Raleigh celebration that won't break the bank!

[meatn3]

Been in Raleigh for 5 weeks, fanciest I've been to has been Riviera which was a mixed experience. BF b-day coming up & friends want to treat us for dinner. Looking for a place with an atmosphere conducive to great conversation with equally great food. Open to all types. We are a bit more adventurous than they are as far as spicy and "strange". Raleigh or Durham are good location wise. Thanks for the input! Learning a lot about my new town through your postings. Oh, place with in-house pastry chef would be a plus.

[meatn3]

Thanks to all of you. He ended up picking Porters (felt price point was one they would be comfortable with). Was quite nice. Our server was the best I've seen in sometime & all 3 desserts were good. They had a chicken pasta and both made it to the clean-plate club with smiles. We were eating lighter, my burger was perfectly prepared, could have used a better bun though. BF had steak salad which he enjoyed. It was gone before I could try it! Atmosphere nice, chairs comfy, neighbors not too close, felt welcomed & not rushed.

Looking forward to trying your suggestions & appreciate you taking the time to make them.

[steveindurham2]

Another good choice for Durham is Metro 8 Steakhouse on 9th Street. Very nice people and the skirt steak and tuna are fabulous.

[bookman]

An atmosphere conducive to great conversation - fine food - in-house pastry chef - won't break the bank - Frazier's!

[Tehama]

Hi! Some of my favorites are for special, but not "break the bank" in Raleigh are: Cafe Tiramisu, Fraziers, Vivace, 518 West, Prime Only, and Waraji for sushi.

In Durham I like Cafe Parizade and in Chapel Hill, I love Lantern and Cafe La Residence (while it will not break the bank, it is a tad on the high-end)

I think you can find the directions/ locations on citysearch: http://triangle.citysearch.com/find/s...

[aphayes]

I can second the food at Vivace and Waraji. However, sitting inside at Vivace places you almost in your neighboring tables' conversations. Kind of reminds you of the tables at the airport. While the tables in Waraji allow for a little more breathing room, it can still get loud in there. Last time we were there I had difficulty hearing across the table. I hate to leave you without any good suggestions but I am also new to Raleigh. Those are just 2 that I have tried. Definately keep them in mind... the chow is great!