was top notch. We felt welcomed and taken care of. The duck and the grouper entrees were delicious. The chef had a unique and intentional interpretation of these dishes that I'd come back for again and again! read more

See all

Came here for the first time wanting to try someplace new, the service was amazing very attentive and knoweledgable, the food was outstanding, so many different flavors everything cooked so well, the portions are actually pretty decent compared to what the pictures looked like and the cost in general was reasonable for what youre getting, definitely dont skip the cheese as an appetizer! Ambiance was pretty peaceful nice for date night or an anniversary overall great experience read more

See all

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! read more

The house and historic significance along with the ambiance was great! Service was slow and the kitchen was slow. Drink orders took forever. Were told a bartender was on vacation, did they not know and bring in a second bartender? From the time we sat at our table to the time we received our first course close to an hour. Finally my wife and daughter are gluten free and were served a soup with croutons that had gluten. We had notified our server about the allergy. If this was a lower end restaurant maybe acceptable but not really for this level. read more

We have been several times in the past and decided to do a joint birthday/anniversary celebration with friends. The ambiance, service, and food were just amazing. The staff were extraordinarily knowledgable and took every care make sure our entire experience was exceptional. The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable. I typically get a seafood dish, but decided to try the duck this time based on reviews. It was phenomenal! There is a reason people rave about it. What a culinary masterpiece. read more

Service, food and ambience are top notch!! Server Destinee made the evening memorable with her personalized attention.

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 read more

See all

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. read more

See all

Wonderful ambiance in an old charming inn. Everything presented beautifully. The lamb chops were outstanding. Others in my party loved the salmon and sliced duck. And not noisy! read more

The food was good but I wasn't overwhelmed, especially for the price. I had the scallops and my friend had the paella. All the staff is very nice and friendly and professional. read more

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. read more

Second Empire Restaurant And Tavern - Chicken Roasted Springer Farm 's Georgia Chicken Breast - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

See all

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. read more

Second Empire Restaurant And Tavern - Sans octopus - New American Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

See all

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. read more

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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

See all