Nana's Restaurant

This place stinks

by Giants2010 at Citysearch

My wife's family visited us for Christmas. They're from NYC and LA, so they're used to eating in good restaurants. My wife wanted to take everyone out and insisted we go to Nana's (hadn't been there in years), over my objections. I've always thought it was an overpriced yuppie joint. If only it was that good.

The food was awful. I had a bouillabaisse. It had no taste and the portion was non-existent. My niece couldn't even swallow her chicken. The steak looked like it had won the national championship for gristle. Needless to say my wife was very upset.

There are many good restaurants in Durham, no need to waste an exorbitant amount of money at this dump.

By the way, a shot of 18 year old Macallan single malt was somewhere between $25 - $30. I had recently been in New York at a restaurant where it was $18. Now we're talking robbery.

The only reason I gave this place 1 star is: they wouldn't let me publish this review without a rating.

Seafood is prepared to perfection

by elnene2k at Citysearch

The food here is insanely tasty each and every time...I've gotten the seafood platter a couple times this month and each time it is to die for...The fish is always fresh and cooked to perfection. Have had the swordfish and the Striped bass. Don't remember the last time I've had seafood this well prepared! Not to mention, the service is great...

The menu changes seasonally as it is based on what's available locally but if you get a chance this month, try the seafood platter...Delicious!

Perfect Dining Experience

by rockyhillgal at Citysearch

We recently enjoyed Nana's "tastings" menu, paired with wine, whereby you enjoy an appetizer, samples of three entrees, and dessert, all paired with appropriate wines. Nana's wine list has received the "Award of Excellence" from the Wine Spectator, making the excellent quality wine pairings for us an adventurous, delightful foray into undiscovered varieties.

Everything about our meal and dining experience was perfect. The food sent us into raptures with every bite and the tastings menu perfectly matched our own love of variety. The wines staff selected prompted us to ask questions and take notes. And, the service was perfect. We were permitted to enjoy a lingering meal, , without our water glasses every going dry or our bread plate being involuntarily empty. Our server was knowledgeable about both the dishes and wine we enjoyed.

After we returned home, we evaluated the many fine meals we have enjoyed together around the world. Our meal at Nana's ranked in the top three. We will definitely be back.

• Pros: Food, Service, Wine List
• Cons: Parking

What a meal!

by BustedFlush at Citysearch

Went tonight for our 10 year wedding Anniversary; I've been wanting to try this place for awhile.

The cuisine is inspired by seasonal, regional ingredients, and the menu changes frequently.

Most patrons were dressed up, I did see a few people in jeans. Jackets not required. Some men in ties, but the minority.

I had the 5 course tasting menu; and every dish was a winner. The poached egg with cauliflower suffered a little bit from bacon that wasn't quite crispy and, well....cauliflower will just never be my favorite vegetable - but hey, if you're going to eat cauliflower you might as well do it with bacon and a black truffle sauce.

The scallop with gnocchi was to die for. Really enjoyed the steak too. Oh, forgot the first course - big hunk of foie gras served with what they called toast points. I gave up on the dry, almost lacy toast and just spread it on some baguette where I think it was better served.

My wife had the duck. Cast iron seared, over purple hull peas. Fan-freaking-tastic. The duck was like butter, the peas really nicely cooked and the pan sauce was inspired.

I ordered an Old Fashioned and it was made with bourbon. They have a nice selection of single malts, would it kill ya to have a nice rye around? Minor gripe.

Decor was pleasant. Seating was comfortable. Not too loud, not too dark.

Service was friendly, courteous and professional. The hostess had a comically short miniskirt that wasn't exactly appropriate to her body type, and was the topic of discussion at several tables. I thought it was funny, but my wife kept rolling her eyes.

Anyway - it's a really nice place, I had a world class meal and can't wait to go back. 2 thumbs, 5 stars and all that.

• Pros: Exceptional food.
• Cons: Worth it, but pricey.

Great food, great service, lousy bread

by petrovski at Citysearch

As a frequent customer, particularly on special occasions, we continue to be impressed and delighted with the quality and innovation of chef/owner Scott Howell's culinary efforts. His carefully chosen wine selections, while somewhat overpriced in my opinion, are excellent and well balanced. However it is time someone commented of the abysmal quality of some of the breads - especially the so-called "baguettes"; these are supposed to be crusty and light not uniform and doughy, as were the several samples on our most recent visits. One can find "better" loaves at some of the Triangle area supermarkets! That being said, Nana's is still one of the best restaurants around for both consistency and creativity. We shall return!

• Pros: food, service
• Cons: breads, expensive wines