Nanas
Restaurant · Durham
2514 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707, USA
Highlights
Upscale New American fare, local art, extensive wine list
Upscale New American fare, local art, extensive wine list
"A daring revamp of a long-running Durham institution, the relaunched restaurant preserves its seasonal Southern roots with French and Italian influences while wearing a swanky modern makeover. The new operators kept and reworked signature old-school dishes—such as shrimp risotto and chicken liver mousse—while introducing inventive South-meets-Old-World plates like rye tagliatelle with duck ragout, muscadine saba, and cracklins. The experience is intentionally of-the-moment yet rooted in local history: start with a super-crisp martini and finish with a theatrical hot chocolate bombe accompanied by bourbon caramel ice cream." - Erin Perkins
"This recently reopened Durham institution has been in business for over 30 years. Its dark wood paneling, deep green tiles, crushed blue velvet seats in the bar area, and plaid carpet running the length of the dining room might evoke memories of Grandma’s living room. The menu features Italian and French-inspired comfort food, such as shrimp risotto and chicken liver mousse, as well as groan-worthy buttermilk rolls. To extend the evening, order the hot chocolate souffle. It’ll take about 20 minutes to prepare, but the decadent dark chocolate cake is more than worth the wait." - Elliott Harrell
"Chef Matt Kelly revives the beloved Nana's, a neighborhood restaurant with seasonal new Southern cuisine." - Erin Perkins
"Chef Scott Howell, an eight-time James Beard Award semifinalist, announced the closure of his restaurant Nana’s at the end of June. The fine-dining spot first opened in 1992, and Howell came to be known for a “signature uniform” of chef whites and shorts paired with a ball cap. The restaurant itself is known for a wine list worthy of Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence and dishes that were destined to be served over a white tablecloth." - Katie Toussaint
"Vibe: 1950s trans-fat-casualOrder: Watermelon milkshake, two strawsGreat for: Innocent, retro first dates; convincing yourself that dating will be easier down here." - ByAmanda Shapiro
