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  • Revolution - Durham

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Reserve at Revolution - Durham

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Revolution - Durham
Revolution - Durham

Revolution - Durham Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Elegant
  • Website: http://www.revolutionrestaurant.com
  • Email: info@revolutionrestaurant.com
  • Phone: (919) 956-9999
  • Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday 5:00pm to 10:00pm



    Friday & Saturday 5:00pm to 11:00pm



    Sunday 5:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Global, International, Contemporary American, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Executive Chef: Jim Anile
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Catering: Catering by Revolution makes it possible to enjoy the same sumptuous cuisine, unmatched service, and impressive wine lists, far beyond the charming historic walls of the Downtown Durham restaurant. From an intimate cocktail gathering, to private cooking classes, to a beautifully seated dinner party, Chef Jim Anile and his culinary team will ensure that you and your guests share in a moment to remember. Revolution's professional and dedicated staff will work with you closely, to help design an event that is created uniquely for you and your tastes, while mindful of your budget.
  • Private Party Facilities: We have available an intimate, private dining space with seating for up to 50.
  • Private Party Contact: Jessica Lane (919) 956-9999
  • Entertainment:

Getting there

  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: Revolution offers complimentary Valet Parking Thursday through Saturday. Garage and street parking are also available.
A word from Revolution - Durham
Revolution’s sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere greets guests as they enter the commanding historic Baldwin Building. A dazzling tiled mosaic from Florence adorns the wall, while rich hues of garnet and chocolate brown leather, natural cork, and original restored wood flooring create an inviting… social scene. Revolution’s menu features a selection replete with imaginative interpretations of contemporary global cuisine. Chef Anile also offers a variety of tasting options from the three course “Feed Me” to the seven course “The Feast” menu. Revolution is proud to serve an unassuming yet impressive selection of fine wines featuring small production vineyards. The creative cocktail list pays homage to global cuisine while highlighting a changing roster of fresh ingredients.


Revolution is also the Official VIP Restaurant of The Durham Performing Arts (DPAC) President's Club.Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerNotable Wine List
  • Diners' Choice WinnerRomantic
Diner Reviews
  • "Cool contemporary (not kitschy) decor. Service friendly, informal and efficient. Like the cocktail menu, food was fantastic. We had Ahi Tuna, cold water oysters, seared scallops, Katafi baked shrimp, grilled salmon. Enjoyed it all. Valet parking, not too noisy, no complaints. Will return for more."
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "The food and service are excellent. We particularly enjoy dining at Revolution before going to the DPAC."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "I haven't had food this good in a long time! Everything was wonderful, unique and delicious."
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "We had a great dinner, however the only downside of our evening is that our reserved table was IN THE BAR. We had a group of 6 and were seated at a high bistro table in the bar. The problem was that the bartender was our waiter. Not a good mix. I would have thought with having a confirmed reservation through Open Table, we would have had a table in the dining room. The food was very good and I would return, but I would also call ahead next time to make sure my table wasn't reserved in the bar."
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "We enjoyed every moment of our Saturday dinner, post the Book of Mormon matinee last Saturday. Khaleel, our server, was spot on in his recommendations and all 4 of us went for the Feed Me option. Your Chef delighted our palates at every serving, and we could not have had a better experience. The food temperature was perfect upon arrival, which is not often the case, and the tantalizing flavors were superb. We also appreciated Khaleel suggestion to go for the 4 different dessert options and shared amongst us. We had a hard time picking just one fave! It will be difficult to top this dining experience any time soon! Thank you for a lovely meal and experience."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "A group of 5 had a very nice dinner before the DPAC show. Our 5:45 5reservtion was suggested for an 8 show. The restaurant was full, the service is a little slow but, very accommodating. Everyone enjoyed their selections: tuna, tamales, haystack shrimp, scallops and rabbit all very nicely presented, tasty and interesting. The cardammom spice cake for dessert was a nice not too sweet ending. However, save romantic or serious discussions for another time as the noise level is very high. I'm not sure how a handicapped person would get through to a table as the space is limited."
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "Love the bar area-the bartenders were so attentive and the drinks were delicious. Our waitress at dinner was inattentive and the food came very slowly. We had to alert the hostess in order to get our waitress to come to our table, which isn't acceptable at such an establishment."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Being still relatively new to Raleigh, we have been searching for a restaurant that completes with the quality and ambience that we enjoyed in Chicago. Well, we found one that rates with the best.....Revolution."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Within walking distance of DPAC, this gem of a restaurant provided the perfect dinner to celebrate a special birthday before heading to the Broadway musical. From the valet parking to the courteous service by Bob, great martinis and wine list, and varied menu, we felt special. Our meals were all 4 superbly prepared and presented and timely for getting us to the show! We'll definitely be back!"
    Dined on 2/19/2014
  • "The food was delicious and we absoultely loved the apple crisp with the ice cream! The restaurant was very quiet and the server seemed quite knowledgeable. I can't wait to go back for lunch!"
    Dined on 2/17/2014
  • "Was really excited to try this restaurant but for the price, the food was ok and the service so-so."
    Dined on 2/18/2014
  • "It was almost too noisy to talk, but the food was better than expected."
    Dined on 2/18/2014
  • "Really outstanding dinner ... The ONLY thing I would point out to potential diners is that they do have a basement that (according to my wife on a previous visit) is a bit more isolated and takes longer for service to be carried out. We were on the main floor and we had a great time / great service / great food."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "First visit to Revolution. Service was excellent. A bit noisier than i would like. Menu choice acceptable. A large bar area. Complimentary parking. Swordfish overcooked and "tuff". Will go back ."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Give yourself PLENTY of time before a show. Our server didn't cope well at all with the time constraints. :-("
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Although the food was pretty good, the 7-course tasting menu actually consisted only of courses on the main menu. Disappointing as we were hoping for a 7-course dinner that was an invention of the chef(s). Oh well. The service was exceptionally slow as well. However, overall the food was good and the atmosphere was nice. Luckily we had a few hours to kill."
    Dined on 1/31/2014
  • "I was pleasantly pleased with the food quality and service. It lived up to its reputation."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "One of us did the 3 item tasting menu...it was awesome!"
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "Our 1st visit & hope to return soon. Hard to know which was better : the food or the service. Both were top-of-the-line. Every dish was delicious & nicely presented. The hot dishes being served a little hotter would have made the food perfect, but it was a minor flaw. Intereresting, informed, warm, & accommodating wait staff. Great menu w many options & some unusual dishes. Had a great time."
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "Everything was great except: Seared scallop - overcooked BIG DISAPPOINTMENT: Foie Gras- what we got was not at all foie gras. I was very disappointed- from the menu description, was expecting a piece of seared lobe foie gras (since you don't sear a terrine, or mousse or medallion of foie gras). What we were served instead were pieces of liver - deep fried, and it tasted like mush. I suspect it was chicken liver. It was horrible. Revolution is my favorite restaurant in all of the triangle. I bring my friends here. I hold business dinners here. I would rather be told that the chef is out & no one can cook foie gras; or that you did not have foie gras, than be served something that is nothing like what it should be."
    Dined on 1/30/2014
  • "Revolution had a really innovative menu and was a fun place to experience. Expect unusual ingredients and eclectic combinations. I'm not sure if the restaurant could make it in its current state in a big city with stiff competition though. The execution wasn't great. The waiters were polite but messed up several parts of our order. Also the food was really neat but the result wasn't necessarily balanced -- for example I got the duck breast with curried mole, and after a few bites the sauce was overwhelming and completely masked the duck. Overall a great night, but room for improvement too!"
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "Revolution was the perfect beginning and end to an evening out in Durham, NC. The team at Revolution 'sets the bar' for experience- great service, delicious food, casual yet elegant."
    Dined on 1/23/2014
  • "From the venue and the poised and energetic wait staff, I was expexting very special vibrant food. Sadly, my expectations were not met. The food was not terrible, but compared to other restaurants in the area the food wasn't anything special. I had the salmon which was cook well (not dry very flaky), but the chef answer to making food pop is over salting and buttering the dish. Also, I've seen other chef's in the area blend the dishes better and to me that is what makes a dish special. Understanding how to make all the ingredients add to the dish."
    Dined on 1/22/2014
  • "We had tickets at DPAC and enjoyed a very nice dinner served with no time pressure to make the theater event. The meal was delicious and a remarkable value. Their martini's were excellent and wine by the glass was a good value."
    Dined on 1/22/2014
  • "The food was fantastic but the service was terrible. It was very busy but I think they may have been understaffed as well. I will give them another shot and see if the service is any better next time."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "The menu is limited but quite interesting. There was no shortage of things I wanted to try. Our sever was very helpful with explanations and quite attentive. Portions were generous. We ordered four different dishes and we all enjoyed our food. The bread is also really good. I would definitely go back."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "This was the second time we ate there. Loved it the first time. Both of us ordered a fish entree this time, which were a bit heavy and greasy. Our waiter was too solicitous and managed to splash wine all over the table cloth every time he poured it."
    Dined on 1/11/2014
  • "I was prepared to be dazzled based on many reviews and comments here and elsewhere. Perhaps its a coming of age for Durham that we now have enough good restaurants that some are over-rated. Sadly I have to say that's my overall impression of Revolution. It was good overall, don't get me wrong, but far from the best available in Durham or in the area. Service alternated between invasive and absent - as in I'm here now so you have to deal with me, but you wont see me again for a long stretch of time once I am "done with you" which seemed quite odd for a not very busy restaurant. Food was good, again not great, and sadly was more enticing in print on the menu than in reality on the plate. I cant really remember much about the food beyond that."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "My guest and I had 4 food selections and a bottle of Malbec. The food presentation was top grade and the flavor was superb. The flavor layering blending kept each bite interesting. I will return to sample other dishes at Revolution."
    Dined on 1/10/2014
  • "Revolution does some things very well. When you order wine by the glass the server brings the bottle to the table and gives you a taste of the wine to be sure you like it before pouring the glass. Nice touch. The menu is limited but the food is excellent, and the coffee and desserts are to die for. However, here is the oops - after waiting a reasonable amount of time for our entrees I was brought an item that I didn't order. The waitress looked perturbed at me but did apologize and after another 10 minute wait, I received the correct steak, which was prepared perfectly. I never saw a manager; no one offered to comp the meal or offer a free drink or dessert.So, I'm not sure how to rate this one.Due to the limited menu, probably wont go back."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "Food and service were outstanding. We had a great time and enjoyed all our wonderful meals."
    Dined on 1/7/2014
  • "A group of seven of us ate a delicious meal at Revolution in December and we will definitely be returning. We will also recommend this restaurant to others. The food was delicious, the wait staff was efficient and friendly, and the ambience was magnificent."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "Limited menu choices make us less likely to want to return to this restaurant, even though what we did have was very good. The food was nicely prepared and served at the proper temperature. The items that we had were creative and also nicely presented, but again, we felt as though the limitations in choices was distinct downside of this restaurant."
    Dined on 12/24/2013
  • "Seafood, in particular, was good. We had oysters, shrimp, and scallops. Someone in the kitchen knows good seafood. Also on our table that night: rib-eye, duck, sweet potatoes, asparagus, potatoes, and a bunch of other things. Yes, we were hungry."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "We love this restaurant. The Chef/Owner is so creative with certain standard entrees we love. We even have our favorite waiter."
    Dined on 12/16/2013
  • "The noise level was so high that we will not be going again…too bad!"
    Dined on 12/12/2013
  • "The food here is OUTSTANDING! Service is IMPECCABLE!"
    Dined on 12/15/2012
  • "Great food, great service and attention to our dietary needs (gluten free) made this a wonderful evening! They also had a wine selection that includes good values."
    Dined on 12/8/2013
  • "Our waiter was very attentive to ours needs. My friend had a gluten allergy and the waiter described which dishes were okay and brought the issue to the chef's attention immediately. I ordered the scallops which were excellent and my friend ordered the duck (which came prepared two ways). Our waiter was impressive as were the dishes. A little expensive but perfect for a date or night out with a close friend"
    Dined on 12/7/2013
  • "Every time I mentioned to a friend that I would be dining at Revolution, the response was, "WOW! I LOVE Revolution!", so I had very high expectations. Perhaps too high. The free valet parking was a nice start and we had a lovely table. The food was also delicious, though the steak of one of my fellow diners was quite rare, when he ordered medium-rare. The area of "letdown" for me came in the form of our lackluster waiter. When we arrived, we made it clear to him that we needed to be at a show which began at 8:00 p.m. and yet he never had any sense of urgency about getting us out on time. He finally delivered our check at 7:40 p.m. and didn't manage to conclude the transaction until 7:55 p.m., causing us to be quite late for our show."
    Dined on 11/23/2013
More reviews ›
Diners' Choice Awards
  • Durham Winners
  • Best Ambiance
  • Notable Wine List
  • Romantic
  • Special Occasion
  • Most Booked
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