Enjoyed a great brunch today at Mandolin. We have been talking about going there for some time and made a 1:00 reso for today, so this was our first visit. Our server was attentive and checked back with us at appropriate intervals to see if we needed anything, refill water glasses, etc. The food was excellent. Love the farm to table philosophy and the quality of the products exemplified this, plus I much prefer to support local farms and businesses. I had the Mandolin skillet and my friend had the shrimp and grits. Both were very good, as were the biscuits and yummy apple jam. The ambiance was pleasant and the bathroom was attractive and clean (call me weird, but I always notice that kind of thing!). The only thing I would say is that it was kind of loud and we found ourselves repeating ourselves a few times, but it was pretty much packed when we arrived, and it did get better as it started to clear out toward the 2:00 hour. We really enjoyed our visit and will be back soon and recommend Mandolin to friends! read more

Incredible meal, well worth every penny! Went there on the date night with my hubby. Ordered (and split) the chicken and waffles plus the 48 hr braised short ribs. Both were delish!!! The chicken and waffles came with a warm honey dip and greens _ I am not a fan of greens but would have eaten a whole bowl of these! Chicken was huge and juicy, waffles were tender and golden. Ribs - so good! Small amounts of fat laced through but it did not taste fatty at all - gave it a really good flavor. Potato stack with winter veges... mu hubby even had a brussel sprout :) Enjoyed a nice bottle of wine (reasonably priced!) and left a happy happy patron. Will definitely recommend and go back! read more

Shrimp and grits were fantastic! The homemade biscuits were also incredible. Very reasonable prices. A+

Food, service and atmosphere all top notch. Duck was excellent and they gladly accommodated a special request.

We had a wonderful meal at Mandolin last Saturday. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. At least for us it was one of those meals that you remember fondly. We had reservations and arrived a little early since it was our first visit and we do not come to this part of town frequently. It's a shame that there's really nothing of note within walking distance. The hostess seated us at a nice table by the window (nice, although the only thing to see are the cars going by on fairview). The waitress was very helpful and knowledgeable about the menu, and gave us time to make our selections with leisure. I had intended to order the Charcuterie plate, but the waitress made sure that I knew everything that would be on it, since it changes periodically and wanted to check whether I would like it. I was not crazy about some of the choices, so I switched to the potato leek soup and my wife had the root vegetable salad. I loved the soup, and my wife loved the salad. For the main entree we split the rib-eye, a 35 ounce bone-in delicious cut of beef, cooked and seasoned to perfection (we asked for medium rare and it was, with some verging more on the rare, which is understandable on such a large cut) on a bed of roasted vegetables. It was delicious and possibly one of the best steaks I've had in recent memory. We'll probably be coming back just for that. FYI The waitress mentioned that it is not always available and the sizes vary, depending on the supplier. For dessert we had the banana pudding. it was also excellent. The pudding was a bit runny, so that may not be to everyone's liking, but the flavor was great, with lots of fresh banana, meringue and house made nutella with a shortbread-y cookie. Finished the pudding off with some decaf coffee that was surprisingly satisfying, strong and flavorful. I had mention to the waitress the possibility of bringing in the rest of the family for a round of rib-eyes, and she brought me the card of the event coordinator. A nice touch. Service was great, food was excellent, we will definitely be coming back read more

Good- excellent service. From the valet to the server, every interaction with staff was pleasant. Very impressed by the staff. -caramel cake was fantastic -really liked the atmosphere Bad -the menu is limited, which is not unusual for this type of restaurant, but it would benefit from more options -we had the salad, tile fish, and chicken and waffles. The food was ok at best. When you eat at a place at this price point, something about the meal should be memorable, in a positive way. The salad was average - it was no more or less flavorful than any other restaurant. Neither main course was memorable. The greens were probably the best part of the meal. The chicken and waffle is ok, but doesn't hold a candle to Beasley's downtown. read more

We just moved back to Raleigh from the DC/Baltimore area where farm to table is a staple. I found this restaurant in the Scout magazine and thought to give it a try. When we first walked in we were greeted by a lady, very friendly, who we found out was the owner. We were seated and helped very quickly. We both ordered drinks, one chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits, both were AMAZING!!! For desert we had the banana pudding, EXCELLENT too!!! Meals were a great portion, not too much and not too little, prices were great! We even took some cornbread muffins home, which the pastry chef made fresh for us! read more

Mandolin is on par with Saint Jacques, Second Empire and Margeaux's, it's that good. The Oysters Mandolin is excellent, only 4 oysters on the plate, but the pork belly makes up for it. The duck and dumpling was easily one of the best dishes I've had in Raleigh. Mandolin is cool little neighborhood spot with excellent food and a nice bar. Highly recommend. read more

I've been traveling to Durham for business for a while now and eating out way more than I should, and this has been the best place I've been to. I haven't made it into Raleigh much since it's sort of a hike from Durham, but I'll definitely make the effort again. The restaurant is a cozy modern inside, if that makes any sense at all. The server and hostess were incredibly friendly. They knew the menu very well and were free with recommendations and great descriptions of all the dishes. I shared with my dining partner so I got to try the oysters, foie gras, duck and dumplings, and scallops. The oysters are kind of a deconstructed Rockefeller with the pork belly being a much larger focus than I anticipated but a pleasant surprise. The foie gras was nicely done with a good sweet set of items on the plate to share and balance out the richness. The scallop and ducks continued the meal in great fashion with the duck being cooked to perfection. And the scallops! I forget what the little puree on there was but it was fantastic. They were smaller but the flavor and the way they were cooked were great. Bottle wine is pricey but the glass prices can be reasonable pending on what you choose. I had a couple of the cocktails which were also excellent but a bit on the smaller side, understandable based on the high end ingredients. The bill came back expensive but actually much cheaper than several other meals in the area in the same price category and with much, much better food. Combined with getting 1000 point opentable reservation I know that I'll be coming back again even if it is a hike for me. If you are in that area you really need to give this a try. I bet you won't be disappointed. read more

"Sorry, we are out of...." It started with the bass, which was a special AND on the main menu. (Note to chef - don't mention a special if you are out of it or - if it is also on a main menu - running low on it.) Then it was the caramel cake. Then the ginger ice cream for the Moon Pie dessert, which was quite good. It was a busy night but we heard apologies too many times for a restaurant around long enough to do better with inventory. We won't be back soon, which is a shame as we had some very good meals there in the past. (P.S. Our reservations were at 7:00 so it's not like we showed up in the dregs of the evening.) read more

Mandolin - much better the second time around. My first visit to Mandolin, I had high expectation for the Chicken & Dumplings - with drop biscuits like my mother used to make. It was a disaster. The dish was so overly heavy with fresh sage, you couldn't taste anything - sage is not a normal seasoning for chicken and dumplings. Additionally, it was dry. Chicken and Dumplings should be in a soupy gravy you can sop up with the biscuits and potatoes. Unfortunately, the dish - served in a cast iron dish - was so dry the "gravy" had the consistency of a fruit rollup. All I can say is I was happy I wasn't paying for the meal. My second visit to Mandolin changed my mind 180 degrees. I had a wonderful salad, and a wonderfully lightly seasoned "meaty" white fish - can't remember what type of fish, but it was outstanding. read more

Had a wonderful dinner the other evening. Food was amazing and the service was perfect! Robert greeted us and informed us of his favorite dishes and answered all our questions. Wasn't sure about what wine I should have so I asked him and he paired one with my entree perfectly. The Carmel cake is amazing, will definitely be back! read more

Delicious, fresh and the attention to detail and service is unmatched. The chef walks the floor checking out everything (assuming he is the owner?) and the service staff is exceptional. I have eaten 9 + times here and not one has been inconsistent or delicious. Great management. Creative menu, exceptional, professional wait staff and always a really enjoyable experience. read more

Oh dear goodness. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Central Coast restaurant junkie here. This place is amazing. A simple pickle becomes an experience here. Phenomenal food and beyond excellent service from people who care about your experience and know the menu and wine list and all of the nuanced combinations. Love. read more

Celebrated my husbands bday at a lovely table outside. Host and wait staff we very nice and welcoming. Tom Collins and Pimms drink were delicious. Shrimp Bisque, kale salad, cheese grits, and steak were very uniquely tasty. Not your run of the mill menu.Too full to try dessert. Atmosphere is overall clean, crisp and delightful. Hope to make it back for drinks in the quaint contemporary bar area. read more

Having been here twice now, I can honestly say this is one of the best restaurants in Raleigh. From exceptional service to delicious and creative food, I am already looking forward to my next visit. read more

Excellent meal in the bar area last night. Had the tatare which was served on potato chips. Also had pork sliders (just ok...I would add kimchi to them) and a great warm salad. Atmosphere was excellent. Would repeat. read more

We were at Mandolin for a private event and it was awesome. The food was just right and the service was commendable. Both Sean and Lizzy were quick to oversee that all was served at the correct temperature and all at once. Dessert was amazing. The cocktails were smooth and went down real nice. Keep up the good work. read more

I loved everything about Mandolin! The food and drinks were simply incredible!

Excellent Brunch!! Went here based on reviews. Busy but not overly/annoying busy. Staff was great. Place was very clean, decor was great. The coffee was very good and you could tell it was fresh brewed. The food selection was great and the biscuits over fried chicken were outstanding!!! highly recommend for brunch. Plus quality for price was outstanding. read more

Loved the ambiance of Mandolin - what a great location, bright with lots of windows and a great entrance with a line of fresh flowers with rustic wooden backdrop. The chalkboard list at the front shows the long list of all of the local farms they work with. The food was pretty good, service was attentive, and the drinks were ON POINT. Really enjoyed a Monday evening dinner out with my girl friends - it was not packed but it was a weeknight and expect it may be a completely different vibe on a busy weekend night. The complimentary breads and sea salt butter were heavenly. I had the grilled chicken over veggies and mushrooms - it was good, but not absolutely to die for (hence the one star deduction) the price that I paid. Additionally, the chocolate souffle was what I was most looking forward to based on the reviews, but I was a little disappointed in it. It seemed a bit dry and I felt let down that it wasn't as good as I expected. Womp, womp.... I'd come back perhaps for a nice meal out - and maybe try out the brunch but hopefully my next experience will have me coming back with tthe 5 star review I expected I'd give. read more

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Meh food. Really. Meh service. Meh, indifferent hospitality. We can eat anywhere in town, we won't return here. They made her birthday forgettable and not much fun. Cheese plate and charcuterie plate basically no meat or cheese. Server acted like we were a burden. Tab was $180. Spend your fancy din din money elsewhere team. read more

I had the shrimp and grits. The sauce on the grits made them almost soupy, which was odd, but it was really good. We went at noon on a Sunday. Making a reservation couldn't hurt. There wasn't line, but it was definitely busy. read more

The dish preparation and combination of quality ingredients are what stand out here. I have had some of the very best service as well as some mediocre service, so that could be perhaps hit or miss. But I've never had that problem with the food, always consistently excellent. read more

Mandolin is up there in my top favorite restaurants in Raleigh. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is classy, and the service is wonderful. I spent my birthday here with my family and we all raved about the meal for weeks! The oyster appetizer was my favorite thing we tried closely followed by the desserts we split. Definitely a great place for a special night out. read more

Hidden gem! Very good, fancy quiet atmosphere. The scallops and pork belly were my favorite. On the pricier side but be sure to try some apps if you go. read more

I was treated to a birthday dinner by friends, and was sorry that I ordered the seafood stew. Who orders seafood stew when there is a steak or a pot pie to be had? The stew was described as not wine-based, so it was really more of a chowder. Served with a fried johnny cake on top, which I could not eat because fried food attacks my insides something fierce. The chowder was almost seasonless. Friends got pot pies that were tasty. Exquisite dessert of buttermilk ice cream and caramel cake, and a molten chocolat cake was served on the house. Great service, and I'll be more mindful next time about my ordering choices.Take my advice: don't order seafood stew. It's a rookie mistake unless you're at the beach. read more

My favorite Farm to Table restaurant in The Triangle. I love the style and vibe of this restaurant. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I have enjoyed everything i have ever tried there. Recently, I had a pheasant dish that was hearty and unique. I love trying new things at Mandolin because I know they will be prepared well and thoughtfully. They have a nice wine list and new bar options. read more

Amazing neighborhood bar. Perfect for a drink or appetizers. Haven't been for a meal, but plan to very soon!

Went here for my birthday dinner. Very cool atmosphere with great service. We tried a beef dish and the chicken w/waffles. Amazing food but I think its a bit overpriced. I'd definitely be back. read more

Had not been to this property since it was EVOO. Looks great inside with a rustic modern hardwood feel. Salad, bread and drinks were good. Sea Bass was on point as well. I'm a simple pallet type of guy, that being said, a little less vinegar on the hanger steak. When I order steak I want that full steak flavor of meat, gristle, and butter. Keep up the farm to table work up!!! read more

Absolutely fabulous. Great ambiance. Friendly wait staff. The food, oh the food! The menu is unique and substantial and southern and fresh. Had the Pork Madame. Best pork i've had in a long time. Can't say enough good stuff about this place. Definately a new favorite! My friends, all 6 of us, concur! read more

one of the best brunches in the triangle. food is fresh and they have a rotating menu. nice place! read more

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We went to Mandolin last night for dinner. This was the second time we've eaten there. The food was good and they have an interesting menu. I had the charcuterie for the appetizer. It was a nice assortment of pickled things and cured meats. My favorite part was the pickled tongue, which was great and something you normally don't find. The bistro steak with braised fennel was very good and the buttermilk pie was also great and again, not something you find at a lot of restaurants. The pie had a nice lemon flavor and was made with a tart crust rather than the standard pie crust, which was a nice variation. My wife had the barbecued ribs, which were very good. They provided a hot towel for her fingers, but the meat was falling off the bones so you could eat it with just your fork. My only criticisms would be taking up real estate on the menu with chicken and waffles. It doesn't really fit the menu and seems like a too often repeated fad. Also, the bartender didn't seem to know how to make a sazerac. Service was great, fast and very friendly. The price was very reasonable for the type of food and restaurant. Definitely worth it if you want someplace for a special occasion. read more

Went in for mothers Day Brunch they were nice enough to accommodate a reservation even if booked. The waitress was very helpful with a subtle happy energy. The owner and Chef apparently grows produce at his own farm and same day locally farm to table. Nothing frozen. They have tables at the sidewalk and inside minimal country chic design. Mandolins are seen hallway to bathroom. They serve chic country style food. Ordered Shrimp and grits loving the texture of grits and taste of shrimp with chopped sausage and slightly cooked small whole tomatoes that bursts with juiciness and flavor. Something I've tasted before and felt that you have to be from the south to like...I like being proved wrong. Wife got the Pork Madame pulled pork sandwiched topped with egg, children Country style breakfast (if you want to be safe), Ashley Chicken with a substitute for bacon instead of ham and Mac and Cheese for my young one. Nicely plated and very tasty. Desert was Mothers Day Coffee Cake like the texture and sweetness like a lemon square but not lemony or soft. Strawberry shortcake the strawberry is packed with seasoned flavor bursting. Parking is at the back and if I need to nit pick servers didn't take or make room (small plate ) before placing the big plate. Sorry it's common sense. Greeter greeted well but no final courtesy thank you and have a nice day. read more

Mandolin - Shrimp and grits - Southern Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Today was our third visit for brunch. Each visit has been enjoyable with good food, good service and good drinks. We have enjoyed the skillet, croque Madame, trout, chicken and Mac/cheese & biscuits/gravy/chicken. The chicken dishes were a little skimpy on the chicken but it's not as if we left hungry. The biscuits were nice and the drinks were well made. This place is worth a visit. read more

Enjoyed our brunch visit this past weekend! Hostess/waiter were both friendly and attentive. I highly recommend the Bloody Mary, very fresh and flavorful! The biscuits are a nice touch and very tasty, served with 3 spreads. I ordered the eggs ham Benedict, and I will say the bread is a little tough to cut as other reviewers have mentioned, but not enough of an issue to ruin the meal. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp and sausage grits and those were some of the best grits I've had in the city- I will probably order this dish next time! Over all a great brunch and nice refreshing atmosphere. We will be back! read more

I've been here a few times and it never disappoints! I always get the chicken and waffles. It's a small restaurant, best for dinner for two and not a big crowd! read more

Amazing! After many months of following their posts on facebook and neighbors talk about excellent meals at Mandolin, we finally had an opportunity to experience this restaurant and we were not disappointed. Three of us for dinner : 12yo daughter, my husband & I. We started with sharing the Charcuterie Plate : Chicken Liver Paté, Head Cheese, and Fried Pig Ears with Sour Dough Croutes, Whole Grain Mustard, Smoked Quail Eggs, and Pickled Green Tomatoes. Our daughter wanted to try the pigs ears - we wanted to try everything else! It was all so interesting! (in a good way!) Next, she ordered chicken&waffles (comfort food at its best!), he ordered Grilled, Red Pepper-Marinated Cauliflower Steak : Caponata, Stuffed Sweet Roasted Onion, Ratatouille, and Hickory Grove Cheese (you wouldn't know you were missing meat with this dish!), I ordered Pan - Seared Scallops : Cauliflower, Beurre Meunière, Capers, Local Figs, and a Carrot-Bacon Salad ( I don't think I've seen this many scallops on a plate in a restaurant for one meal!). Everything was fabulous and filling!! We opted to share the Trio of Sorbets which were so full of amazing flavors!! wow! I can't wait to go back ... and perhaps we'll try their brunch menu next. Love that they use local fresh ingredients ... it shows. read more

Fantastic discovery (Out of a small magazine called Piedmont, dedicated to restaurants that support local farmers and fresh ingredients) Everything about the atmosphere, the service,the food, the service was creative and fabulous. read more