Seraphine

Restaurant · Durham

Seraphine

Restaurant · Durham

1

324 Blackwell St Suite 4, Durham, NC 27701

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Highlights

Louisiana-inspired dishes, exquisite decor, attentive service, and a patio  

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324 Blackwell St Suite 4, Durham, NC 27701 Get directions

seraphinedurham.com
@seraphinedurham

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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324 Blackwell St Suite 4, Durham, NC 27701 Get directions

+1 984 244 2720
seraphinedurham.com
@seraphinedurham

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Sep 26, 2025

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Brightleaf’s Creole-leaning charmer channels Gulf flavors—oysters, gumbo, and cocktails—through a Durham lens. Lauded by OpenTable diners and noted by local media for festive energy before or after DPAC shows.

https://seraphinedurham.com/
Best Restaurants in Durham (2025)
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Alex Ledbetter

Google
If I could give 10's across the board, I would! The atmosphere speaks to the food: imagine French Quarter New Orleans. I loved the exposed brick, the raw wood, the lights, and chandeliers. Even the granite behind the alcohol bottles is exquisite. We had the privilege of Hannah K. being our guide on our first visit and she was so attentive, very thorough in her description of the dishes, and just a sweet soul in general. We lacked for nothing. I picked Seraphine for my wife's birthday and it was fantastic! We had the Fried Okra for starters and we could have licked the plate clean. My wife had the half plate of oysters along with the Shrimp and Grits. What was amazing is that the taste of the dish was never quite the same in each bite so it wasn't boring after the first couple of bites. There was no cheese in the dish but you definitely get the impression of cheese and grits. I had the Cavatelli Arrabbiata and something about it spoke to my soul. I have never had this dish in any form in my entire life but it was such a comfort meal. Once again, I had to fight everything within me to not lick the bowl. We will definitely be back to try some of the other dishes and to see what new dishes make the menu.

April H

Google
Beautiful venue and good location. Great customer service! The broiled oysters were hands down the BEST. Outstanding flavor! The artichoke dish was very bland, my least favorite item that I ordered. The Crawfish and Shrimp Croquettes had potential but was a bit dry and overcooked. I will return to try other menu items.

Karli Guyther

Google
Seraphine is an amazing hidden gem in Durham’s American Tobacco campus that I can’t say enough about! As an Alabama native that is very picky about Cajun food, I was so delighted when I found this place! The oysters are so flavorful (and do NOT be afraid to ask for extra bread to dip in that delicious butter sauce)! You have to get the oyster shooter as well! And the red fish was out of this world. This is the perfect stop before a DPAC show, but make sure you make a reservation because this place definitely won’t be a secret for long.

John Lawler

Google
Genuinely one of my favorite places downtown Durham - from atmosphere, variety of seating, food quality and execution, and location. I made a reservation - I recommend reservations if you intend on coming when there are other events going on around downtown. Atmosphere and seating: Excellent interior lighting. Immaculate bar setting and vibes. Gorgeous interior design and a beautiful outdoor terrace seating. Interior feels more formal, exterior feels more casual. Absolutely love the bar - it’s a spot to come and enjoy drinks at the bar itself even. Food: Executed each dish incredibly well. The apps I got all impressed me - excellent cook and presentation on artichokes with a creamy sauce, a rich and hearty on gumbo with a slight kick (ever so slight), a perfectly balanced bright and crisp tuna crudo, and exceptionally crisp and creamy, savory crawfish shrimp croquettes. They were all incredibly well done in flavor and texture. The entrees were also great - hand crafted cavatelli with rabbit confit and a smokey pan seared scallops with a succotash base. Some of the best cooked scallops I’ve had in a long time. The beignets were good as well. A nice melt in your mouth chew and perfect pillowy shape. Location: Super convenient on ATC with multiple parking decks nearby. Great spot for early dinner before DPAC or a baseball game, or going out and having drinks with friends. I think it suits the spot well and I was glad to see a new finer restaurant come to ATC when I heard Seraphine was opening. Service: Great service! Our waiter checked up regularly, maintained a clean and lovely table presentation, was very friendly, and had great recommendations. The staff were all very pleasant and made dining here a very pleasant experience. 10/10 service.

Tye Grant

Google
The food was fantastic! we had the catfish , shrimp and grits , and the blacked striped bass and the dragos and rockafella broiled oysters. 10/10 I loved the atmosphere and the service.

Kay

Google
They have gumbo without shrimp...something i have been looking for such a long time! The food was delicious, service was even better and they make a great margarita. Great outdoor patio with a nice water fountain. It is kind of hard to find if you are walking from the square. Just keep going towards the parking lot and you will find it in the cut!

Trish Martin

Google
Great dinner before the show- walking distance to DPAC. Had to sit at the bar but our server was attentive and friendly. The dinner entree choices were limited but a nice selection of starters and small plates. The pickles and the sausage were fun to try. My scallops over succotash were delicious. We split the banana pudding which was like a bananas foster- different but tasty. Overall, I would go back and next time I will try the broiled oysters - they looked divine.

Jay Horowitz

Google
Serafine is a beautiful restaurant within walking distance of DPAC. We greatly enjoyed the entire meal and our waitress specifically asked if we were attending a show to ensure she timed everything perfectly for our evening. We tried the gumbo, shrimp and grits, boudin sausage, crawfish and shrimp croquettes, catfish, beignets and panna cotta. Everything was very good as were the Vieux Carre and Durm 75. We will definitely come back again before another show.
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Zaneta R.

Yelp
Seraphine is an absolute gem for elevated Southern and Gulf Coast flavors here in Durham! There are plenty of great restaurants in this city, but Seraphine has quickly become one of my top choices for a night out filled with vibrant flavors, beautiful presentation, and a lively yet welcoming atmosphere. The decor is modern and stylish with a touch of New Orleans charm. The space feels open and airy but still intimate, with warm lighting and thoughtful details that make it perfect for both a casual dinner or a special night out. The service at Seraphine is another highlight. The staff is attentive and friendly. Everything comes out at a perfect pace, allowing you to relax and really enjoy each course. Now, onto the food! Seraphine delivers bold flavors and spot-on execution across the board. The standouts for me are: The Hurricane Seraphine is the perfect way to start the evening. A mix of dark rum, Cap & Cane white rum, passionfruit, orange, lime, and pineapple juices, it's tropical, refreshing, and just the right amount of boozy. The Crawfish and Shrimp Croquettes are golden and crisp on the outside with a tender, flavorful seafood filling inside. The red remoulade adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that ties it all together. The Tuna and Market Catch Crudo is incredibly fresh and beautifully plated. On my visit, the market catch included lump crab, which paired perfectly with the cucumber, jalapeño, avocado mousse, and fresh herbs. Light, bright, and full of flavor. The Fried NC Catfish is comfort food perfection. The fish is flaky and moist with a light, crispy coating, and the red beans and rice with smoked ham give the dish that deep, satisfying Southern flavor. The Pan Seared Scallops are seared to perfection, paired with a flavorful succotash and a touch of saffron that adds a beautiful aromatic note. The Benton's bacon and crispy leeks bring a salty, crunchy contrast that makes every bite a treat. Seraphine is the kind of place that makes you want to linger over your meal, enjoy every bite, and then start planning your next visit before you've even left. Between the inviting atmosphere, top-notch service, and unforgettable dishes, it's a Durham dining experience you do not want to miss.
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David H.

Yelp
We met some friends here for dinner and it was our first time at the restaurant. It was fairly good but I doubt if we would return on our own. We had an assortment of appetizers and entrées. I would rate the appetizers over the entrées. One person had the raw oysters and enjoyed them Immensely and the gumbo is probably the best gumbo that I have ever had. I could've made a meal out of it. There was an artichoke special that evening, which was also very good. I would say avoid the fingerling potatoes in duck fat - not worth the money or the glycemic index. The pickled okra was pretty good, but its sauce was plentiful and a little bit overwhelming. The shrimp and grits was just OK, nothing special. I've certainly had much better shrimp and grits. Since this was billed as a Cajun/creole restaurant, I would've loved to have seen more dishes like crawfish, étouffée, shrimp creole, and even red beans and rice as an entrée. The service was good and the restaurant was packed (very loud). I would recommend this for a place to get a quick bite or an assortment of appetizers before a ball game or a concert. All in all, it is just OK.
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Jaime S.

Yelp
So, my daughter had been raving about Seraphine for the last year, she has been at least 3 times. Seraphine is located in the Tobacco Road area right off the parking deck. There's plenty of patio seating and the inside has a good amount of seating, along with a 20 top bar. We went on a pretty steady Saturday evening around 6, there were seats open at the bar right away, so we grabbed them. Bridgete was our bartender and she was great!! We started with drinks, both so good. We then had the oysters Rockefeller as our shared starter. I've never seen oysters Rockefeller served like this, it was pretty cool. It came with a side of bread because it seems more like a dip. Very tasty. The oysters were a great size, there was so much cheese, and the bacon was so thick and delicious. We both had the fried catfish for our entree, but I had a side spinach salad, instead of the rice and beans it's normally served with. The catfish was seasoned and fried perfectly!!! The spinach salad was good, but would have been even better with some type of nuts, like almonds or walnuts. My daughter loves their rice and beans. I enjoyed my experience at Seraphine.
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Tiff T.

Yelp
The food was immaculate, the service was swift and the staff were attentive and friendly, and the space transported me to Louisiana for a quick spell. We enjoyed the dragos style broiled oysters, crawfish and shrimp croquettes, Caesar salad with fried shrimp, and the pasta dish with rabbit. Every dish was served hot and very flavorful. I would definitely return to try other menu items. They also have rotating menu additions so caviar and crab dip were up there during my visit. This restaurant also has outdoor seating and is located next to the American tobacco parking deck.
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Shakira W.

Yelp
I've been searching high and low for broiled oysters, and I finally found the spot! This is the first restaurant in North Carolina where I've found oysters so good, I'd come back again and again--and I already have. I've been here two weeks in a row and stuffed myself both times! The first time I had oysters like these was in New Orleans, so my expectations were very high... but this place did not disappoint. I've tried a few different dishes here, and while everything's been good, I just can't stop ordering those oysters. The service is always great, and the atmosphere is super cute and welcoming. It's a little tucked away, so I had trouble finding it the first time--but now that I know where it is, I'm a regular in the making. If you're looking for New Orleans-inspired food, this place is a must. I'm always recommending it to people--and now I'm telling you: GO, GO, GO!
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David F.

Yelp
Overall, great place, great atmosphere, OK food - but there are a lot of subtleties: Overall I have to give it an "OK" - would not go back myself Pros: * Very nice place, great for a pre-show (DPAC, or Bulls) dinner/drinks. Great bar with a good selection * Cajun specialty foods with a specialty for oysters and creole cuisine * Gumbo, in particular had great flavor and texture * Home-made hot sauce was excellent - actually a little sweet * They were out of the tuna starter and no longer have the crab dip Cons: * Might seem petty but waitress wore a thick mask and it made it very difficult to communicate - I'd much rather they just stood further back or something - it breaks the human connection * Catfish and red beans were pitched as a core item but catfish was very very fishy tasting - much stronger than any catfish I have had before - and breading was soggy. Red beans were bland - I was dissapointed. * Service was pretty slow - definitely did not keep drinks full - and mains came out while we were still halfway through starters - no attention to detail
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Leah C.

Yelp
A truly outstanding meal from start to finish! The cocktails were amazing and the wine menu was great, not too long but lots of great options. The (raw) oysters were so fresh a beautifully presented. The broiled oysters were equally delicious, we got them dragos style and we loved them! The peel and eat shrimp were cooked to perfection (lots of places overcook them and they are rubbery) they were tender and covered in old bay the cocktail sauce was obviously homemade, lots of kick! The gumbo is legit. I make my own at home and this was almost as good lol. The catfish over red beans & rice was straight up legendary! Can't miss! Beignets were a perfect finish. The service was exceptional and the vibe was wonderful. The restaurant (inside and out) is so perfectly designed, the bar was stunning (even the bathrooms were beautiful). 100/10 I highly recommend!!
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Naa Adoley A.

Yelp
Seraphine was just OK. Nothing truly blew me away or wowed me. This was especially disappointing because I have heard several great things about this restaurant. To start, the drinks were pretty good! I would give those a 4/5. They came out quickly and were tasty. I did find them a tad overpriced for Durham, NC. They were almost $20 a drink. The food was okay. I got the gumbo as an app, followed by the shrimp and grits and the strawberry panna cotta. I thought the gumbo was the best part! It was super great. The shrimp and grits was a bit disappointing especially considering that we are in North Carolina and I expect great shrimp and grits in the south. Both plates did come out lukewarm warm which definitely took away. Lastly the panna cotta and beignets were both just okay. We were told that the beignets came straight from the cafe du monde boxes. So definitely something you can replicate at home. Our waitress was very nice and friendly and definitely elevated our experience. I'd give her a 5/5! Overall the restaurants back patio where we sat was very cute and I'd say it's the perfect date night spot. It is in an open courtyard with fairy lights and the ambiance is definitely a plus. For the price I don't think I'd return back to seraphine. When spending over $100 a person I expect much more.
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Justin F.

Yelp
Dinner with friends here was really, really good! This is a pretty nice restaurant, and our waiter was extremely helpful. I told him I was a pescatarian, and while I knew prior my options might be limited, he definitely helped me put together an excellent meal. I ended up getting multiple appetizers that all tasted amazing, and I left feeling quite full. Overall, this is a great restaurant with great food; maybe not the best for vegetarians *shrug*.
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Marc L.

Yelp
Great staff and some seriously delicious food...The New Orleans vibe is very serious...seriously enjoyed my Gumbo and Scallops, even the pickled appetizers and peanuts were off the chain. .And the desserts were awesome..
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Sara L.

Yelp
My family too me here for my birthday dinner. The food was amazing and the ambience was so cozy. Our server was great and we all loved the vibe of this place. It is right near the south parking deck near the Durham Bulls Ball Park so it is super convenient to get to. A little pricey but worth it for a special occasion place.
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Jas L.

Yelp
Seraphine's - A Perfect Solo Dinner Spot! I stopped by Seraphine's for a solo Sunday night dinner during a work trip after a friend highly recommended it--and I'm so glad I did! Service: 5 Stars - The staff from the hostess when I walked in, to my the bartender, and my server were warm and engaging! My server struck the perfect balance of attentiveness without being overbearing, which I really appreciated since I brought my book club book to read while sitting at the bar high-top. What I Ordered: Broiled Oysters ("Drago's Style") - Buttery, garlicky perfection! Caesar Salad - Fresh, crisp, and flavorful with lemon Parmesan dressing, oyster cracker croutons, and Parmesan! Rosemary's Baby Cocktail - A smooth, citrusy vodka drink with bergamot, rosemary, coriander, and pink peppercorn bitters--so refreshing! The ambiance was relaxed yet vibrant, making it a great spot for solo dining, date night, or a group outing. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town!
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Camille K.

Yelp
I had the best time last night visiting Seraphine. The service, ambience, and food were all a 10/10. Order: Drago style oysters Fried shrimp Caesar Banana pudding

Christine F.

Yelp
Recommend this little gem. All the food was quite good -- shrimp, oysters, specials. Basic house salad was delicious. Look forward to going back to try the Gumbo!
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Janet C.

Yelp
Yum yum yum yum yum. Love it. Came here on a Sunday around 4 or 5. Love the croquettes with spicy sauce wow. Amazing. Cajun boiled peanuts are pretty good. My first time trying southern style boiled peanuts. Fried artichokes are tasty and toddler approved. Same goes for the gnocchi. Service was very friendly and attentive. The vibes are warm and intimate. I'd like to try the fried fish or shrimp and grits next time. And the scallops sounded amazing as well. If you're looking for outdoor seating, it was totally booked up when we arrived so plan accordingly if you want to sit outside. Oh, the restroom was super cute too and they had peppermints, floss, and tampons available for the ladies.
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Dan D.

Yelp
For me Seraphine lived-up to the hype: amazing oysters, and superb mains. Need to go back because there's a lot on the menu that looked just great. The service was super fast and friendly. The interior was impressively modeled with a casually upscale atmosphere. I'd definitely return. The restaurant is located in Durham's American Tobacco national historic district hosting the American Tobacco Campus (ATC), the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).
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Lindsay K.

Yelp
LOVED this place. All I can say is wow. Surely one of the best spots in the area. We started with the Drago style oysters and then split the scallops, bbq shrimp, Cesar salad and key lime pie. My favorite thing was the catch of the day: the scallops. They were cooked perfectly and served on top of a butternut squash sauce. The fried pieces on top added the perfect amount of texture. The shrimp were very large and also well cooked. The bbq was tangy and delicious with a tiny kick. The oysters were delicious and served with warm bread. This is definitely one of the nicer and more expensive places but the service was wonderful. The ambiance was moody and pleasant. We will be back!
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Victoria N.

Yelp
One of the best meals I've had during this trip. We sat across from the bar and it was beautiful to look at. I enjoyed the food more than the cocktails. Service was okay. The gumbo was excellent. Also, their shrimp and grits were amazing. The tomato beurre blanc over the grits was wonderful- it had a freshness and creaminess to it. I typically don't order pork chops when I'm dining out due to bad experiences. For example, it tends to be tough most of the time. But the pork chop I had here was solid, flavorful, and the meat was so moist.
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JJ C.

Yelp
Seraphine has a dark, romantic atmosphere that is great for date nights! Our server was friendly and happy to give us recommendations. We ordered the Gumbo, Shrimp and Grits, and Catfish with Red Beans and Rice. We were big fans of the Gumbo! It was flavorful but not too heavy, and the sausage inside was delicious. We also really liked the Shrimp and Grits -- a good balance of sauce and toppings. In comparison, the Catfish was a bit underwhelming, and the red beans were a bit too salty for our liking but had a nice kick of heat. Overall, we'd love to come back again in the future!
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Jennie B.

Yelp
First off, as someone who frequented Tyler's back bar when it was open, the owners have done an amazing job transforming the space into a feeling of luxury. I even had to ask where the bathroom was because the space did not remind me of the Tyler's I used to know and love. I first came for a prix fixe menu on Valentine's which got me to try things that I wouldn't normally choose. Everything was fantastic-- you can't go wrong. Since then I have brought multiple friends back because it is so good. One thing I highly recommend is getting dessert (something I usually don't do). I have never loved banana pudding before (and the key lime pie is also the best I've ever had). So save room for dessert! The drinks are also fantastic (my favorite is the hurricane)! They are priced around $15 which is standard for fancy Durham cocktails. The service has been fantastic each time, although I would say the servers are more formal (which I get it, it's a nice place). Overall, a fantastic addition to the fine dining scene (although I would be happy to just come and sit at the bar and eat banana pudding while sipping on a hurricane).
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Simone S.

Yelp
The only thing better than the food, was the ambiance/decor. It's BEAUTIFUL inside, and makes you feel like you're not in Durham. The owner came by and told us that all of the pictures on the wall were his actual family, so that was really cool. We had the raw oysters and they were some of the best oysters I've ever had. I had the catch of the day and the flavor was amazing. My friend had the pork chop. I didn't taste it, but she said it was great as well. To finish we had key lime pie. It was a little too tart for me, but in fairness the waitress told us it was tart. We finished it so it must have been good! The service was phenomenal. I wish I could remember our server's name, but she had black hair and super cool round glasses! Defining coming back for a date night.
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Glenn G.

Yelp
I had written a review back in March 2024 but can't find it now. We went here for my birthday and enjoyed the food (Dragos style oysters are an unami bomb). There are other local Cajun/Louisiana style restaurants in the area that we enjoy but this one is a little more upscale. Since it was my birthday, we ordered dessert and no kidding, the key lime pie was one of the fluffiest and best I've ever had. Definitely recommended.
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Sweta S.

Yelp
I cannot say enough positive things about this restaurant! In the historic tobacco complex, this moody, lovely New Orleans style restaurant has fantastic service, delicious baked oysters, and romantic ambience. This is the second time I have been here. It is easier to get quick seating if you make reservations 1-2 weeks in advance, but they do accept walk-ins. My absolute favorite dish is the dragons-style oysters! My husband does not even like oysters but he loves these. They melt butter, garlic, and a nice salty cheese on top of oysters. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Their shrimp and grits are wonderful. I would not recommend the croquettes however. They are a bit small and underwhelming. This is a perfect place for a special date, night out, or a special occasion!
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Ron W.

Yelp
Slipped into Seraphine in its first week and overall was pretty impressed. Located near Parker & Otis in the American Tobacco Campus, Seraphine is all about that Louisiana flavor. Cajun, Creole, Southern and more, they've done a good job in this space that used to be Tyler's Taproom. The space has a classic bar for drinks and eating, a sizable dining room and large patio. Plenty of space and seating. I tried the barbecue shrimp, catfish over red beans and rice, along with the beignet, three classic Nawlins' type dishes. Kudos on the shrimp which were served head-on with a dark, tangy sauce and what I'm pretty sure is Leidenheimer bread, super soft and crusty. They are definitely the real deal here when it comes to this cuisine type and should expand their menu a bit over time. Service was very good despite being newly open so a thumbs up from me!
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William S.

Yelp
What an outstanding little spot! Authentic Creole, a touch of New Orleans, in everything everywhere, delicious food, and amazing service. Seraphine, Hebrew for heavenly or celestial beings, makes you feel as though you're having an out of body experience. The attention they give to the meticulous perfection of their food is given equally to each guest. Pork Chop over scallop potatos = incredible. Catfish over red beans and rice = succulent. Beignets for dessert = over the top. We have gone to two highly recommended restaurants the last couple of years for our anniversary. We should have ignored those friends - maybe even question the friendships This is the real anniversary and date spot. If you are familiar with the American Tobacco campus at all, Seraphine is directly next to the "Durham" great-for-selfies sign. Enjoy!
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Andrew K.

Yelp
I'd go back! I think the service was definitely above average. Everyone was super nice and attentive. They were the opposite of understaffed! Which is probably good. I also really liked the ambiance. We sat outside and it was so nice. They have a fountain and the tables are cute and comfortable. The food was good too! Portions were about what I would expect. I really loved the catfish. It was tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. My one critique was that I got a French 75, and they put it in a wine glass? I feel like it's more fun in a champagne flute.
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Anousone K.

Yelp
I absolutely loved everything about this restaurant from the decor to the food to the service! I first came to Seraphine for a friends 50th bday, we were just roaming around downtown Durham being spontaneous and she never had oysters so I took her to all the places I thought we would find oysters, The Durham Hotel Rooftop...The Counting House...but someone recommended Seraphine so we had to go. We got sat immediately at the bar, we told the bartender we were celebrating and they really treated her extra special and it was such a good night. So naturally I chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner and it was truly just as amazing as I remembered. The Drago Style Oysters are such a good starter, then for my main dish I got the Gnocchi. Everything was delicious and the service was even better!
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Hannah W.

Yelp
Service: 5 stars. Genuine, engaging, warm staff. Teamwork was apparent. Pacing : 5 stars! Hard to find good pacing in this town. Clearly a coordinated effort between FOH and kitchen, executed well Ambiance : 5 stars, relaxing, thoughtful sound design, comfortable textiles and seating, perfectly lit, moody Food: 5 stars, worth every penny, priced appropriately, excellent flavors, cooked to perfection, intention in every aspect of each dish. Cocktails: 5 stars. Good size, fresh ingredients, next level. Bartenders working hard. Everything was perfect. Absolutely divine dining experience from start to finish, a rare and luxurious treat in a city where "fine dining" has lost its meaning. I felt transported and energized visiting this special place. Undoubtedly the best new restaurant in Durham. Take your time, savor the experience of original food with delightfully different flavors, highly trained staff, a thoughtful and indulgent atmosphere. Nothing but glowing reviews. The people behind Seraphine care about every little thing, and it shows. I can't wait to return. We ordered: Pom and Circumstance, V&T Caviar & Raw Oysters Foie Gras Cavatelli Caesar Salad with Fried Shrimp Our server was Carmen!
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Elena G.

Yelp
Honestly very good, busy and tight venue but the food was very quality. Could've skipped the fingerling potatoes but the rabbit and the sausage were delish. Cocktails were strong and flavorful, recommend the DURM75 or the oyster shooter! Most people in my party ordered the fried catfish, which seemed to be served with a heavy plate of beans.
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Joy C.

Yelp
This is a great restaurant for a date night , birthday dinner or just a night that you feel like splurging on fine dining because everything about this restaurant is upscale. The food was super flavorful and delicious -- I went with a big group and tried many different menu items. I really enjoyed the scallop dish that they had as a special and the oysters.
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Erin W.

Yelp
Food: New Orleans style food! We enjoyed everything we ordered - great taste and presentation. The shrimp Cesar and banana pudding especially stood out. I don't think there's many vegan or vegetarian options Service: Excellent service. We sat at the bar and enjoyed it Ambiance: Loved the fun New Orleans Jazz playing, there's a lovely fun atmosphere. It's pretty loud but has good energy. Would recommend dressing nicely, you may feel underdressed if you're super casual. Does have an outdoor patio Parking: Paid parking deck just a few feet away
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David I.

Yelp
This restaurant is terrific, definitely a top 5 in Durham! Fresh oysters, authentic New Orleans style BBQ shrimp, and incredible shrimp and grits dish, and a stuffed clam special rounded out our dinner. The food was delicious, the drink menu is excellent, and the service is attentive and very friendly! Set in what was the back half of a former restaurant, the location in American Tobacco is accessible and convenient for those attending DPAC or a Bulls game. The atmosphere is cozy, with ample outdoor seating for weather appropriate days. I will most certainly be back, thanks to Seraphine for an excellent meal and all around dining experience.
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Jalen D.

Yelp
If you're here considering.. just go. I PROMISE you won't be disappointed. So I have actually tried this New Orleans inspired restaurant twice to make sure it gave what I thought it gave. The oyster's, literally melt in your mouth. The breas, heavenly. The BBQ shrimp and peel and eat shrimp, chefs kiss. But boy oh boy the catfish with red beans and rice is definitely the highlight of my dining experiences (yes both times). The service is very welcoming and attentive. Ambience, the interior designer nailed it. Outside, inside, and bar dining is available. I am a French 75 girlie and they did not miss!! They are very accommodating to large parties and most other reasonable needs. I was able to speak with the owner/operator Thad both times as well he's very personable and did a great job detailing the inspiration behind this amazing restaurant. Don't forget the beignets! Cheers!
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Davia N.

Yelp
This was such a great meal. I can't wait to go back to Seraphine and try even more dishes. We started with the fried shrimp which we could have eater 2 more orders of, they were so good. The remoulade they were served with was a great addition. Both the caesar and spinach salads were tasty. The mains we had fried catfish and the pork chop. The catfish were served with the best red beans and rice that I've had in the area. The pork chop could be put up against one from any great steak house and stand out. To finish things off, we had beignets. We didn't get back to New Orleans this year, but we at least had food that felt like it.
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Jessica H.

Yelp
Beautiful ambiance! Attractive decor, very friendly staff. Like every other restaurant these days, they push the drinks. We ordered one mocktail apiece and were satisfied. Our poor server kept asking if we wanted more drinks just to fill the awkwardness in the 30 minutes it took to get food. The food was just ok, and it was pretty expensive. We got fried oysters for an appetizer- anything from Salt Box would have been tastier and a better deal. We got Caesar salads, which were fine and forgettable. For mains, my husband wasn't too impressed with his catfish, and my shrimp was fine but really messy and difficult to peel. The bread that accompanied the shrimp was basically a Hawaiian roll, not the nice crusty toast I expected. It was also kind of loud. For a restaurant that looks so upscale, it was hard to hear my dining companion. Nothing too bad, but not the kind of place I'll be in a hurry to return to.
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Jessica L.

Yelp
Seraphine seems to already be causing quite a buzz because the entire restaurant-- inside and out-- was packed when I went for dinner on Saturday! The space is beautifully designed and was actually quite loud with so many people present. Not the most romantic of places, but would make for a casual date night or outing with friends. Their menu is short and sweet, with only only a few options in each category. We opted for a half dozen Dragos style oysters to start and they were just smothered in garlic butter and parmesan. Really, the oysters were just a vehicle for the butter-- you just can't go wrong with that combo. We later tried the chili-lime butter oysters and preferred the Dragos. We also got some shrimp and crawfish croquettes (good but unmemorable) and the spinach salad. The vinaigrette was indeed very yummy but I didn't see or taste any andouille sausage. It was also super oily, just kind of a wet salad. Next, we tried the shrimp and grits which had a flavor reminiscent of hot sauce/buffalo sauce without the spice. Shrimp were cooked beautifully and tender. The market fish was likewise cooked perfectly-- tender flaky filet with crispy skin. Accompanying sauce/veg didn't really hold their own. Lastly, we finished with beignets. Now I've never had one before, but I thought it would be light and fluffy and larger than what we got. Our little beignets were dense and almost tough. It tasted like pancake dough and powdered sugar, which is probably what it was. Overall the meal was good, but not outstanding compared to even other restaurants in the area. I saw the other rave reviews and hyped myself up a little too much. Our server was amazing though. She was so upbeat and genuinely kind. I'm glad I checked it out, but probably won't come back unless they expand the menu.
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Don I.

Yelp
The ambiance at this new restaurant is fantastic and we got to try it within the first 2 weeks of being open Might be the best spinach salad I have ever had Not quite life changing but the goat cheese mousse paired with the finely chopped sausage was incredible For mains I had the gnocchi and she enjoyed the catfish which was paired with red beans and rice. Both nice size portions which left room for dessert! Beignets and banana pudding finishes the third course and would order both again
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Christie B.

Yelp
Absolutely outstanding food. Here's what we chose: First course: Dragos oysters along with the House salad that featured pickled blueberry, to balance the butter and cheese of the oysters. Yum. Second course: Boudin sausage along with Citrus roasted carrots. These 2 dishes complemented each other very well. Both were extremely good. Wow, truly. Third: shared the shrimp and grits, delicious. So good with the house hot sauce. If we get to go again, I'd want to try the gnocchi, too. Dessert: partner had key lime pie, very good. I had the banana pudding. The bananas were brûléed to perfection, but what was really memorable was the perfectly satisfying texture of the pudding. We sat outside at 7pm under the awning, and it was a treat to sit next to the light rain. Ambiance was set by the fountain and cafe lights. Service was kind, and we received a good suggestion to request only a light amount of whipped cream on the banana pudding after a big meal. The only request I would have would be that the light bulb in the outdoor ceiling fan above us be replaced so that we could see and appreciate our beautiful food better.
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Lindsay C.

Yelp
I tried a lot of food (we ordered the gumbo to start, 2 small plates, and 3 mains) and all of it was super! My favorite was my main which was the fried catfish with rice and beans... it was so yummy and perfectly flavored The service was good, great pace, friendly waiter who wasn't too overbearing The restaurant is beautiful, I loved all of the different shades of teal/blue on the walls and the Louisiana themed artwork Also, bonus points for a good bathroom with a cute mirror for a selfies
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Dee L.

Yelp
Elegant. Trendy. Classy. Vibey. Not typical Durham in the best way. LOVE THIS PLACE. I came for drinks one night and immediately came back for dinner that weekend and have been again all in 1 month. The broiled oysters are delectable - didn't know what Dragos style was but cheesy, brothy, divine. Highly recommend. Lots of great seafood options. Fun drinks. Great service. But all about the decor - wish my house could look like this!! Can't wait to be back!
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Danny N.

Yelp
Fun place for a unique dinner! Great atmosphere outside and service was so polite, will definitely revisit when I'm in the mood for some fancy catfish
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Carol B.

Yelp
Louisiana food done right! Our waiter Eric was very knowledgeable and the food was tasty. Party of 8 and all enjoyed their meals

Womp D.

Yelp
Omg. So bad. Such a poor rendition of New Orleans food. If you've enjoyed the food of the Big Easy, skip. Will not spend another second here.

Calvin I.

Yelp
Best restaurant in Durham. Everything here tastes good, you cannot miss. The servers are all really nice.
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Dawn D.

Yelp
Haven our server was gracious and gave us detailed information about the menu. We had some shrimp and grits---unique with fried mushrooms and split a large banana pudding. Great meal
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Lisa H.

Yelp
Lovely restaurant in the Tobacco campus. The food, drinks, service and ambiance were fantastic.
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Josh G.

Yelp
Very creative cocktails and perfectly executed dishes. Recommend the foie gras (which may have been a special). A terrific value as well.
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Dan H.

Yelp
The kind of place your parents will love. Saraphine is a new creole restaurant located in the Tobacco campus in the old Tyler's space. It's easy to get to as long as there isn't a big show happening at DPAC. This was our first experience here and over all it was... good? but kind of lacking. Our server was great and super nice. I've noticed a post pandemic thing is to be real heavy on getting folks to place drink orders (Mezcalito being the number one offender of this) but my wife and I don't drink that much and rarely order off the drink menu. They do have some really taste NA cocktails that we both sampled, I got the watermelon one that was excellent. Maybe the best thing I had that night oddly enough. My wife and I both got the Caesar salad to start with which was good, nothing amazing but a solid salad. We also split the fried oyster starter, also good, not amazing, kind of small but... good. For her main my wife got the shrimp which were big in size but also not peeled and kind of a mess / chore to eat. They did bring over wet clothes and lemon but seems like a lot of fuss for pretty little in the end. I got the fried catfish which for the price was pretty small in portion. I'm very mixed on fish like catfish (a cheaper fish typically) upscaled and sold as a higher end dish. It's like trying to make BBQ high end (I see you The Pit). The atmosphere is really lovely here and everyone is very nice. The food was good but didn't wow me but seems like something my mom might love and find "authentic". But hey that NA cocktail was good.

Kristen F.

Yelp
Beautiful yet cozy atmosphere. Delicious cocktails and dinner. Excellent service from Hostess to Server.