St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

"Chef Sonny Gerhart’s St. Roch reopened after surviving the one-two punch of the pandemic followed by a kitchen fire. The renovated space has a New Orleans gothic cathedral vibe, and Gerhart once again leans on his Louisiana roots for a menu that includes crawfish hushpuppies, alligator bolognese, and of course, plenty of oysters. The signature Tchoupitoulas Street Special comes with 18 freshly shucked oysters, a quarter pound of North Carolina peel ‘n eat shrimp, blue crab claws, and a myriad of fixings. An innovative cocktail list and plenty of seafood-friendly wines are available. The weekend brunch menu features biscuit sandwiches, a Cajun breakfast complete with beignets and boudin balls, and a standout fried oyster hotcake that sees freshly fried oysters atop a fluffy pancake with chili crisp, spicy Creole cane syrup, and whipped ricotta." - Matt Lardie

"Chef Sunny Gerhart puts on a Cajun-inspired brunch every weekend at St. Roch. Start with mimosas for a group or the Mary Smokes When She Drinks — a smoky take on a bloody mary. Much like the dinner menu, there are plenty of oysters. The fried oyster hotcake is a standout dish, served with sunny-side-up eggs, Creole cane syrup, chili crisp, and whipped ricotta. The massive Sinner Roll is another popular choice, and the gator bolognese from dinner service reappears on the brunch menu as Bolo and Grits — Lowcountry grits with the bolognese, chili oil, and more sunny-side-up eggs." - Matt Lardie

"Practically all of Raleigh rejoiced when St. Roch reopened after a kitchen fire gutted much of their small space downtown. The New Orleans-inspired restaurant now has custom seafoam wallpaper featuring Louis Armstrong and Mississippi paddle boats on the walls, and flavorful crab and corn fettuccine and massive fluffy beignets on the menu. Come here with a big group for a Happy Hour filled with painkillers, hurricanes, and a bunch of North Carolina oysters." - eric ginsburg

"Practically all of Raleigh rejoiced when St. Roch reopened after a kitchen fire gutted much of their small space downtown. The -inspired restaurant now has custom seafoam wallpaper featuring Louis Armstrong and Mississippi paddle boats on the walls, and flavorful crab and corn fettuccine and massive fluffy beignets on the menu. Come here with a big group for a Happy Hour filled with painkillers, hurricanes, and a bunch of North Carolina oysters. " - Eric Ginsburg

"Known for its extensive raw oyster selection, St. Roch boasts a Cajun menu thanks to chef-owner Sunny Gerhart who was raised in Louisiana. Go all out with the Tchoupitoulas Street special for $76 — the assortment features 18 oysters, peel-and-eat North Carolina shrimp, blue crab claws, and the fixin’s like buttery, fried saltines. Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch shucking in real time. Don’t love them raw? The roasted oysters come by the half dozen and have four flavors: barbecue, pimento, garlic butter, or smoked bacon." - Catherine Currin