Everything here says come on in and relax. Green plaid carpeting, dark wood furniture, potted plants and comfortable booths make this the place to come home to. Thick, juicy steaks, surf and turf (known here as "Tide & Tundra"), and lamb and pork chops are the standard fare. Baked Brie with Raspberry Coulis and Toasted Almonds is about as fancy as it gets. If you bide your time just waiting for dessert, the Mile-High Chocolate Suicide Cake for two does not disappoint. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap in the cigar-friendly Tavern.

The white walls, partially covered with mirrors, and crisp white tablecloths makes for an elegant Indian restuarant. Lunch is served buffet style and includes a salad bar and delicious Tandoori breads. Start dinner off with tender, spicy Samosas, a sort of Indian spring roll filled with meat and vegetables and spiked with curry. There is a wide variety of meat, including chicken and seafood selections for dinner; vegetarians will be delighted with the veggie choices. Express business dinners available Monday through Friday.

If you long for a trip to Italy, Il Palio is the next best thing. The rich upholstery, hand-carved credenzas and fresh flowers sets off the mural of Siena and Venetian prints on the walls. Italian sconces and soft candlelight create the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner or intimate lunch. The aged prosciutto from Parma tucked into an arugula salad is exceptional. Homemade potato gnochetti with almond basil pesto is comfort food gone sophisticated. The tiramisu is the chef's own family recipe. It is located in the renowned Siena Hotel.

Subtle lighting accents set off the warm wall colors and paintings depicting southern scenes and still-life art at this restaurant, located on the site of the historic Carolina Inn. Fresh flowers and potted plants abound, adding natural beauty to an already sumptuous setting. The plush, airy, apricot-toned Piedmont Room is the perfect place for a private business lunch. The food is progressive American with a distinctive southern flair. Oven Roasted Snapper, served with Shrimp Jambalaya and Carolina Gold Rice, is a masterpiece for the eyes as well as the stomach. Save room for the Cappuccino Brownie Cake.

The decor of this restaurant is polished but comfortable. Hardwood floors are heart pine taken from an old downtown warehouse and the spacious lounge is dark cherry with stainless steel accents. The clientele is decidedly professional, the atmosphere undeniably intimate (the tables are quite close to one another). All the better to overhear others rave about their flavorful, inventive dishes. Try the chef's signature risotto or the amazingly tender grilled pork loin over creamy polenta. Finish with a perfectly executed creme brulee. Reservations are a must, especially on weekends.

Tasteful and subdued, this highly rated eatery is one of the most elegant in the area. Cobalt glassware glints off crisp white tablecloths, upholstered chairs speak comfort and dark wood complements creamy white walls. A tad stuffy, Fairview is the perfect place to impress your prospective in-laws. The Bibb Lettuce Salad with Bacon, Gorgonzola and Walnuts, although pricey, is the perfect combination of texture and taste. Seafood, poultry and meats are all given star treatment. Don't plan on coming straight from the links; the dress code is enforced.

Years ago, it would have been difficult to find a hip, urban hot spot where one can enjoy a nice meal and then dance until the wee hours. Five Star proves that Raleigh can party with the best of them. Fashioned from an old tobacco warehouse, the restaurant is decorated in a hip, minimalist style and all in red. There are two full-service bars and a large dance floor perfect for the large crowds that frequent the restaurant.

This local landmark resembles a big red barn and is the traditional place for Triangle residents to celebrate special occasions and bring out-of-town guests for a special meal. The décor is homey, with quilts displayed throughout and a country store chock full of down home goodies. Steak lovers will revel in the tender, aged steaks served with all the trimmings, and seafood fans are in for a treat. After dinner, relax with a nightcap at the handsome Wild Turkey Lounge. While meals here are pricey, dining here is well worth it.

The Gaelic translation of Tír na nOg means " "land of eternal youth. For anyone who's eaten here, that land also includes great food and a long list of beers. Step through the stone archway into an open warehouse style dining area where simple wooden tables and chairs line the tile floors and brick lines the walls. The Irish Stew shares the menu with a tender pecan encrusted pork loin and Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake stuffed with your choice of succulent fillings. Live music fills the air on weekends.

This is down home southern cooking in its purest form. Some breakfast items include the thickest biscuits coupled with the finest sausage gravy and plate-sized pancakes. If you come in for lunch and find barbequed chicken on the menu, you are in luck. Cash only.