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Bleu Olive, Durham, NC

Bleu Olive

4.8
4.8
1271 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 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

Menu

Eggs

Served with home fries.

  • 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

                                                                      Last updated: February 3, 2022

                                                                      What 1,271 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
                                                                      • 4.8Food
                                                                      • 4.8Service
                                                                      • 4.6Ambience
                                                                      • 4.7Value

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      Loved For

                                                                      • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

                                                                        Best Value

                                                                      • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

                                                                        Neighborhood gem

                                                                      • Durham

                                                                        Best Overall

                                                                      • Durham

                                                                        Best Food

                                                                      • Durham

                                                                        Best Value

                                                                      • Durham

                                                                        Healthy

                                                                      • Durham

                                                                        Neighborhood gem

                                                                      Review summary

                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                      Bleu Olive is a hidden gem, offering "wonderful food prepared to perfection" and a "lovely neighborhood atmosphere." Diners rave about standout dishes like moussaka, calamari, and salmon, complemented by attentive service. While the noise level varies, the consistently delicious Mediterranean cuisine and "excellent service" make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

                                                                      1,271 Reviews

                                                                      1. Barbara

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        New York City

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        First time here for 4 of us and we loved everything about the place. The Greek salad was the best ever and the best salad was super, and big. The dishes were well flavored . We were too full to try dessert.

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                                                                      2. Sandra

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        Western NC

                                                                        61 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        61 reviews

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Another wonderful evening at Bleu Olive. The lamb loin was cooked to perfection and they accommodate food allergies very well. The staff is professional and caring. We had a lovely dinner and will definitely return.

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                                                                      3. Billie

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        23 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        23 reviews

                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Bleu Olive is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is consistently delicious and the service is warm and friendly. Today everyone was in a Christmas mood and it was delightful.

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                                                                      4. Jaki

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Consistently outstanding dining experience and attentive service.

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                                                                      5. Nicholas

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        74 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        74 reviews

                                                                        Dined on December 12, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The place was hoping with Holiday parties but we were seated at our reservation time. The waitress was very attentive and made some great suggestions. We were never rushed and the food was fabulous. We had the Taziki appetizer along with the mussel’s and they were delicious. We had Greek salads with chicken and the chicken and sausage paella. They were also delicious. Everything was fresh and the wait staff was awesome. Definitely will come back.

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                                                                      6. Bodie

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        43 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        43 reviews

                                                                        Dined on December 12, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Always a good experience and a favorite place to meet friends

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                                                                      7. Rick

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        Dined on December 7, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Excellent service and great cocktails. Greek food is my favorite and this did not disappoint. It was all excellent from the appetizer of baked Feta to my dessert coffee, Nutty Irishman. I am not from the durham area but will definitely return on my next trip. You want be disapointed.

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                                                                      8. gordon

                                                                        New York City

                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                        Dined on December 6, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Great food, nice people. A bit expensive, a splurge.

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                                                                      9. Anne

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 30, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Delicious menu. My only complaint is shrimp served tail-on. I don't get why restaurants do that.

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                                                                      10. Jan

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        Raleigh

                                                                        254 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        254 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 28, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Always a good experience. Over many years including lots of pandemic take out, we have never had a bad food experience here. We rely on Bleu Olive for superb food across many visits. Always excellent, always interesting, always flavorful, always a fine culinary experience. And with attentive service.

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                                                                      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 1271 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                      Make a reservation

                                                                      2 people
                                                                      7:00 PM
                                                                      Booked 9 times today

                                                                      Order delivery or takeout

                                                                      Google Map for Bleu Olive

                                                                      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
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