Bleu Olive is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

1. Bleu Olive

8.5
1821 Hillandale Rd, Durham, NC
Mediterranean Restaurant · 18 tips and reviews

Jason B.Jason Baxter: Saffron paella is great! Get a reservation on weekends and special occasions

JoleneJolene: Amazing place! I had garlic shrimp & spicy mussels. I've never tasted food with so much flavor! I asked about wine & got an unbelievable recommendation! Wish I lived here. I would be back every week!

Simal S.Simal Soydan: It is one of my favorite restaurants in Durham. Tasted the moussaka, crab cake, tzatziki, sagavaki and beef tenderloin. All were delicious but I personally recommend the moussaka. It was delicious.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

2. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

8.5
8030 Renaissance Parkway (in the Streets of Soutpoint), Durham, NC
American Restaurant · 50 tips and reviews

Triangle Real Estate G.Triangle Real Estate Group: This is a great place to go for special occasions.

Robert P.Robert Page: Best hamburger in the Triangle area. May be the best hamburger anywhere.

Jim D.Jim Dearing: Great food and nice bar, love the BLT salad!!

Maggiano's Little Italy is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

3. Maggiano's Little Italy

8.0
8030 Renaissance Pkwy (at Streets At Southpoint), Durham, NC
Italian Restaurant · 69 tips and reviews

Raphael Saadiq I.Raphael Saadiq Is The New Mayor!: Book your next special occasion with Maggiano's Banquets! Anniversaries, Weddings, Birthdays, Business Meetings... We do it all!

Zee U.Zee Uhh: Choose the Family Choice Classic Style for four. All you can eat choose appetizers, salads, entree, and desserts. Split check $30/pp. even have food to take home. Great way to sample different dishes!

Christanna H.Christanna Honer: Correct pronunciation: mah-ji-ah-nose. Not maglionis, magaronis, maggyonos, and definitely not magnolias.

Gocciolina is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

4. Gocciolina

8.5
3314 Guess Rd, Durham, NC
Italian Restaurant · 13 tips and reviews

Christina M.Christina McCullen: We split 3 entrees and all were great - pork Ragu, Carbonara and Mushroom ravioli. Lots of delicious and imaginative small plates and desserts. Good wine and cocktails. Great service!

Jason B.Jason Baxter: Excellent Italian food. Best meal I've had in months. On par with Nana's for half the price.

Kelly G.Kelly Gorsche: Panna cotta to die for

Alley Twenty Six is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

5. Alley Twenty Six

9.1
320 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC
Cocktail Bar · 39 tips and reviews

Carlos R.Carlos Russo: I definitely recommend this place for anybody looking to enjoy some great cocktails and atmosphere. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and very friendly. Can be busy, but worth it.

Kenan J.Kenan Jones: This place is awesome! Extremely knowledgeable bartenders. Just tell them what u lime and they will craft a drink for you. Dean is amazing!

JessicaJessica: Best gin and tonic EVER!

Luna Rotisserie & Empanadas is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

6. Luna Rotisserie & Empanadas

8.6
112 W Main St (Mangum), Durham, NC
Peruvian Restaurant · 11 tips and reviews

David H.David Heiser: Bourbon pecan dessert empanadas are ridiculous. Also, the patacon pisao with brisket is fantastic. Reminds me of the jibaritos at Puerto Rican restaurants in Chicago!

MarionMarion: The patacon pisau (sandwich with sweet plantain patties as buns) are delicious and unlike anything I've had elsewhere. Arepas and empanadas are also solid.

Martu L.Martu Lonca: Chicken empanada is the best one. everything seems fresh. Bartender was friendly and place is cool

Burger Bach is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

7. Burger Bach

9.2
737-220 9th St, Durham, NC
Gastropub · 23 tips and reviews

Heather B.Heather Bailiff: Unique burgers, grass fed. Great draft beer selection. Nice patio area. Friendly bar staff.

The News & ObserverThe News & Observer: Burgers are made with grass-fed beef that’s humanely raised and slaughtered (certified Halal) in New Zealand. As for the “pub” part: 30 beers on tap (including 20 local brews). Read more.

Simal S.Simal Soydan: Tried the Queenstown Burger. It was delicious. I definitely suggest trying one!

Mateo is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

8. Mateo

9.0
107 W Chapel Hill St (at W Main St), Durham, NC
Tapas Restaurant · 60 tips and reviews

Heather B.Heather Bailiff: Best place for a dinner date. Savories are best. Amazing sherry and Cava.

Emma Z.Emma Zunker: Get a low-top table. The stools at the high-tops are brutally uncomfortable.

Jessica M.Jessica Mendez Garcia: Crispy manchego and duck egg must try!! Also the manzana and manchego salad, amazing. Patatas bravas are good too!

Nana's is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

9. Nana's

8.3
2514 University Dr (at Durham-Chapel Hill Rd), Durham, NC
American Restaurant · 22 tips and reviews

Frances L.Frances Lambourg-Roach: From appetizers to desserts everything is exquisite. Highly recommended. The service is superior, nice atmosphere, and confortable. If you have not visited yet, take a chance, you will love it!

The News & ObserverThe News & Observer: Try the Risotto with Veal Breast, Butternut Squash, English Peas and Sage. Read more.

Randall R.Randall Robinson: Probably one of the best restaurants in the Triangle!!!

The Cheesecake Factory is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

10. The Cheesecake Factory

8.5
8030 Renaissance Pkwy Ste 950 (at the Streets at Southpoint), Durham, NC
American Restaurant · 67 tips and reviews

Ariel G.Ariel Germain: Apple Martinis and Dumplings!!! Must have.

Amy D.Amy Dobrzynski: The red velvet cheesecake is my absolute favorite.

Tyrone W.Tyrone Wright: OMG This Place Has The Best Cheesecake EVER!!! Just So Damn Expensive. LOL

Vin Rouge is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

11. Vin Rouge

8.6
2010 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC
French Restaurant · 37 tips and reviews

The Wall Street JournalThe Wall Street Journal: The wine program is a standout, as are the seafood towers drawing on North Carolina’s spectacular coastline. Read more.

Maurice S.Maurice Spencer: Service here is 1St Class. Shout out to our waiter Roy!

The News & ObserverThe News & Observer: Visit owner Giorgios Bakastais' favorite room, the red room. Follow the link to see "Portraits of a well-loved restaurant". Read more.

106 Main is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

12. 106 Main

8.3
106 E Main St (S Mangum St), Durham, NC
Cocktail Bar · 14 tips and reviews

Phil-Leah R.Phil-Leah Raeihle: Nice hangout bar. Bartenders are very friendly and make good drinks. Try 'The Caro' with Milagro silver tequila

Stephanie T.Stephanie Tripp: Mike, the owner, is awesome. You WILL get your money worth of liquor here. If you like margaritas, give his a try! He makes them different and they're absolutely delicious! Very chill atmosphere.

Kacy F.Kacy Fortner: Friendliest bartenders in town. You should totally give it a shot if you're around the area. Affordable drinks, chill atmosphere. Great place to watch a game.

Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

13. Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria

8.1
5850 Fayetteville Rd Ste 106 (at Geneva Dr), Durham, NC
Italian Restaurant · 30 tips and reviews

Jeff P.Jeff Penn: Best Italian place in Durham! Sit outside on Saturday's in the spring/summer for live music!

Mike G.Mike Guyer: Deep dish with meatballs is my favorite :-)

Elisha Gutloff, M.Elisha Gutloff, More Than Your Realtor: Best pizza in Durham hands down!

Pizzeria Toro is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

14. Pizzeria Toro

9.0
101 E Chapel Hill St (at W Main St.), Durham, NC
Pizzeria · 60 tips and reviews

Kian Lam K.Kian Lam Kho: The thin crust wood fired pizzas are perfect. Loads of innovative topping combinations. An excellent wine list to accompany the food offering. One duck gizzard salad was exceptionally delicious.

Eric S.Eric Shelton: I give this place 100%, on taste etc's, and wait staff goes way above duty to make you feel satisfied to return!!!

Grover B.Grover Burthey: Pizza is great but don't forget to start with the kale salad!

Ted's Montana Grill is one of The 15 Best Places That Are Good for Special Occasions in Durham.

15. Ted's Montana Grill

8.4
6911 Fayetteville Rd (at Renaissance Center), Durham, NC
American Restaurant · 53 tips and reviews

Heidi V.Heidi Van Brocklin: Delicious Duo (order both bison style) w/ blue cheese and squash casserole instead of fries...awesome!!

James D.James Darville: 9oz salmon was delicious! Service at the bar was just right! Christina was great!

Elisha Gutloff, M.Elisha Gutloff, More Than Your Realtor: Salt and pepper trout, can't go wrong!