Nerra is a seasonal, seafood-forward kitchen in Durham, NC, inspired by the land and coastlines that shape its ingredients. Rooted in North Carolina, we partner with local farmers, fishers, and foragers to create a menu that reflects place, craft, and seasonality. From briny shellfish and coastal catches to charred vegetables and heirloom grains, Nerra celebrates provenance, creativity, and the joy of gathering.
I had a wonderful experience with friends at Nerra. Chef Lex has created a flavorful menu and assembled a welcoming staff with a beautiful backdrop that takes you to a restful spot by the sea. Many of the staff at Nerra are part of Chef Lex's family and you can tell they have hospitality in their blood. The cocktail with lychee was light and refreshing. The Bull Durham cocktail was for those who want a little stronger drink, but also delicious. Do not skip the bread flight. The hushpuppies and herbed biscuits are heavenly. I don't know what Chef Lex does with salads, but it's magic. The blackened kale salad with salmon was delicious. My friend who ordered the shrimp dish was unusually quite while she concentrated on eating her entree. The fries are light, crispy and perfectly seasoned. I had a sesame crusted Tuna that I completely forgot to photograph because all my focus was on eating it. To top it all off, we had peach crisp that we all shared because we were too full to eat a full one on our own. I brought extra peach crisps home for neighbors and they couldn't stop raving about it. The portions were generous. There is a parking lot beside the restaurant with free 2 hour parking for Nerra diners.
Marla Hoggard
Oct 4, 2025
5
Wow. Just wow. My parents were in town for the weekend, so we decided to check out this brand new spot, and I'm so glad we did. It was absolutely spectacular! We started with the tuna crudo and the curry mussels, and both were phenomenal! The sauce on the crudo and the curry broth for the mussel were both out of this world delicious! When we ran out of mussels and bread we were all taking turns drinking the broth out of empty mussel shells - it was that good!
For entrees, we had two specials, the Cajun seafood pasta and the roasted whole red snapper. Both were excellent. The snapper was so moist and the sauce was great - reminded me of linguine with clams. And my dad loved his pasta.
Also, the couple at the table next to us both had the short rib, and I overhead him tell the waitress that he was nervous to come since he's not a seafood fan, but he was so glad he did because the short rib was incredible.
This was one of the best meals I've had in Durham in a long time. I will definitely be back!
D W
Oct 2, 2025
5
If you’re a seafood lover (or dining with someone who isn’t), this new spot is the place to be. Their menu truly has something for everyone—all at the same time. My party of three each ordered different dishes, and EVERYONE enjoyed their food. From the wings to the red snapper, Chef Lex did not miss when it comes to flavor.
We started with the ceviche, which was bright, fresh, and had the perfect punch of citrus. The calamari? Crispy, tender, and seasoned just right. As a self-proclaimed seafood girlie, I had to go for the red snapper—and wow. Every bite was packed with flavor and cooked to absolute perfection.
The service was also top tier, giving true pre-COVID hospitality—attentive, kind, and welcoming. And if you manage to save room for dessert, don’t skip it. It was the perfect sweet ending to an already amazing meal.
Overall: 10/10. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting. Chef Lex has created something special here.
Kierstyn Myers
Sep 30, 2025
5
Durham’s food scene just got a serious upgrade with the opening of Nerra! This place is an absolute gem. The menu is full of seasonal seafood dishes that are packed with flavor and beautifully prepared. I tried the creamy Cajun seafood pasta, and it was out of this world. The whole red snapper was perfectly cooked and just melted in my mouth. Every bite made me excited for the next!
The service was just as impressive as the food. The staff was warm, attentive, and made the whole experience feel special from start to finish. It’s clear they truly care about their guests and take pride in what they do.
On top of the incredible food and hospitality, Nerra adds an extra touch by offering a free dessert for the table every Friday. Such a thoughtful and fun way to kick off the weekend!
Between the vibrant flavors, the welcoming atmosphere, and the outstanding service, Nerra is already one of Durham’s must-visit restaurants. I’ll definitely be back again and again.
Andi Weiss
Sep 19, 2025
5
Been twice since they opened and the food was amazing both times. At this point I have tried many of the small plates along with two different entrees and have had both desserts. The fries are SO GOOD. The salmon cake is perfection. Presentation is beautiful. The chef here pays a lot of attention to detail and every single thing was so good. Will be a regular spot for us.
