Best of the Triangle

For the past six and a half years, I've spent my time experiencing all that the Triangle has to offer in food, from fine dining to barbecue to pizza.  More recently, Jessica and I have taken the N&O list of best Triangle restaurants and used it as our own eating guide.  With only a few more places remaining, I thought I'd put together my "Best of the Triangle" list for those looking to experience the best this area has to offer.

Best Asian - An (http://www.ancuisines.com/) - An offers a variety of all Asian cuisines, from Japanese to Chinese to Vietnamese and many more.  In our two trips there, Jessica and I have been impressed with the variety and execution (amazing sushi, several preparations of duck, and fantastic seafood dishes) and always leave looking forward to the next trip. 

Best Steakhouse - None - My experiences at the two most notable steakhouses, Angus Barn and Sullivan's, have been mixed at best and while decent, not worth promoting on my "Best of" list.  Instead, I prefer both the ambiance and food at either Ruth's Chris or Fleming's, both chains across the country.

Best Sushi - Sono (http://www.sonoraleigh.com/) - Sono constantly delivers top-notch sushi in a trendy downtown bar / restaurant that is always filled with patrons.  Their huge variety of specialty sushi rolls gives Sono the edge over An, which makes sushi on par but with fewer choices.  My favorites are the Special O and Snap Dragon, but you truly cannot go wrong.

Best Seafood - 18 Seaboard (http://18seaboard.com/) - In my opinion, the seafood category is fairly sparse with few strong choices.  However, 18 Seaboard really does deliver quality seafood in basic preparations that highlight the flavors of the fish and sauces.  I recommend the tuna and haven't had a bad side dish so choose the ones that sound best to you.  Also, the fried green tomatoes to start may be the best in the area.

Best BBQ - The Pit (http://www.thepit-raleigh.com/) - This may be the most controversial selection on the list, as many prefer smaller hole-in-the-wall places to the Pit.  I, however, find that their barbecue is top notch while the trendy atmosphere and decor puts it over the edge.  The brisket and chopped pork cannot be matched anywhere I've been, and the mashed potatoes, fresh-cut fries, and mac and cheese all stand out as side choices.  Take advantage of the pit-smoked wings for appetizer, which have a strong smokey flavor that is unique to the restaurant.

Best Mexican - Mez (http://www.mezdurham.com/) - Mez is not a typical Mexican restaurant; they serve some traditional dishes but also twist Mexican flair into American classics for a truly original taste (including their ribs and brisket).  The highlight of a meal here, though, is the corn soup, which has fantastic flavor and texture that cannot be properly described nor experienced any way other than first-hand.  For more traditional "fast" Mexican, I'd recommend Festejos (http://www.festejosbarandgrill.com/) in Clayton.

Best Italian - Vivace (http://www.vivaceraleigh.com/) - Probably my toughest call, Vivace narrowly edges Il Palio (http://www.sienahotel.com/IlPalio.aspx) in its more approachable (read: cheaper) menu.  Both offer classic Italian dishes, although Il Palio pushes the creativity a bit more.  Still, Vivace delivers time and again with freshly made pastas, pizzas, and entrees that showcase amazing ingredients and flavors.  Their meat and cheese platter is a perfect way to start the meal.

Best Pizza - Sami's (http://www.yelp.com/biz/samis-selma) - Sami's, located in Selma, NC, makes New York style pizza like no other place in the area.  It is located as part of a gas station and has authentic New Yorkers cooking pizzas and subs to order.  For more contemporary "high class" pizza, try Bella Mia (http://www.bellamiacoalfire.com/) for the freshest ingredients and most original combinations.

Best Date Place - Revolution (http://www.revolutionrestaurant.com/) - Probably the most "NYC" place in the Triangle, Revolution is a trendy, modern restaurant with a great mix of classic and new-age food.  Their bar is a good place to start the date, while their small tables will make the night feel special.  On our trip, I had the monkfish special, which is probably the best seafood dish I've ever had.

Most Romantic Spot - Second Empire (http://www.second-empire.com/) or Fairview Dining Room (http://www.washingtondukeinn.com/Dining/fairview.asp) - The service, food, and ambiance of both add such an elegant quality to a date night.  Both offer intimate-feeling tables to truly enjoy the time and meal with whomever you may bring.

Best for Groups - 42nd Street Oyster Bar (http://www.42ndstoysterbar.com/) - Terrific for groups with a festive atmosphere, live music, and variety of food, the 42nd Street Oyster Bar is rightly popular for birthdays, work gatherings, and any other get-together with friends and family.

And now for the overall winner...

Best Restaurant - Fearrington House (http://www.fearrington.com/house/restaurant.asp) - I reviewed the Fearrington House once before (Fearrington House Review) but cannot overstate the perfection in every detail at the restaurant.  The server was spot on with recommendations and wine suggestions, the food itself was creative, fresh, and uniquely flavored, and the overall ambiance and feel of the restaurant made Jessica and I feel like royalty.  Without personally experiencing a meal here, you cannot exactly know what it is, so I implore you to make the next special occasion a reason to try the Fearrington House.

Others worthy of consideration in the "Best Restaurant" category - Second Empire, Fairview Dining Room, Heron's, Nana's, Magnolia Grill, J. Betski's, Revolution