I've been to Tonali once, I wouldn't exactly consider it upscale but I did enjoy the meal. The menu was very small however (4 or 5 entrees i believe?), so I'd consider there's to be more limited. The dishes I've had at Jibarra have been very good for my taste, especially since some dishes remind me of traditional Mexican (I am from Mexican descent). The server mentioned that the family brought a chef from Mexico that had been trained at Akelarre in Spain which apparently is one of the top avant-garde restaurants over there so I was excited to hear about this place's potential.

I used to frequent Driade a lot in Chapel Hill, I really liked the vibe and the outdoor tables. They also had an affiliate called Open-Eye in carrborro that had good coffee although the place itself wasn't as nice. I definately recommend Waraji for Japanese (excellent sashimi) and I found a brunch to be very good at a mexican restaurant called jibarra (pastry buffet and awesome bloody mary's).

There's an excellent restaurant called Jibarra Modern Mexican that does traditional Mexican with a modern flair... the place definately gives off a big city vibe and has an upscale decor. I know it's local because the owner was telling me that they are the same family that owns some of the local El Rodeo restaurants in the area. And, it is located in a strip mall lol.

I'm from the Raleigh area and lately I've been frequenting a fairly new Mexican restaurant called Jibarra modern mexican. The food is delicious and is traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern presentation. Dinner prices are on the higher end (average around $20) but their lunch and sunday brunch are a great deal (around 7 or 8 bucks). I mention this place in particular because it is pretty unique for the area, I don't think there is anything like this anywhere else in NC. The server was telling me that it's the same family that owns the El Rodeo's in Raleigh. I forget the address, I just know its off of Six Forks rd. You can find it on citysearch most likely.