Nerra
Phone: (919) 246-6146
Overview
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.
Cuisines
- American
- Farm To Fork Restaurants
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Map
Google Rating
-
Nerra in Durham, NC is a charming boutique-style restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating that creates a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The menu is intentionally small, but every dish is packed with bold, layered flavors and thoughtfully prepared. Their drink program is equally impressive, featuring a creative lineup of specialty cocktails.
I tried the Deep Current, a tequila-based cocktail that was refreshing and perfectly balanced. If you prefer something nonalcoholic, the house lemonade is also highly recommended.
The jambalaya is one of the restaurant’s signature favorites and tends to sell out quickly, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to try it. Also worth mentioning are the Golden Coast Platter, Cajun Seafood Pasta, Curry Shore, and Red Snapper — each dish was equally flavorful and well executed. The Curry Shore especially stood out with its subtle Thai-inspired flavors, bringing a unique and aromatic twist to the overall dining experience.
The service was excellent and fast, adding to the overall experience and making the visit even more enjoyable. Overall, Nerra delivers a memorable coastal-inspired dining experience with flavorful food, creative drinks, warm ambiance, and attentive hospitality. Highly recommend. -
Had dinner at Nerra and it was a great experience from the moment we walked in.
I made a reservation and we were greeted and seated immediately. Our server, Joshilyn (I hope I spelled it right), was incredibly sweet and attentive throughout the evening.
We started with the Honey Sesame Soy Wings and when I tell you they were cooked to perfection… wow. Crispy, flavorful, and the sauce was SO good. Definitely a must order.
Everything came out quickly and the presentation of each dish was beautiful.
I ordered the Oven Roasted Whole Fish. Out of everything we tried, this was probably my least favorite dish. Still very good, but everything else was just that good that something had to come in last.
My husband ordered the Gumbo and it was delicious. The okra really set it off, and the cornbread was SO good. It almost tasted like there might have been a little sweet potato in it.
A friend got the Jerk Chicken and whew… that sauce! It was incredible. Honestly, they should consider putting that sauce on the salmon too. The plantains were perfectly done and so flavorful.
Another friend ordered the Cajun Seafood Pasta and it was AMAZING. 10, 10, 10. It wasn’t overwhelmingly spicy, but the flavor was in full effect.
For dessert we had the Cookie Butter Cheesecake and everything was great, but that cheesecake was the star of the show. Absolutely incredible and the perfect way to end the meal.
We definitely will be back. Offline brought us here, but now we’re customers for life. -
We've been to this restaurant twice.
And both times the fish and seafood were delicious, fresh, and perfectly cooked. Each time, we followed the waiter's recommendations and didn't regret it. There were excellent "specials of the day."
I really liked the seafood cooked in a clay pot with vegetables - potatoes, and corn and lemons. I couldn't even imagine how delicious it was, but my daughter ordered it for me, and I really loved it. The grilled perch was also incredibly tasty - we ate it all, leaving only the bones. -
I’ve now visited Nerra twice, and I’m officially hooked! The first time was for my sister’s birthday in October, and the second was for New Year’s Eve, this time bringing my husband along—and both experiences were amazing.
In October, I had the fried oyster mushrooms, perfectly crispy and packed with flavor. On New Year’s Eve, we both ordered the curry shore, a vegan dish with oyster mushrooms, rice, peppers, and tomatoes, and also got the charred Brussels sprouts. Everything was out of this world—rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Even though Nerra doesn’t have a huge vegan menu, we were thrilled with our options and left completely satisfied. Chef Lex is a true talent, crafting dishes that are creative, flavorful, and memorable.
If you’re in Durham and looking for vegan-friendly food that truly impresses, Nerra is an absolute must-visit! -
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.
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