The Cortez

This is a cute, lively place. When e sat down the vibe makes you want to order one of their fun drinks, which my daughter and I did, they were delicious!We started with oysters, tried three kinds then we shared small plates. My favorite dish was the peach and burrata and my daughters was the NC Tiradito. I recommend stopping here!

Another successful dinner at The Cortez! My friend loves oysters on the half shell and requested to go here for her birthday m. They have added some new menu items, like the crab avocado toast which was great! The service provided by Tony was top notch and then they gave her a churro dessert on the house for her birthday. We actually ate inside this time, with the raining weather and I was able to hear they had a great playlist. This is my to go spot for oysters on the half shell. Also, when you go you have to get the pulpo(Octupus) the beans they have in there are to die for! But the side of beans they serve are not the same.

Small restaurant with very low lighting. The waitress could not fit in between tables, very tight seating. The lighting is Too dark in my opinion. The food was ok, the fried fish was fried to perfection but lacked seasoning. The sashimi was ok. Service was ok. I had high hopes but walked away disappointed

Awesome ambiance and overall vibe here! Delicious food, great service. We ordered the char grilled oysters - a must!!! Also enjoyed the ceviche, shrimp tacos and the fries. I wish I wasn't so full from all the good food because I would've definitely gotten the churros for dessert. The fries were perfection though - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - with perfect amount of seasoning.

We came here to celebrate my friend's birthday. It's a little in the cut so you really have to keep an eye out for it. The drinks were really good, and I really enjoyed the mussels too. I also had the shrimp tacos which could've used a bit more seasoning/flavor. Overall the place is really cute and gives you a tropical vacation vibe. Our waitress was super helpful and made sure we had everything me needed as well.

F-A-N-F-R-E-A-K-I-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!! My wife and I stopped in for dinner last Saturday at The Cortez located on South Glenwood in Raleigh. The ambiance, atmosphere, drinks and food are / were top notch. It has an eclectic vibe and the menu reflects that. We sat at the bar. I seriously recommend the Pop, Lock and Drop cocktail off their drink menu. It's like an old fashioned but not as sweet. We started with the charred Romaine and grilled octopus which were delicious. We then got the shrimp and chargrilled oysters which were delicious. They were NC harvested oysters but I don't remember which ones. They were plump and slightly sweet. We had a great meal here. Service was also excellent! Just a note, they have a very small parking lot on site with limited spaces. If they're taken, there are additional spots but that will set you back $20 plus bucks. We found street parking a few blocks away. Definitely check this place out!

I found this on Yelp based on the reviews. What a delight! The drinks were well prepared and strong. We ordered a number of small plates on our servers recommendation. The ceviche and shrimp dishes were stupendous! We also had the mussels and weed bread. We ordered an additional plate of the octopus after our first course. All was beyond our expectations. The wonderful N'awlins woman who served us was also very helpful when we mentioned we were new to the area and gave us some great pointers on other places to try (and to avoid). They do not fool around with their fish prep. Will definitely be back!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Cortez in Raleigh, NC, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary experience. The restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring a wide range of appetizers, entrees, and delectable desserts. Allow me to take you on a journey through my dining experience.To start, I indulged in the Charred Octopus appetizer. The octopus was cooked to perfection, with a delightful char that added a smoky depth of flavor. Next on the appetizer list was the Tilefish Ceviche. Each bite was a burst of tangy goodness, and the ceviche left a delightful tingle on the palate. It was a light and refreshing start to the meal.Moving on to the entrees, I couldn't resist trying the Double Deluxe Smash Burger. This towering masterpiece exceeded all expectations. The patties were perfectly seared, juicy, and packed with flavor. Sandwiched between a fluffy bun and topped with melty cheese, and a variety of mouthwatering condiments, every bite was a carnivorous delight. The burger was accompanied by a side of crispy fries, making it a truly satisfying meal.Another standout dish was the Al Pastör Swordfish. This creative twist on a classic Mexican dish showcased the chef's culinary expertise. The tender NC swordfish was bathed in a rich guajillo-chile sauce that provided a delightful kick of spice. It was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.The Pinche Carne Asada, featuring hanger steak, was a carnivore's dream. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite. For seafood enthusiasts, the Fried Whole NC Snapper Fish was a true treasure. The fish was impeccably fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining its delicate, flaky flesh inside. To conclude the meal on a sweet note, I couldn't resist trying the Churros. The churros were perfectly fried and boasted a delightful crunch, while the ice cream added a creamy and indulgent touch. It was a heavenly dessert that left me with a satisfied smile.In summary, The Cortez in Raleigh, NC, is a culinary gem that offers a memorable dining experience. From the tantalizing appetizers to the well-executed entrees and mouthwatering desserts, every dish showcased the skill and creativity of the chefs!

First timers. Made a reservation. They sat us immediately. Lovely atmosphere and attentive waitstaff. Ordered cocktails which were ridiculously delicious, particularly the Bandito. Next, put order in for 3 different types of oysters on the half shell. Wow sooo good. Three more small plates followed. Loved the crab avocado toast, and the shrimp taquitos - so crispy and full of flavor. Sadly no room for the churros but no worries. This place is stellar. We will be back and def order those next time. Looking forward to returning! Amazing dining experience.

Returned for dinner (with a reservation this time) and had another amazing meal. Sat outside and it was pretty pleasant. I tried:+ Qgotoso cocktail+ Bikini bottom cocktail+ Chargrilled oysters+ Gambas Al ajillo+ Smoked NC papas+ Brussels sprouts+ Double deluxe smash burger + Fried whole fish + Bread and weed butter + Churros+ Vanilla tartThe cocktails were both incredible. Best dishes were the gambas, burger, fried whole fish and the bread and weed butter. Both desserts were great, too!