Raleigh, NC, Restaurants

[overton]

I need a good restaurant in Raleigh for an engagement gift certificate for a couple who are both 26 years old and moving to Raleigh in a week. Thank you.

[overton]

I am getting gift certificate's from Vin and J. Betski's.... they seem to be the two that most people agreed upon. Thank you very much!!!

[goodeatsinadive]

Gotta second Simpson's.... also Vin. Fin's has re-opened and is still very good as well.

[chazzer]

Have to agree about most recs, but have to disagree strongly on Simpson's and 42nd Street.. Both are big, overcrowded, and are just average at best. I would think Vins, or Fraziers would be more romantic for a newly engaged couple

[jean9]

Where is Simpson's? I haven't ever heard of it.

[chazzer]

Sorry, my mind was thinking sullivan's while I was reading and typing simpson's please I take back my comment on them but not on 42nd street.

[jsb23nc]

Simpson's is in a strip mall on Creedmoor Rd about 1 mile north of Crabtree Valley.

http://www.simpsonsrestaurant.com/

[jean9]

thanks a bunch... i have probably driven past it a hundred times

[HeelsSoxHound]

Agree with the J. Betski's and Vin recs; would also add Duck and Dumpling and Fins.

[jsb23nc]

What type food do they prefer?

My suggestions would include J Betski's, Porter's, and Frazier's. I also enjoy 518 West but know that is likely not a popular selection on chowhound. An older place with very good food and service that everyone seems to have forgotten about is Simpson's.

42nd Street is average at best. Yes, politicos eat there but only out of nostalgia.

[cackalackie]

Yes, and the last time I ate at 42nd Street out of nostalgia I swore I wouldn't return.

[hcwwur]

42nd St. Oyster Bar
http://www.42ndstoysterbar.com/

Hip, fun place for a younger couple. Great food & atmosphere.

[joshuahmel]

I found the menu to be very limited and the prices much too high at 42nd Street Oyster Bar. And, I am one part of of a younger couple. I would suggest Zely and Ritz if you are looking in the Glenwood South area.

[hcwwur]

Wow. I'm shocked by the responses. We had a great meal there about two months ago. I'm excited about trying some others mentioned here, though.

[jean9]

Fraziers, J. Betski's or Proters would also work. Porters and J. Beski's are less expensive then Vin so depending on how much you were planning on spending the gift certificate may go a little farther though Vin is a good restaurant.

[cackalackie]

Enoteca Vin. You can google it or do a search on this board. Not only is it one of the best - and still hippest - it is also in the "trendy" Glenwood South area where most of the bars are.