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Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Durham

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Durham? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Durham - M Sushi restaurant

Durham - M Sushi

4.9

4.9 (2934)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Durham

About the restaurant

M Sushi is triangles first dedicated sushi and seafood restaurant. We concentrate on raw and cold applications of fresh exotic seafood as well as cooked and vegetarian courses utilizing the same high quality ingredients. We are creating simple and traditional sushi cuisine with Peruvian and Spanish influences. We are the only restaurant in NC to make the Opentable top 100 restaurants in 2021.

Top review

A

Audreyvip

Dined 5 days ago

Incredible food, service, and vibes. Always love it here!

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A photo of Nigiri Sushi of a restaurant

A photo of Nigiri of a restaurant

A photo of Tuna of a restaurant

A photo of Bin 54 Steak & Cellar restaurant

Bin 54 Steak & Cellar

4.8

4.8 (1796)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

To contact the restaurant directly please email info@bin54chapelhill.com

Using only the highest quality ingredients, Bin 54 elevates classic steakhouse dishes to a new level of refinement. Staged in a warm contemporary setting, diners are offered glimpses of the wood-fired grill, semi-open kitchen and the temperature controlled wine room stocked with an extensive inventory of both eclectic and traditional selections. We also offer three private dining rooms; the Wine Cellar, which seats up to 8 guests, the Aberdeen Room, which seats up to 16 guests, and the Solarium, which seats up to 30 guests. Please contact us for information on large group and private dining.

Top review

J

John

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent experience with great good and service. The background music was just right.

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A photo of Hanger Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Banana Pudding of a restaurant

A photo of Parizade restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3260)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Durham

About the restaurant

Parizade is Mediterranean inspired culinary creations. A vast open kitchen spans the length of the restaurant. Surreal art by Henryk Fantazos adorns the walls and ceiling. Parizade is truly the crowning jewel of Giorgios Hospitality Group. *Large parties, please call the restaurant at 919-286-9712*

Top review

C

Christopher

Dined 3 days ago

We enjoyed our evening at Parizade. We entered from the convenient parking deck and were greeted warmly by servers and support staff as we approached the host desk in the front. My wife and I dined on the front patio with our dog, and the cool weather was perfect. Our server was Katya, who said she was fairly new to Parizade. She was laid-back, confident, and prepared. We began with a glass of Cava, and a scotch-based crafted cocktail. The burrata was surrounded by prosciutto, cantaloupe, baby arugula, and aged balsamic. We shared the marinated lamb chops served over creamy polenta. Sliced eggplant and sweet peppers marinated in sherry vinegar were placed by the lamb. The subtle vinegar was a pleasant surprise. Grated Pecorino Romano tied the dish together. We also shared the new Mezze Rigatoni with house made Italian sausage. This pasta included sautéed onions, roasted red peppers, chili flakes, spinach, and fresh herbs. The ingredients were distinctly identifiable--both visually and by taste. Parmesan generously tops this pasta. We finished our dinner with a peach cobbler immersed in cheesecake. Our evening was enhanced by seeing familiar faces, and visiting with other guests in the dining room and courtyard. This is a warm and cheerful environment, and we are grateful Parizade is here for us in Durham.

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A photo of Linguine & Clams of a restaurant

Linguine & Clams

A photo of Seafood Plaki of a restaurant

A photo of Herb Stuffed Branzino of a restaurant

Herb Stuffed Branzino

A photo of Vin Rouge restaurant

4.8

4.8 (4497)

$31 to $50

French

Durham

About the restaurant

Vin rouge is a French Bistro. We focus on classic preparations served in a true bistro atmosphere. We have beautiful patio and garden areas for those who prefer to dine outside. Please indicate your preference for dining inside or out. We look forward to cooking for you soon!

Top review

R

Richardvip

Dined 2 days ago

We love dining at Baton Rouge whenever we get to Durham. Been coming here for years always excellent good drink good food good service. What can you ask for?

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A photo of French Onion Soup Gratinée of a restaurant

French Onion Soup Gratinée

A photo of Hanger Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Fearrington House Restaurant restaurant

Fearrington House Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1793)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

The intimate dining rooms within The Fearrington House Restaurant welcome guests with exceptional service and a seasonally changing menu. Executive Chef Paul Gagne commitment to exceptional farm-to-fork cuisine is woven throughout the dining experience.

From partnerships with local farms, including Harland's Creek Farm in Pittsboro and Lil Farm in Timberlake, to herbs harvested from gardens on the property, to dishes that celebrate North Carolina’s seasons, The Fearrington House’s mission to provide Relais & Chateaux level cuisine and service to guests has remained constant since opening in 1980.

Our menu is complemented by a beverage program featuring an extensive wine list, a full cocktail bar, and beers celebrating North Carolina breweries.

Any Allergies and Food Preferences are to be provided in advance. If not provided, not all requests can be accommodated.

Should you not find a desired time available online, please contact the restaurant directly at 919 542 2121.

Top review

E

Elias

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

The whole experience was amazing. The food was extremely delicious and prepared awesome. The presentation was top notch. The wine pairing elevated the food taste perfectly. The staff were great, knowledgeable and very attentive. The atmosphere was perfect.

A photo of Taberna Tapas restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1746)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Durham

About the restaurant

Spanish Tapas
Extensive Spanish Wine list
Full bar
Serving dinner

Top review

R

Russell

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing experience! Everything was great! Food was amazing, service was perfect and everything went great!

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A photo of Dark Chocolate Mousse of a restaurant

Dark Chocolate Mousse

A photo of The Sycamore at Chatham Mills restaurant

The Sycamore at Chatham Mills

4.8

4.8 (48)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Fine dining in a historic brick-and-wood setting with soaring ceilings and windows. Featuring hand-cut USDA prime and dry-aged steaks selected just for us. Poultry, fish, game and vegetarian dishes are offered alongside a full bar serving classic and contemporary cocktails. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of our lounge with fireplace and try out our lounge plates on Lounge Thursday, where most of our lounge offerings are $10! An a la carte menu is also offered. Live piano accompaniment Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with jazz bands performing on Wednesdays.

NOTE: For parties larger than 6 please call us at 919 704-8731. Email addresses may be used to receive occasional updates.

Top review

B

Bob

Dined 4 days ago

We went on a Wednesday jazz night. The band was excellent, as was the decor and food. We ate from a less expensive bar menu. The salad was spectacular.

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A photo of Bourbon, Whiskey, and Tapas Dinner (50% Deposit) of a restaurant

Bourbon, Whiskey, and Tapas Dinner (50% Deposit)

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Durham restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Durham

4.7

4.7 (2046)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Durham

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Durham is located in the Renaissance Center at Southpoint; adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn.

Whether you’re planning a casual dinner with friends, a party to celebrate, business meeting or banquet or a romantic dinner, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the most distinctive dining destination in the area. Ruth’s Chris professional, but personable staff will make your evening a sizzling success with first class service that is attentive but never fussy.

Top review

F

frank

Dined 4 days ago

Great Food. Great service. Management was very attentive. Problem with lighting on big fixture. Would change brightness every 20 seconds. If you have sensitivity to light it could be a real concern. Made manager aware. Obviously, could not fix in the moment

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A photo of Sweet Potato Casserole of a restaurant

Sweet Potato Casserole

A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Porterhouse of a restaurant

A photo of Il Palio restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1713)

$50 and over

Italian

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Il Palio is an intimate restaurant in the Siena Hotel. We strive to emulate the best of the great Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass. Our vision is simple – use the best local and Italian ingredients as purely as possible and serve them with comfort and pride. We cook as an Italian might in North Carolina.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Food & service was excellent. Very enjoyable experience!

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A photo of Pappardelle Bolognese of a restaurant

Pappardelle Bolognese

A photo of Ravioli di Buratta of a restaurant

Ravioli di Buratta

A photo of Bombolo restaurant

4.6

4.6 (266)

$31 to $50

Italian

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Named 2023 Restaurant of the Year by Eater. Dishes you’ve long loved served alongside dishes you’ve never heard of make our ever-changing menu an adventure you’ll want to embark on often. Our wine list is as varied as our food, and every one of our cocktails has been created just for Bombolo by our mixologist.

Top review

T

Talvip

Dined 6 days ago

The starters and mains were excellent as usual! Such wonderfully complex and balanced flavors. We always enjoy our meals at Bombolo!

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A photo of Italian Wine Dinner with Dandelion Wines of a restaurant

Italian Wine Dinner with Dandelion Wines

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