Lantern

Pros: Wonderfully flavored food and specialty cocktails.  I had a fresh strawberry/vodka cocktail which was out of this world. Husband had tasty draft Belgian beer.  
Appetizers: Caramelized Pork Belly (among the best appetizers any of us have ever eaten).  Thick rich brown sugar/molasses type sauce over tender, succulent pork. We were fighting over the last bite. Probably would order two next time. Also loved the light and flavorful summer rolls with shrimp, pea shoots, etc.  Also delicious dumplings with dipping sauces. If I had to skip one, it would be the dumplings, which, while delicious, are typical of all Asian restaurants, although not at all greasy.
Entrees: Spiced tea chicken with green beans--Had this several years ago and remember it being more succulent.  Was not overly impressed with this dish except for the green beans with an amazing sauce, which I loved.  Husband had Seafood hotpot--highlights were the lobster dumplings (amazing!) and the blue crab.  Daughter had (HUGE!) pork chop, which she loved.
Dessert: 3 of us shared a banana ice cream sundae with caramel and fresh cream accompanied by peanut brittle. Fantastic.
Cons:  When it gets dark, the tables only have two tiny candles and it is much too dark. I would not want to come in the winter evening, because you could barely see the menu.  We went at 7:30 in the summer so enjoyed the lovely window area table in the daylight.  
Very indifferent waiter. I was truly surprised. He did not engage with us at all, never smiled and seemed to care not one iota about his job. He needs to be let go IMHO.  The other wait staff were delightful.
Price: It is exorbitantly priced,  If I were to go again, I think I would order multiple appetizers, wonderful cocktail and one dessert and sit on the patio (which I have not seen, but I believe would be the place where you could just have appetizers and drinks).  That would still probably cost you $60 without tip for 2 people, but still wonderful food and drink. It may be just me, but I liked the appetizers, cocktail and dessert better than the main course.

Hands down the best restaurant in Chapel Hill and probably the Triangle. I can't say enough good things about the Lantern, from making reservations to the ambience, to the succulent dishes, to dessert, to waitstaff, to drinks. This place has it all.

If you're thinking about a special occasion dinner, do yourself a favor and go here.

My favorite restaurant in the world.  I recently had a shoot in Greensboro, which is about an hour away.  But I stayed in Chapel Hill so could eat at Lantern every night.  
There has not been one selection here that didn't make my taste buds dance.  But no matter what you order, make sure...you absolutely...without question...order the Chaat appetizer.  I would drive 10 hours from my home in CT just to eat that.  Service, decor, drink selection, everything.  It doesn't get any better than Lantern.  It's just one of those classic restaurants where every note rings beautifully true.