If you were to plan the ultimate date night in Cary, what would that look like? For some, that could include a nighttime stroll through Downtown Park, where you can marvel at the enchanting gardens in the moonlight. Or, it could be a romantic movie night under the stars at Koka Booth Amphitheater, where you could find the perfect place to sit with your date. No matter what you envision, Cary is the perfect place to have a night on the town with someone you love.
There is no shortage of romantic date destinations in the heart of Cary, but for many, the night should begin with dinner. Start your evening off on a high note by dining at some of Cary's most romantic restaurants. Whether your idea of romance includes a chic wine bar or a sophisticated steakhouse, you and your date will surely have an unforgettable dining experience. Book your reservations and order a bottle of wine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Cary, North Carolina.
Chef’s Palette
If you love music, come in on Saturday night. You will be serenaded with live music as you dine, only adding to your dining experience. And with the beautiful, local art adorning the walls, it's easy to feel at home at Chef’s Palette. Beyond the restaurant's warm, welcoming ambiance, Chef Summers puts his heart and soul into his dishes. He uses only fresh, organic ingredients, making every dish a mouth-watering masterpiece. While Chef Summers regularly changes his menu, Chef’s Palette has many signature dishes, including baby back ribs, seared scallops, and mango-glazed pork chops. Book a reservation and relax. There’s no better place to celebrate a memorable date night than Chef’s Palette.
Maximillian’s Grill & Wine Bar
In recent years, the Triangle has been known as one of the up-and-coming foodie destinations of the East Coast. With its award-winning cuisine and innovative dishes, it's easy to understand why so many foodies are drawn to the Triangle. And while there are many wonderful restaurants in the Raleigh area, very few have the legacy that Maximillian's Grill & Wine Bar has. Established in 1991, Maximillian's has been a culinary staple in the area for over 30 years and remains one of the best places to spend date nights in Cary, North Carolina.
This Asian fusion restaurant has some of the best international cuisine you will find anywhere, while incorporating local dishes into its innovative menu. Order a bottle of wine from their impressive selection, and choose from one of their many fabulous entrees. Some of their signature dishes include North Carolina mountain trout, Painted Hills beef ribeye, and Korean barbeque beef. They also have plenty of seasonal vegetarian dishes.
Rey's Restaurant
Thinking of booking a trip to New Orleans? You can find Big Easy dining right in the heart of Cary with Rey's Restaurant. Known for its Louisiana-style menu and larger-than-life ambiance, Rey's Restaurant is the closest you'll get to dining in New Orleans without traveling. Start the night off at their iconic Voodoo Lounge, where you can sample some of Rey's most enticing cocktails. Grab a seat on one of their plush lounge chairs, light up a cigar, and relax. The Voodoo Lounge is where you can let loose and let go. And if you come here during the weekend, you'll get to listen to live music — just like on Bourbon Street.
When you're ready to dine, feast on some of their spectacular menu items. Try their Bourbon Street pork chops or veal piccata for something special. If you want to take your date night to the next level, you can book the restaurant for private events. You'll even get your own signature menu that's reserved for private parties.
Kō än
Whether you crave Latin American cuisine or Asian fare, the Triangle has some of the best international restaurants in North Carolina. Yet, even with so many options, one restaurant stands above the rest: Kō än. Locally owned and operated right here in Cary, Kō än offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience where you can experience some of the best cuisine of Southeastern Asia.
Combining authenticity with sustainability, their mission is to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all of their dinner guests. Very few places combine the sophistication of fine dining with the ambiance of a dinner party quite the way Kō än does. No matter what you crave, you'll find the best of everything at Kō än. Start your dinner on a high note by ordering from their raw bar. They have many spectacular sushi dishes, including the tuna tataki, the West Coast roll, and greens overseas roll. From there, order one of their many fabulous entrees, such as the bone-in ribeye filet and the Thai red curry.