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Nasher Cafe at Duke University, Durham, NC

Nasher Cafe at Duke University

4.8
4.8
791 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
The 125-seat indoor/outdoor Nasher Cafe overlooks the garden and sits adjacent to the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen "Corridor Pin" sculpture, providing a serene and beautiful ambience. The Nasher Cafe offers local and sustainable products forged into creative lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Guests can experience a world class museum as well as restaurant in one stop.

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 48 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Café, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat 10:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (919) 684-6032
  • Website
    http://www.nasher.duke.edu/museum_cafe.php
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Catering and Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Please note that we do not currently host wedddings or wedding related events.
  • Private party contact
    Aidan Peters: (919) 684-6032
  • Location
    2001 Campus Dr., Durham, NC 27705
  • Neighborhood
    Durham
  • Cross street
    Anderson Street, Duke University Street, Campus Drive
  • Parking details
    The Nasher Museum has a metered parking lot. The meters accept credit cards or cash (exact change needed as they do not provide change).
  • Entertainment
    Summer Days Nasher Nights Programming includes special events we coin 'Live and Local'. There is live music from the talented musicians of the area as well as a menu featuring local products. Check out the calendar on nasher.duke.edu for further information regarding special programming and more.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 791 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for brunch

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for scenic views

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Contemporary American

  • Durham

    Best Overall

  • Durham

    Best Food

  • Durham

    Best Value

  • Durham

    Great for brunch

  • Durham

    Healthy

  • Durham

    Great for outdoor dining

791 Reviews

  1. DorisE

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ate outside on a gorgeous day. Lovely. It would have been too noisy inside.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Nina

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and prompt service. Waitstaff is very friendly. Adding this venue to my go back to list!

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on November 20, 2023

    Hi Nina, We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience at Nasher Cafe at Duke University! It's wonderful to know that our prompt service and delicious food met your expectations. We're also glad that our friendly staff added to your positive experience. Your kind words mean a lot to us and we're thrilled that you're planning to return. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. JamesM

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great place to meet for lunch then browse the eclectic art in the museum.

    Is this helpful?

  4. YvonneS

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We always enjoy ourselves - food, atmosphere and an outstanding waiter. The Nasher Cafe has never let us down.

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on November 20, 2023

    Hi YvonneS, Thank you so much for your kind words and the fantastic ratings! We're thrilled to hear that Nasher Cafe at Duke University has never let you down. We're especially glad to know that you enjoy our food, atmosphere, and outstanding service. Your satisfaction is our top priority and we're so grateful for your support. We look forward to serving you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Always a great experience

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on November 16, 2023

    Hey, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an excellent experience at Nasher Cafe at Duke University. It's fantastic to know that you enjoyed our food and service. We strive to provide our guests with memorable dining experiences and your kind words are a testament to that. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  6. DavidP

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Linguine and chicken was great! The cappuccino was not a little unusual.

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on November 13, 2023

    Hello DavidP, Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our linguine and chicken dish. We're sorry to hear that our cappuccino didn't meet your expectations. Do you mind responding with what was off? That way we can look into it further and see how to fix it! We look forward to welcoming you back to Nasher Cafe at Duke University soon!

    Is this helpful?

  7. EvaH

    Raleigh

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at the Nasher is always the best. FIrst time for brunch yesterday and we really enjoyed everything about it. Had Salmon Benedict: The best since having visited Iceland this summer. Yeah.

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on November 9, 2023

    Hey EvaH, We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic first experience at Nasher Cafe at Duke University! It's always a pleasure to know that our guests are enjoying their brunch and savoring our dishes. We're glad that you enjoyed the Salmon Benedict, and we're grateful for your high ratings. We look forward to welcoming you back! Best, The Management Team

    Is this helpful?

  8. MaryM

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Luncheon November 3 terrible-salad had no taste and too much dressing. Noise level unbearable.

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on November 9, 2023

    Thanks for visiting us, MaryM. We're truly sorry to hear about your experience! We always aim to deliver a great experience, and we're disappointed to hear that our salad did not meet your expectations. We appreciate your feedback on the noise level, as we are aware that it can become raucous when busy. We had tried to offer you a quieter table, but you opted for the one near the window instead, so we apologize that it was so loud in our full interior (at least you had a great view!) Perchance, if there is a next time, you take the recommendation of sitting in the exterior wing of the cafe where it is much quieter.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting for lunch. Great service and food

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on November 9, 2023

    Hi, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your lunch at Nasher Cafe at Duke University. It's wonderful to know that our service and food met your expectations. We strive to provide a beautiful setting and great service for our guests, and it's rewarding to hear that we succeeded. We look forward to serving you again soon. Best regards, The Management Team

    Is this helpful?

  10. llmandww

    Charlotte

    90 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    90 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Salads are phenomenal - casual atmosphere, open and airy. Friendly service and food delivery was efficient.

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on October 20, 2023

    Thank you for your review - much appreciated! Hope to see you soon!

    Is this helpful?

  11. ELKEH

    Raleigh

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience3
    We always have an excellent dining experience at Nasher Cafe! One suggestion! If food is in on the plate the server should ask if the diner is finished instead of reaching to pick up the plate. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  12. PatriciaG

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The evening was perfect to eat outside. Staff accommodated our reservation change. Food excellent. Staff attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  13. PeterH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a perfect spot for a lunch date with my wife! We sat outside and enjoyed one of the Nasher's vegan options, the portobello mushroom ciabatta sandwich, which we highly recommend. Service was attentive, without being intrusive, so we were able to have a nice conversation on a beautiful fall day.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Art2garden

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Nasher Museum Café was a great place to catch up with out of town friends for lunch today. We loved sitting outside on a warm, but not hot!, fall day. Our lunch was delicious, and enhanced by a bottle of very good Italian wine. There was no problem parking for a weekday lunch. I alway enjoy browsing around the galleries before or after lunch. The special exhibitions are inspiring, and I always find something new in the arrangements of the permanent collections and new acquisitions.

    Is this helpful?

  15. EliseS

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful menu with so many great options! Katie was phenomenal! Made me so welcomed and very knowledgeable about the menu. The atmosphere is so inviting and relaxing. Beautiful food presented.

    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityResponded on September 28, 2023

    Thanks so much Elise! We think Katie is pretty amazing too!

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food and loved sitting outdoors. Would go back.

    Is this helpful?

  17. ChelseaA

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at the Nasher is delicious, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Cheryl

    Charlotte

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great. We sat outside on a lovely day. Great food and service. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Exceptional food and attentive service! A go to restaurant for lunch and Sunday brunch.

    Is this helpful?

  20. KimberlyG

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friends and I had a meal before a Nasher event. We had a wonderful experience, from start to finish.

    Is this helpful?

  21. leety

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This has been one of my favorite spots on Duke's campus to have lunch. The food is always fresh, tasty, and served in an appetizing manner.

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  22. JimC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pleasing ambiance, nice helpers, beautiful surroundings, interesting and tasty food.

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  23. DebB

    Raleigh

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious, with great service. A lovely spot for a nice lunch - and surrounded by beautiful art.

    Is this helpful?

  24. SusanC

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Went for brunch on Sunday, farmers omelette and southwestern omelette were both cooked perfectly and delicious, ham and crab Benedict was very good although it wasn’t lump crab meat as the menu depicted. They were out of the blackberry lemonade and that was disappointing ordered ice tea instead and it tasted a little sour. Service was cheerful and friendly which I really appreciate, but we didn’t seem to have a designated server for our table and had to wave over some one if we needed anything. Place is clean bright and cheerful. I will return and would recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  25. LeeS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, wonderful food, and ambience - we cannot wait to come back!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We tried the steak Benedict and southwestern omelet for Sunday Brunch. It was a great experience, drinks and food were delicious and service was friendly and prompt. Can't wait to come back.

    Is this helpful?

  27. BullCityDriven

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    food here is always well-prepared and creative—no complaints there; plenty of drink options, friendly service and a good pace w/o feeling rushed. feels a little spartan, but otherwise a great experience

    Is this helpful?

  28. SusanV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Nice variety of menu items. Very pleasant, helpful staff. Good place for lunch with a friend. The AC was a little chilly/breezy for me. The butternut squash salad was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  29. Timothy

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Excellent environment, interesting menu, and very good wines. Server was efficient and responsive.

    Is this helpful?

  30. LaineS

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Husband and I made reservation for brunch then visited the exhibits. Staff were friendly and we had a lovely cheese plate and wine. Lovely Sunday afternoon!

    Is this helpful?

  31. AliceL

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Lovely venue for a relaxing lunch visit with friends. Noise level is but table by the windows worked well enough.

    Is this helpful?

  32. EthelS

    Raleigh

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    We always love the opportunity to dine at the Nasher Cafe! The menu is varied, and offers good value. Our latest visit occurred on a day in which the Cafe announced they were closing early. We learned of this when we arrived….It was my birthday, and I could have selected another time so they my guests would not be rushed. Instead, we were told first off that “the kitchen will be closing in X minutes” They were preparing for a 10 day serving break; but I felt personally that advance word of the circumstances would have been considerate.

    Is this helpful?

  33. NaomiL

    Warwickshire

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food in attractive surroundings with pleasant, well organized service

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  34. jdesigner

    Raleigh

    37 reviews

    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic brunch selection made it difficult to choose.

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  35. ELKEH

    Raleigh

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It has been awhile when eating at the Nasher. We’re coming back. Everything was outstanding! See you soon! Elke Hoffmann

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The echoes in that place are dreadful, so we ate outside despite the heat.

    Is this helpful?

  37. JohnRovi

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A bit pricey, but for good reason--the setting, both inside and outside, is luscious.

    Is this helpful?

  38. jdesigner

    Raleigh

    37 reviews

    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Nice place for brunch, lunch or dinner. Well prepared foods and good options for vegans, etc. Sad that I was not allowed to get Open Table Points though.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Exceeded expectations. Brunch was amazing. I got the salmon eggs Benedict. Excellent Bloody Mary and coffee. Service was great. Will definitely be back for brunch.

    Is this helpful?

  40. JudithO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Staff were also great and the view is perfect. I love eating here.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Nasher Cafe at Duke University offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (919) 684-6032.

Nasher Cafe at Duke University is rated 4.8 stars by 791 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 48 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Nasher Cafe at Duke University

2001 Campus Dr., Durham, NC 27705

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Anderson Street, Duke University Street, Campus Drive
  • Neighborhood
    Durham
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat 10:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Café, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    The Nasher Museum has a metered parking lot. The meters accept credit cards or cash (exact change needed as they do not provide change).
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Summer Days Nasher Nights Programming includes special events we coin 'Live and Local'. There is live music from the talented musicians of the area as well as a menu featuring local products. Check out the calendar on nasher.duke.edu for further information regarding special programming and more.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.nasher.duke.edu/museum_cafe.php
  • Phone number
    (919) 684-6032
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Catering and Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Please note that we do not currently host wedddings or wedding related events.
  • Private party contact
    Aidan Peters: (919) 684-6032
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