what do you think is the best nice restaurant in the triangle?

[Hamish Forbes]

I have been to Irregardless (Morgn Street, ITB) a couple of times in the last month or so. Really good -- highly recommend.

[starla]

Caffe Luna and Bloomsbury Bistro are my recommendations. I've never had dinner at Second Empire -- just drinks and dessert in the tavern.

Poole's usually has good food, but they're a little pretentious for my taste. Haricots Verts? Yeah, those are just green beans, you posers. Plus, the last time I went there a couple of the things we got weren't very good, which is unacceptable when you're dropping $90 on dinner, IMO.

[Clever User Name]

Originally Posted by starla

Poole's usually has good food, but they're a little pretentious for my taste. Haricots Verts? Yeah, those are just green beans, you posers.

Actually, the term haricots verts is useful as it describes a thinner bean, which is often more flavorful than the typical plump green beans served in most places. While it translates the same, it's not quite the same and the distinction on menus is useful and will give you a better idea of what will arrive on your plate.

[rfb]

Here are some of the places I've eaten at and liked (and a few listed above that I didn't like quite as much)

My favorites:

Four Square

I've eaten here twice, and loved it both times. Excellent food in a nice, restored Victorian home. Felt a bit more "causal" than the other two listed in this category.

Nana's

I've eaten here several times, and always had a great meal. It doesn't look impressive on the outside, but don't let that fool you.

Fearrington House

Expensive, but excellent food and service. If you can swing it, get a room at the Fearrington Inn, have the afternoon tea, and walk to/from the restaurant for your meal.

Next tier (still very good, but for whatever reason I preferred the ones above):

Magnolia Grill

Good food, noisy atmosphere. I've eaten here several times, but always seem to prefer the food and atmosphere from the other restaurants listed above.

Second Empire

Beautiful old home, great place for a "special" meal. Absolutely nothing wrong with the place, I just like some of the other ones better. Note if you want a more "casual" atmosphere, you can eat at the Tavern downstairs and order anything off either the Tavern's menu or Second Empire's menu.

Bloomsbury Bistro

It has been too long since I've been here. It is nice, but when I'm heading out for a fancy meal I just tend to choose some of the other options listed here.

Less expensive but still very good:

Rue Cler

I really like this place. Casual with good food. I prefer the dinner menu over the lunch menu.

Disappointed by the meal (for various reasons):

Il Palio

I've eaten at supposedly excellent restaurants within a hotel before, and seldom come out thrilled with the experience. Il Palio was no exception.