No edible tour of Tuscaloosa-Lakewood and Rockwood would be complete without a stop at the iconic Nanas. Long a favorite of the who’s-who of Durham, Nanas recently found new life after chef and restaurateur Matt Kelly (Mateo Tapas, Mother & Son’s, Vin Rouge) reopened the restaurant. It doesn’t get more Durham than dinner and a drink at Nanas.
Amazing! Worth the wait. We have tried to get a reservation before and failed. We finally made it this evening and it was legendary! Service was perfect a s paced nicely. Food was legendary. Shrimp. Risotto is a MUST!
Our expectations were exceeded!
Thank you Nanas!
Maria DiPoce
Jul 6, 2024
5
We go out to eat once a week and try different places and I can’t remember the last time I had a meal this good! I tried to remember and it was a 3 star Michelin Restaurant in NYC. The food was perfect! Literally everything was delicious! If they have it on the menu when you go please get the rotolo and the chocolate soufflé 👏 delicious!! Bravo!
J Davis
May 23, 2024
5
I had dinner at Nanas last night for my birthday, and everything was outstanding. It's easy to tell how much thought and technique went into the menu, and the classics overdelivered. Drinks were asking the best I’ve had in Durham. It’s also worth mentioning that service was warm and professional- a reminder that pre-covid hospitality is alive and well. (Thanks Kate)
Can't wait to come back.
Kether Smith
Apr 11, 2024
5
Our recent Nanas dining experience was beyond our expectations. The service was attentive, timely, friendly. The food- flavors, technique, presentation, attention to detail all around really sets this restaurant a level above most of its counterparts.
The decor was warm, inviting, comfortable and thoughtful including proper white tablecloths.
Even our picky younger diners were impressed with the chicken dish, they raved about the tenderness of the meat, the flavor of the sauce and the carrots. Adults were blown away by the chicken liver mousse that was fully encased in a layer of jellee. Tuna carpaccio was fresh and bright and beautiful. The pasta dishes were properly cooked, as were all the elements in the shrimp risotto. We will most definitely be back- and not just to celebrate a special occasion. We all deserve to treat ourselves to culinary happiness!
Cameron Painter
Mar 25, 2024
5
What an experience. Chef Matt really hit a home run on the aesthetic, team hiring, menu, and execution. The chicken liver mousse was exceptional. Most tender chicken I've had in my life. Menu is very complex and inventive - as a former cook - I was very impressed. Make a reservation guys! Totally one of the best restaurants within a 50 mile radius.
Jessica Israel-Filipkowski
Mar 22, 2024
5
Had an incredible dinner here tonight. Every dish was outstanding. The symphony of flavors had my taste buds dancing with joy. The service was great and the atmosphere was inviting and warm. I highly recommend Nana’s to anyone looking for a wonderful evening.
Angie Michaels
Jan 6, 2024
5
We just moved to Nanas neighborhood and one of the things we repeatedly heard was how lucky we’d be with Nanas reopening. Everyone was right! We’ve been twice and both were wonderful. Overall the theme for us was astounding seafood and vegetable-forward dishes. I’d highly recommend the scallop, tuna and oysters for appetizers. We didn’t know what the Milanese would be like and felt astounded. We loved the pumpkin and shrimp pastas and spent awhile debating which was the favorite—the risotto won out due to the flavor bomb broth. Our only mild disappointment was the gnudi. We’d been told it’d be very light (which the ingredients also suggested) but the sauce was soo buttery. It wasn’t bad, just not what we’d hoped for based on the description. We’ve mainly focused on those categories thus far, but for our chicken entree did find it really moist. Last but not least (food wise) the sweet potato split was phenomenal!
The staff did a crazy job of keeping the drinks going, and their attentiveness was always spot on. The ambience is one where we felt “special” when we went as a nicer date night, but equally comfortable when we just stopped in. As the smallest note, the decor is awesome and reflects the vibe they’re clearly cultivating. New favorite, and for us, only a short walk away!
Ethan Smith
Dec 22, 2023
5
Absolutely incredible. Best restaurant in Durham hands down!
Daniel Perry
Dec 21, 2023
5
The new Nanas knocks it out of the park by every measure. The dishes are classic, but still inventive. The drinks, especially the Duke's martini, are perfect.
It is hands down the most beautiful interior of any restaurant in the Triangle area. Even the music playing in the dining area compliments the vibe of the menu perfectly. The attention to detail is stunning. I can't wait to come back and try every single dish.
Sarah Mikati
Dec 17, 2023
5
Every bite of food was delicious. Highly recommend if you want an impeccable experience.
Kacy Fortner
Dec 15, 2023
5
It’s difficult to express how happy I am that Nana’s is back and how often I’m going to go back.
It’s absolutely stunning inside. So many different textures and surfaces. Have you noticed the trend with restaurants where it’s gotten incredibly loud? Not here. The carpets, leather, and old school separate rooms allow you to have a conversation, but it’s not stuffy in the slightest.
Every single thing we put in our mouths was incredible. Really impressive finesse and execution on their first week. Solid bar program too.
Everything Matt Kelly touches is gold, and reborn Nana’s is no exception. We’re not only going to be back — I’m making my next res now.
Ajada Williams
Dec 13, 2023
5
I am so excited for this location to be open ! This was my first time trying oysters and the waitress described the flavors perfect , I will be back ! I also want to say the desert are to die for !
