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Mandolin Reviews List
Mandolin
Mandolin is a breath of fresh air to the Raleigh dining scene, combining a casual atmosphere with fresh, contemporary, Southern fare. Mandolin uses the highest quality local ingredients to create seasonal menus that resonate with foodies and casual diners, alike. We share our food in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere that replaces the stuffiness of fine-dining with Southern charm. The menu and ambiance reflect the character of Raleigh itself- a blend of rustic and refined, contemporary and traditional, rural and metropolitan. Mandolin, like the City of Oaks, is Southern at its roots, but draws influences from around the world. We love our new home in Hayes Barton, just a stone's throw from Five Points, on the corner of Oberlin and Fairview.
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103 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 103 reviews
5 stars
(48)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(73)
- neighborhood gem(65)
- special occasion(55)
- notable wine list(35)
- romantic(27)
- great for brunch(15)
Mandolin Reviews List
Review 1 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time eating at Mandolin and the experience did not dissappoint. Service was excellent and Mandolin provided a great choice of entries. I've eaten at many resturants throughout the Research Triangle area and this restaraunt rank right up there with the best. Thanks for the great dining experience."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I really, really wanted to love this place. The restaurant is gorgeous, beautifully furnished with a modern, elegant vibe. The menu, which I had viewed on-line, was a creative twist on southern cuisine. Unfortunately, our service was clumsy with a very nervous waitor, who, kept forgetting different food and drink items. What was really disappointing was the taste of the food. My mushroom parsnip soup was so bland that it was inedible. I also had a Caesar salad with chicken confit, which was basically dry, cold chicken. The biscuits were cold and dry. The menu items are well priced, but the food lacks in flavor and taste. I will give this restaurant another chance, hopefully, I will not be disappointed again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 3 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was fine. My seafood dish could have been hotter. Little fishy. But my husband liked his pot pie. Nice services."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Neighborhood Find
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fresh farm to table restaurant that supports it's local farmers. The food is always very fresh and very tasty. Perfect for a special night out!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mandolin - a treat for the senses
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Approaching the restaurant in the Five Points area, one is enticed by the aroma of hickory smoke, inviting us in to a warm and friendly greeting by our hostess, Lizzy Fowler, wife of chef/owner, Sean Fowler. Lizzy welcomes everyone in with a bright smile and offers the attention to detail that made our anniversary dinner a very special occasion. From the start, we felt cared for and pampered by our server, Meredith. The food was marvelous, creative, unique, and fresh, much of it coming from local growers. The decor is simple and classy, white table clothes, fresh flowers, candlelight in the dining room. Sean came out to visit as we lingered over our chocolate souffle and the best coffee I've ever had in a restaurant. We'll be back!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good food and atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had dinner with my spouse and food was delicious. Quality of food is very good, portion size is fair but for the price it could be more. Wait staff was good. Rolls were awesome and dessert was delicious (portion size for dessert was better for the price than the entree size). This was our second time in past six months and a place we would certainly go to again."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Consistently outstanding.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Consistently outstanding. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Grace, Warmth & awesome food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our doctor recommended this restaurant to us as a special treat. And what a treat it was! We went there to celebrate our first anniversary. The hostess was warm and welcoming and celebrated us with 1/2 flute of champagne each. The waitress Kathy (sp?) was a gem. Her recommendations were top notch. And she made us, and the evening a special dining experience. Thank you one and all. We will definitely be back!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was very good. Some
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was very good. Some items like the Charcuterie were excellent. We have the sommelier a tough job given the meals we were ordering and he picked out a great wine just in our price range. The bar did a fantastic job with the mixed drinks (the Old Fashioned was the best ever). Oddly, however, our waiter was insistent on not letting us order the Charcuterie as we were deciding on the rest of our meal: he said it was critical that we order all together so the kitchen coule better pace the evening. He also seemed more interested in controlling the evening than helping elevate it. It was not a huge deal but totally out of keeping with the everything else. This was a fun place with good food."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 10 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great gluten free option!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had read about Mandolin in a local paper and was very interested in checking it out. I went after a long day and we had a lovely cocktail, fabulous food and good wine. The menu is original and fresh. I have a son with Celiac disease and there were many items already gluten free. I would highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The people and service were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The people and service were fantastic. House cocktails were amazing - Suggest the Pims cup or the Mint drink. The chicken and waffles are a wonderful signature item. Ambience is very nice as well. The chefs clearly take pride in their work - very professional. You get the sense everyone is passionate about working there. I plan to come back."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 12 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
WOW! The food was fabulous!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"WOW! The food was fabulous! Such a fun dining experience!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food in relaxed environment.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food in relaxed environment. It was a great place for brunch where we celebrated a friend's engagement. Champagne was a great touch. Chef does a great job with the seasonal menu. Love the pulled pork mandamme."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Well ... they try hard but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Well ... they try hard but not too much to write home about. The biscuits were fabulous though, and the apple butter they are served with. The sourdough bread is waaay to sweet to be used as toast. The sugar crystallizes and it turns into a rock. Its like eating a crouton."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Easter Brunch Spectacular!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My first visit here, and was for Easter Sunday brunch. What a fabulous experience! From entry to exit, customer service was consistently top notch. The food was very well prepared and presented, and just divine.
This restaurant certainly delivers - a great atmosphere, easy to find and park. It will remain on the top of the must go again list!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mandolin is one of my favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mandolin is one of my favorite places. I can always find a great wine or cocktail! Lizzy is always friendly and inviting when you walk through the door!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous! Food and Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous! Food and Service - Highly Recommend !
mj"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 18 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Restaurant, Accurate Portions
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The atmosphere was great and the restaurant is in a terrific location. The waitstaff was very nice and we had no problems. The only thing that caught us by surprise was how some of the food options were inconsistent with the menu descriptions. We also went for brunch, and the portions are "accurate" but feel small. Other than that, the place was great.I'd go there again, but would know what to expect."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 19 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Waiter was annoying, and somewhat
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Waiter was annoying, and somewhat patronizing. He irritated us every time he interacted with us. We were there for our anniversary. The place is loud, and besides the white table cloths, there is not much else to absorb the noise. They did not provide salt and pepper on the tables. This was easy to see because not all of the tables were full on a Saturday night at 8 pm. Providing no salt and pepper is obviously a management choice, and I can't help but think it is indicative of the attitude there - a cockiness that quite honestly wasn't met by the level of the food. The food was fine. Was it outstanding? Absolutely not! We left thinking we would not return."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
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Review 20 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Haute Southern Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really innovative and delicious food. It reminds me of Magnolia, when it was still around and at the top of its game."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 21 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Really enjoyed our meal at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really enjoyed our meal at Mandolin. Was different and eclectic while not being completely over the top. Really my only complaint would be that there is red meat in nearly every dish so the selection was a bit small but other than that, wonderful!"
Dined on 03/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pellet ice in the old fashioned
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pellet ice in the old fashioned was the only turnoff."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best in the triangle.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Mandolin is one of the top restaurants in the triangle, on par or beyond Second Empire, Seaboard 18, etc. The pheasant is one of the best entrees I've ever had, and the beef tartare is outstanding as well. The portion size was right for me (didn't need the appetizer), although I'd heard that entrees at Mandolin run small. My wife had the mushroom risotto and it was more than enough for her. The restaurant is definitely pricey for this area - our dinner was $130 pre-tip, including two appetizers, two entrees, and a $50 bottle of wine."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 24 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice experience, but w both
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice experience, but w both pros and cons. Pros : warm, accommodating service exemplary in every way ; a sense of class and clearly fine dining ; great blend and variety of flavors in menu items. Cons : rich food w virtually no options for anyone attentive to diet and esp cholesterol counts ; ambiance a bit sterile and austere and VERY noisy when crowded ; too pricey for the average diner except for the most special occasion."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 25 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I love Mandolin. We
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My wife and I love Mandolin.
We have, however, realized that when we have gone there for brunch with our children (under 12) and/or parents (above 70) that they haven't liked it as much. Not that it's "too fancy" for them, but the preparations are definitely a notch above what you're going to see in a standard restaurant. Just a caveat that if you're dining with people who are not very adventurous when it comes to food, this might not be the best choice."
We have, however, realized that when we have gone there for brunch with our children (under 12) and/or parents (above 70) that they haven't liked it as much. Not that it's "too fancy" for them, but the preparations are definitely a notch above what you're going to see in a standard restaurant. Just a caveat that if you're dining with people who are not very adventurous when it comes to food, this might not be the best choice."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Oysters Mandolin - surprise
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Oysters Mandolin - surprise in every bite. Sweet Potato Soup - amazing, not too sweet. Chicken with Waffle HUGE and delicious.
Server very tolerant of the husband's humor. Wait staff contstantly checking on our drinks.
Will definitely go again."
Server very tolerant of the husband's humor. Wait staff contstantly checking on our drinks.
Will definitely go again."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 27 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Local Foodies Unite!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is all local and organic. The beef is grass-fed and chicken (Ashley Farms) is some of the best local poultry around. The food is delicious - no question. The prices reflect the quality, plus some. We've been twice and had two appetizers (mussels, Caesar salad) and two entrees plus dessert. Our bill WITHOUT wine (bring your own!) was $160/$170. We are locavoires, so we are willing to pay more for this quality, but be warned - it's pricey. The tenderloin (maybe 4 oz?) was $40."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Broken strings on this Mandolin
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Caesar salad, panzanella salad and mussels apps were very good. The "Oysters Mandolin" was disappointing; way more pork belly than oysters. On the entrees, the swordfish was the best and the triggerfish was ok -- although at the price point of this restaurant we expected a bit more magic. The short ribs were gross; almost as much fat as lean. My wife ordered the roasted cauliflower, which had little cauliflower and lots of rice. Servers comped her meal and gave us a free dessert; cheese plate was a nice ending. Doubt we will be back."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2004
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Review 29 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The flavor combinations in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The flavor combinations in my quinoa/monkfish entree were so wonderful, though the fish itself seemed slightly dry. The wine was superb, the atmosphere lovely and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time. I will highly recommend Mandolin to all."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 30 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Night Out
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent and something that you cannot find in other restaurants. The number of options is somewhat limited but includes good variety. Specialty drinks were very good."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 31 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Another Wonderful Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My second time dining at Mandolin and it was as wonderful as the first. My group of four ordered various appetizers and entrees in order to share and sample as much as we could. It was by far a great decision. The braised short ribs and flounder were my personal favorites along with the perfectly cooked mussels. The service was also a highlight of the evening as he was engaging and had extensive knowledge of the menu and cocktails. I would highly recommend Mandolin to anyone."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good choice for a lively evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food and service were very good. Prices were on the high end. Bar and restaurant are noisy."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 33 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Though we had reservations,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Though we had reservations, we were asked to wait in the bar until the couple before us wrapped up the meal. I am fine with that normally, but after asking for a wine list in the bar, we were never served, being passed up by several people who seemed to be regulars. We waited about 15 minutes without being asked if we'd like a drink. After being seated, it took another 10 minutes or so to see our waiter who immediately asked if we were ready to order rather than noticing we didn't even have water yet. Food overall was mediocre and nothing special. I wouldn't make a special trip to Raleigh for this restaurant given the patchy service, poor pacing and just "okay" food. I was disappointed and based on reviews, had much higher expectations."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
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Review 34 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was very excited to try Mandolin, but ended up being VERY disappointed. I have worked in the restaurant industry for many years. The service was some of the worst I've ever had. We waited probably 7-8 minutes for the server to come over, and the first thing he said was, "Do you want ice water? Are you ready to order?" He did not welcome us or give his name. The caesar salad was nothing special- I could have made it at home. We waited a very long time between courses and once our dinner arrived a few servers scrambled to lay fresh silverware all over the table with no particular care. The pot pie was most disappointing. When I broke through the top crust I could see straight to the bottom of the dish- hardly any filling. Will not be back."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
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Review 35 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food, but at a premium
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food, but at a premium price. For an upscale place, I was expecting more nuance to the flavors and innovative dishes."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 36 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I was looking forward to my
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was looking forward to my first dinner at Mandolin, but was disappointed. Entrees were warm at best, and when returned them to the kitchen, there was no improvement. Although the restaurant was not "busy," it was as if the plates had been up and sat there for a little bit before they were delivered to the table. Service was good, but doubt I'll go back."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2006
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Review 37 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was delicious and the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was delicious and the service was great. Felt like we were with friend while dining. The hostess was very kind and accommodating. Our dishes were superb. The special lamb loin was cooked jus right and the complement of sides was spot on. I would recommend this to folks young and old. It has a timeless class and modern atmosphere. Great neighborhood spot with a menu that competes with the best in Raleigh."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect Date Night Out!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love Mandolin! We've been going to the restaurants that have occupied this building for years and we're so happy that Mandolin has come along and is doing great in this location. The menu is fresh and delicious and the staff is always extremely friendly."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 39 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mandolin has a very warming
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mandolin has a very warming environment. My family and I ordered the Steak Tartare, it was amazing. For dinner my dad ordered the Short Ribs, which he loved and ate the entire thing, my mom ordered the Triggerfish, and I ordered the Flounder. Everything had a unique southern twist. I loved the sweet and sour of the greens with the perfectly cooked Flounder. I did find a bone in the fish, but it wasn't a big deal, I just had to be careful about chewing. For dinner we split the Chocolate Souffle and the sorbet trio (2 coconut and 1 banana). I will definitely come back. The only complaint I will have to say was the service, not honest enough when I asked "what is good" (my typical question since I never know what to order)."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Waitress was either in the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Waitress was either in the weeds or just poor. Back staff under trained. Did not ruin experience because we are pretty laid back and the food is amazing. Interesting preparations and flavors.
Might be better to go when they are not as busy though I suspect a different waitress would have made the difference."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 41 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Seemed expensive for the choices.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Seemed expensive for the choices."
Dined on 01/13/2013
2008
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Review 42 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pros: We didn't have to wait
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pros:
We didn't have to wait with a reservation
Food was beuatifully presented, flavorful, not heavy
We didn't have to wait with a reservation
Food was beuatifully presented, flavorful, not heavy
Areas to improve
Vegetarian options: the options are too limiting for people who cannot eat pork or who are vegetarians. Even most of the fish dishes have sides with bacon or ham.
Service: Second glasses of wine were ordered when we received our second courses but we didn't receive them for over 20 minutes - when we were done with the course
I ordered short ribs, received ribeye, asked the server to confirm if it was short ribs - he said yes, 5 minutes later the waiter comes by and says it's ribeye. Ribeye was overly salted.
While we waited 20 plus minutes for dessert (souffle), no one came by to fill our waters"
Vegetarian options: the options are too limiting for people who cannot eat pork or who are vegetarians. Even most of the fish dishes have sides with bacon or ham.
Service: Second glasses of wine were ordered when we received our second courses but we didn't receive them for over 20 minutes - when we were done with the course
I ordered short ribs, received ribeye, asked the server to confirm if it was short ribs - he said yes, 5 minutes later the waiter comes by and says it's ribeye. Ribeye was overly salted.
While we waited 20 plus minutes for dessert (souffle), no one came by to fill our waters"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 43 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Went to Mandolin with a group
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went to Mandolin with a group of friends. We like to try new restaurants in the area each month and were really excited about trying Mandolin after all the great reviews I'd read. It's a nice place - beautiful inside with plenty of room for the number of tables. I had the oysters starter - just ok. Oysters were small and one piece of the pork was nice but the other was half fat so inedible. I had chicken pot pie entree and it was too salty to eat. When the waiter came to clear the table he asked me if everything was ok so I told him about the salt, but there was no offer to comp and when the bill came I was charged full price. Needless to say I won't be going back again."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2005
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Review 44 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very good food but too noisy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Mandolin was recommended to us, so a group of 7 celebrating a special occasion had dinner on a Thursday night. The place was chic-looking, but noisy due to the excess of hard surfaces. Food for everyone except one person was very good.
The flounder was very good, same with the ribs and the vegetarian special. The chicken pot pie was too salty and didn't have enough vegetables. The brussels sprouts were the best thing in the pie.
One odd service issue: several members of the party finished before the others. On member asked the waiter to clear her plate, but he refused. Evidently, they don't clear until everyone is done. It seems to me that if a customer requests it, the server should comply."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 45 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Unique Flavor Combinations
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A very nice experience, with excellent food combinations I wouldn't try at home. I had the lamb chili - a nice combination of flavors, with some crusty bread that complemented it nicely. I shared a dessert with my dining companion - and it was served on two separate plates - a very nice touch! And another wonderful combination of flavors I don't necessarily thing about - peanut butter, lime, and milk. Excellent!"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 46 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We will return
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I really enjoyed this place for date night. The valet parking was key since it was cold and rainy."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 47 for Mandolin
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent at all levels
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Mandolin has aspirations. Its food is superb, the wine list is excellent, the service precise and helpful, and it's a gorgeous setting. In short, it's now on our short list of "best restaurants in Raleigh". And as snooty members of the Durham/Chapel Hill side of the Triangle, the list of really good Raleigh restaurants has been short (2nd Empire, the late lamented Fins, the idiosyncratic Tasca Brava, St. Jacques), so this is high praise. Not only were all courses excellent, but the wine prices on a great wine list are very reasonable, and the wine service top notch (the sommelier takes his job seriously). Highly recommended. We'll be back."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mandolin
Based on the average of (56) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
8 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic