Nanas, a standout restaurant located at 2514 University Dr, Durham, NC, has captivated diners with its exceptional culinary offerings and inviting ambiance. Across various reviews, patrons consistently rave about the superb quality and intricate flavors that highlight each dish. The standout items include the Yellowtail Tuna Carpaccio, which is described as fresh and vibrant, and the braised veal breast ragout, elegantly paired with hand-cut noodles—a true testament to the chef’s attention to detail and technique. Diners have also praised the attentive service, noting staff members who are not only knowledgeable but genuinely passionate about providing a memorable dining experience. The cozy decor enhances the overall atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for celebrations or a simple indulgence in culinary delight. While most dishes receive high marks, some guests found certain entrees to be merely okay, yet the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. It's clear that Nanas isn’t just about special occasions; it’s a destination where food lovers can regularly treat themselves to remarkable flavors and impeccable service. Whether it’s the thoughtful spirit-free cocktails or the delicate details in presentation, Nanas undoubtedly sets a high bar as a culinary gem in Durham.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Photos
Reviews For Nanas
Kether Smith
May 13,2025
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!
Daniel Woldorff
May 13,2025
Really really good food. Every dish was tasty and interesting. The yellowtail tuna carpaccio was especially good. Everything came out at the perfect times. Service was thoughtful and prompt. 5 stars!
Shay
Apr 29,2025
The aesthetic was very pleasing inside the restaurant. The service was great. I had the Wood Grilled Dry Aged Duck, Bradford Collard Greens, Anson Mill’s Spoonbread, Sweet Potato BBQ. The presentation was nice however the entree itself was ok.
Hilary Andrews
Apr 24,2025
First time at Nana’s — went with a party of 4. Absolutely delicious. From the cocktails/mocktails (Trinidad Sour) to the service, and the food... everything was fabulous. Forgot to take pics of all the food we ordered but would highly recommend the Tuna Carpaccio, Warm Dinner Rolls, seasonal pasta and the Grits souffle. Thanks!
Dan Kastner
Apr 21,2025
Excellent experience. My wife and I came for our anniversary dinner and were blown away by the food and service. Our server, Beza, was incredibly professional, friendly, and made our experience a 10/10. Ten plus years of dining in the triangle and Nanas is without a doubt our favorite spot!
Steve W
Apr 21,2025
This was our first opportunity to go to the reimagined Nanas at Rockwood. It was one of the best dining experiences that I have had anywhere. From the moment you walk in the door you feel the difference in quality. The atmosphere is quite pleasant with chill, but modern, music playing. The server we had and the ones I heard were quite knowledgeable about the menu. When asked to explain a dish, it was a proper explanation of the dish, the preparation and chef's notes. The cocktails were subtle, balanced, and elevated. It's hard to elevate a cocktail these days, but these were on par with Alley 26 in Durham. It's what you would expect in a place of Nanas quality, but better. The bar is very nice, If you want something very good and not any more expensive than most restaurants in the Triangle, have a drink. The food was exquisite. We started with the young greens salad with radishes & Scallops Milanese. It was enough for 2 people to split & the scallops were some of the best I have ever had. It was not the traditional presentation and it was perfect. I had the duck with collard greens and my companion had the salmon. The dishes were perfect. There isn't anything else to say. The dessert was a chocolate souffle with Bourbon ice cream that was rich, chocolatey and not sweet. Overall, the perfect end to a meal. If you have a special occasion, date or business meeting this is a great place to go, because the atmosphere allows for conversation unlike most places these days. Servers are efficient and unobtrusive. I would compare the overall experience, quality of food, and thoughtfulness and quality of the beverage pairings to the best I have had around the world.
Sarah Goss
Mar 17,2025
Had the bread and butter, grits souffle, squash ravioli, duck entree and side of asparagus. I would absolutely order any of them again but the duck entree was my favorite. Finished with the chocolate souffle which was fantastic. Courses were well paced with fresh plates between each course. We had 4 different cocktails that were all very good and unique. The atmosphere is very chic. We will definitely return!
Talie Madans
Mar 3,2025
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!
Reviews For Nanas