2 NC restaurants named ‘best of the best’ in the US, Tripadvisor says

Linen-clad tables, exemplary service, and sublime bites are the hallmarks of fine dining — and two North Carolina restaurants know them well, according to Tripadvisor.

The travel website named Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern in Raleigh and Ristorante Paoletti in Highlands among the “best of the best” restaurants for fine dining in the nation. They ranked third and 13th, respectively, on the Top 25 list of must-try eateries.

Glowing reviews from the travel community helped put both spots over the top, earning them the coveted Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title.

“When you’re looking for the crème-de-la-crème, these are the places worth getting on the waitlist for,” Tripadvisor editors wrote.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern

Location: 330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Rating: 4.8/5 stars

Housed in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale House in downtown Raleigh, Second Empire serves Contemporary American cuisine with elevated flare. Foodies can enjoy an elegant dinner upstairs in the restaurant, or head downstairs to the Tavern for a casual meal, light bites and local beer.

“True to its name, Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern leans into an elegant, historical vibe,” Tripadvisor says. “And it has the seasonal dishes to match — think duck breast and scallops — all beautifully plated and presented.”

A recent customer raved about the “delicious flavors, great wine and very attentive service” at Second Empire, while others gushed over must-try dishes like the citrus and herb salmon and chocolate soufleé. One foodie even declared her espresso martini was “the tops in the Raleigh area.”

The restaurant and tavern also landed on Yelp’s Top 25 places to eat in the Triangle last year, appearing alongside local favorites like Press Coffee Crêpes Cocktails in Durham and Saap in Cary, The News & Observer previously reported.

Ristorante Paoletti

Location: 440 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741

Rating: 4.7/5 stars

At Ristorante Paoletti, you’ll find refined Italian classics, seafood and fine wines. In fact, its exquisite vino selection earned it a 2025 Best of Award of Excellence from WineSpectator last year, spotlighting the variety of Italian, French and Bordeaux wines on the menu.

Tucked away in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains, Ristorant Paoletti also earned high marks for its service, value and overall atmosphere.

“Homemade bread and a family vibe sets the scene at this Italian mainstay,” according to Tripadvisor. “Start with the light, crispy calamari and try a pasta special or two — heaping portions make sure no one leaves hungry.”

Here’s what diners said about their recent visits:

• “Excellent service starting with the hostesses Mama G and Regina seating us to our sommelier who selected an excellent Italian wine. We especially liked the carpaccio and the beet salad and the grouper and the fillet were world class. The restaurant ranks with any you can find in NYC.” — Ryan L.
• “The food is always extraordinary, and the staff treats everyone like family. We go every chance we can. Mama G is full of heart…such a beautiful experience. And the bolognese…amazing!!” — Stephanie R.
• “The food was truly memorable — the trout was delicate and perfectly prepared, and the pastas were divine. The gnocchi was light and fluffy, and the lasagna special was rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious.” — Kristin S.

Note: Ristorante Paoletti is currently closed for the season and will reopen April 16.

What are the best fine dining restaurants in the US?

These swanky eateries were top picks among Tripadvisor members:

• Revival in Charleston, SC (No. 1)
• Sazón in Sante Fe, New Mexico (No. 2)
• Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern in Raleigh, North Carolina (No. 3)
• Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina in Nashville, Tennessee (No. 4)
• La Grande Boucherie in Chicago, Illinois (No. 5)
• Brenner’s on the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas (No. 6)
• Primal Steakhouse in Las Vegas, Nevada (No. 7)
• Club A Steakhouse in New York City, New York (No. 8)
• Gallaghers Steakhouse in New York City, New York (No. 9)
• Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse in Lake Charles, Louisiana (No. 10)

See the full list at tripadvisor.com.

Tanasia Kenney

Sun Herald

Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.