First time coming here and it did not leave a good impression. Came in with my husband and the restaurant was not crowded. We were seated promptly but sat for over 10 minutes with no greeting or acknowledgement that we were there. The waitresses brought drinks to and checked on several tables around us and did not even say that she would be by in a few minutes to get us started. On top of that, the water glass at the table had a lipstick stain on it. We decided to leave and when walking to the door, the greeter asked us if everything was ok. We told him that no one ever came to the table and all he said was ok and went back to what he was doing. Very disappointed in this as some of the dishes around us looked good. Oh well. read more

The Nomad - Dirty water glass - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

Absolutely exceeded my expectations and wants... we were headed to a garden party when it was texted that the party would be delayed by an hour, and with the extra drive time... it just wasn't worth it. Last second punt to find something local and unique led us to The Nomad at Osburn and I am smitten... I absolutely did not expect that level of menu diversity and expanse. Thai, Indian, British fish-n-chips, steak... the menu was almost too much. I was craving Thai, and chose the drunken noodles. Was absolutely pleased with the flavors, portions, and service. The space was open, not too loud, and quaint but not intimate. It's a converted theater, so don't expect absolute privacy. Will absolutely return again to sample more of their menu! read more

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I was delighted with my experience at The Nomad. Tess was my server and she was fantastic and super helpful in guiding me through the menu and ensuring that I was getting the vegan options that I wanted. I trued the roasted cauliflower and it was tasty. I also tried the spring rolls, again very tasty and both were able to be modified as vegan. As the main I tried the Chana masala and it was the perfect size for me and it was very flavorful. I also got the Mushroom Ramen to go and it was also a strong vegan options. Unfortunately they didn't have any vegan dessert options. I was ably to score a delicious vegan chocolate chip cookie next door at the Cup of Joe. read more

Nomad, no thanks. We decided to come here for Valentine's Day a day early, on the 13th. Made reservations, arrived on time and we were seated by a stressed and frantic host. There was a bottle of water and two glasses on the table, so after a while with no greeting, no waiter, no nothing, we poured a glass and waited. The service: Anyway, we saw the waitress maybe four times. To take our drink and app order, to place our order, to deliver the check and once when I waved her down to request a few things with our meal (lemon, tarter). The place is tiny so there's no reason to not swing by and check on us! The food: the Pakora app for $10 was little, was cold, was drab. Each piece was about an inch in diameter and there were five pieces. The mint condiment tasted like it came from a jar and the pakora didn't taste freshly cooked. My 'Tom kha' Salmon was nothing like Tom Kha, but it was good. It was a creamy sauce with galangal slices, but no lemongrass or kaffir lime. The salmon itself was farm raised and, well, I didn't find out until the end of the meal (although I asked) because our waitress said, 'I got busy' which is basically saying 'you're not important'... Charlie's fish and chips were the star of the show. They were delicious and the reason I gave three stars. The atmosphere: although it's pretty and comfy inside, the staff gave off a frenetic energy that just wasn't pleasant. The two top tables are inches from your neighbors, so your conversations might get tangled together. We opted to skip dessert here and go to Antonia's for theirs. It was nice to be warmly greeted and promptly attended to at a familiar favorite (Antonia's). We were wishing we'd eaten there instead of The Nomad. It's unfortunate to leave a restaurant unsatisfied, unhappy and sure we won't return. read more

The Nomad - Tom Kha Salmon (GF) - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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Really great selection of foods! The title "Nomad" is fitting -- everything from Pad Thai to yuca to burgers. I had the burger with Brie, and it was delicious. The yuca on the side was absolutely amazing. The mango lassi was BOMB! I'm fairly confident that everything on the menu would be great. Overall, a very safe and delicious option for lunch or dinner! read more

The Nomad - Burger - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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I don't even know where to begin! The food. My goodness the food! Delicious! I've never had anything bad here! Different cultural dishes and bites. One of my favorites is the butter chicken, the chicken shawarma and the mushroom ramen. It is a quaint an intimate setting with a bar, tables downstairs and an upstairs loft (I am not sure if the loft is just for private parties or for regular service). The staff is AMAZING! They are the sweetest folks! Very accommodating and hospitable! Top notch service and their cocktails are delicious too! If you're in Hillsborough in the evening hours, check them out! read more

Sooooo good! The Chicken Souvlaki was some of the best chicken I've ever - the flavor and spices were just so delicious. Loved the tzatziki sauce. The naan that came with it was also great. The dark chocolate mousse was so rich and creamy and I loved the peanut butter topping! We had no problem getting a table on a Monday night, but it does seem like a spot that many people make reservations for. There was plenty of free parking around the back of the building and there's also street parking. read more

The Nomad - Chicken Souvlaki - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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Great to come back to Hillsborough and experience some different cuisines, all so unique and delicious!! Service great, beautiful interiors with some great food! read more

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The energy at Nomad is frantic and unfriendly. I got the vegetarian ramen, and it was incredibly disappointing: no broth, barely any veggies, and it was greasy and salty, as was the rest of our food. Our mains were way overpriced for what we received, and the host in particular really needs training. read more

Nomad is a wonderful spot! Have eaten there 2 times in the past month. The cocktails are refreshing and unique. I have had the pad thai with chicken which was one of the best I have tried, a little spice but not too overpowering. I also have had the chicken shawarma paired with naan bread, the chicken was tender and flavorful paired with delicious rice, hummus, and pickled red onion. Service has always been great, the staff are so friendly. The restaurant is in an old theater and has so much character. read more

The Nomad - Mushroom or Chicken Shawarma (GF) - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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Nomad's eclectic vibe, well prepared drinks and incredible food make them a MUST visit! Our service was fantastic as well and the server made excellent recommendations on what to get! I cannot say enough how delicious every single dish we had was! I thought about the dishes even weeks after going! I will 100% be back soon! read more

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We chanced upon The Nomad on an excursion through Hillsborough. Outdoor seating is very pleasant. The green Thai curry is delicious. Savory, piquant and refreshing. The Channa Masala is also outstanding. Both had a fresh, zesty blend of spices that made our visit memorable. Can't wait to explore the rest of the menu. read more

Came here for Valentines day and I absolutely do not regret it. The atmosphere of the place is so calm and cute. The brick wall gives it a bit of a rustic vibe. The food looks and smells delicious, it even TASTES delicious. I love that the portion isn't too much but also not too little. The staffs all are very professional and I can tell they put their customers first. I'd definitely recommend anyone who would like to try a variety of different foods, try this place! read more

The Nomad - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

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The food is prepared so thoughtfully - and to our surprise they offered small adjustments based on our praise and comments. They let us play with their diablo sauce, for example, offering it on the side since we LOVE spice. The merging of multiple culture's foods and spices created savory and truly fun dining. We will for sure be back! Soon! The cauliflower appetizer was a win as was the pad Thai and the shawarma! Can't wait to try the rest of the menu! read more

Beautiful restaurant, nice staff, and absolutely delicious food! Wide variety in the menu (hence the name Nomad), and everything we had was incredibly flavorful. Highly recommend the butter chicken, the green curry, the salmon, and the Thai cauliflower. Very imaginative fusions throughout! read more

Wonderful and delicious evening for a rehearsal dinner! The owner was a delight to coordinate details with and the food and atmosphere were perfect. Nomad was easily able to adjust the menu for a gluten free diet. Highly recommend! read more

Just an excellent experience at The Nomad. Service was extremely attentive, menu was clear and simple for my wife's Celiac, every bit of food was delicious, and the price came out reasonable. The location is historic and noise level is low, despite an open floor plan. Highly recommend. read more

The Nomad - Butter Chicken, with Gluten-Free Naan - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

It was a wonderful experience in this beautiful space. As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by a bar with ample seating. I enjoyed the Go Green cocktail that was absolutely delicious. I ordered the Pad Thai noodles with chicken for my main entree and I would highly recommend, especially if you enjoy a little heat for your main dish. The friendly service at the bar and table really made us feel welcomed. The dining area provides great seating options for groups and also for a smaller party. During cooperative weather, there is also limited outdoor seating. We really enjoyed our dinner and look forward to returning to try the rotating menu options. read more

Eclectic menu in charming Hillsborough. Friendly and efficient staff. Quality delicious dinner.

We stopped by on a Saturday at around 1 for lunch. We were a party of 6 and we had a reservation. It was not crowded inside at all. A few people started off with a beer and a few other had mixed drinks. The mixed drinks were good - especially the "mule" that was really spicy. They had 2 waiters. It was adequate. We had the poutine app that was made with yuca as opposed to fries. Poutine was meant to be made with fries. I thought the yuca was a fail. It needed salt and pepper neither of which was on the table. Entrees came out with several mistakes. One person had to wait while his was actually made again from scratch. I had the ramen noodles with chicken. I requested spicy and that's what I got. I greatly enjoyed it. No complaints from anyone about the taste of the food. The surcharge for naan was what we thought to be a mis-step. The butter chicken needed the naan and should of been included. Maybe we will stop by for Sunday brunch. The menu looks pretty good. read more

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Just go! The food was awesome and the atmosphere was great. Downtown Hillsborough has a great vibe in general. Service was good too. read more

The Nomad - Garlic ramen - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

Amazing food! Everything we've tried over the last several years has been excellent! The menu varies somewhat, but the Butter Chicken, the Drunken Noodles, and the Pad Thai are Mainstays, and family favorites. read more

Great atmosphere and great food. Service is awesome. Portions a bit small. Great selection of drinks, appetizers, and meals.

(4.75 stars) A relative newcomer to the Hillsborough dining scene, The Nomad is the latest establishment from the team behind the Viceroy in Durham and the TanDurm food truck. As the name suggests, it features foods that tend to wander from one cuisine to the next (i.e. Indian meets Latin). It's an ambitious concept, but the folks here have the chops to make it work. They also happen to be friendly and welcoming people. We happened to wander by shortly before lunchtime opening on a Saturday just to check out a menu, and one of the owners offered a warm greeting. Our server was attentive and provided several helpful food and drink suggestions. At a place like this, those suggestions can come in handy as the vast majority of The Nomad's offerings sound appealing. Though the menu isn't large, it offers a little bit of everything, including vegan and gluten free options. You can embrace the familiarity of a classic chicken pakora or masala or battered fish taco branch out into one of the fusion dishes like Thai chimichurri steak or paneer pimento. We opted for a few small plates for our first time out, and though it was a tough decision, we settled on sweet potato-stuffed kolaches, fried yuca poutine, and Korean esquites. Food came out quickly and did not disappoint. The kolaches were thick and pleasantly doughy with a warm, curried filling. Yuca sticks made for an excellent potato substitute in the poutine, and the mushroom gravy was rich and savory even if the mushrooms were a bit chewy. The esquites (de-cobbed Mexican street corn) brought heat from its Gochujang sauce and dusting of chili lime, but the refreshing crema kept it from overwhelming the palate. While Korean tacos/burritos are nothing new, this particular Korean-Mexican combination was like nothing I've seen elsewhere. My wife also enjoyed the Salted Fig cocktail. Hillsborough being Hillsborough, The Nomad isn't exactly cheap, but it also is worth the money spent. You're looking at $8-$10 for small plates, and three were enough to feed two hungry adults. Entrée-sized rice bowls run in the teens. Opening amid the COVID pandemic has undoubtedly been a brutal experience for many restaurants, but from innovation to food quality to service, The Nomad has all the looks of a keeper. I look forward to returning the next time I'm in Orange County. read more

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Not great but not bad. I don't mind paying the price for a really great food but this was sort of meh I think the Thai food section of the menu was better than the rest The samosas were pretty dry and not very satisfying The chicken Shawarma kind of tasted like something from Whole Foods hot bar Pad Thai with shrimp was good but too spicy for my daughter and we asked for Mild (with great emphasis on the word MILD) The spaghetti with Alfredo was not really very much like Alfredo more like buttery noodles with some cheese tossed in (she liked it but I cook I mean fettuccine Alfredo at home) The Tom Yum soup was good And the Pad Thai was good even though it was spicy it was quite good Also the green curry with fish ...very spicy on request ...was good, but nothing really stand out. Seems to me this restaurant is trying to do too many things The staff was very nice and accommodating and the place itself is absolutely beautiful, romantic and special. But I have to say I was not very impressed overall Perhaps the most disappointing was the fried doughnut with custard with a taste like a funnel cake at the fair I do not think it was worth the price at all and much prefer a fresh hot Krispy Kreme Total for four diners ..with drinks about 166 bucks so to sum it up: great ambience a very nice staff ...but a confusing menu that left everyone a bit unsatisfied Expensive ..and very hit or miss read more

I didn't like the food I ordered yesterday but I'd like to give it another try. Service was good. Wine, a montepulciano was good even though it was only a $12 bottle. And $12 a glass. I know it's fusion. My chicken carbonara did not have a cream sauce although there was some I could taste. Instead it was quite greasy, like what you might see from fried Asian noodles. read more

Where to begin is the hard part. The service was impeccable and the food a full body taste experience. The atmosphere was lively and enjoyable. From check in with a reservation, we were seated instantly. The menu is simple yet plenty of great choices in food. You must try the Oaxacan Mule drink. It's really delicious with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and kick. For appetizers we had the Gyoza dumplings and Gua Bao steamed buns. Perfect snack to take the edge off of a hungry beast before the main meal. The buns were epic and yes I was animated as I bit into that soft warm bun tasting the sweet smoky pork belly and crunch of pepper. YUMMY... I had the butter chicken which was out of this world delicious. I want more! The stir fry garlic ramen noodles was a big hit also but I love my curry and that butter chicken was on point. read more

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My friend made reservations for our group for dinner at Nomad after snacking at Colonial Inn. Our group included a couple of vegetarians, along with at least one person with food allergies. Our entire group loved our food! Picking your protein was a great option for our group whether that was tofu or steak. Staff was friendly and helpful. We dined outside and staff was just as attentive as if we had been inside. read more

Came here on a rainy evening and it was a great place for cozy vibes! Had a bowl of drunken noodles that were delicious. Service was great! read more

The Nomad - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

We ordered take out. One of the items (the Korean corn) is no longer in the menu so we had to change our order at the last minute. We ended up getting the peanut cauliflower, samosas, and the pork belly buns. Everything was really good and the carry out presentation was super nice! We will be back! read more

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The Nomad is a hidden gem! Took my parents here for their anniversary and we enjoyed our time! The service, food, and ambiance all complimented each other. We made a reservation online for the patio but when we arrived, we noticed they didn't really have a real patio. Just a few tables in the front. We asked if we could sit inside which the host was nice enough to accommodate us. We started with the vegetarian samosas, red Thai cauliflower, and the Yuca fries! All were so delicious and flavorful! The samosas were big and filled with a potato filling. The chutney was sweet and tangy. The cauliflower was one of the stars of the meal! It was roasted perfectly and covered in a red Thai peanut sauce that was mouthwatering! Another surprise dish was the yuca fries! Wow! I could have eaten the whole thing myself! The sauce was mayo based and tangy! So so delicious! The yuca fries itself was crispy and added a great touch to our meal. For the main course we ordered Drunken noodles, garlic ramen noodles, butter chicken and naan. Everything was fantastic! They do not skimp on the flavor! The drunken noodles had nice and chewy rice noodles and tender veggies. The garlic ramen was savory and spicy! And the butter chicken was a classic dish that did not disappoint! The only complaint I have is when you order the naan, only a single naan comes. I wish there was a basket option because $4 for one naan seems a bit pricey. Overall, very good experience and will 100% be back. This restaurant is tucked away in a little cute town of Hillsborough, NC. It is a long trip if traveling from the Raleigh/Cary area but in my opinion, it's worth it! Last thing I'll mention, try the mango lassi! We drank it so fast I couldn't get a picture of it :) read more

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Get the Thai Cauliflower to go; after dozens of visits here, my best recommendation is to avoid eating there in person, just get it to go. It's slow, the owners are hyper rude.. they seem more concerned with being right than keeping customers. We informed them once that a guest had allergies (seafood); owner said they can accommodate, then the waiter said they can't ..so said guest went next door and got Mexican, to which they said you can't bring in outside food.. The tables all wobble and it drives me nuts. I gave them two stars: the food is good for the most part but very expensive, and I saw them hook up homeless folks with free meals so that's cool. Our last visit, the owners raised so much hell about the allergy/outside food thing that we have decided to skip them from now on. The most powerful thing I have is to chose where I spend money, and I've spend thousands here, so I'd be very interested to see if these folks care about their reviews and want to discuss the issue, and try to earn back business. read more

Great hospitality. Great food and most of all great ambiance in all of the building m. I definitely recommend trying the food and getting a grove on with the great taste in music. ALSO I FORGOT TO TAKE A PICTURE OF MY PLATE SO I JUST ADDED A PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

The Nomad - I forgot to take pictures of the food I was just excited to eat!!!!!!!!!! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

Came here on a Sunday early afternoon for brunch. Staff is very friendly and attentive. The food was very fresh and the flavors of the spices came through. The mushroom sauce over biscuits was definitely comfort food! Very clean and comfortable restaurant with outdoor din read more

The Nomad - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Hillsborough, North Carolina

Absolutely loved our experience here. Best f gin drink of my life. Fabulous food and presentation. Love the vibe and decor. Hidden gem.

Indian, Thai, Italian ... man the infusions are crazy, and amazing. Get the Thai Cauliflower.. it's better than NYC Thai curry I've had. Plums Up cocktail is superb. Donut, chocolate cake .. that's what's up read more

Nestled away in Downtown Hillsborough sits Nomad...a gem for wanderers and locals alike! It was their first day opening their dine-in option, so we took a glimpse inside to check under the hood. The interior is eclectic and polished with a long bar near the entrance, distanced tables with the hovering glow of pendant lights, natural brick walls, and a second floor with more private group dining experience. We decided to utilize their outdoor seating in front of the restaurant. The menu was on their website so we took a peek and faced several conundrums as it seemed everyone in my party wanted to order half the menu lol. Naturally, we ordered half the menu :) For starters we chowed down on Korean Elotes, Chicken Pakora, Korean Beef Kolache, and Paneer Pimento Cheese. While all were great, I think the crowd winner was that Paneer Pimento Cheese. Drinks had preceded our starters, and they had some creative craft cocktails of which the Pineapple Sage Jalapeño struck some fancy. For the main course we had Chicken Tikka Masala, Korean Fried Chicken Bowl, and the Nomadic Tacos. Again, the food was splendid, but the Korean Fried Chicken took the prize. Surprisingly, we made room for dessert...that Red Velvet Cake was a delight! Needless to say, STUFFED about sums up my feelings at that point. We wrapped up and crawled to our car parked across the street haha. My recommendation is you run to Nomad because you will likely be crawling out! Enjoy fellow wanderers :) read more

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Always great food and cocktails, Incredible service. Welcoming staff. Add this place to your regular rotation!

Service was good! Three plates and all were tasty, pad tie good, Chana masala (not my thing but wife liked it), garlic ramen, all good.

Love this place! Menu options are offered whether you want Indian or Oriental inspired dishes. I've even had the fish and chips if you want a more traditional entree. The have an excellent selection on cocktails as well as a good selection of beers. I've always had excellent service on my visits to the Nomad. The ambiance is casual, but classy. This is a good choice if you want a dining choice that's a little more diverse than the choices available at other local eateries. read more