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Hours
Tue
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
“Our food was absolutely delicious including salmon, duck and filet mignon as...”
“... was served over a smoked trout and grain mustard risotto, it was excellent!”
“... and Joan (my mom) enjoyed the calamari appetizer and fabulous filet mignon.”
“We enjoyed duck confit, pork risotto, cioppino--all so delicious!”
Is this a cafe?
Details
About
Located in downtown Raleigh’s historic Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, exceptional service and gourmet cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern features our award winning Contemporary American Cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Upstairs enjoy the ultimate dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of charm and grace. Downstairs in the Tavern and beautiful Atrium room enjoy a lighter fare menu and more casual environment. The Capitol Room, Raleigh Room, Pine Room and Atrium Room are available for private parties seating up to 55 people or various combinations of rooms for parties up to 300 people. Second Empire is very proud to be the recipient of the DiRoNA Award (Distinguished Restaurants of North America), the AAA Four Diamond Award (Raleigh’s only restaurant with this award) and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1998.
PRICE RANGE
HK$241.00 – HK$622.00
CUISINES
American
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, 有泊車位, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
5.0
1,573 reviews
Excellent
1,358
Very good
123
Average
56
Poor
21
Terrible
16
Amanda D
26 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Second Empire is a raleigh staple of fine dining. The atmosphere is one of a kind in an amazingly restored Victorian house downtown, which sets it apart from other establishments. The menu options are composed works of edible art that showcase the ingredients in a way that is adventurous, but yet attainable for those who may not typically be adventurous eaters. We regularly visit for special occasions and I've never gotten the same thing twice and never been disappointed with my selection. The service is also top notch. They are attentive but not overbearing and well versed in the menu to be able to provide descriptions of the dishes and valuable opinions on what would be best for your fancy. I can't say enough wonderful things about Second Empire!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Speckled Trout
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
Had a great meal at Second Empire. The pork belly and smoked trout is not to be missed! Dirty Martini with bleu cheese stuffed olives and Key Lime Pie were over the top. Our server, William, was attentive and very knowledgable about the menu
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MistyEzra
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We have been celebrating our anniversary at Second Empire for 5 years now. It NEVER disappoints. The menu is imaginative and exciting and the features are always enticing and delicious. The ambiance is romantic, fine-dining without being pretentious. The wine list is superb. But what is truly remarkable is the service. OUTSTANDING service. We have requested Destiny for 3 years now and she is superb. She is equally knowledgeable of the food menu and the wines offered and we always order based on her recommendations. She is personable and friendly but never lingers too long or interrupts She is the highlight of our anniversary celebration experience each year. We will be devastated is she ever leaves.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamguru
Key West12 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
This was our second visit to Second Empire this spring. We were impressed at the first visit - with reservations - so decided to bring some friends for a second, Unfortunately, the same reservations existed in our second visit.
The pros: lovely, tranquil setting, well trained knowledgeable wait staff, wine list well chosen and a good range of food offerings with top notch ingredients
The cons: a little overly formal and scripted wait staff, food overly complicated plates with too many components all muddled at times. This sometimes hide the meat or fish centerpiece and distracts. One colossal miss was a gorgeous dry aged filet mignon served with spicy rice and asian vegetables that were so out of harmony it made it almost unpleasant to eat. The veggies were good and the steak terrific but they were of two different worlds. Decided to eat them that way as distinct offerings and enjoyed it more.
I commend what they are trying to accomplish and think most of us who appreciate good food, knowledgeable service and a soothing dining atmosphere welcome their efforts. The chef just needs to be more restrained in his preparations/presentation to allow the food to shine not confuse.
I will return but probably ask for some of the ingredients to be removed from the preparation.
Written 3 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael N
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
What a great experience. The food was perfectly prepared , the flavor pairing were second to none and our server Jason was on his game. I wish there were more stars to give. Price for the quality of the food and the professional service was so reasonable.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Royal Oak local
35 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Dining solo is always a crap shoot, but you’d figure a place with its reputation and pedigree wouldn’t have a problem. Maybe they didn’t but I sure did.
Seated with menu at 650, waitstaff appeared at 7. Ordered a cocktail. Cocktail arrived at 705 and I ordered diner. Foie gras and a glass of Sauternes, followed by the filet and a glass of red. All served and cleared in 40 minutes
The service was rushed….my food flew out of the kitchen without regard to when I might be ready for it. And I wasn’t. Everything was elegantly prepared and ENTIRELY over salted. Crazy amounts of salt, rendered much of the dinner inedible. So indeed it didn’t take long NOT to eat it.
Wait staff didn’t inquire why my plates went back to the kitchen only 33% consumed
When dessert arrived the waitperson delivered it with a hearty “here ya go”. Chess pie was good, so was the ice cream and fruit. Had to ask for proper cutlery.
Check arrived before I finished dessert and well before I would have asked. The place was less than 50% full so it’s not they needed the table
No kidding.
This may still be the best fine dining in Raleigh….but entirely disappointing experience.
Written 3 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb C
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Dining here is an event. The service, the food, and the atmosphere are all exquisite, absolute perfection. This was our second visit and we’ll be back again. The wine pairings suggested by our server Destiny were beautiful and complemented each course. I had the paella, which made this New Englander want to weep with joy. The clams and mussels were cooked perfectly and the broth was rich and deeply flavorful. My husband’s duck breast was tender and delicious (oh you bet I had a bite!) My father-in-law ordered the rack of lamb, which the kitchen was kind enough to debone for him so he could enjoy more easily (he’s 82.) The picture is of the butterscotch bread pudding. It was to die for! Go early and go down to the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. The woodwork alone is worth going down the stairs to see. Thank you to everyone there for making our visits so memorable!
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wgatap
Raleigh7 contributions
Jan 2021 • friends
I'd been wanting to try this place for years. Get a maple bourbon smash! Perfect drink.
Had the lump crab salad which was also very good but the flavors left me wishing for a dash of something, salt maybe? The server who was personable and knowledgeable recommended the duck entree and I obliged but then was mistakenly brought the pork chop instead. She admitted it was her mistake which was admirable. It wasn't a big deal and I didn't wait too long but it did disrupt the pace of the meal. I wonder what the duck would have been like if it weren't rushed because it was just ok. Plate was hot but the duck wasn't. And at that point I was feeling a bit full probably from waiting a little extra. Also they should have packaged the pork chop and sent it home with me, since the mistake was absolutely no fault of my own. I'm sure it was merely trashed which is sad and a waste. Not the persona to portray these days.
Overall good experience but room for improvement. I look forward to going back.
Written 15 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken M
Franklinton1 contribution
Jan 2020 • none
The best dining experience we have had since moving here a year ago. The food was creative and wonderfully prepared. Our waiter, Joseph, was well versed in both the food choices and wine selection. The service was the best. Joseph also told us a bit about the history of the House. A man named Sam modified our reservation and later called to be sure we were going to make our time. Sam also checked to see if this was a special occasion and when we arrived, the hostess wished us a happy anniversary.
The house is beautiful. Finally, we were presented with a menu signed by the chef and with our special date printed on it along with our names and Happy 49th. A special evening.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALB1009
16 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
We ate here for a birthday dinner and it exceeded our already high expectations! We loved everything from our cheese board, to our appetizers, to our entrees. We left filling very full and the prices are not too expensive for the quality and amount you get. Can’t wait to eat here again!
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila M
Raleigh18 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
We have dined and hosted parties at the Second Empire Restaurant for almost 20 years. Every visit is a culinary delight. This is the first visit during the Covid-19 restrictions. They have spaced the tables, and the waiters are all wearing masks. Once again Second Empire lives up to our high expectations! We highly recommend this restaurant!
Written 10 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marianne B
Raleigh13 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We love Second Empire! The menu is always interesting and diverse, using many locally sourced items. The waitstaff is knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive. You can't beat the atmosphere - the restaurant is a beautifully converted old home and they've retained that feeling. The wine list offers something for everyone and they make specialty cocktails too. You can eat a little more casually in the tavern if you prefer. One of our favorite places in Raleigh!
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • couples
The awards on their walls are much deserved. The service is absolutely stellar, the atmosphere was perfect for a nice formal dinner, and the food was spectacular. My girlfriend has gluten allergies and they made sure to accommodate the entire plate to be gluten free and had really great gluten free bread as well to start. I couldn't ask for anything else, the awards this place has are well deserved.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gavin W
Raleigh42 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
My family and I had an absolutely wonderful dinner at SE. The food was perfect. Really, absolutely perfect! I've lived in Raleigh nearly 20 years, but just never made it to dinner here before. So for Christmas my family and I just wanted to have a nice (and safe) dinner out. This fit the bill to a 'T'! It was probably some of the best food I've had in Raleigh. I had the duck, my wife and daughter had the scallops, and my son had the lamp. It was all cooked perfectly and delicious. ...seriously, the duck was just Wow. Also the atmosphere was lovely and our server was very nice and affable. Even the light Christmas background music was a nice touch. From a Covid safety perspective, we couldn't of asked for anything better. The dinning rooms were not very full which put us at ease and the staff wore masks the whole time. I look forward to returning soon! And hopefully under much more normal circumstances.
Written 20 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane S
Wilmington32 contributions
May 2021 • none
My daughter had been to Second Empire a couple of weeks ago and raved about it, so when my husband and I were passing through Raleigh on the way to visit her I knew we had to try it (plus well reviewed in Our State magazine). The food, service, and ambience certainly lived up to the hype. All three of our meals were fabulous - the salmon, the tuna tartare, the chocolate soufflé, swordfish and pork belly - absolutely to die for! The waitstaff was attentive, professional, and extremely knowledgeable about the chef's offerings. My daughter and I are all ready planning our next meal there!
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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