Second Empire Restaurant   

330 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-829-3663
www.second-empire.com

Directions   Email   Send to Cell  

Taking residence at a historic home in downtown Raleigh is one of the city's finest dining institutions. Second Empire immediately conjures up ideas of superb cuisine coupled with a class-act setting. The culinary magic takes place inside the beautifully restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, an 1879 Second Empire Victorian. Upon entering, take notice of the heavily ornate architecture, a style developed in France under Napoleon III. Inside, the elegance of that time continues with heart pine floors, leaded glass panels, wide arched passages and a grand solid walnut stairway. The food is equally impressive. Chef Daniel Schurr creates a monthly changing menu of delicately constructed creations, with such appetizers as lamb shank and barley broth, sea scallop ceviche and baby snow pea shoot salad, and pan-fried Manchester quail. Grilled five-spice poussin, roasted gulf red snapper in a bouillabaisse sauce and sauteed veal rib chop with duck confit and a beet veal reduction all are exotic main-course offerings. Downstairs in the tavern, a more casual menu includes such items as roasted duck quesadillas, shrimp risotto and seafood paella. Extra special occasions may call for dinner at the chef's table, where two to eight guests can dine right in the kitchen, with the chef taking you personally through every course with paired wines. -- Erica Hinton