Intimate atmosphere, check. Big-bulb string lights, check. Delicious food and drink? Yup, Littler has that, too. Bon Appetit magazine previously acknowledged that with the whole space lending a romantic glow, you may never want to leave. The chefs ensure a fresh, seasonal approach in the kitchen and promise that no meal is complete without a colorful, whimsical dessert.
My wife and I visited Littler before a theater show at the Durham Performing Arts Center. The restaurant is a short, 5 to 10 minute walk to the DPAC. It's a small, cozy, and modern restaurant with simple decorations abound. We started with the Sweet Potato field starter. Wow, it was delicious. Make sure to get the sourdough bread for dipping into the olive oil with this dish. For entrees, I selected the seared scallops, and my wife had the sea bass. Both were wonderful and light. Flavors were magnificent as we shared our choices with each other. For dessert, we couldn't decide, so we got two; the chocolate chiffon cake, and yuzu & lemon posset. The chocolate mousse was about twice the size of the posset and a heavier, more filling dessert.
The restaurant had wonderfully decorated restrooms with lighted candles and a modest selection of wines and cocktails.
I would recommend having reservations since the establishment is small. Also, they do include a 20% gratuity on all orders, so be mindful when tipping since the final price includes the tip.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience and plan to return in the future when we're back in Durham.
Allan Robison
Dec 29, 2024
4
The food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere was just right. What I did not like is that we spent $60 a person with half of the people not getting drinks and no desserts and then when we left we went across the street to a pub because everyone was still hungry and ordered food at the pub. I also did not like that they could not handle five people. They squished thee people on the bench and put two place settings on a spot for one place setting. There were plenty of empty tables, but they decided to squeeze us instead. We also ordered the bread, and there were only four slices, and they had no option for five people other than ordering a second round of four slices. The place seems to be designed for couples or a pair of couples. At the end of the day, the party of five all agreed that the food was exceptional and the staff was great, but we would not return because of the reasons listed in this post. If you want to spend lots of money and have a romantic time, then you should go. The food is worth it. If you are hungry, go across the street.
Travis Smith
Dec 28, 2024
5
Great spot for dinner in Durham. Highly recommended cozy location in heart of city. Food, cocktails and desserts are amazing. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Must try, look forward to coming back as their menu changes seasonally I believe.
Samantha Marie Allen
Dec 6, 2024
5
Wow! Wow! Wow! Best meal I've ever had in Durham and I've lived here over a decade! 😍 Delicious, well balanced food that's a delight for your senses. A fun, classy, elegant atmosphere, and beautiful plating. The service was also fantastic! Everyone was so friendly and helpful it was a delight to experience. Highly recommend this spot for your next dinner outing!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Marissa Cisneros
Nov 27, 2024
5
Littler is a true gem for food enthusiasts. From the first bite to the last, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The sweet potato and mushroom dishes were comforting and flavorful, setting the stage for the seafood extravaganza that followed. The sea bass and scallops were cooked to perfection, tender and succulent. The olive cake was a surprising delight, a unique and delicious addition to the meal.
The dessert was equally impressive. The beet sorbet was a refreshing and unexpected flavor combination. To top it all off, the coffee and espresso martinis were the perfect way to end the meal. And let's not forget the mercy of the bartender drinks, which added a touch of whimsy and creativity to the evening. Joe, the bartender, was fantastic, crafting delicious cocktails that perfectly complemented the meal.
If you're looking for a memorable dining experience, Littler is the place to go.
Aaron Weber
Oct 8, 2024
5
We went here as the first stop on our mini-moon and I don’t have enough good things to say! I was able to work with them to surprise my wife with by having a glass of her favorite wine ready when we got to the table, and the food was absolutely outstanding! The oysters were fresh and buttery, and the sourdough was perfect. We got the gnocchi with scallops and the short rib for our mains—both blew us away. The desserts and cocktails were great too! We will definitely be back!
Fay Breitbart (feeby64)
Sep 12, 2024
5
OMG ~ I don't know where to start. It's so charming inside where no detail was spared. The staff was friendly, considerate and darling. AND every single food & cocktail item was perfection. We shared the poached shrimp appetizer and the summer squash. We both had the gnocchi as mains. My favorite cocktail was the Phonetic Spelling with parsley oil which was possibly the best cocktail I have ever had. Our waitress timed our meal out so we were on time for our show at DPAC.
Thank you for the best experience ever!
Lindsey White
Jul 1, 2024
5
Spectacular food! I had the crispy octopus with asparagus, béarnaise, mint chives, and smoke trout roe with the carrot pasta. The food was flavorful and savory. The drinks complimented the meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant is small and intimate. The tables were family styled but I sat at the bar, and the bartender was very attentive. While it was pricy, you are absolutely paying for a culinary treat. Very delicious!
Nicole Nordeste
May 15, 2024
5
A gem! As a former server, I actually don't mind that they add a 20% tip to the bill. The restaurant, in my opinion, is pricey but justifiably so. Main plates are about $26-38. They have a smaller menu, always a good sign. I got the trout, which was delicious. My friend got the scallops and they were cooked perfectly. We didn't get any small plates. We did get Oysters and Bread, both fresh and delectable. Cocktails are $14-16, inventive and tasty. The server was patient, pleasant, and knowledgeable. The ambiance was cozy and low key but polished. We will be back!
