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Bloomsbury Bistro

4.1 (118 reviews)
PriceyNew American
Closed • 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago

Bloomsbury Bistro Photos

BLOOMSBURY BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Intimate
Romantic
Classy

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sorbet with coconut; pineapple and kiwi
Rebecca M.

I'd never dined at Bloomsbury Bistro before my Sunday brunch here but it is somewhere I will be back again. The restaurant has a parking lot that it shares with Walgreens and a Barre studio. So parking is easy here! I ordered the French toast as it had mandarin oranges. It was delicious. I also ordered a side of bacon but that was disappointing as it was overcooked and dry. One piece was even burnt. I wouldn't order the bacon again though as it was awful. For dessert I had sorbet that had kiwi; coconut and pineapple. I enjoyed how all the flavors went together. Service was great.

Tuna Tataki
Stacy Y.

We were in Five Points for an event that ended at 8:30 and looking for a bite to eat. This place was in walking distance, so we decided to pop in for a late night dinner. It's been 10+ years since I have eaten here, but what a forgotten Raleigh gem! The servers were friendly and attentive and the food was up to calibur. We had the Tuna Tataki and the Chicken Pot Pie. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, with just a hint of Olde Raleigh sophistication. It was the perfect vibe for a date night. I am putting this one into the must-return vault.

Menu 7.13.22
Valerie V.

Very unimpressed my first time here. Was so excited to try it and hear such great things. It took forever for our food to come. Probably close to 30 minutes for apps and another 30 for entrees. We did have 9 people but the dining room was not busy. Truffle fries had good flavor but were cold when they arrived. The kids steak didn't say anything about a peppercorn sauce, yet it had it when it arrived. My mom ordered the gnocchi. When it arrived the gnocchi literally squished in your mouth like mashed potatoes. Not a hint of firmness. The server told us that they were like soft dumplings and not gnocchi, but the menu said GNOCCHI. It was really strange. The scallops were tender but a but over seasoned. The sweet potato risotto that accompanied the salmon tasted like nothing. It was the weirdest thing. Not a single taste of anything. It was like paste. I usually don't complain too meticulously but I'm a nicer restaurant you expect nicer and more quality food and this was not it.

Creme brulee
Mike B.

A delicious dinner on a recent Friday night at Bloomsbury Bistro. Great service and tasty food. It's a storefront restaurant, with a center bar partitioned from the main dining area. There's additional seating and a private room to the right. Tables are spaced nicely apart and the acoustics are excellent for dinner conversation. Decor is French bistro-esque, complete with white tablecloths to fancy it up. We were seated promptly as soon as we arrived (always nice when reservations are honored). Fresh bread and butter are served shortly after the menus and wine list. We decided to split a fried cheese appetizer. Amy had the crispy eggplant "stack", and I had calves liver. I know, I know... ewwww... liver. But it is actually something I enjoy every now and again. The appetizer is a hunk of Gruyere cheese, encrusted in pistachio crust and then fried to a deep dark brown. It's served over arugula and roasted beets, plus pickled cipollini onion and few dollops of who grain mustard. Best fried cheese I've ever had! And the pickled onions were outstanding. Oniony, yet sweet and then pickled. Yum! The eggplant is a stack of sliced, lightly breaded and fried eggplant, layered with melted mozzarella cheese. The stack is served over a tomato agrodolce, caulilini and toasted pine nuts. The agrodolce is diced tomatoes stewed in vinegar & spices; a unique and pleasing taste. Caulilini is (I've learned) a trendy new vegetable that is a combination of cauliflower and broccoli - it resembles tender shoots of broccoli. All the veggies are stewed together. This is a fantastic dish. The eggplant is crisp and spiced/cooked perfectly. The vegetables a nice savory blend with nicely complements the eggplant without overpowering. My entree was 2 filets of calves' liver, lightly breaded and encrusted in bacon and fried golden brown. It is served over a bed of wilted spinach, tiny chunks of gouda and topped with pickled red onion jam and a peppercorn/vinegar sauce. The liver was cooked perfectly - not tough. I love the earthy taste of liver, accentuated by the bacon. The red onion jam added a sweet and tangy flavor to each bite. Easily the best liver I have ever had (apologies to my late mother-in-law, who used to whip up a mean liver and onions). Lastly, we splurged on creme brulee. A classic preparation in a deep ramekin with a thick caramelized sugar crust and diced fresh fruit as a topper. Plus a cappuccino! Kudos to our server, Laurie, who prides herself on making a great cappuccino - and Amy agrees - it was delicious. The tab including 2 glasses of wine and shared dessert was $88; reasonable for a delicious meal in an upscale yet relaxed setting. We'll be back to explore the rest of the menu. Recommended!

Seasonal salad (11/2021)
Emily K.

This was a quaint little restaurant located just a short distance from Glenwood/downtown. Service was slightly slow, but isn't it everywhere most days. The wait was worth it though. We enjoyed the truffle fries as our starter, which was okay. But the seasonal salad was DELICIOUS!! And the blackened NC catfish left nothing to be desired, it was superb! We left no room for desert this trip, but will be back for sure.

The pork chop
Elizabeth B.

Bloomsbury Bistro was a pleasant surprise! My boyfriend and I went last night for dinner and had a wonderful experience. The service was kind & attentive, and the food was to die for. I had the pork chop and he had the salmon. Both the wines we selected were wonderful also. I only give it four stars because the tables were really close together where we were sitting. I felt like I could hear the surrounding tables' conversations better than the person I was sitting with. Overall, would recommend and will return! Our sweet waitress even sent us with a loaf of bread to-go when she boxed up my leftovers. Lovely place!

Chicken Pot Pie with micro greens

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Lunch was delicious and service was exceptional the two times I have gone since they have opened for lunch.

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Crawford & Son - Beef tartare and bone marrow. Favorite dish of the night it's rich and refreshing with great texture

Crawford & Son

4.5(345 reviews)
1.2 mi
•$$$

Fantastic spot to grab a nice meal. It's on the more intimate side, so definitely make a…read morereservation during peak times. Was really impressed by the hospitality of the bartender Toulson (spelling?). He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and gave me detailed recommendations. -- The Hamachi Crudo was so bright and light. I really enjoyed the puffed rice on top and the basil ice complemented the dish well. The grapefruit added some nice acidity and the little crunchy bites were the perfect texture contrast. The pieces of fish were large and thick. -- The Manchego-herb Biscuits were awesome. One order comes with four small biscuits. Crust was flaky, the inside was soft and moist, and the flaky salt was the cherry on top. -- The Seared Duck Breast was phenomenal. The duck was juicy and tender and salted well. The skin was thick, sooo flavorful, and melted in your mouth but I would've liked a little more crispiness on the outside. I enjoyed the mix of fresh vegetables and warm cooked vegetables served with the dish. -- The Lemon Yuzu Tart was a nice bright and rich dessert. The tartness comes from the jam on top of the tart but it doesn't overwhelm the dish. The creme brulee style top was a nice touch. The buttermilk ice cream was more on the icier side than creamy. I really enjoyed all the dishes I tried here and am looking forward to my next visit.

Crawford and Son serves very tasty food in a modern diner atmosphere and attentive service…read more Although not a breakfast place, their famous biscuits are a great opener - so flaky and buttery with manchego cheese that adds deep, sharp flavor and a moist yumminess. I enjoyed the duck breast, with a crunch tasty dried beet topping. The duck was moist and tender and the strips were nicely roasted. For dessert, I savored the Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake. This is a rich cake with a full chocolate flavor. When I'm next in Raleigh, I plan to dine at Crawford and Son for a superb meal.

Photos
Crawford & Son - Inside. Dining room and bar. Calm before the storm.

Inside. Dining room and bar. Calm before the storm.

Crawford & Son - Grilled Clam Toast. $16. Focaccia, nduja, chimichurri, pickled onion.

Grilled Clam Toast. $16. Focaccia, nduja, chimichurri, pickled onion.

Crawford & Son - Outside. Storefront. Limited outdoor sidewalk patio seating. Free street parking in residential neighborhoods around/behind block.

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Outside. Storefront. Limited outdoor sidewalk patio seating. Free street parking in residential neighborhoods around/behind block.

Poole's - Macaroni Au Gratin

Poole's

4.0(1.1k reviews)
2.0 mi
•$$$

This is one of those spaces that does half the work before the food even hits the table. It used to…read morebe an old-school diner, and a lot of that DNA is still there. The bones feel nostalgic, but the overall vibe is current and lively. It's the kind of place that feels familiar but still cool. Service Service is where things really clicked. Our server knew the menu inside out and guided us through it with confidence. Every recommendation landed. It also felt like one of those menus where it would be hard to order poorly. The Food The menu leans comfort food with a modern edge, and it's done really well across the board. We started with a Caesar salad with dill pickle dressing, which sounds like it shouldn't work but absolutely does. Bright, fresh, and just different enough to be interesting without trying too hard. The beet salad was also excellent, clean flavors and well balanced. Then came the pimento cheese with fried crackers. This might have been the sleeper hit. The crackers are dangerously good. Simple idea, executed perfectly, and hard to stop eating. For mains, the fried chicken was solid but didn't stand out the same way the starters did. The short rib pot pie, on the other hand, was exactly what you want from a dish like that. Rich, flaky, and deeply comforting. Overall Poole's is the kind of place where everything feels considered, from the space to the service to the food. It's approachable, well executed, and very easy to enjoy.

Our second visit for dinner at Poole's since relocating to downtown Raleigh last year. We were just…read moreas impressed on this recent visit as we were a few months ago. We opted for a reservation at the bar, and we enjoyed excellent service from Brittany and Kylie. They were attentive and very detailed with the excellent service that we have found out is the norm in every one of Ashley Christensen's restaurants. Our starter of roasted beets had an incredible blend of buttermilk blue cheese with white balsamic thyme, pickled pumpkin, and Marcona almonds. So yummy. Then my husband and I shared the Ricotta Gnocchi that we agree is the BEST gnocchi we have ever had the privilege of eating. So light in spite of a duck bolognese being the sauce. Fried rosemary sparked my home chef mind for future meals! We also shared the Brussels sprout upon Brittany's recommendation. One of the most unique preparations on Brussels sprouts ever with oyster mushrooms and a sherry cream sauce. We typically pass on dessert, but the description of their Pear Tart Tatin coupled with Kylie's verbal description hooked us and we were thrilled to enjoy every bite of the hazelnut praline ice cream that is part of this beautiful dessert.

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Poole's - Interior

Interior

Poole's - Chicken liver moose

Chicken liver moose

Poole's - Bibb Lettuces

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Bibb Lettuces

Beasley's Chicken & Honey - Packed on opening night.

Beasley's Chicken & Honey

4.2(2.2k reviews)
1.9 mi
•$$

I can't believe this place had to close and the only reason was pure greed from the landlord. I've…read morebeen going here since 2017 but recently when they switched to gluten-free fried chicken we started going more because my girlfriend has celiac. On Wednesday's they were doing all gluten-free menu and it was amazing...no crazy unreasonable upcharges, just honest menu pricing and great food. As of this review they are the #2 most reviewed place in Raleigh only behind the Pit. When we went last week for a farewell dinner it took us 3 weeks to get in. We got turned away 2 other times. The place was always packed and busy yet cozy and calm with great service. Hopefully they relocate or put some of the items from the menu at Pooles. Fuquay could use a nice place like this and it would be way cheaper than Raleigh! Best of luck to the staff in the future as they all look for work.

I went back to Beasley's Chicken & Honey one last time as they close January 25th. Even on a cold,…read morerainy morning, there was a line outside before opening. I understand as if you aren't seated when they open, you can expect a 90-minute to two-hour wait. I was hoping to get the Chicken Pot Pie this time and thought my prior visit was just off. I was thrilled that most of the menu was available. They were just out of the banana pudding. So I got to try the pecan wings I read about with the white sauce. It was so good. Then I got the chicken pot pie and biscuits. The pot pie had old biscuits for the topping, but the creamy mixture with large chunks of chicken was delicious. My biscuits came with honey and were served warm. I left with a slice of the chocolate-caramel-coconut cake, a side salad without onions, and a fried boneless thigh. The salad was made correctly, and the dressing was included. The salad was full of veggies, and the cake was rich and moist. Service was friendly and as soon as I finished my iced tea, another appeared. My wings were brought out first and it was a while for the rest of the meal as the restaurant was full. But they didn't rush me at all. I actually liked the space between the dishes, as I might not have been able to eat it all otherwise. I couldn't finish both biscuits and was even provided a container for the honey. I am going to miss Beasley's, but I'm glad I got a positive experience to remember the restaurant.

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Beasley's Chicken & Honey - Courtesy of @NewRaleigh

Courtesy of @NewRaleigh

Beasley's Chicken & Honey - Chicken + Honey!

Chicken + Honey!

Beasley's Chicken & Honey

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Tazza Kitchen Village District - Patio

Tazza Kitchen Village District

4.3(658 reviews)
1.2 mi
•$$

Spicy sausage pizza…read more *Spicy sausage pizzzzaaaahhhh!* Had a very pleasant evening here with friends and fam. Wasn't well planned so we just winged it with a party of 11. Some pasta dishes, some pizzas, all happy. Out the door was right at $414.00 which is super reasonable for such a crowd. 10/10 will be back

I had visited Tazza a couple of times before, but this was my first time at the Cameron Village…read morelocation. First of all, I implore anyone wanting to go, make reservations during peak hours! We entered through a big heavy wooden door into the quasi-dark atmosphere and were promptly seated, despite most of the tables being occupied. We were given a two top and started with chips and guacamole. I was impressed with the chips, they were a little extra thick, had tiny bubbles in them. Certainly a far departure from the typical thin, overly salty chip found at most restaurants and grocery stores. Excellent guac with a little pico and lime wedge on the side. I ordered the Baja bowl with shredded adobo chicken. The bowl had green rice, black beans, a whole lot of kale, tomatillo sauce, pickled red onions, crema, and cilantro. It needed a little more, so I added in some of the guac, a few chips I crumbled in my hands for some crunch, and some fresh lime juice. Noah did a good job keeping our water glasses full and he was quite friendly. However, the restroom situation is a bit difficult. There are two small unisex bathrooms, both of which have to be locked. There can't be more than one person in there at the same time, so plan accordingly. Granted, since there isn't much space in the restaurant, it's not as if they have a ton of options.

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Tazza Kitchen Village District - Freestyle Veggie Pizzas

Freestyle Veggie Pizzas

Tazza Kitchen Village District - Seasonal Craft Cocktails

Seasonal Craft Cocktails

Tazza Kitchen Village District - Tacos

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Tacos

Birdie's Barroom and Kitchen - Proper Burger*

sharp white cheddar, white American, lettuce, tomato, onion, b&b pickles, Birdie's sauce. Served with Birdie's fries.

Birdie's Barroom and Kitchen

4.3(189 reviews)
1.7 mi
•$$

This is a sun-drenched hideaway where the city seems to exhale. This downtown bar and restaurant…read morefeels less like a room and more like a warm afternoon--light spills through oversized windows, stretching across honeyed wood floors and catching on glints of brass and gold like little sparks of celebration. The patio blurs the boundary between inside and out, inviting breezes, laughter, and the occasional curious passerby to join the scene. Inside, it's a playful clash of textures and tones--lush greenery tumbling from shelves, vibrant colors dancing against natural wood, and polished metals winking from every corner. It's the kind of place where a cocktail feels brighter, conversations linger longer, and even the sunlight seems to stay for just one more round. From the moment you step in, the welcome feels less like service and more like being let in on a good secret. The staff greet you with easy smiles and a kind of genuine curiosity--like they're actually glad you chose this spot, today. There's no script, no stiffness--just a natural warmth that settles in as quickly as the sunlight. Behind the bar, the bartenders move with quiet confidence and a touch of showmanship. They know their craft, but they don't flaunt it--they share it. Ask for a classic, and it arrives perfectly balanced; ask for something new, and they'll read your mood like a seasoned mind-reader. The deviled eggs arrive perfectly plump, sunshine-yellow centers whipped into a silky, indulgent cloud and topped generously with the red peppers that bring just the right whisper of fresh garden drama, they're rich without being heavy, playful without trying too hard--the kind of bite that makes you pause mid-conversation, raise an eyebrow, and make you want to slowly work through the next one. They only come in odd numbers, sharing isn't caring on these. The BBQ hot honey pork ribs show up like they own the place--sticky, glistening, and just a little bit dangerous. The meat barely clings to the bone, surrendering at the slightest nudge, impossibly tender yet somehow still juicy, with those caramelized, crispy edges that feel like the best kind of rebellion. Sweet heat from the honey lingers just long enough to keep you coming back, fingers unapologetically messy and completely worth it. And then there's the mac & cheese--rich, velvety, and indulgent in a way that feels almost mischievous. Each spoonful stretches and melts like it's putting on a show, wrapping you in buttery comfort while quietly stealing the spotlight. Together, it's a plate that doesn't ask for your attention--it demands it, and you'll be more than happy to oblige. Cheers!

Omg I fell in loooovvvvee with their Birdie flatbread. Hands down one of the best flatbread dishes…read moreI have ever had in my life!!! Service was just okay, the woman server was nice, the male bartender seemed a bit indifferent, and didn't clear the dirty dishes next to me the entire time I was there. The Lavender 75 cocktail was just okay; the bartender went too heavy-handed with the lavender. It's one of the reasons I'm hesitant to order floral cocktails, because it's easy to overdo it. Anywhooo, I will be back for that amazing Birdie flatbread!!

Photos
Birdie's Barroom and Kitchen - Latte

Latte

Birdie's Barroom and Kitchen - Hot Honey Cauliflower

lime elote aioli, chives

Hot Honey Cauliflower lime elote aioli, chives

Birdie's Barroom and Kitchen - Hellish Eggs*

Spicy tomatoes, roasted baby peppers, crumbled feta cheese, poached eggs

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Hellish Eggs* Spicy tomatoes, roasted baby peppers, crumbled feta cheese, poached eggs

Bloomsbury Bistro - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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