Bleu Olive

4.8

1261 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

10:30 PM

Booked 9 times today

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for business meals

For parties of 5 or more, pease give us a call.

A family operated - Mediterranean Bistro serving a fresh & local ingredient inspired menu.

The Papanikas family first opened the doors at this location in 1994 under the name Papas Grille, a fine dining Greek and Mediterranean restaurant. With “Papa” and Sam in the kitchen and Angelika, Chris & Yianni running the front of the house, Papas Grille turned into one of the finest and well-respected restaurants in the Durham food scene. After eighteen successful years as Papas Grille, it was time for a makeover and with that came a new brand as well. The reconstruction took place in 2012 in which the changes brought a more casual setting and modern feel. With “Papa” retiring during the changeover, Sam took over the realms in the kitchen fine-tuning his craft which is highly focused on quality ingredients and consistent execution. The front of the house continues to be overseen by Angelika and Yianni.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Greek
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(919) 383-8502
Website
http://www.bleuolivebistro.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Sam Papanikas
Catering
Catering available.
Private party facilities
Private Dining room for any occassion.

Location
1821 Hillandale Road, Durham, NC 27705
Neighborhood
Durham
Cross street
Front Street
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Yes
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Croissant$9.00
Fried egg, applewood bacon, ashe county cheddar
Breakfast B.L.T.$9.00
Egg, bacon, green leaf, tomatoes, herb mayo
Applewood Bacon & Gruyere Omelet$9.00
Caramelized onions
Mediterranean Omelet$10.00
Peppers, onions, spinach, olives, feta
Florentine Benedict$10.00
Poached eggs, spinach, feta, hollandaise
Corned Beef Benedict$10.00
House cured brisket, poached eggs, gruyere
Bleu Benedict$10.00
Bacon, tomatoes, poached eggs, hollandaise

Mezze

Spreads$11.00
Hummus, tsatsiki, tirosalata, baba ghanoush, pita
Mussels "Krasata"$11.00
Shallots, fennel, capers, white wine
Bleu Mussels$12.00
Bacon lardons, leeks, gorgonzola butter
Garlic Shrimp$15.00
Shallots, capers, garlic lemon butter
Crispy Fried Cuttlefish$11.00
Spiced pepper marmalade, smoked onion aïoli
Avgolemono$4.00
Egg lemon broth, pulled chicken, rice
Wedge$8.00
Baby romaine, tomatoes, bacon crumble, olive relish, bleu cheese dressing
Beet Tartare$8.00
"Prodigal farm" chèvre, pistachio, baby arugula, lemon sesame vinaigrette
Greek$9.00
Tomatoes, beets, peppers, cucumbers, onions, olives, feta, lettuces, balsamic vinaigrette

Sandwiches & Entrees

Chicken Salad Croissant$7.00
Roasted chicken, green leaf, tomatoes, fresh herb mayo
Spanakopita$9.00
Crispy baked phyllo pastry, braised spinach & feta filling, greek salad
Lamb Burger$13.00
Red beet preserved lemon relish, arugula | "prodigal farm" chèvre, charmoula
B.O.M.B. Burger$10.00
Ashe county cheddar, green leaf, tomatoes, smoked onion aioli
Muffaletta Wrap$11.00
House cured local brisket, prosciutto di parma, gruyere, arugula, olive relish
Blackened Salmon "Plaki Style"$14.00
Fennel, red peppers, capers, spinach, parmesan orzo
Spiced Lamb Bolognese$14.00
Mushrooms, roasted garlic tomato puree, linguine, grana padano
Mushroom Linguine$12.00
Maitake, shiitake, cremini, broccoli rabe, mushroom broth

Brunch Cocktails

Mimosa$5.00
Prosseco, orange or grapefruit
Peach Bellini$5.00
Prosseco, peach schnapps
Bloody Mary$5.00
Vodka, zing zang
Italian Coffee$6.50
Amaretto, frangelico, coffee
Nutty Irishman$6.50
Bailey's, frangelico, coffee

Extras

Belgium Waffle$9.00
Caramelized apples, walnuts pure maple syrup
Applewood Bacon$4.00
Home Fries$4.00
Warm Croissant$2.00
Whole Grain Toast$2.00

What 1,261 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Best Value
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Neighborhood gem
Durham
Best Value
Durham
Healthy
Durham
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bleu Olive delights with its "excellent food and service," offering a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Known for "incredible" Mediterranean dishes, it boasts a friendly, attentive staff. Although the noise can be a downside, the consistently "delicious" meals and inviting setting make it a top choice for locals and visitors alike.

1,261 Reviews

M
Mike
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Very good food, excellent service, but somewhat noisy. Have been several times, and will go again. Solid and consistent.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Seattle
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love this restaurant. We’re in this area once a year and we always eat here.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
Raleigh
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent service, great food, good value! The only downfall is the dated atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
C
Colleen
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our favorites. The food is always delicious and prepared with skill.
Is this helpful?
P
Paul
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time at Bleu Olive- relaxed and comfortable setting, casual and modern atmosphere. Our server, Roxanna, was attentive and very efficient. The Arancini appetizer was crispy outside, creamy inside- delicious. The Calamari Frito had a light crispy coating and was properly cooked to tenderness (not rubbery).The fish of the day was Halibut (not commonly served on the east coast) which was cooked to succulence over a bed of pamesan orzo and topped with a fennel, red pepers, capers and spinach saute- most excellent. The Moussaka was authentic in construction, ingredients, taste and was very hearty. The dessert was a Cheese Cake made with goat cheese (unusual) having a pistachio crust(again unusual) and was very creamy soft with excellent taste and texture. We will dine there again and again to try other dishes and repeat our favorites!
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Raleigh
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A drunk patron was at the bar, loudly talking, laughing, and cursing. Even after our asking that someone speak to him, the behavior continued. And one of the servers joined in. This rude behavior ruined an otherwise good meal.
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G
George
Raleigh
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It had been a minute since last at bleu olive. The Papanikas Family has not missed a beat. Everything and everyone, and I mean everything and everyone, are an absolute delight. The cuisine first rate. The wine selection top shelf. FIX Beer always a fav.
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MF
MeettheForkers
Raleigh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent coffee porcini rubbed Lamb short loin with it being grassfed from NZ. Excellent flavor & they accommodated with the saffron risotto & Broccolini pairing. Food execution and service on point.
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy
Raleigh
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’m never disappointed with anything at Bleu Olive. I go there at least once a week and often more. I have a friend who agrees with me that going every day would be great.
Is this helpful?
J
Jocelyn
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was fast and the food was fresh and delicious!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Bleu Olive offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Bleu Olive also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (919) 383-8502.

Bleu Olive is rated 4.8 stars by 1261 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 26, 2024

10:30 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1821 Hillandale Road, Durham, NC 27705

Additional information

Cross street
Front Street
Neighborhood
Durham
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Greek
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Yes
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Sam Papanikas
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bleuolivebistro.com/
Phone number
(919) 383-8502
Catering
Catering available.
Private party facilities
Private Dining room for any occassion.

Bleu Olive

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Herb Roasted Lamb Loin

Steak Frites

Moussaka

Eggs

Croissant$9.00

Breakfast B.L.T.$9.00

Applewood Bacon & Gruyere Omelet$9.00

Mediterranean Omelet$10.00

Florentine Benedict$10.00

Corned Beef Benedict$10.00

Bleu Benedict$10.00

Mezze

Spreads$11.00

Mussels "Krasata"$11.00

Bleu Mussels$12.00

Garlic Shrimp$15.00

Crispy Fried Cuttlefish$11.00

Avgolemono$4.00

Wedge$8.00

Beet Tartare$8.00

Greek$9.00

Sandwiches & Entrees

Chicken Salad Croissant$7.00

Spanakopita$9.00

Lamb Burger$13.00

B.O.M.B. Burger$10.00

Muffaletta Wrap$11.00

Blackened Salmon "Plaki Style"$14.00

Spiced Lamb Bolognese$14.00

Mushroom Linguine$12.00

Brunch Cocktails

Mimosa$5.00

Peach Bellini$5.00

Bloody Mary$5.00

Italian Coffee$6.50

Nutty Irishman$6.50

Extras

Belgium Waffle$9.00

Applewood Bacon$4.00

Home Fries$4.00

Warm Croissant$2.00

Whole Grain Toast$2.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Bleu Olive offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bleu Olive restaurant rated?

Is Bleu Olive currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information