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Serendipity Gourmet

3.5 (141 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Serendipity Gourmet Photos

SERENDIPITY GOURMET ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Classy
Very loud
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Serendipity Gourmet

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Lunch spot in quaint shopping area.
Patti C.

Cute and tasty casual lunch spot before a walk-about downtown Cary. Fresh made and flavorful sandwiches. Staff handles the busy lunch hour great, with little wait time.

Chicken salad plate $9, carrot cake $4.50
Mary A.

Serendipity Gourmet is an excellent location right next to where the annual Lazy Daze art fest is held in Cary by the Town Hall. It appears like a small house turned into a restaurant with a country home, mom and pop diner exterior and interior. It has a cute patio under umbrellas right on a lively suburban main street. And indoor seating which is more cramped, but still has plenty of seating. Today was 84 degrees in the summer and it was fine inside. But a little humid (all the cook prep is also done behind the open counter), and probably wouldn't want to be there when it's in the 90s. I really liked the ambiance and the bustle of people. It's not the prettiest of interiors (not the brightest light, darker wood). But it does feel comfortable anyway. I ordered the chicken salad plate ($9) and my sister ordered the gyro with chips. We shared a slice of carrot cake ($4.50). Chicken salad plate ($9): said to be the best chicken salad in town and in the menu. It has a pleasant, light, refreshing taste. But I guess there's not many ways to improve chicken salad. It was a classic taste, doesn't have a twist. I did enjoy it though. Finely shredded chicken pieces, a mild mayonnaise (not too vinegary), hint of salt, hint of sweetness, celery. Basic, classic, but nice. The three scoops seemed larger in pictures but smaller on the plate. A decent amount though. The salad was shredded lettuce. Also pleasant, refreshing. But I did want a bigger bed of lettuce. I don't think this was a super filling salad. It had sides of carrots, cucumber, bean sprouts, tomato. I loved the sprouts the most as it added a unique flavor. The vegetables were not mixed in which I didn't quite understand--but eventually I made chicken salad crackers with the cucumber and lettuce. Maybe that's the intention? I did not mind that. The sauce was a home made ranch dressing (done right!). Overall I would say the chicken salad plate is reasonably priced for the restaurant experience, but I would likely feel it was overpriced if I just got it at a deli. I liked the atmosphere and location though, so I thought it was a fair trade. Carrot cake ($4.50): Actually the best carrot cake I've eaten. A real star! Super moist. Very tasty. Has golden raisins. And what tastes like a homemade cream cheese buttercream with the sugar crystals. I loved this cake. 100% would buy again. My sister isn't a big sweets fan but she loved this cake too. Sweet, rich, very balanced, and a great bake. Gyro: I tried some of my sister's gyro. The lamb had a good peppery flavor. Packs a punch. Seemed like a good but not noteworthy experience. Though maybe a bit plain with the amount of sauce. Her chips were definitely chips out of a store bought bag. Nice crunch. But I thought it didn't really go with the gyro. Not very original? But did at least make service quick. Yes I would return to Serendipity Gourmet especially to try the home baked cakes.

I has the Pastrami Ruben sandwich. Excellent! A generous portion of tender pastrami on grilled bread. Friendly service, plenty of table space and nice tunes over the intercom system.

Jillian S.

Excellent choice for a deli in Cary, NC. Convenient location on Academy Street. I parked in a nearby lot and walked over for a takeout sandwich. They offer numerous sandwich options and list daily specials on a white board. I decided on the pastrami and corned beef with a side salad for $10.99. The sandwich was packed with ingredients, enough for a meal and a snack. I ordered at the counter, waited at a table inside, and my meal was brought to me. Overall, I had a positive experience here and recommend this deli to others!

Egg Salad Sandwich
PinkKittyQueen 1.

I've been wanting to try out Serendipity ever since my friend recommended it and I loved it! I went twice in the span of two days during my visit to NC lol. I ordered the Lamb Gyro and it was probably the best gyro I've had, the meat was so tender and juicy and I love how you get served a pickle with every sandwich order. The egg sad sandwich was very creamy and slightly salty, and again the pickle was a nice palate cleanser that added some acidity to the meal. The owner was very polite and welcoming, and he did a wonderful job with the gyro! Everything from the seating to the little paintings on the walls and menu board is very cozy and adds so much character to this sandwich shop!

Daily Specials
Brilynn C.

If grandma made sandwiches every day for my neighbors ... With plenty of seating, inside and out, you are sure to find a comfy seat to enjoy downtown Cary for lunch. The deli has a menu full of hot and cold sandwich options, friendly quick service, daily specials and a local spot since 1975! Great location and easy parking. Highly recommend shop local!

Greek Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Melinda B.

I've lived in Cary my whole life and never stopped in to try this cute sandwich spot! The lunch items while simple and classic are done right and give much to be desired. You have your pick from specials and desserts. Service is very friendly and inside while small provides a laidback weekend atmosphere for quick lunch. Can't wait to stop in again to try some of their weekly specials.

Lovely place for lunch
Queenny C.

We came here for a light lunch. We ordered a reuben and pastrami sandwich, a Philly steak sandwich and a veggie sandwich. All came out pretty fast and tasted good enough. When we ordered an order of chocolate chips and pecan pie, it was out from freezer and it was impossible to eat so we had to request to be heat up 10 seconds in microwave for it to get softer. The kitchen should have done that without us asking though. Ambiance is casual, they have outdoor and indoor seatings. Overall, food and service is good and the prices are just right.

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4 months ago

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23 days ago

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9 months ago

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6 months ago

The broccoli cheddar soup was amazing! Was busy but still very fast service. Ate here with my toddler, will return!

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6 months ago

The grilled chicken wrap was saggy and tasted the overwhelming perfume inside the restaurant. Disappointed and dissatisfied

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7 months ago

I love this little gem! This is my go-to place for lunch with friends. It's fast and always delicious!

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

Lamb gyros! Best I've had in a long time....go sit outside, weather permitting. I wish I lived closer yo I could eat here more frequently.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

Yellow rice and chicken soup is awesome. Also love their veg, tahini dressing pocket.

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Sweet Room

Sweet Room

4.1
(59 reviews)
5.1 mi
$$

From all the boba tea spots that I've been to, they probably have the best Coffee boba. I didn't…read morecustomize it and it had a taste spot on. They have pastries and cakes. I might have to taste their cakes next time like the crepe cakes. The lady who was there is not pushy and knew exactly when she needs to head to the cash to take orders. I feel like it's a good place to study or a place to meet for a project. The music is not too high and they have ample space for a meet up. Also, if you want boba or treats delivered to you, you can order through a take away app.

From all the pictures I saw on Yelp, I had high expectations for this place…read more Well, let me start with the positive. The place itself was really pretty. Great, lofty space...and nicely decorated throughout. Now comes all the disappointments. First of all, I was the one customer when I stopped in around 2:30 pm...and while the place itself was nice, it felt kind of stale. Total silence...no music. I also noticed that they changed things...for the worse. They no longer had on the menu this trio sampler that I had my heart set on. Also, I didn't find their drink menu that appetizing. Also, everything was now served in paper cartons...not actual plates and cups. This is a running pet peeve of mine. Since Covid, many cafes and bakeries have downscaled on cups, plates and utensils...to serve everything in cheap to-go wares. I expect that type of vibe at fast foods, like McDonald's and Taco Bell...not nice cafes and bakeries. I ordered this soupy dessert (forgot the name), along with this Crepe Cake, and this Mango Fruity drink. Truly, each and every item was forgettable. Just not that good. Then the service... dead-pan. The lady at the counter had this rude-cold demeanor, and did not flick even a slight smile even once. So yeah...NOT great all around. Aside from the place being so attractive, the foods, the presentation and the service was far below what you'd expect from a nice cafe-bakery. A huge disappointment.

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Sweet Room
Sweet Room
Sweet Room

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Boba Baba

Boba Baba

4.5
(324 reviews)
3.7 mi
$$

I'd give this place a solid 3.5 stars--round up to 4 stars for nice customer service. Living in NC,…read morethere really isn't an abundant amount of boba places to venture to, but it seems like this place is highly recommended by college students and local boba enthusiasts. Being so used to many boba options back in CA, it kind of makes it feel weird to struggle to find a boba place nearby. The location is pretty convenient for college kids or adults to chill with friends. Lots of tables and even a shelf with some board games you could play if you had an hour or two to pass in the area. I can't remember the name of the drink, but I remember it having butterfly pea and lemon... or yuzu. Drink is aesthetically pleasing, but I'm not sure if I tasted what the drink mentioned. Still, nice attempt at being trendy with the boba menu. Maybe they're known for their milk teas here? It was quite busy when we can on a Saturday evening before closing. :) Drinks took around 10 ish minutes to make, but staff were quick to take orders and make drinks. If I remember correctly, there were two people working that day-- least in the front!

I am shocked I have not yet written a review for Boba Baba, when I go all the time!…read more I am a huge fan of their strawberry matcha, and more recently, of their butterfly fresca! Both drinks are delicious, and bonus points for also offering lactose-free/plant milk! But be warned, they do not offer the plant milk for certain drinks, since some are pre-mixed. Definitely ask before ordering! I would also highly recommend the puff pastries and mochi donuts! I had to search through my photos to find my favs: the ube puff pastry & the strawberry mochi donut. The puff pastry is a large portion, and heavier, so you can definitely share. The mochi donut is nice and light, so these are better to get more than one flavor to try.

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Seat view
Seat view
Curb appeal
Curb appeal
Strawberry Matcha Latte

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Strawberry Matcha Latte
Feng Cha

Feng Cha

4.4
(89 reviews)
2.5 mi
$$

Feng Cha is an excellent, tea forward boba tea shop. I am a big tea snob and need to taste the tea…read moreflavor over all the sugar and toppings and Feng Cha really delivers. They're one of the few places Ive been to that offers lactaid as a milk option and I truly believe lactaid is the best milk for milk teas, so I absolutely love this option. The staff is very pleasant and kind, however they weren't very knowledgeable about tea. When I asked what type of black tea they used, all 3 employees were perplexed and said "it just says black." Upon tasting it, I could tell it was Ceylon, which is one of my favorites, but I do think the employees should work on being a bit more educated on their products. The store itself was setup really great for a group of a few friends and sit and chat while they drink their tea, however the chairs and tables were definitely "used", if you will. Not falling apart but a bit grubby. Overall, the tea quality is so good and the atmosphere good enough that Ill keep going back.

Tried Feng Cha's new Ube Matcha latte for the first time, which cost around $8 with the boba at 75%…read moresugar level, and I was slightly dissatisfied. First, here are the positives: + Combination of ube and matcha give the drink a Dubai chocolate-like taste. + Fast and more friendly (compared to a few times before customer service. + Relaxing atmosphere with bright and welcoming decorations. And here's a major negative: - For an $8+ drink (including boba), the size just does not justify it. Base price without boba is around $7 but wish they included a free topping already. Compare that to Bobo Baba - which has similar price range - you just get more bang for your buck there. Would I order this again? 50% sure just to let my wife and her mother taste it for content. But me? I might stick to Feng Cha's brown sugar and mango drinks, which were more satisfying.

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Back area
Back area
Drinks and dessert
Drinks and dessert
Feng Cha

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Serendipity Gourmet - delis - Updated July 2026

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