Amelia Café 905 West Main Street Brightleaf Square, Durham www.ameliacafe.us Food: $3-11 Desserts: $2-6.50 Amelia Cafe is an appealing spot for lunch or dessert if you are in the Brightleaf area. The atmosphere is relaxed but sophisticated with smooth jazz playing and very comfy leather chairs at their tables. They offer candy, sweet and savory
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Second Empire 330 Hillsborough Street Downtown Raleigh Entrees: $25-37. http://www.second-empire.com Second Empire is a four star, fine dining restaurant housed in a lovely historic Victorian house. We ate in the main house but there is also a more relaxed, tavern section located in their cellar.  Note, though, that the prices there are not any more
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Magnolia Grill 1002 Ninth Street Ninth Street, Durham http://www.magnoliagrill.net Entrees:  $25-$28 Magnolia Grill is known as one of the finest dining establishments in Durham.  Being as I’ve lived here four years now, I figured I should get around to trying it.  Its menu is what I dub New American cuisine, otherwise known as fresh, local
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William’s Gourmet Kitchen 2114 East Highway 54 Research Triangle Park, Durham http://www.williamsgk.com/ Sandwiches:  $4.29-$6.49 Sides:  $0.99-$2.49 William’s Gourmet Kitchen is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch right where Highways 54 and 55 intersect. Its atmosphere is definitely that of a fast food restaurant but one that is very clean, welcoming, and decorated with fun
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Satisfaction Restaurant and Bar 905 W Main Street Suite 37 Brightleaf Square, Durham http://www.satisfactionrestaurant.com Sandwiches and Salads:  $5.29-8.99. Pizza:  Starting at $8.59 for a small, plain cheese. On a Sunday afternoon, Satisfaction is a relaxing sports bar and grill.  I specify when we ate because I’ve been here for a drink on a game night
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Tandoor Indian Restaurant 5410 Highway 55 Greenwood Commons Durham http://tandoorinrtp.com Entrees:  $10-19 Tandoor, situated in a nondescript shopping center, has a nice, white tablecloth interior with plenty of tables and booth seating and a small, cute bar with elephant figurines on display.  The Indian music playing had an upbeat tempo, which was appreciated as Indian
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Disclaimer: I went to Bavarian Brathaus with a German friend who thinks it is fantastic and has tried many things on the menu. I think if I were a bigger lover of meat, I may have liked it more. Also, portions are large!

This traditional German restaurant, complete with servers in traditional dress and beer steins and flags decorating the indoors, is a very welcoming environment. The owners and several workers are actually German, which delighted my companion as she could speak her language freely. The outdoor seating area is gorgeous.

El Paraiso *CLOSED* 111 S. Alston Street East Durham (Note, I only think this is the East Durham area.  Feel free to correct me!) Lunch/Dinner:  $2-7 per item I’ve been dying to try one of Durham’s taquerias for quite some time, as they have been heavily praised.  On my way back from the Animal Protection
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Bali Hai 811 9th Street, Suite 170 9th Street District, Durham http://www.balihainc.com/ Entrees:  $7-9 Bali Hai is a Mongolian restaurant with two branches in the Triangle area.  They offer a unique dining experience, where you fill one or two bowls with your choice of vegetables and thinly sliced beef, pork, or turkey.  If you would
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Asuka *Now Haru Japanese Cuisine* 101 Keybridge Drive Morrisville Sushi rolls:  $5-14 Entrees:  $14-18 This Japanese sushi and fusion restaurant is decorated with copper-toned walls and the occasional splash of Japanese décor, such as a bamboo-patterned panels and vases of pottery sprays that mimic cherry blossoms.  The booths and tables are inviting and the straight-backed
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