Plates Neighborhood Kitchen

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.

I’ve been here three times and had great food with great service every time . Their take on shrimp and grits might be the best I’ve had. Elevated from its humble origins to create more complex flavors without being busy. On my second visit I had the breakfast burrito. And I’m not going to say they elevated the breakfast burrito :) I will say it was a collection of simple ingredients that were cooked near perfection. Fluffy eggs with a bit of chorizo and veg on a thin flour tortilla that was so fresh I had to ask if they made it in house (they don’t). Most recently I came in for dinner. I had the catfish and my wife had the chicken pot pie. The catfish was superb. Cooked perfectly served beautifully on a bed of veg and broth all seasoned on the light side of perfect. The pot pie filling was delicious. I prefer a standard pie crust over a puff pastry topper but it was still a good dish. And the sticky toffee pudding is the comeback dish, mmmmmmm.

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.

I wanted to share our amazing experience with Plates even though it may be unique. We booked Plates for our wedding reception and from start to finish we are so happy with how everything went. Justin, the owner was involved in the process and along with Chef David they helped curate the most amazing brunch for dinner menu which all of our guests raved about. Their team was extremely attentive and executed perfectly. Whether you are looking for somewhere to go for a meal or to host a private event, Plates will make it happen and I would recommend them to anyone. Such an incredible group of people who are passionate about what they do and the service they give!