I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful this restaurant is. From the look of the restaurant itself, to the fantastic wait staff, to the excellently prepared meal, it was beyond expectations. It truly feels like a high end NY restaurant right here in 5 points. My wife had the chicken and waffles, while I enjoyed the duck breast. Each meal was uniquely paired with fantastic sides, including collard greens and sweet potatoes. I have never liked sweet potatoes, however I devoured the sweet potato dish that was on my plate. Everything was amazing. Because of the price be sure to go for a special occasion, instead of another steakhouse - again. Treat yourself to Mandolin. You won't be disappointed. read more

This place is just what the 5 Points area needs. One higher end restaurant to offset the more blue collar places down the street. It's eminently swanky in that "this is what I was looking for since I'm wearing my good shoes" type of way. The french press coffee is aesthetically pleasing and this is the type of place that when you walk in...you just feel better about your day. It's not cheap, but then again you get what you pay for both in terms of food and drink quality, the presentation, and the atmosphere that wraps it all together. I don't think anyone would be disappointed if they came here. The brunch is particularly refreshing in it's presentation and white table cloth service style. 5 stars with no qualification! read more

Great location. Awesome environment and great service. The food is fresh with great ingredients and worth the pricey menu. Highly recommend.

Gourmet dishes served in a new, fresh space. Enjoyed Mandolin's atmosphere - you can tell they spent time on the design, which is inviting, sleek and bodes well for a fun night out or a romantic, lively dinner. I say lively because it does get loud as it's mostly one large space, with only a small room to the side and a separate bar area. The food is fantastic. Tried their duck & dumplings, beef shortribs and tiramisu. All dishes were top notch. Too bad it took nearly an hour in between appetizers and entrees. Sure, they spent a lot of time perfecting each dish, but there looks to be a very large team in the kitchen so not sure what takes so long. Apart from that the whole experience was great, service was terrific and overall a restaurant I'd love to go back to. read more

Went here based on Yelp reviews and front desk advice from the hotel, was looking for some "new" southern cooking. Had to ask waiter for drinks as he didn't ask. Menu at the restaurant is different than the one on-line. Started with the pork belly and the Foie Gras. The foie gras was very good. The pork belly was super super salty. Kept eating it to see if it would get less salty but it didn't. Had the chicken and waffles, which was OK. The chicken was very good but the greens tasted like they were soaked in vinegar for days, almost inedible. Waffles were just "there". My girlfriend had the grilled shrimp and they were good. Was expecting more from this place and I think they try a little too hard. Just OK and I don't think I'd go back. read more

One of the best dining experiences I've had in Raleigh. Everyone was so friendly and hospitable from the hostess to the server to the busboy. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed and very southern. My grandmother would love it and that's not a bad thing. I was a little late for my date so he waited for me at the bar where we had a drink and hung out for a while so we didn't actually sit down for our 7:30 reservation until about 8:15 - 8:30 but no one seemed to mind. The server was incredibly friendly and very knowledgeable, he even cracked a few jokes. OK.. ok so the food. Tuna tartare (I think there was watermelon in there to...maybe) and OMG it was stupid good. Perfectly seasoned and served with these crispy little chip situations that reminded me a little bit of the shrimp chip things you get at Bida Manda but better. So obviously I made wee little tuna and watermelon (?) tartare nachos. My date had the open face BLT and the bacon was amazing but that's all I I tried of his, he seemed to dig it though. Next came the Hanger Steak. I can't lie, I've never had hanger steak but it was lovely. The Au Poivre sauce could have a had a bit more salt but I'm not complaining because those smoked tomatoes and shitake mushrooms were out of control. Yes, smoked tomatoes. IDK how it's done either but I want smoked tomato's with every steak I ever have from here on out please. I can't report on dessert because I was about to explode at this point and needed some french pressed coffee to wake back up enough to drive home. Yep, french press right at your table. Did I mention I love this place? read more

Mandolin was so accommodating with my last minute birthday reservation. They called to confirm multiple times. The food came out quickly, was absolutely delicious and the staff were amazing. The stuffed squash was unbelievable!!! Thank you! Thank you! read more

As my time in Durham is coming to an end, I'm trying to get to all of restaurants on my triangle wish list. This was one of them. So much that I loved here...from the fresh zinnias to the farm grown pickled vegetables to the delightful service and tasty food. I was hoping for the food to be good (and it was very good), but really enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant itself. The style matched the substance. I was very indecisive bc several menu options were appealing but I changed from the chicken and waffles to the hanger steak at the last second. I was more in the mood for beef rather than chicken (even though I hear the c&w is a staple on the menu bc of its popularity). My hanger steak was perfectly medium rare and was served w some greens and a tomato tart which was quite substantial. I also got the panzanella salad which I also enjoyed but I was too full for dessert so that will have to be a separate visit. read more

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I wanted to like this place. No. I wanted to love this place. I'm a Greg Cox fan. He's a reviewer for a newspaper and I think he's a fine reviewer. I actually go wherever he reviews and gives 3.5 stars or more. He gave this place 4.5 stars out of 5. I'll give it 3, but if I go back to it again I may like it better. I can very clearly break down how the place went from 5 to 3 stars: -0.5 for a weak cocktail drink. -0.5 for poor ambiance. The place is chic... for a restaurant that's 88 degrees inside. -1 for dessert Total: 5-2 = 3 I had scallops for apps. 2 scallops. Cooked well, but 2 scallops. Creatively presented with cucumbers and fresh, but 2 scallops. You might want to keep that in mind when you order. Look at the price, and think if that's how much you want to pay for 2 scallops. You're paying for the chef's considerable skills and creativity and I'm actually not mocking the man. But think if you want 2 scallops, and for how much(if you had $14 in your mind, then this is just the place). I ordered pork ribs for entree. I don't know what I was thinking. Of course pork ribs will taste great. I don't think one should form an opinion about an upscale restaurant based on its ribs. It's too easy to make them taste good and they aren't the best dish to let a restaurant show off its creativity, so a place like this shouldn't be judged on it. I know that sounds snobby and pretentious. I will say this: I appreciate that they weren't drenched in sauce and were cooked well, and the sides(coleslaw and spaetzle) are fantastic. But if you scraped the sauce off BBQ ribs from other establishment and served them to me, I'd like them just as much. Had a chocolate souffle for dessert. This is where I was disappointed, and if you're still reading this you might find it surprising, given that I dedicated a paragraph to 2 scallops that cost $14. This is a restaurant that will serve creative dishes, and its creativity leads the souffle down the wrong path. Instead of serving a souffle that can stand on its own, it comes in a cup. It looks like they're cheating. Upon serving the souffle the server will dig a hole in it and pour in the chocolate. Again, that makes it look like it's cheating. I may sound like I'm down on this place, but I do think I ordered a bad combination of dishes for a restaurant like this. I should go back and give it another try. read more

I was finally able to try this restaurant out! I've wanted to come here for a long time. It has a great atmosphere, so it would be an ideal date location. The food is southern but classy. read more

One of the best restaurants I have been to in a long time! Every dish that was brought out was cooked perfect. Hands down best Seared Scallops I have ever had. The Scallops included a Celery Root Puree that complemented the dish so well. I had the Panzanella Salad, Wild Mushroom Gnocchi, and my boyfriend had the Red Wine Braised Nooherooka Beef Short ribs. All of these dishes were delicious and would definitely suggest the Wild Mushroom Gnocchi. The wine was fantastic as well. My boyfriend and I both had a glass of the cabernet (can't remember the name, it was $8 thought) and it was surprisingly very good for the price. The service was great very personable and nice. I cannot wait to go there again. It is a bit pricey but you definitely get what you pay for. read more

First time here and love this place. The decor is simple and pretty. There are mason jars filled with stuff and pretty artwork on the walls. It is a nice balance, not too fussy, just the right amount of decorations. We were greeted like long lost kin at the check in, which I found very endearing. Host was so nice. We waited a few minutes while our table was getting ready and then seated promptly. We started with drinks, the bloody mandolin was so good. Hubby had lost in translation and he liked it, I didn't like it, but it wasn't mine so that was a good thing. Our waiter explained the specials and we ordered our meals. I had a quiche which came with a biscuit and salad. Hubby had an omelette with home fries. Everything was light and airy with real good flavor. Hubby's home fries were really exceptional. I would have liked to try the desserts, but we were too full. For a lovely Easter brunch, we got great service, an inviting atmosphere and even a bunny was walking around the restaurant for the kids. What a great experience. We will certainly return in the future. Bravo Mandolin. read more

History doesn't bode well for this location and that could be mostly due to the parking. Good thing Mandolin offers complimentary valet. We decided at the last minute to do a preemptive strike on Valentine's day and do it 2 weeks early. That way we avoid the packed houses and cheesy prix fixe menus. When we arrived, we waited a few minutes before the hostess greeted us, but after that all went smoothly. The space is decorated nicely, the muted colors and woods worked well. You get the feel of modern country, but expect a well-dressed crowd in this pricey establishment. Food borders on haute and casual, with well-known components presented on the more artistic side. The dishes aren't very colorful, but the food is prepared well and the flavors do work. I had the oysters Mandolin and olive-oil poached cobia. For those who don't like too much fishiness, avoid the cobia. However, I loved it and perhaps never will have such a well-poached version of that again. A former bartender from Zely & Ritz recognized us, so it looks like we're getting around. The bar has some interesting cocktails, mixing real fresh ingredients and old classics, including some liquors I had never even heard of. Service is quite polished and our waiter was well-versed in the menu and its various components. 4 stars for this great new restaurant, where the cocktails are a surprising highlight and the food is comfortably upscale. A little pricey, but that's the neighborhood's fault. read more

I tried brunch here for the first time and it was spectacular! I was able to make a reservation via Open Table the morning of (love knowing I don't need to wait for a table - especially when I'm counting on a coffee fix). I was quite hungry so ordered the pork madame (Cane Creek Farm Pulled Pork on Sourdough with Gruyere, a Fried Egg, and Home Fries), and added a side of fruit. Let me tell you - this was way too much food. The pork madame is big enough to share - my server told me it is the rare customer who can finish it. It was so delicious - the fried egg was perfectly cooked, and the yolk would mix with each bite of my pulled pork and gruyere sandwich. Heavenly. My side of fruit, while expensive at $5, was composed of perfectly ripe blueberries, pineapple, bananas and kiwi. Every blueberry tasted just picked - not a wrinkled berry in the bunch. I was very happy. Coffee tasted great too and my cup was never empty. Mandolin is my new favorite brunch spot! read more

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OH YUMMY! This place has an absolutely delicious brunch. The ambiance is very nice and for sure one can take a date here for a romantic evening. I had the omelet which was pretty tasty. Definitely worth a try if you're in the mood for some brunch on the weekend. I'll have to try this place out for dinner and update my review. read more

Stopped in to hear Craig Thompson play at Mandolin. Excellent drinks, gotta love the passion poured into the boutique drinks created here. Not being quite ready for dinner I was pleased that the bar menu has so many affordable flavors to offer! Great place for a drink with friends, or a romantic dinner. read more

On a recent date night, my husband and I ventured to Mandolin. We arrived early for our reservaton (they offerred to seat us) but thought we'd enjoy the bar a bit. The bartender was a perfect introduction to the evening. They had a wonderful beer and wine selection. He proceded to fill us in on some of the evenings specials. We had an order of Oysters at the bar and loved it so much we ordered more once we were seated. I love a restaurant where you never have to wait for a refill on your drink and where the staff is so knowledgable about the menu. This all starts at the bar. Dinner through dessert was absolutely perfect. Traditional choices with a fun, unique spin. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone and we plan on going back very soon. read more

Farm-to-table cuisine with a great summer selection. The pork ribs were delectable and the tile fish light and tasty. The cocktails were well balanced and the ambience was lovely. Ashley, our waitress, was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. Will definitely add this to my list of favorite places in the Triangle. read more

Mandolin is so inviting with a relaxing ambience. Stopped in for brunch and Lizzie warmly greeted us at the front door, and within minutes we ordered bloody marys that were fresh, just enough kick of horseradish. Pork Madame was layers of smoky sweet pork with melted Gruyere a fried egg and toasty sourdough, and the gazpacho to start was delicious with a lot of depth. A sparkling demi sec rose was a sweet ending to this lovely meal. Can't wait to come back! read more

This is a great new restaurant and hopefully will be one that actually sticks in the current location, as there have been many restaurants that have opened there and failed. We went as a family and each ordered a different entree. We had the scallops as a starter, which were perfectly cooked. The entrees that we had included the sirloin, the beef short ribs, the flounder, the grouper, and the pork spare ribs. We were impressed with all, though the grouper was slightly underseasoned and was a small portion than the rest. The sirloin was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The short ribs and spare ribs were both amazing. The flounder dish was great too. All the sides were fabulous and there was plenty of food, even some leftovers, for a pretty good price. We had the chocolate souffle which was also amazing. More importantly, the service was impeccable. The sommelier was helpful without being pushy and recommended a fabulous bottle of wine. Overall a great experience, well worth the cost. read more

We went with two friends and started with beer, wine, and a specialty drink. Though they were missing our first choice bottle, they brought us a great alternate. The beer and mixed drink were quite nice, too. We had two appetizers: the scallops and the foie gras. Both were fantastic. Our entrees--chicken & waffles, smoked pork chop, hanger steak, and tilefish--were all wonderful, as were their side dishes. Finally, we thoroughly enjoyed our coffee, chocolate soufflé, peaches and cream, and s'mores. Our hostess, waiter, and the chef were all charming and attentive. It was a top-flight experience from beginning to end, and we are eager to return. read more

Awesome experience all the staff was so welcoming & the food was a pleasant surprise homemade sausage etc. I defiantly recommend trying them for breakfast and the menu for other meals looks awesome! I even recommend one of their beverages even if it's nonalcoholic I had the salted Carmel brew and I was so surprised to see Carmel drizzled over the top and rim it was like having a desert and a drink all at once! A must try for all! It's worth it read more

Mandolin is likely to repeat the same fate as the previous restaurants in the space. I live in the neighborhood and would love nothing more than to have a restaurant I can walk to on a regular basis and enjoy. WE THE NEIGHBORHOOD ARE ARE YOUR TARGET MARKET....IN A SMALL PLACE WITH LITTLE OTHER FOOT TRAFFIC AND LIMIT PARKING. However, I can't walk out of a neighborhood restaurant paying $120 bucks for two people on a regular basis. And if I do, I expect the food to be great. Both times I have gone their food left something to be desired.... the first time was with a group of four, the second time with just my wife and I. All six entrees we tried as a group weren't that good. I can only hope that they take a message, make the food better and more affordable for the neighborhood. If not, I'll try the next place that opens in a year after Mandolin closes. read more

We had dinner at Mandolin last Saturday night. It was a very disappointing experience. Food was mediocre at best. The scallop appetizer was small in size and bland. It consisted of one scallop that seemed to be seasoned with salt and pepper and seated atop a glop of mayonnaise. The gnocchi was thick and doughy, although the flavor was decent. The basil sorbet was the best dish of the night. It was delicious. The four of us all ordered appetizers, entrees, wine, dessert, and coffee. We had barely finished the last of dessert when the hostess approached us and told us that she had another reservation coming, and that we needed to either leave or relocate to another table! I have never been treated so rudely in a "fine dining" establishment before. We let our server know what happened and told her that she may want to mention this to the Chef/Owner. She said that since the hostess was the chef's fiance she did not feel comfortable letting him know. We were very disappointed with the entire experience. We will not be returning to Mandolin. read more

Great place but would like more vegetarian options. I had the gruyere mushroom spinach omlet and was pleased.

One of the better experiences for an intimate dinner in the area.. They were super accommodating with a good allergy and the service was amazing. I had the bass dish, it was the first night of it being on the menu. It was sooo good and the broth under it was drinkable! Lots of wines by the bottle too. And by glass. My boyfriend had the chicken and waffles. His mistake because he doesn't love greens and it knowingly came with greens and mushrooms sautéed. The dumplings looked pretty amazing too! Generous servings!! A little pricier but a great space to celebrate or enjoy a nice night! read more

This place is a complete gem! I can't wait to go back. The service was impeccable. Absolutely spot on. Very nice people. The food is in a category all of it's own. Wow! Everything I had was fresh that day and cooked to perfection. This is one of those places you will want to go out of your way to go back over and over. Well done! read more

Loved everything about this place! Wonderful food, service, and ambiance. An amazing find for an early Mother's Day Brunch. We ordered shrimp and grits, eggs benedict, the omelette of the day, and biscuits and gravy for the table. Everything was hot, delicious, and heavenly. Our waitress was very sweet and even knew the history of the building. Most importantly, they start your meal with Hot Biscuits with jam! Sign me up! read more

We visited Mandolin the other evening with a couple of friends who live in Raleigh. From the moment we sat down we were treated like kings! From our drinks (which were outstanding - great bartender!) to our salads (creatively made and very delicious) to our entrees (my gf and I split the Sheepshead for our meal) and finally with dessert (we devoured the chocolate souffle) the entire meal was outstanding. Enjoy a meal here soon. The menu changes depending on what the chef purchases from local farmers (all menu items are built on locally grown produce and meats). Incredible restaurant! read more

Two visits, over a year apart, and I'm giving Mandolin a solid 4 stars for both. The service both times was friendly and knowledgeable. It's surprisingly casual in spite of the white shirt/tie uniforms and upscale category, which is fine, but again, somewhat surprising. The food was good, but not quite as magnificent as other places we've been. I definitely recommend the hanger steak or scallops. In contrast to other reviews, we were somewhat disappointed with the charcuterie and left most of it on the board. Apps, two main courses, 2 cocktails for him and 2 glasses of wine for me, $140+tip. read more

Everything about our meal at Mandolin was top notch! I went with a couple of GFs for a girls night and we were so pleasantly surprised when we got there with the decor of the restaurant. I love the fresh flowers everywhere. Were promptly seated and had fantastic service. Our server was Roger and he was great. He had no problem making recommendations from the menu and was happy to answer all of our questions. I started with the Oysters Mandolin and my GF had the Panzanella salad. Both were fabulous. I'm not sure why they called my dish oysters because they really didn't seem like the star of the dish, but it was still a fantastic dish. It had these really tasty greens, fried giant chunks of pork belly, pomegranates and oh yea....some fried oysters. I got a taste of my friends salad and the whole salad was so good, but especially the house made pickles. I think they should sell those by the jar! For entrees we had the triggerfish, the short ribs and the chicken pot pie. The dishs were beautifully presented. The triggerfish was cooked perfectly and served with some kind of puree, the short ribs were served like no short ribs I have ever seen - it looked like sliced steak, but it was melt in your mouth tender, and the chicken pot pie had a very unique sauce. It was darker than I expected and had a bit of a wine flavor and was really good. For dessert we split the chocolate souffle. It was fabulous! I can't wait to go back with the DH. read more

Mandolin was a pleasant surprise. I would rate it with the best in Raleigh. The decor is very attractive, the service was great, and the food was outstanding. They also have a full bar and pour a good drink. Parking is limited, but they have complimentary valet parking and coat check. There were three in our party and we each got a different entree'. We were all very pleased with our orders. For dessert they have wonderful homemade sorbet with some unusual flavors. That is one sign of a very good restaurant. The emphasis on fresh and local makes Mandolin even more special. My only complaint was that the croutons on my salad were as hard as rocks, but other than that the salad was very good. That one thing wasn't enough for me to rate this great restaurant any lower, but I hope they will change their croutons. read more

Wow. I came here for brunch on a Saturday and had an amazing meal. The Bloody Mary was delicious and the shrimp and grits gave me my southern food/low country fix! I'm a fan of bluegrass so I love the name too. Mandolin made my morning #mmmm read more

I suggested this place to a friend as I had been there before for brunch. The menu: not much for a vegetarian. I ordered the cauliflower steak because I love cauliflower. The cauliflower was literally like a tough steak. I had to use a knife and muscle to cut it. It was topped with Caponata that was not very good. There was about 1 tbsp. or less of Hickory Grove cheese on top and it was delicious but it was the only protein and only one small bite. The signature cocktail, Mercy Mia was ehh. It was no where near worth the money. I will not go back. The service was mediocre. read more

We loved the decor of the restaurant, great vibe. They have a great cocktail list. The servers are very helpful and there to meet your needs. The food was good, but it was not worth the cost. I MUCH prefer Stanbury for the same price. I will say that if we had stopped after the salad course this would be 5 STARS! We had the Soft Shell Crab to start and it was so wonderful. The Ramp Tartar Sauce was so good and different. The crust on the Soft Shell Crab was so flavorful and crispy. Great dish. We then moved to the Duck Salad and I was in heaven. Seasoned perfectly. It was the entrees that let us down. We had the hanger steak and veal dishes. Both were lacking in something, just ok dishes. The staff is great! read more

Delicious, quiet brunch with a great server. I loved the croque madam, and it paired wonderfully with a bloody mary on a sunny morning :)

Haven't tried dinner here, but came here for brunch. We were literally the only ones in the restaurant, so don't know how busy the place normally is, but was a little iffy about that. Food wasn't amazing, but was decent, and the staff was ok. read more

What a refreshing experience. Truly a delight, from start to finish. The best dining experiences are usually as much about the details and the subtleties as they are about the food, and Mandolin got it all right. An absolute pleasure. Just go - you will not be disappointed. read more

Great approach to new southern cuisine. Went for a birthday dinner and enjoyed the pork chop along with a charcuterie app and the strawberry short cake for dessert. First off, pork chops aren't ranked that high in my book of meat choices to choose from however, this thing was incredible. Great portion size, fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation- all without losing the warm/feel-good comfort of good southern cooking. Would HIGHLY recommend for dinner although their breakfast is equally as amazing.... Go. Now. read more

There were good and bad parts of our eventing but overall it was unsatisfying. Service was fine. My cocktail was a little heavy on bitters. Our appetizers were terrific; I had the fried oysters, which i thought the greens served with it were a tad too sweet but were otherwise perfect. I got the seafood stew for an entree. The seafood was all cooked perfectly but the broth was bland and lacked salt. There were corn dumplings on top. Their top halves were OK but the bottom was raw and melting into the broth, so lumpy raw course-ground corn mixed into the broth as I ate it. Gross. The second time the waiter came by after I received the entree I mentioned this to him; he gave me a very polite "thanks for your feedback." Considering what they are charging, I would have expected a lot better in both concept and execution. read more