Bleu Olive

Name: Bleu Olive
Address: 1821 Hillandale Road, Durham, NC, United States, 27705
Telephone: (919) 383-8502
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.9

4.9 (1327)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

1821 Hillandale Road, Durham, NC 27705

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

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.

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.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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 1,327 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
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
Best Overall
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 in Durham shines with "amazing food and cocktails," offering a delightful Mediterranean menu that consistently impresses. The "service is attentive and friendly," enhancing the dining experience in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Frequent patrons praise its "outstanding food and value," making it a top choice for special occasions.

1,327 Reviews

T
Ted
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It’s been over 5 years since our last visit to the Bleu Olive but not much has changed. Excellent service and friendly staff. My wife had the Sea Bass entree and I had the Lamb entree. Both were cooked to perfection and very delicious. Good selection of desserts also. Definitely plan on returning to this restaurant again.
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M
Margie
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill8 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great food and service, as usual. This is my favorite restaurant in Durham.
Is this helpful?
K
Ken
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service. The wait staff is outstanding and the food is some of the best we have ever had. Started with Calamari and ciabatta bread, and split a salad I had the Snapper special and my wife had the chicken. All outstanding. We will be back.
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S
Stephanie
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every time I eat at Bleu Olive I love it. The food and cocktails are amazing and the staff is lovely. Highly recommend.
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K
Kerry
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed our light dinner very much. Their beet salad is better than any I’ve had in a restaurant ever!
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PS
ProvSal
New York City25 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very fine Mediterranean food in nice surroundings. Wonderful service, not rushed and attentive. Would certainly recommend and would certainly come back. Actually, the service and waiter could not have been better.
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M
Margie
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill8 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great tasting food and wonderful service. It's m y favorite restaurant in Durham.
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D
Donald
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill19 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have never had food I didn't like here. The service is most excellent and the atmosphere is very comfortable. The wine selection is as wonderful as the food. The staff are outstanding.
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D
Donald
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill19 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
BLT was perfect for lunch, complemented by a nice cup of avgolemono.
Is this helpful?
M
Margie
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill8 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service, as usual. It's my all time favorite restaurant in Durham
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 1327 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

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
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

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

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

Additional information