After several moves, Carpe Diem has finally found a home in the picturesque Elizabeth neighborhood. Sisters/proprietors Tricia Maddrey and Bonnie Warford credit the 1989 Robin Williams film Dead Poets Society for providing name recognition with its eponymous tag line. But perhaps they are downplaying the draw of the sleek dining room and their affordable, outstanding cuisine. The nightly evolving, contemporary American menu features everything from pistachio-crusted trout to vegetable Peking pancakes. And there’s no time like the present to indulge in house-made desserts.
Full bar. Serving dinner Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
"The warm goat cheese with toasted hazelnut salad has been a favorite since the restaurant opened in 1989 (it was progressive at the time), still nicely dressed with apricot jalapeño vinaigrette. Main courses include the locally familiar buttermilk-fried chicken and also feature some local ingredients such as North Carolina Ashley Farms organic chicken and Chapel Hill Creamery fresh mozzarella."
— Gayot
After several moves, Carpe Diem has finally found a home in the picturesque Elizabeth neighborhood. Sisters/proprietors Tricia Maddrey and Bonnie Warford credit the 1989 Robin Williams film Dead Poets Society for providing name recognition with its eponymous tag line. But perhaps they are downplaying the draw of the sleek dining room and their affordable, outstanding cuisine. The nightly evolving, contemporary American menu features everything from pistachio-crusted trout to vegetable Peking pancakes. And there’s no time like the present to indulge in house-made desserts.
Full bar. Serving dinner Mon–Sat. Closed Sun.
"The warm goat cheese with toasted hazelnut salad has been a favorite since the restaurant opened in 1989 (it was progressive at the time), still nicely dressed with apricot jalapeño vinaigrette. Main courses include the locally familiar buttermilk-fried chicken and also feature some local ingredients such as North Carolina Ashley Farms organic chicken and Chapel Hill Creamery fresh mozzarella."
— Gayot