Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

Amazing gluten free food and service! We always love the calamari and split the entree.

Seriously one of the best restaurants in Raleigh, N.C., this is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. There’s a rich history behind this restaurant, and the chef takes great pride in his cooking and establishment. Although there is no official dress code, it’s recommended to wear at least business casual attire—avoid showing up in jeans and sneakers. Our waiter, Sam, was phenomenal and well-spoken, and I appreciated the history of the house that was shared with us. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about both the history of the venue and the menu, enhancing the dining experience. The food is cooked to perfection and beautifully plated. Give yourself enough time to enjoy all the courses; plan for 2-3 hours. Everything is served at a relaxed pace, from drinks to the first course, entrée, and dessert. We were seated later than our reservation time and had to wait in the basement, but we believe this was intentional to encourage patrons to enjoy the space and purchase drinks before their meal. The menu is extremely gluten-free friendly, and the chef makes every effort to accommodate those with allergens. The setting is perfect for an anniversary or a romantic date night. If you're looking for something more intimate, consider booking the Raleigh or Capital rooms downstairs. The main dining room and atrium are also nice but tend to have a more family or business-oriented atmosphere. Thank you for a great experience!

It was a 5 star experience in every respect. For one thing ,I have been Gluten Free for 19 years. This was the first time that an entire menu ( except for the French Onion soup) was a choice for me. The Calamari was excellent. Sam and Scott were on top of everything. Yet , they gave us our privacy. Thank you