Magnolia Grill

Outstanding food! This is the only restaurant I ever want to eat for a special occasion. I have never been disappointed, each course is always magnificent, and the menu always changes. It is comfort food made in it's highest art form.\r Only one bone to pick...please get better lighting! The fluorescent tube lighting is not aesthetically appealing, distracting and really cheap looking. I wish their taste would extend to the dining room. The dinginess feels contrived, and the atmosphere in general could use some thoughtful, subtle improvements. more

This is a restaurant that foodies will love. The core of the menu is southern staples ... pork, fresh seafood, greens, peas, breads, desserts ... yet, they are all done in a very upscale, unique way. No wonder the signature cookbook is named ""Not Afraid of Flavor."" The husband and wife owners are both James Beard award winners in their own right - Ben for the food in 2000 and Karen for the pastries in 2003. When other top chefs from around the country come to this area, they eat here ... often only here. I eat here about once a month and have seen Emeril, Alan Wong, Thomas Keller, other noted chefs dining with the rest of us - and loving it.\r The prices are excellent for the quality and flavor of the food you receive. I have read other reviews that call the restaurant ""pricey."" Those folks must think that fine dining is Red Lobster. You can pay about $35 per person for three courses plus drink, tip, and tax. Of course, you can pay more if you order the most expensive items and drink the wines from the ""reserved list."" However, I have mentioned to others that the restaurant should be charging more for this food. Thank goodness they do not listen to me! In the last six months, I have eaten comparable food in New York, Chicago, Vancover, San Francisco, London, Brussels, and Rome. I often paid over $100 for three courses plus drink, tip, and tax (over $200 in the UK and Europe) and cannot say I had a better meal than I get at Magnolia Grill.\r You will find the atmosphere simple and uncluttered. A very attentive staff. You are NOT rushed through your meal. The attraction to the restaurant is on the plates, not on the walls. Make reservations a few days in advance; otherwise, you will have to take your chances to eat in the bar area (just a handful of tables) where it is first-come, first-serve. Someone who truly understands and enjoys fine food will love this place. \r Pros: Quality and combinations of the food; service Cons: Reservations usually required; average atmosphere/decorations more

To make it short, I've eaten all over the U.S. It's a nice place but not good enough to be close to the top 50.\r Someone must be enjoying some good wine to say that!! Pros: service Cons: pricy more

I have to think that the negative reviews of MG are written by competitors or whiney Northeastern Lynne Rosetto Kasper-wannabe Dukies . My wife and I live in Chapel Hill and go there for every birthday, anniversary, Mother's Day, and every other time we want to treat ourselves to the best food and service in the Triangle. It is ALWAYS the restaurant of choice for entertaining special clients and out-of-town guests. Tonight we'll be hosting the father of our son's fiancee at MG.\r \r If there's a weakness, it's in the beer selection, and the only arrogance I've ever noticed is that THEY want ME to call THEM to confirm parties of five or more on the day before the reservation. They need to be the ones to call me for that.\r \r There's no need for me to get into the discussion about the many flavors Ben and his staff are able to bring together to make most of the appetizers and entrees so memorable. Or to go on and on about Karen's desserts. Just go there and see what I mean. If you go twice and don't love this place, look in the mirror for the problem. more

My husband and I went to Magnolia's for the first time last night. After reading a lot of the reviews on this site, I was a little nervous as to what we would be getting. I'm glad to say it's no where near as horrible as some of the experiences here, but not nearly as fabulous as some experiences, either. The hostess and waitstaff were friendly, if a little formal (which for me, is a good thing). It was just as loud as naysayers here have said, not very romantic. First courses were foie gras for me, bacon salad for my husband. The foie gras was not well balanced with its accompanying flavors; it ended up being far too heavy. It reminded me of a spinach salad, but one that was trying too hard, and failing. My husband's dish was also too overwhelming with flavors. We love complexity and inventiveness in our food, but this seemed like it was just complexity without a purpose. Second course: I had halibut with spring veggies; husband had veal. Presentation was beautiful, but the food was tepid (as so many other people here have said.) The marriage between my halibut and accompanying pea puree with herbs was divine nonetheless. However, my husband's veal was tough and overcooked. When the server asked how our meals were, he looked genuinely shocked when we told him the veal had been tough. That was the only moment of pretentiousness that I got from the staff. Dessert was goat cheese cheesecake with fruit confit, about which I had my reservations, but it was fabulous. The savory cheese coupled with the sweetness of the fruit very nicely and the textures played well together. Portions were appropriately sized. So, if you've never been to Magnolia, it's worth a try, but some advice: expect it to be LOUD, expect to pay a lot of money, expect some hits and some misses with the food. Also, be sure and combine all flavors available on the plate with each bite. I'm glad I went, but I've had better food from other ""gourmet"" restaurants; I won't be going back. Pros: Great dessert, inventive flavors Cons: Too loud, low scale atmosphere, overpriced and overhyped more

Still fabulous after all of these years! Not only was our server cute as a button and extremely knowledgeable about every dish (no small feat, as the menu changes daily and is very complex!) our table of 4 had different appetizers, entrees, and desserts and all was tasty, well-presented, and perfect. Only downer for us is that it's not in our town (Chapel Hill) but worth the short drive. Thanks! Pros: food, selection, service, unique menu Cons: location more

I've known about MG for several years and have heard good and bad things about it. My husband and I finally went to MG last weekend and were so very disappointed. Our request for a set of ""clean"" silverware apparently proved taxing and burdensome for the wait staff. We ordered seafood that arrived at the table, tepid. We sent the plates back and after 20 minutes, received warmer food, which appeared to have been ""slung"" on the plates lacking any kind of presentation. \r \r My husband and I don't ask for much when we go out to eat and we always overlook minor gaffes in service or quality because restaurant work is hard and even the best chefs can have an off night or dish. However, when the service is bad, food is mediore, and you're made to feel as if you're unwelcome, it's inexcusable. \r \r I've read several of the bad reviews that MG has received on this website, and, unfortunately, I'll have to add another one. If the Barkers are actually reading what I would call consistently negative comments, one would think that they would take steps to address them. \r \r It's sad that a restaurant of MG's caliber just can't live up to it's reputation. Thankfully, there are an increasing number of far superior restaurants in Durham. Let's hope that MG will redeem itself in the future in light of the increased competition. Pros: Clean floors. Cons: Low marks on service, but high marks on self-importance. Tepid food. more

My spouse and I went to Magnolia Grill this week and had another wonderful meal. We've been to MG several times and have been extremely pleased with the quality of the food, the presentation and the staff. I've read some of the other reviews and I believe I had the same pork dish describe previously however I found the dish to be wonderful. I had the pork osso bucco and most osso buccos I've had are fatty and most certainly contain the large bone. With most osso bucco meals, I've had to work around the fatty portions and the meat is extremely tender and flavorful. My dish was served with red beans giving it a New Orleans flavor. The portions are sufficient in that you can have an appetizer, main course and dessert - which I strongly suggest so that you don't miss out on the incredible desserts. We have had different staff wait on us and found their descriptions of the meals to be very accurate when we have inquired about a particular dish. My spouse has the seafood often and it is very important to ask first as to the temperature that it is prepared - tuna in most restaurants I've been to is served med. rare to rare unless requested differently as are many other seafoods if they are sushi-grade. We've seen Ben and Karen Barker personally shopping at the Carrboro's Farmers Market purchasing fresh produce for the restaurant so the quality of the food is wonderful and local. The combinations of spices, produce, vegetables and meats are incredibly creative and imaginative. We have dined in some of the top restaurants in New York, Chicago and other big cities and continue to believe that MG is one of the top in the country and certainly in NC (apparently Gourmet magazine agrees). The staff have been helpful, informative and professional. If you are looking for a chain-type restaurant or a low-light private booth, this is not for you to try. If you are looking for quality, freshness, awesome main courses and desserts - then I highly recommend it. Pros: excellent quality food, freshness, creative entrees, desserts more

The food was very disappointing. My husband ordered pork and was presented with a big, fatty piece of meat he could hardly eat with a large bone in the center accompanied by red beans. I could have prepared something far more appealing at home. My fish dish was o.k. but was described as served with lots of greens which I love. There were small flakes of the ingredients described on the menu but it did not amount to a fork full. The waiter was far from friendly but we proceeded from appetizers through dessert in hopes of a good surprise that never came. more

I am a foodie. I worked at A Southern Season for two years, love to cook, and am passionate about fresh local ingredients and inventive cooking. For our first wedding anniversary, my husband surprised me with dinner at Magnolia Grill. Lots of the reviews on this site complain about the ambiance, but personally, I go to a restaurant for the food, period. I would much rather have INCREDIBLE food on plain china than mediocre food on crystal plates. For two twenty-somethings who are very knowledgeable about food but don't go to fancy restaurants much (and don't know much about wine), the ambiance was perfect--pretty casual, and the server was not condescending at all about our lack of wine knowledge. The food was amazing, especially the appetizer (baby beet and goat cheese salad) and dessert. When I took the first bite of my dessert (a lemon custard cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream), I started crying. I'm not kidding. The only con (and this was a year ago)--the handwritten menu was incredibly hard to read. They need a good graphic designer (or at least someone who can type). Also, for the person who thinks the cooks are back there opening up jars, take a look at their cookbook. Many of the recipes must be started days in advance. If you're passionate about food, go. If you want a ""big night out"" maybe try somewhere where the ambiance is more important than the food. more

Since moving here from Chicago I have been on the hunt for my favorite fine dinning restaurant. And my search ends here! Magnolia Grill was recommended to me by many new friends and it lived up to the hype in every way. The menu changes often which is great for going back and trying new things. Every single thing we ordered (4 of us) was mouth-watering and creative. The twice baked grits with truffles were to die for. The servers are very knowledgeable and helpful in ordering. Excellent place to celebrate a special occasion or just to splurge for a fun night out. Atmosphere is simple and nice...much more casual than other fine dining. All in all, best local restaurant I've been to yet. There is a reason it was voted number 9 in gourmet magazine's ranked nation-wide restaurants. A local classic! Pros: the food, the food, the food! Cons: atmosphere isn't as fancy as one would like for a big night out. more

My husband and I have been going to Magnolia Grill since the early 90's and it's our favorite restaurant. We've never had bad service and the food is always amazing. \r I have to wonder what the expectations are of the folks that are complaining here. Maybe they like the type of restaurant where the servers ask you every 5 seconds if everything is allright. Maybe they like the sort of atmosphere where every square inch of wall space is covered with something to entertain them. Maybe they prefer gigantic portions of deep fried cheese covered whatever. \r The atmosphere at Magnolia is clean and simple and the walls are hung with a changing exhibit of artwork by local artists. The chefs at Magnolia Grill use fresh local ingredients in creative, inspired combinations that burst with flavor and are beautifully presented. They are culinary artists. more

I had gone there with my boyfriend to celebrate a special occasion after learning much about the hype surrounding the restaurant. The food was average but the ambiance and service were extremely disappointing. Snob central. However, against my better judgement, I thought I'd give it another chance and took my parents there for my mom's birthday. To my horror, the service was again outrageously bad. The wait staff there are snobby without reason for being so (it's not as if they're working at a 4star restaurant like the Fearrington House). They ignored my parents for most of the evening and we left feeling like someone had robbed us blind. Don't ever go there unless you look like a WASP with lots of old southern money. Pros: dessert Cons: service and ambiance more

I recently dined at Magnolia Grille after hearing all the hype about the food and ambience. \r The restaurant is nothing like I imagined. While the flower arrangements were beautiful, the restaurant itself was nothing special in decor. Plain walls with a few photographs and basic white linen tablecloth on the tables. The tables were way too cramped together so you were too close to other people's tables. The restaurant was small and too loud. The food was way too expensive and overrated. I had tiny slice of tuna which was not done and a basic veggie chutney and I couldn't tell what veggies were in it because they were so tiny. I had a summer salad which was just a bed of mixed organic greens with about 5 tiny pecans and balsamic dressing. My husband had the salmon which was a tiny slice of fish and another veggie chutney. Nothing to rave about. I had the apricot sorbet dessert and it was basically two wafer cookies with a spoonful of apricot sorbet. Very disappointed with the entire meal. And they charged $10.00 for a chardonnay, basic white house wine which I thought was a huge ripoff. The service was incredibly slow. I was starving when I left and the meal cost $100.00!\r \r Just another overrated yuppie restaurant. Pros: flowers were nice Cons: everything else more

My wife and I ate at Magnolia on a Saturday night and had a bizarrely terrible experience. \r \r The restaurant is very loud with bad 80's flourescent lighting, exposed cheap-looking ceiling fans, and an acoustic tile ceiling.\r \r We tried to order wine, but the server advised us to get another (more expensive) one, saying that it was 'spicier'. When we opened it, it was sweet, like maneshevitz aged in french oak. Although the service was attentive - they filled our water glasses within a milimeter of the brim - they left our empty bread basket on the table during the entire meal, not asking if we wanted more, or wanted it removed. The dishes that we were served on were battered white pasta bowls from the 80s. Earlier that day, I had found substantially better china at the Salvation Army.\r \r We got a chickpea cake as an appetizer that was pretty good, but not refined. We ordered the ""wild alaskan salmon"" and the pork shoulder. The pork arrived overcooked and dry despite being requested ""medium rare"". The salmon was cooked fine, but was pale as chicken and flavorless (most likely Atlantic farmed). We sent the pork back and got a tuna entree instead, which tasted more like the potato crust than a piece of fish. The vegetables that came with each entree were a strange combination of the raw and the cooked, the preserved and the fresh. The tuna came with shredded beets and corn, the salmon with preserved artichokes and beans. It was as if a group of self-taught chefs were opening jars of 'fancy' ingredients to impress a rube-like clientele.\r \r more

Never disappoints! everything about this place is exceptional. Food is out of the world, excellent wine selection and service. The ambience is not the best part and also it gets noisy, but you forget everything once you taste your food. Pros: great food, service and wines Cons: ambience more

The food is good. The atmosphere is OK. We have eaten here often over the last few years. The last time we ate there I found a hair deeply embedded in my entree. It was disgusting, to say the least.They gave me a free dessert and not much of an apology. We decided to try it again on June 10. We arrived 6 minutes late and were chastised at the end of our meal by the manager. We were asked to move to another table ""to chat"", especially she added, because we were late and had messed up their seating for the rest of the evening.. Others who had been seated before us were still in the restaurant.I called later to express my disappointment and was further chastised. The other couple we ate with called and were told that the waitress told the manager we were late. Sounds like a waitress who was trying to cover for herself. Her service was fair, nothing extraordinary.Our food was delivered in a timely manner, but not in record time. We will not go back. There are other, better restaurants in the area who know how to be nice to their patrons. Pros: food is good Cons: manager is extremely rude more

1) The MG serves by far the best food in the triangle, and this is from a 18 year resident who has tried it all. ALL the hype is deserved. 2) The service is great! Any one who had a bad service experience probobly had absurd expectations going in or just their own problems. My wife and I have eaten in restaurants this caliber around the world and I have never had better service at one, and that is consistantly, over many years of meals at the Grill. The staff are friendy, knowledable (VERY) about the food and food in general, and attentive in just the right way for comfortable fine American dining. more

We have eaten at Magnolia Grill on many occasions. We find the food outstanding, complex and creative....wonderful! The ambiance isn't exceptional, nice but not amazing...we really eat there for the food, the food is great. The service has been good and average, depending on who you have. We have really enjoyed eating at Magnolia Grill and we highly recommend trying it! Pros: food is exceptional, parking is easy Cons: ambiance is average, service is average more

An echo of a previous reviewer: I was gruffly and rudely received when I called for reservations and was concerned this would bode ill for the dinner. Not to worry, as the staff as congenial, the food was delicious, and the evening a success. The menu was quite inventive, and my pan-seared grouper was beautifully displayed above a magenta-pink sauce! The portions are smallish, but all the better because you will end up devouring all of your tablemates' desserts. Save room; they're the best part. The ambience is lacking (see Four Square for how to have a romantic dinner in a small space), but the crowds are only a problem if your neighbors are cacklers. Otherwise, it just made for a fun time. Overall, a 10 for food and an 8 for the experience. Take that, you Caraleigh-snobs! Pros: Creative dishes, pleasant staff, the desserts! Cons: Anomalous haughtiness more