Bleu Olive

4.9

1310 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

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

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 1,310 people are saying

Bleu Olive reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Best Food
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Neighborhood gem
Durham
Best Overall
Durham
Best Food
Durham
Best Service
Durham
Best Value
Durham
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bleu Olive is a delightful gem in Durham, offering consistently delicious Mediterranean cuisine with "wonderful fresh fish" and "excellent food and service." The restaurant is praised for its "knowledgeable and attentive wait staff" and cozy atmosphere. Despite occasional noise, it remains a "favorite for locals" with "amazing food" and "great dining experiences."

1,310 Reviews

L
Lisa VIP
Raleigh48 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was good though too salty for my taste. I had the paella, was too salty but otherwise good. Same with the fried oysters, was good but too salty. The calamari was very good, not rubbery or overcooked and not as salty as everything else.
Is this helpful?
B
Benita
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The crab soup appetizer and sea bass specials were delicious. My husband was not blown away by his spinach and feta stuffed chicken but that could be a taste preference. The server was gracious and efficient. We will return!
Is this helpful?
M
Monty
Raleigh19 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent menu, nice wine list, delicious desserts and our server, Lila, was exceptional. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
C
Catherine
Raleigh1 review
5.0
Dined on February 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best restaurants in Durham but often overlooked by the foodies because it’s not downtown. Hands down my favorite dinner spot in town.
Is this helpful?
G
Gretchen VIP
Raleigh32 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 28, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
As always, server Cleopatra was efficient and professional. The lunches were enjoyed by all. Only complaint was the noise level which seemed particularly loud today.
Is this helpful?
C
Charles
Raleigh6 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Anniversary dinner with another couple. Everything each of us had was excellent--including drinks and appetizers. Wait time for entrees was short, and each dish was served piping hot. Catch of the day and lamb options were our selections and we thoroughly enjoyed the food and our time together there. This was a return trip for all four of us and Bleu Olive will remain high on our list.
Is this helpful?
C
Chris VIP
Washington DC34 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service and food were very good. I would recommend it and will go back.
Is this helpful?
D
Donna VIP
Raleigh11 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was great! Four of us had a great dinner and delicious as always.
Is this helpful?
LP
LaurenP
Raleigh6 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is delicious! It's always very busy. We keep coming back. LOTS of gluten free options, even many gluten free desserts!🩷🩷🩷
Is this helpful?
E
Ella
Raleigh3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love this restaurant. Bleu Olive never disappoints. Don't know what to order? Close your eyes and point anywhere on the menu. You can't go wrong.
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 4.9 stars by 1310 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 13 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

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

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