Papas Grill: Durham
We have eaten here three times now, most recently being Valentine's Day lunch, and it is definitely one of the finer restaurants in Durham, indeed the Triangle. IMO it is only a small step below Mag Grill and Four Square and surpasses Vin Rougue, Pop's, George's Garage, Tosca and other good restaurants in Durham. At our last meal we had a wonderful bowl of butternut squash bisque to start. I had the perfectly pan roasted salmon with a melange of vegetables, beans, and marinated cabbage in a mustard cream sauce as my entree. My wife had a shrimp and crab tart, also with the tangy cabbage. This place serves outstanding food with a foundation in Greek cuisine but the chef is obviously trained at a culinary school and doesn't mind venturing into other flavors and techniques. Also, don't let its location in a strip mall on Hillandale Rd. near the I85 exit fool you. Inside, the ambiance is a relaxing semi-formal without being stuffy and pretentious. It was obvious that they have a regular clientele of long-time Durhamites who provide them steady business and keep this place a hidden gem for themselves. Put this place on your must try list.
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While I'll agree that there food is not plated like most other places and that it is good. I wouldn't put it in the same league as Magnolia or Four Square. I'll also agree that people shouldn't judge this restaurant by its cover (but that goes for a lot of other hole-in-the-wall types). When I was there I really enjoyed my appetizer of Octobpus 3 ways which is now only 2. I hope they kept the Octopus leg which was the best part. It's better than most mediterranean restaurants, but it wouldn't be my choice for a super nice date. That being said I may have to revisit it when I have the money as it was a bit pricey.
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re: burgeoningfoodie
It has been years since I've eaten at Papa's Grill, partly because it is out of the way for me. I thought it was better than any of George Bakatias' (sp?) restaurants, and was wondering if it was still good--I'm so glad to read that they are serving excellent food at lower prices. I don't think it compares to Four Square or Magnolia, but definitely better than a lot of the rest.
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romansperson
Jun 23, 2009 08:24 AM
We went to this place for our anniversary. Loved the flaming cheese appetizer! The crabcake appetizer is very good too - lots of crab. You can't go wrong with the lamb dishes, either.
They've also reduced their prices from what's on the menu on the web site, and you can get coupons at restaurant.com.
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