Plates Neighborhood Kitchen

Plates is a solid neighborhood go to restaurant. The food is very good. But they try to sell themselves as an upscale restaurant in their website which is at odds with their more casual feel with redirect to ambiance. Service was good but again not what I would expect for top tier that they are going for but perfectly good for a neighborhood staple. Food was great (gotta try the lamb cheeks!) and a nice wine list. Good place for a nice meal.

Found this place on New Years morning after a weekend visit to downtown Raleigh. It was the cutest little restaurant with super friendly staff and the food was amazing. They had lists of all the local businesses they use on a large chalkboard from the breads and eggs to meats. Farm to table goodness that wasn't expensive. I will come back to Raleigh just to eat here again. (Get the deviled eggs appetizer- the right amount of sweet, spice and savory- it is amazing!)

We came in without a reservation and was able to be seated at the bar with no hesitation or wait. Unbelievably amazing service -- everyone was incredibly attentive. Lots of vegetarian options -- not a lot of vegan options, but the vegan food we did order was INSANELY delicious. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the sweet potato hash if you're vegan 🤤🤤🤤

The food in one word would have to be described as *FRESH*. My husband’s Old Fashioned was incredibly smooth; almost too easy to drink. The homemade fettuccine + shrimp was also outstanding. We sat on the patio & the staff was very accommodating when it started to sprinkle☔️. Natalie our server was so attentive, friendly, knowledgeable and genuine. She made it one of the best experiences I’ve had with customer service in a long time. I also greatly enjoyed the patio seating atmosphere.

This location opened at 5:30pm on the Saturday we visited. There is paid parking on the street, but you only pay during Monday thru Friday. We got there early, so we had drinks across the street at the Tin Roof, which is a fun bar with live music across the street. This a nice main course to that experience. They were able to fit us in, but keep in mind that reservations are recommended. We chose to dine at the outdoor seating area next to the street. It was a great experience but expect to have cars and motorcycles rev their engines as they cruise along that main street. We optioned to have the grilled chicken fettuccine alfredo, the grilled scallops, and vegetarian salad. And the waffle with ice cream for dessert. The waiter was knowledgeable about the food, and if you ask about the quality or size or availability, they are able to handle those questions. Midas 5-stars for the professional and knowledgeable staff.

Plates is simply outstanding. This farm-to-table, chef-run spot is unpretentious and has a real seasonal menu. The charcuterie board, seared monkfish, fresh basil fettuccine and panna cotta were all to die for. Great cocktails and excellent wine pairings. The bartenders also were awesome. This has to be one of Raleigh’s best kept secrets.