Located in the Historic Depot building, Jibarra aims to introduce a novel approach to Mexican cuisine. We take deep-rooted, traditional Mexican dishes, use modern cooking techniques and present them in a contemporary way. You combine that with a unique Spanish & South American wine list, and margaritas made with the best tequila and freshest ingredients and you get amazing results.
"Jibarra has a variety of offerings. I recommend the guacamole sampler; with four different dips it's more than enough for four or more people. The white fish with shrimp platter is also very good. For meat eaters, there are interesting dishes. Only one real vegetarian dish, but if you like portabello mushrooms, that is a good choice."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot, special occasion
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"We had been looking forward to trying this restaurant but we were let down. The drink specials listed on their website for Cinco de Mayo included.... one drink... and the pitcher of margaritas was light on alcohol. The food comes deconstructed and you have to make it yourself; for the price, not what we expected but the meat portion was generous. The one positive is the endless amount of chips with the delicious guacamole. Probably won't be going back."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Enjoyed our first visit to Jibarra. The decor is lively with multi-colored walls and pleasing artwork. Fun downtown location in the old train depot. Parking is free for patrons. The Margaritas & Guacamole were good for starters. The ceviche and Truffle empanada made a great small plate duo. The fish tacos were thoroughly enjoyed. The selection of tap beer offered a good mix of Mexican and local favorites. The only miss of the night was the swordfish. The dish's presentation, spinach and potatoes were great, however the fish was way over done and therefore dry. All in all it was a fun night in a relaxing atmosphere worth repeating again down the road!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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"The gf and I had a wonderful evening at Jibarra this past weekend. We sat outside, as it was hard to hear inside with the jazz music, but it was great to be out on such a beautiful night. Service was great--even though we were the farthest table away, we were always well attended to, and our server made some great drink recommendations that we took him up on. The pineapple jalapeno margarita is delicious if you like a little bit of spice! We enjoyed sharing a few dishes--the gf was a big fan of the mussels and I ate an embarrassing amount of the goat cheese guacamole. I'd love to go back next time I'm in Raleigh."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We loved the Margaritas and the different guacamoles. The service was very good, friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Overall a nice experience, the scallops were cooked perfectly. The duck was ok, not great. Would definitely recommend this place for the drinks, appetizers, main course, service and atmosphere. It will leave a dent in your wallet, especially because you will want more than just one of their tasty creations from the bar."
Dined on 4/26/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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"As it was a Friday night, the complementary parking area was very busy and so small that it was difficult to navigate. The restaurant itself was quite large, and they were able to section one area off with curtains to provide a large group with privacy. We were greeted and seated promptly, and enjoyed looking at the creative drinks menu. We each enjoyed our margaritas (blood orange, pear cilantro, and traditional). We loved the fresh chips and salsa and could not stop eating them, which was good, because our entrees took a while to get to the table. But the wait was worth it, as we all liked our meals (taco platters and salmon, respectively). The meal wasn't a revelation, but was definitely good Mexican."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
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"The tacos (steak for my friend, chicken for me) were delish. Didn't enjoy having to cut the giant piece of chicken. The rice & beans were just okay. The blood orange margarita was great. It's a cool building, so the atmosphere was nice."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"Loved the Margarita's; best I have had in a restaurant. The four guacamoles and the queso was amazing. The issue we had was with the "deconstructed" fajitas; was not that good to us. Would have liked it much better the traditional style. It was like eating a piece of beef or chicken breast at home; not at an upscale, higher than average cost for a meal, "modern Mexican" restaurant. Would not have minded the price if we had not been so disappointed in the main course. The whole point of the fajita is to "marry" the ingredients; we had to work too hard to do this; slicing the meat, etc. LOVE a lot about the place; has great atmosphere, drinks, appetizers, service, etc; the ten of us were just disappointed in the main course meals."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
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"This was our first time at Jibarra and we will definitely be back. Everything we ordered was delicious, in particular the crab guacamole and duck chilaquiles were standout items. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and recommended the perfect amount of food an amazing dessert."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Guacamole sampler was delicious and a fun spin on traditional guac. The tacos were also really tasty, large portion sizes. Overall a really fun place to go with great food."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Jibarra was wonderful! Not only did our friendly waitress provide us with great service, but the food was spectacular and the ambiance was hip but comfortable. We made reservations for our Saturday night dinner and were surprised that it wasn't busier than it was.
I recommend starting with "Los Cuatros," the sampler of all four of their unique guacamoles. Everyone at the table ordered different meals and loved them all. I had the Pollo Al Pastor, and it was delicious. It was also a fairly large portion, so I ended up having leftovers. The pork chop was good, as were the chicken enchiladas and steak tacos. And don't forget to get a margarita pitcher!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Three of us took a job candidate to Jibarra. We all ordered different meals. We all thought the food was excellent. The waitress was friendly and helpful. The only drawback was the background noise. There was piped-in music in the background, not so loud as to drown the conversation but loud enough to be somewhat of a distraction. It was not even Mexican music, so it was worse than unnecessary. Also, the acoustics seemed somewhat noisy. We were there on Thursday, and it was not a busy night. Many tables were empty. Nonetheless, the noise level was noticeable even with so few customers there."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
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"We went to Jibarra Friday night. It was very good. The best features were the margaritas and the guacamole. I got the salmon, which was very well seasoned, though not as flavorful or spicy as I'd expect (though very good). My date got the steak taco. Everything was good but lacked the extra imagination. The guacamole and margaritas set you up for some of the best food of your life. I'd suggest it as a great place to meet up for drinks and apps- great atmosphere, good location. Guacamole and margaritas were seriously great, very inventive!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"We opted for a nice light dinner of appetizers and dessert - the fresh traditional guacamole was as excellent as ever and the pork empenadas were divine as was the ceviche served tostada-style. Finishing with Pan de Natas never disappoints.
Seating was immediate, although we somehow ended up next to another large party - Jibarra seems to be a very popular downtown spot for group dinners!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Beautiful restaurant! Parking is great too especially for being downtown. Food was good, our friends got the skirt steak meal and loved it. We got the Enchilladas pollo and the chicken was very dry. Beet salad was delicious but small and expensive. Overall though, we enjoyed the experience."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find
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"I had been to Jibarra several times in the past for lunch and dinner and every time I go, I always have a wonderful experience! The food is absolutely delicious. This past weekend, we met up with some friends for brunch and the food was equally delicious. There were plenty of options to choose from and it was even complete with the never-ending chips and salsa :). Would definitely recommend this spot for any meal."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"I took my girlfriend there for our anniversary, neitherneitherone of us had heard about it or been there before. We both had a wonderful evening and great meal. Would definitly go again."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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"Atmosphere was vibrant and busy. Margaritas and guacamole were very good. Wish I could say the same for our meals. $25 for eight scallops sitting on patties of polenta, VERY over priced. I was really hoping that this would be a better experience than it was."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
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"We went for a date night leaving the 4 kids @ home. It was a recommendation from a colleague and he didn't promise too much. My rating for the noise and romantic atmosphere is based on the fact that we had our reservation at 6:45 and the restaurant was filled only to a third. But normally dining with 4 kids in more hectic places we immediately recognized the quiet, romantic atmosphere. Of course when we left around 8pm it was much louder and vibrant. The food was excellent and the combination between modern and Mexican cuisine was perfect. And of course everything was fresh and taste delicious. The only thing we recognized was that the full grain soft tacos are very taste neutral so we ate the filling alone ;-)"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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"Brought my husband here for a romantic birthday dinner. We loved it! One of our plates did come out wrong, but they quickly noticed that and made the necessary changes, and went as far as to not charge us for that plate. We loved the tacos and especially loved the margaritas. We wanted to stay longer but had somewhere else to go. If we lived closer we would probably get there more often."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, hot spot
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"I took my Family to Jibbarra this past Sunday and had a wonderful experience. My eighty two year old grandfather was with us as well as his Girlfriend and despite being a little confused at the menu they were surprised at both the authenticity and presentation and thouroughly enjoyed their meal. The Guacamole is amazing and Luis, our server was on point, informed, and patient with our table. The Duck Chilequiles were delicious, the ceviche was light and refreshing with a perfect balance of acidity and heat. I would reccomend this restaurant to anyone. Top 3 in dining experiences in Raleigh."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Not sure if we caught Jibarra on a bad night but we have never had such terrible fish tacos or for that matter service. The waiter was unattentive, slow, and the least friendly waiter I have encountered in a long time. The fish tacos were dry and tasted horrible. Not planning on going back anytime soon. To top it off, my wife ordered the drink special but we did not notice that they charged full price rather than the special until later in the evening."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2009
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"In the past this was a great spot for lunch and or business lunch...I'm not sure what's different, but it's not the same. The pulled pork was boring, the field peas were bland, my entire party (of 6) all felt it was OK, a C maybe"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
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"Had never heard of it, but went for Valentine's Day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of the most delicious, flavorful food I've ever had. Very unique dishes. Superb service and intimate setting. Loved it!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Jibarra was way more than we expected. I wasn't so sure about "upscale" Mexican food because I have never had it but it was amazing. I had the Lamb Osso Bucco with fresh arrugula and black beans and it was like nothing I have ever tasted. The lamb was falling off the bone and was delicious. My girlfriend got the seared duck breast with truffled mashed potatoes and it couldn't have been better. The duck was cooked to perfection and everything was seasoned perfectly. Our waiter was awesome and was very knowledgeable about the menu, and even made two suggestions that we ended up getting. Their specialty margaritas were delicious as well. I would highly recommend Jibarra, the chef definitely knows what he is doing."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"We've been to Jibarra several times and loved it, but this last visit was rather disappointing. Server was doing the bare minimum and unengaged. No specials on a Saturday night (their specials are usually fantastic), and they were out of my entree choice. The menu seemed to be missing a couple of my favorites as well. I don't know what happened, but we're sad to be taking it off our favorite restaurant list."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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