The Best Restaurants for Rehearsal Dinners & Intimate Weddings in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and The Triangle
Your wedding reception checklist is underway – caterer, cake, rentals, favors … Time to relax, right? Not quite – you have another event to think about: The Rehearsal Dinner! But don’t fret; the rehearsal dinner is not nearly as intense to plan as the wedding itself. Plus, if you don’t have a wedding planner to plan this bash, you can always task your family with the heavy lifting here). In fact, dare we say it, for many couples, the rehearsal dinner can be even more FUN than the wedding itself. It’s a chance to relax with your family and close friends and to get all the wedding jitters (and tears) out before of the big day!
When planning your rehearsal dinner in the Triangle, you’ll want to keep your guests in mind: Will they enjoy the food? Is the atmosphere warm and welcoming? Does it showcase something you love about the local culinary scene? While most of the Heart of NC Weddings Preferred Venues are happy to host rehearsal dinners, it is often the most convenient for size and scale to choose a restaurant. While the Triangle area has a plethora of outstanding eateries and fine dining establishments, it is important to consider privacy capacity, as well as experience. Today we’re highlighting several restaurants that are perfect for the occasion. Below, Heart of NC Weddings shares our top picks for restaurant rehearsal dinners in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.
Raleigh
Mulino
The elegant Moroccan and Mediterranean ambiance of Mulino is amplified by its vibrant downtown location. Sections and rooms within the restaurant can accommodate up to 90 (indoors) and up to 350 (outdoors) with the use of their extensive patio which features an incredible tile-lined pool. Melrose Knitting Mill is a newly renovated space with large windows and exposed bricks located above Mulino that gives brides the option to wed or host the reception and have it catered by the Italian restaurant.
Photo by Langhoff Creative
Jimmy V’s Osteria & Bar
Located within Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar is an Italian-American eatery that features traditional comfort foods made with locally grown ingredients. The menu emphasizes sharing, so guests can bond. This fun yet beautiful atmosphere makes Jimmy V’s an ideal place to host a party – our favorite option is outside on the patio.
Vidrio
Managed by LM Restaurant Group, and located on Glenwood South, Vidrio features fine dining Mediterranean cuisine. With incredible artwork and a loft space, Mura offers a warm, refined atmosphere for your special occasion.
Sitti
Empire Eats Catering manages two downtown Raleigh restaurants with delicious food and enticing atmospheres. Sitti, a Lebanese restaurant, is warm and inviting, with its communal dining table and antique Art Deco bar featuring Lebanese liquors, wines and beers. Sitti has a downstairs area with private dining. Next door, at Gravy, an Italian-American eatery, there is a charming wine cellar that accommodates groups up to 40 people. In the back lot of these two restaurants is Jiddi Space, consisting of an exposed brick and an outdoor patio, as well as a large indoor event room. Either restaurant can cater events in this space, and it is available for rehearsal dinner use, or full scale weddings.
Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen
The handsome private dining room at Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen in the Raleigh Marriott is a newer hotspot in the heart of downtown Raleigh, and is perfect for rehearsal dinners. The warm and welcoming 60-seat space and seasonal menu with a sophisticated twist on traditional Southern cuisine is a certain crowd-pleaser.
Photo by Alex Boerner Photography / Indyweek
Chapel Hill
Serving the Triangle for over 30 years, La Residence Restaurant and Bar is a historic building located in Chapel Hill. Situated just blocks from UNC and Franklin Street, La Residence is a lovely French restaurant and charming intimate wedding venue in downtown Chapel Hill. It is conveniently located within walking distance of several downtown ceremony sites and hotels.
The Great Room at TOPO
If you went to UNC or grew up in the Triangle, you’ve probably dined at Top of the Hill – the legendary brewery and restaurant that looks over Franklin Street. But did you know that they also have a fabulous warehouse wedding venue, called The Great Room at TOPO?
Photo by Amber Hatley
Durham
Counting House
Counting House is the restaurant located inside the downtown 21c Museum Hotel Durham. For a dinner that’s truly unique, consider booking a private or semi-private space. The modern and visually stunning onsite restaurant creates North Carolina fare. Afterwards, treat your guests to after dinner drinks in an old bank vault that’s been converted to a lounge.
Photo at left Bites of Bull City and photo at right by Dara Blakeley Photography from SB&G 2016 editorial fashion shoot (featuring Lana Addison Bridal, Makeup for Your Day, and Jewelsmith)
Parizade is one of the best upscale restaurants in Durham. From the James Beard Award nominee Giorgios Bakatsias, this Mediterranean fine dining experience has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Parizade is more than just a restaurant though. They have indoor and outdoor private event space that is perfect for rehearsal dinners or intimate weddings. The entire restaurant is available for rent as a large Durham wedding venue. And best of all, they serve up their delicious menu offsite as a local wedding caterer!
Rehearsal Dinners are a specialty at The Durham Hotel, especially for those who want to please the palates of their closest friends and family. Enjoy a customized menu from their chefs, in one of their beautiful spaces or the private dining room for up to 48 people. With in-house linens, tables, chairs, candles and votives included, only a few blossoms and greenery are needed to complete the wedding look.
Photo by L’amour Foto
