The co-owner of Escazū shares where she goes for quick bites, special nights, a well-made beverage and more.
by Ayn-Monique Klahre | photography by Forrest Mason

Here in Raleigh, we have a good problem: With so many great spots to choose from, how do you decide where to go for something to eat or drink? We think the best way to ask someone is to get a recommendation from a person who knows their stuff. 

For our 2026 Guide to Where to Eat and Drink in Raleigh, we tapped 10 local foodies and hospitality folks to share their favorite spots based on years of experience and excellent palates. Their selections include a broad range of tastes — from fine-dining experiences to quick-serve comfort food — that consistently deliver. 

One of them was Danielle Centeno, the co-owner of Escazū Chocolates Originally from Venezuela, Centeno came to Raleigh as a teen to go to the culinary program at Wake Technical Community College, then later the Culinary Institute of America. She worked in kitchens in Raleigh, New York City, Dallas, Aspen and Venezuela, as well as sold wine wholesale and retail, before getting into chocolate making. She’s been making chocolate and operating Escazū for almost 18 years. Here are her picks.

Where do you go for a special-occasion meal? 

Stanbury, without a doubt! Sometimes it’s hard not to go there, and I was so lucky to have them as my neighbors for so long, I miss them! [Escazū recently moved from its longtime Blount Street storefront to a new location in Gateway Plaza.] I order whatever small plates Drew and his crew are excited about. I love how different the menu is from most restaurants in the area, how often it changes and how flavorful everything is. They also have a wonderful and exciting wine list and the vibe is casual and fun and the service is great!

What’s your go-to restaurant? 

Gussies! My husband and I love getting a casual meal here. I usually get the chili burger and fries. We keep going back because the vibe is great, the food is good and comforting and the service is always wonderful, it truly feels like a neighborhood restaurant.

What’s your favorite spot that doesn’t get enough cred? 

Shinmai Shokudo in Cary is absolutely delicious. It is not the Japanese you see everywhere, it is delicate and flavorful all at the same time. Another hidden gem that doesn’t get as much recognition as it should is Heirloom’s dinner menu. It is simple but so, so full of flavor!

Where do you go to eat lunch? 

It is very rare that I do lunch anywhere but my desk. But on the weekends, my husband and I like to do late lunch or early dinner. My favorite lately has been Taipei 101 in Cary — our usual order is the Dan Dan noodles, Soup Dumplings, cumin lamb and “sautéed Chinese Vegetable.”

Where do you get a meal on the go?

Pana’s Flavor food truck. It’s Venezuelan street food and it is the closest thing to being back at home as I have had here in the US. I always order tequeños, cachapas and empanada de pabellón!

Where do you like to get a beverage?

I love going to Feature Flora for tea, it is such a wonderful place with the most beautiful tea selection, Deana is the best! I’ll go and ask her to surprise me. She also has an iced sweet jasmine tea that I love, and a cold brew with a little honey.

I rarely go out for alcoholic drinks, but I do enjoy a glass of wine. St. Pierre Wine Shop + Bar is a beautiful space with a wonderful list. 

What’s your go-to coffee spot? 

This is a tough one, because I rarely go out for coffee, we usually just drink it at home. However, if I go out for coffee, Boulted Bread is my choice. I usually order a latte or a cortado — the only thing I like in my coffee is milk. I love that the coffee drinks are good and it is my absolute favorite bakery so I will always get a savory treat with the coffee!

Where do you get a sweet treat?

It’s funny because I don’t really have much of a sweet tooth, I don’t admit that often! I usually don’t toot my horn but…. Escazū is truly where I get most of my sweet treats. I absolutely love ice cream and now that we scoop it, it is hard not to eat it every day, I will even come on my days off for a cup. Whenever it’s not Escazū, I like the cookies and brownies at Boulted Bread and for ice cream, Sugar Koi in Cary is a must have!

What’s your favorite new-ish place?

Mala Pata, it’s a beautiful space with delicious food, and it’s as close to traditional as you get — I’ve been to Oaxaca and the lechnocito tacos taste like the ones you get from a good truck there. And their tortillas are the best tortillas ever! Their cocktail program is beautiful — I really like the Nixta Tonic — and I Iove that they have very well thought out and delicious N/A cocktails. 

What are you excited about in the hospitality scene?

I am very excited for Big Cat on Brookside and Stanbury’s new concept at our old spot on Blount Street. I think the teams behind these places always bring their a-game and can not wait to see what they do next.

This article was originally published on waltermagazine.com on December,ber 29, 2025.