Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

This is our go to spot for special occasions and this visit was no different! The food is incredible and service is even better. Amanda took great care of us. I highly recommend making a reservation for the tavern. It’s the perfect combination of fancy and cozy, without being too formal.

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.

Went this evening to celebrate for our anniversary. 10/10 on every metric: service, food and ambiance. It felt like one coherent team, everyone on the same page. Hats off to the chef and a gracious thank you to our waiter, Derrick.

The best restaurant ever if you wanna have excellent service and food. We have been coming here a lot until we have decided to hold our wedding here as well. We used three separate rooms and we don’t mind because our priority is to have excellent service and choices of gourmet food to our guests. We even have 5 choices for each guest’s entree and an open bar. Their prices we found out is reasonable than any other wedding venue we check in the Raleigh area. We still celebrate special occasions and what not wi the empire. All our out of town friends are always impressed with their quality of food and service but half of the cost if this were in big cities like NYC. Go and visit, they will not disappoint.

Foie Gras was delightful and tje chef was able to adjust for dietary needs. The filet mignon was perfection. Hubby enjoyed his bday dinner. Also, the cocktail lounge downstairs made the most pleasant ginger tonic ( non alcoholic) and I loved it. Overall a really chill spot for it to be as upscale and that is a very cool vibe.

Second Empire is truly a hidden gem. If you're not careful, you could walk past this beautiful place and never even know it. It's as beautiful as it is delicious. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly greeted. We had some amazing drinks, insanely delicious appetizers and the main courses were awesome. The atmosphere was very upscale and relaxed. The vibes were chill and we never felt rushed. We ordered the chocolate souffle which took some time, but the time was needed to digest properly. Everything from beginning to end was awesome and well worth it.

We had an incredible time celebrating our 6 year anniversary at Second Empire! The staff was so attentive, and each plate that came out was beautiful and delicate. Our server, Derick, was extremely knowledgeable on the menu and wine pairings and even gave us a history of the house at our meal. If you want a spot to celebrate a big milestone or feel extra special definitely come to Second Empire!

Wife and I came for our third wedding anniversary. She had come before with her work team. We got dressed up and I called ahead to get some things situated for her and our special night. The staff was very willing and friendly. They had the flowers and gifts I had ordered on the table and the wine as well. We were even 15 minutes early and we only waited maybe 5 minutes to be seated. The foie gras is immaculate and the filet mignon was cooked to perfection at med rare. Second empire is worth every penny for a special occasion. Wyatt was extremely helpful with the wine pairings and course suggestions. Everyone was super nice and professional. Can’t wait to go again. And yes the key lime pie was delicious.

Wow! I can't explain the level of customer service and hospitality shown by the staff at Second Empire! Along with the exceptional service the food was amazing as well. Between the fresh salad, the perfectly seasoned calamari, the extremely flavorful entrees, and the magnificent dessert I was beyond thrilled that I chose this place to celebrate my favorite person's birthday. I just can't say enough about the fabulous staff and the impeccable service.

So good every time we eat here but we just did the Chefs Table and WOW - absolutely incredible. Cannot recommend it enough, worth every penny.

Wow… just WOW! My family took me here for a birthday dinner and everything was elegant and delicious. The historic building is fascinating and the service matched the elegance. Most of all, the fascinating menu and beautifully prepared dishes were outstanding. I even received a menu signed by the chef for my birthday!

We came here for my birthday. The food was very delicious. We will definitely be back can’t believe this restaurant has been here for decades. The cook even signed the menu for me thank you!!

What an amazing way to celebrate our anniversary!! From the service (kudos to Amanda) to the food to the atmosphere. And the chef even gave us a signed copy of the menu with a lovely note. Definitely recommend

This place is so amazing that my wife and I came back two years later to celebrate our 15th anniversary. This time we made reservations and there was no wait time. The food was amazing as always and the service is world class. I can't wait to come back and have another wonderful experience!

In my opinion, fine dining doesn't get better than this. From the warm welcome by the friendly hostess, to the impeccable service (Eric, the best!), and incredible meal, the entire experience was unparalleled. Truly a remarkable experience.

Seriously one of the best restaurants in Raleigh, N.C., this is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. There’s a rich history behind this restaurant, and the chef takes great pride in his cooking and establishment. Although there is no official dress code, it’s recommended to wear at least business casual attire—avoid showing up in jeans and sneakers. Our waiter, Sam, was phenomenal and well-spoken, and I appreciated the history of the house that was shared with us. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about both the history of the venue and the menu, enhancing the dining experience. The food is cooked to perfection and beautifully plated. Give yourself enough time to enjoy all the courses; plan for 2-3 hours. Everything is served at a relaxed pace, from drinks to the first course, entrée, and dessert. We were seated later than our reservation time and had to wait in the basement, but we believe this was intentional to encourage patrons to enjoy the space and purchase drinks before their meal. The menu is extremely gluten-free friendly, and the chef makes every effort to accommodate those with allergens. The setting is perfect for an anniversary or a romantic date night. If you're looking for something more intimate, consider booking the Raleigh or Capital rooms downstairs. The main dining room and atrium are also nice but tend to have a more family or business-oriented atmosphere. Thank you for a great experience!

Second Empire is a special place. The ambience is soft, warm and cozy. The service is exactly what you want. Careful, attentive, non-intrusive. The servers are knowledgeable and thoughtful. They attend to dietary restrictions and allergies. They make excellent suggestions. They promptly attend to needs and perfectly pace the courses. You will not be rushed, and you will not be bored. The food is delicious and meticulously prepared. The flavor combinations are surprising and satisfying. I particularly love the incorporation of lots of greens and bright colored vegetables. I really can't wait to come back.

We had a delicious meal at Second Empire! We were celebrating our law school graduates and they gave us a private room. The restaurant is so charming and Sam our server was a top notch professional! The food was amazing! My new favorite restaurant in Raleigh!

My wife and I went there for our anniversary and everything was perfect, food service and atmosphere. We reserved a table a week or so beforehand and I’d recommend that because all the tables were occupied when we were seated at 7:30pm on a Friday. Our server Matt was excellent and gave us an incredible breakdown of the menu, what to expect and his personal recommendations. Both swordfish (off menu) and the rack of lamb were superb. Would definitely visit again.

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!

My amazing man brought me here for my birthday. We ate in the atrium, which was a gorgeous setting for a meal. From the hostess to the wait staff, all service was excellent - best I've ever experienced. The food was beyond delicious and was beautiful, and totally worth the expense. I received a copy of the menu signed by the chef as well as a birthday candle in my dessert, such nice touches. We will return here again and again, with pleasure.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that makes you feel fancy but without all the pretense, Second Empire in Raleigh is your spot. I went there for my birthday, and wow—let me tell you, I totally see why it’s one of the top restaurants in the city! First off, the decor? Absolutely stunning. It feels like you’ve stepped into a different era—think Downton Abbey vibes, but with better food. Our server was incredible, giving us a mini history lesson on the building while delivering top-notch service. It made the whole experience even more special. Plus, I even got a signed menu, which was such a thoughtful touch! Now, the food. I don’t want to be overly dramatic, but I had the best salmon and white fish of my life here. Seriously, ever. Every bite was pure perfection. I was almost tempted to ask for more, but I had to at least pretend I was still dignified. Oh, and don’t be scared off by the whole “fine dining” thing—the prices are actually very reasonable, which was a pleasant surprise! So, if you’re looking to treat yourself to some exceptional food and an even better atmosphere, Second Empire is where you need to be. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

There's a reason this place has lasted so long. Every visit is pristine in its execution. The extra that exemplifies Second Empire is their desire to always make every experience magically memorable. And this is something they simply do extremely well. From the food, to our tasty beverages, to our delectable dessert, it was all perfectly presented and prepared. Thanks as always for a truly wonderful evening! We'll be back!

We went there for a team dinner, and it’s a fantastic spot for group gatherings. The decor is unique, as the restaurant is located in a mansion, which adds to the charm. The food and service were both fabulous. I highly recommend starting with the cheese plate and ending with the chocolate soufflé for dessert.

We chose Second Empire for our rehearsal dinner and they really knocked it out of the park! We made our decision based on the taste of the food, atmosphere, and price when we initially came to dine with them. The package we chose was fin and feather which was a piece of salmon and piece of chicken breast. Both went so well together and the flavors were so delicious! The only thing I will say is the salmon for a couple people might have been underdone slightly (I dont mind I like mine more medium anyway) but there were roughly 40 people and thats a lot of people to serve so I think they did a fantastic job getting the food out and as tasty as it was! I have to point out that the rehearsal dinner took place in their Pine Room which was SO BEAUTIFUL! The lighting, ambiance, and windows made the room feel so special, intimate, and felt like a nice upscale dining experience for everyone! The waiters and waitresses were so kind and made sure everyone was taken care of. I really enjoyed how the waiter gave everyone a bit of background and history on Second Empire and the Pine Room. The cost was around $100 per person which is very reasonable considering all of the alcohol consumed and the three course meal with two meats included!! I will be coming back, and if I had to do my rehearsal dinner over again, I would choose them again 100%.

We dined at the chefs table, which is an experience to sit in the kitchen while watching everything come together! Everyone in the kitchen works together and works hard to make all of the beautiful dishes they create! Carson, Auston, and Destiny took very good care of us! Carson, who is the sous chef, explained and described all the of ingredients in our dishes. He was very interactive and knowledgeable! Austin was very knowledgeable about wine and also very attentive! It was a wonderful experience, however I was disappointed that the head chef, Daniel, never came over to introduce himself or even ask us how everything was.

My lady and I enjoyed an incredible evening here for our anniversary. Our server Micaela was outstanding, friendly, and exceptionally knowledgeable of explaining the specials to us. The wine, the first course, entrees, dessert were all perfect. But that ribeye! Best ribeye I’ve had in a very long time. I’m glad we chose this place for our anniversary. Second Empire truly went above and beyond to make this night memorable. I can’t wait to come back.

We have chosen Second Empire for all of our special occasion dinners because of the food and atmosphere. it’s a fabulous experience. We have enjoyed many options, most recently grouper and sea scallops paired with a bottle of Masseto. Their wine selection is excellent. This is a must try for anyone desiring a romantic experience.

Great atmosphere, perfect service, and excellent food. I’ve dined at Second Empire five or six times over the past 10 to 15 years, and every visit has been wonderful. This last time we chose it to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and once again, it did not disappoint.

Second Empire is our FAVORITE restaurant in Raleigh! The food is always amazing, with a wonderful blend of flavors, and beautiful presentation on the plate! My favorite is the duck breast, although on my last visit the grouper sounded so delicious I couldn't resist. I always get key lime pie for dessert, it's irresistible! The service is impeccable. Every detail is thought about and dealt with efficiently and unobtrusively throughout the whole evening. You are greeted pleasantly when you walk in the door by the hosts; once seated a lovely assistant greets you with water and butter (stamped with the Second Empire logo! The attention to detail!!). We always start with cocktails and then move on to wine, they have a lovely wine list. Service continues at a high level throughout the evening. Definitely a go-to in Raleigh for special occasions, although I would encourage you to treat yourself one evening, just because you deserve it! Keep it up, Chef Schurr and the entire staff!

This was my second visit to Second Empire and the 2nd visit was just as good if not better than the 1st. If you thought quality food and 5 star service had completely disappeared post Covid, I encourage you to try Second Empire to see that there are still a few restaurants left that offer amazing food cooked to perfection and a well-trained staff to back up the quality of the food. Honestly, as good as the food is, It’s the rest of the restaurant staff that really put the experience over the top. Everyone from the host to the waitstaff was phenomenal from start to finish. It’s not cheap but they have actually kept their prices very reasonable considering how expensive all other restaurants are now. If you have a special occasion you want to celebrate or are just in the mood for some top-notch cuisine, I can’t recommend this place enough.

The service and overall atmosphere were truly the highlight of our experience. My husband took me here for my birthday, and I was immediately impressed by the upscale ambiance. Our waitress was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive, she guided us through the menu and helped create a special, celebratory experience for my day. As for the food, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. I started with a salad that was overly salty. The lamb I ordered was decent, but I’ve had better, and my husband’s duck was just okay. While the dishes were fine, they didn’t stand out or feel worth the price. Overall, the ambiance and exceptional service stood out far more than the food itself.

Really cool restaurant with great food. Started with a 3 cheese plate. The sheep's milk blue cheese was the star of the show. They had a dinner course special of foie gras and a filet mignon. Both were paired with too many things to remember but everything paired really well together in every bite. A great balance of savory and sweet.

The service was impeccable. Waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and the history of the restaurant. Ambiance is on the fancier side with white table cloths and an emphasis on fine dining. The menu is varied with each dish being very complex with lots of flavors going on at once, borderline overly so. However, they are all in balance so everything still tasted good. I will note that seafood Paella was more of a jambalaya with Latin flavor profiles. But was still tasty. Definitely worth going at least once to experience the ambiance and the chef’s menu.

My waiter might have not liked me personally but he forgot to bring me wine. The service was extremely slow and we got there when they opened and there was only 1 other party in our area. My entre was paella and I was expecting authentic, classic. It was soupy. The seafood it contained was a mixture of tough/dry and bitter as well as ok tasting. I'm assuming sometimes this entree is a hit but if it's always like that they should remove it from the menu. I've never spit out bites of paella in a restaurant or would describe a scallop as bitter. If you want to save time look at the menu online and let your waiter know exactly what beverages and dessert you want initially so you can cut your waiting for a menu time down. Souffle takes 20 minutes to make.

We enjoyed our four course meal at the chef's table for my birthday. Our favorite dish was the scallop and pork belly. All of the wine pairings were good, not excellent I ordered the fois gras, which was not on the original menu chosen by the chef. The preparation was not the best as it was burnt around the edges. The chef's table is in the kitchen making for a fun experience. The service was good and all of the staff were pleasant and attentive. It was noisy, but we did not mind but if you want a quiet dining experience I wouldn't recommend it. It is a unique dining experience. Over all a nice evening but a step or two below Michelin star fine dining.

The service was fine, I had the scallops. Over $50 with tip for three scallops just is not worth it. The scallops needed way more salt and maybe a side of lemon to balance the flavor. Overall, service was fine, but not at all what I am used to visiting fine dining establishments. Underwhelmed on all fronts.

The service was great, almost too much, I don't need my water to be constantly about to spill lol. But it when it comes to drinks, I ordered two total for my self, and it took a long time for each to the point where I ordered my second before my entrée and got it at dessert, I really didn't need a spicy margarita with my wonderful dessert. I would say dessert, atmosphere, and service was probably the best part. Our main courses was really not worth it at all...we both had the special which we were highly recommended to try . But for $300 + for our meal and a French onion soup that tasted like it was from Costco, I'll get the dessert and drinks only next time.

It's okay. Not super a great impression when you sit down with a fake candle. Food was okay. Portions wildly varied. Paella was straight up watery. Shrimp tasted overcooked, the scallops had a strange aftertaste that our group didn't like, and the salmon was under seasoned. The chorizo was the only saving-grace but ite flavor was again watered out. Waiter forgot about the wine sample we asked for. People were generally friendly which was nice, but it didn't make up for the underwhelming food. Wouldn't recommend.

We have been coming here for years, but something has changed. Tonight was the first night that the food was just “ok” and $400 later, we expect to be blown away EVERY time. I noticed the menu is now on thin paper vs quality cardstock, but perhaps the cardstock is only for special occasions. The dishes seemed a bit repetitive — we ordered 3-4 different dishes and they all looked the same and the flavor profiles were too close. I got the prawn and mussel appetizer— my shrimp was overcooked and mushy, not deveined, and not prawn size. The tofu steak appetizer lacked flavor and execution that I’m not accustomed to from this location. I understand the importance of celebrating what’s in season, but I’m wondering if there are cost-cutting measures in place to stretch certain ingredients vs creating a culinary experience that integrates unexpected harmonies of ingredients. Lots of corn and hominy and phenomenal sauces paired with them. I’d prefer the prices to be raised vs quality & experience to be compromised. Dessert was phenomenal as always and service was great!