Enjoy Louisiana-style cuisine at Seraphine. The restaurant includes a cozy patio with ironwork details in the heart of American Tobacco Campus. The mouth-watering menu features raw and broiled oysters; gumbo with tasso ham, andouille, chicken and okra; crawfish and shrimp croquettes, and of course, beignets for dessert.
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Seraphine’s and it did not disappoint! First let me say that if you park in the South lot, you are just steps away from this lovely restaurant!
Our server, Imani was on her game and explained the menu, made suggestions and was consistent in her check backs! The food was impeccable from the crawfish and shrimp croquettes to the Caesar salad and shrimp and grits. My husband went for the rabbit cavatelli. We also had the mountain cornbread which was soaked in bone broth, from their specials menu. It was off the chain! We finished the meal off with an order of Beignets which neither of us had tried before and let me tell you.. it may have been one of the best desserts we have tried at a restaurant establishment! They even added a pretty gold candle into the freshly whipped cream, for our celebration!
The decor inside was lovely and elegant but still trendy. The only constructive criticism I can offer is that the hostess seated us next to two other parties on a bench seating arrangement which felt a bit awkward for an anniversary dinner, when there was a table for two just steps away. The hostess at check in, knew it was our anniversary and even mentioned that fact but someone else seated us, so I was a little disappointed in the choice of seating we were given. It is also quite loud inside but it is a small restaurant and it was packed on. Saturday night! Still, I give this experience a 5 star review because of the food quality and our server quality! We definitely will be going back again! Thank you, Seraphine, for giving us a fantastic celebratory experience!
A Cooper
Jan 25, 2025
5
This restaurant was a pleasant surprise! And my hopes were high since I've spent some time in New Orleans. We had a multitude of things to try from and loved every bit! The prices were very reasonable as well, $24-35 per entree. If you've lived in Durham long enough, you'll remember that this location used to be called Tobacco Roadhouse. The front now belongs to Parker & Otis and the back, (where the pool tables and bar used to be) is now Seraphine. I love what they've done with the place. The decor immediately transitioned us straight to New Orleans with the warm hunter green walls with gold details and exposed red brick. The coed bathroom were thee cleanest and sweetest bathrooms I've ever seen! The detail was magical💕
Food:
Catfish & Red beans and Rice (Fantastic)
Shrimp and Crayfish Croquettes (Amazing!!!)
Duck Fat fingerlings (Delicious!) This one actually surprised me! I could not stop eating them! The flavor on them were phenomenal!
Kids Alfredo: Very flavorful - homemade Alfredo.
Gumbo.... It was good, but I've had better in New Orleans. (Again, it was not bad, but it was my personal least favorite among everything we had) But other guest in my party loved it.
Cavatelli noodles - Spicy! Good! But spicy.
Dessert: Key Lime Pie - This is the BEST key Lime in the triangle HANDS DOWN! I'm definitely getting that when I come back!
On my next visit: I'm trying the Drango Oysters, shrimp and grits and beignets and a specialty drink!
Pro Tip!
Don't go on a night that the DPAC is having a show. It gets very busy and very loud just from these folks that want to eat before the show. (We didn't know this and just so happen to go on a DPAC night. At the beginning of the meal, things were coming out fast, however, as they became more busy, service became much slower.)
Also, there is a patio, which I know people will love when the weather breaks.
Bee Stamp Approved 🐝
Micah Beachy
Jan 21, 2025
5
My husband and I absolutely loved it here! Every dish we tried felt like a masterpiece – so full of flavor, creativity, and those unforgettable tastes that leave you talking about them long after the meal. From the classic Bayou-inspired favorites to the surprising, delightful twists on Southern cuisine, it felt like we were transported straight to Louisiana while staying right here in North Carolina.
The staff made the experience even more special. They were so warm and welcoming, and their genuine hospitality and attention to every little detail really stood out to us.
If you’re a foodie, a fan of Southern cooking, or just someone who loves discovering amazing new places, do yourself a favor and check this spot out. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Ivana Spurlock
Jan 4, 2025
5
I can’t recall the last time I had a genuine 10/10 dining experience. This cozy restaurant just hits the spot. They hit the nail on the head with the Louisiana inspired dishes, the restaurant was clean, the service was warm, welcoming, and timely and all of the food came out warm and delicious. Parking isn’t bad if you utilize the garage adjacent to the building. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our date night and will be back!
Cheyenne Edwards
Dec 11, 2024
5
Absolutely loved dining here! Got the boiled peanuts, Dragos style oysters (definite MUST HAVE), the fried catfish, and the banana pudding (also a must have! The bruleed bananas were a life-changer). Our server, Eric, was an absolute delight as were the rest of the staff.
Robin Pitts
Oct 9, 2024
3
The shrimp & grits, catfish w/ rice & beans and barbecue shrimp are good with lots of flavor, but the portion size is very small. We didn't like the appetizer of fried oysters, not worth $9,lack of flavor and super tiny. a friend ordered the crab croquettes ( she was so disappointed in the 3 super tiny croquettes). The beignets lacked flavor. The cocktails were great! Beautiful, pleasant, and soothing ambiance and good service.
Jennifer Harris
Sep 21, 2024
3
The ambiance and service were amazing, but the food does not give any big New Orleans flavor. Every single dish fell flat on flavor for me. Best thing I had was the Ceasar salad.
Millie Kwan
Sep 1, 2024
5
Seraphine is a great addition to the downtown Durham food scene. It's location in ATC is right next to the parking deck on the south end. We made the mistake of booking on a Durham Bulls night so traffic was a little crazy and we paid for parking. Otherwise the setting for the restaurant is great with a nice patio. The dining room is pretty with great exposed wood ceiling and posts. Service was best and personable and efficient. Cocktail and mocktail were very good and the food was absolutely delicious. The rabbit etouffe was big enough for 2 people and delightful. Also the green beans ala plancha were terrific. Definitely recommend and we'll be going again!
Yuchen L
Aug 8, 2024
3
Overall, disappointed with the food given the rave reviews I was seeing. The gumbo was way too salty. This was my first time trying a boudin sausage but it lacked flavor and texture. The shrimp and grits are pretty good.
Their bloody virgin mocktail lacked depth.
Wenyi Zhou
May 5, 2024
5
Absolutely phenomenal! I came here alone to celebrate finishing my last exam in Law School and was blown away by the food and service at Seraphine. The food was just as decadent as they are shown in the photos. I nearly had a heart attack eating the Drogo’s style oyster (they were probably meant to be shared). They were that good. Eric R, my server, was a true professional. You can tell a lot about a restaurant by observing how they treat their solo diners. He was attentive, knowledgeable about the food, and gave me just the right amount of space. I will sure come back when my parents are in town for my graduation, and I recommend anyone who’s reading this to try Seraphine out!
Anh B
Apr 27, 2024
5
We were in town visiting and had dinner with friends at this lovely spot. Food, drinks, service, ambience, everything was incredible! Our table shared the oysters and the fried artichokes, we also had and a few orders of the gumbo, all of which were so fresh and delicious. I was especially impressed by the main entree I ordered, the shrimp and grits…it was so flavorful and well made, I savored every bite!
We felt so well taken care of! It was right at the start of dinner rush when we came in and Sean was so attentive from the beginning to end of our meal.
We were in awe with the decor, from the fountain and greenery outside, to the cozy, romantic vibe inside and at the bar…and of course, the stunning wallpaper and touches of gold in the bathrooms were so chic and beautiful. There’s character in every corner of this restaurant and definitely made me feel like I wasn’t in Durham anymore the minute I stepped into this place.
My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting the owners at the bar after dinner, who were such a delight…so personable and down to earth. We loved hearing about their vision for this restaurant and seeing everything come to life.
Overall an amazing and unique dining experience at such a gorgeous restaurant, we already cannot wait to come back here the next time we’re back in town.
Raymond Vagell
Apr 24, 2024
5
Came here for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the food and experience. Our server was very friendly. Vegetarian options are plentiful.
The fried artichoke came with a creamy lemon sauce which was divine. The Dragos-style oysters are buttery, garlicky, and cheesy. For entree, we ordered the gnocchi which was substituted with mushrooms instead of ham. Also the blackened scallop which was their catch of the day. Comes with roasted asparagus and a delicious creamy parsnip (I think) sauce.
Overall, we enjoyed our dinner and we look forward to coming back and trying other menu items.
