Excellent French bistro in the heart of downtown Durham. I started with an amazing melon salad that was just bursting with flavor and color. I then had a peach gratin, which was covered with a pistachio Parmesan reggiano Duckfat ham crust. Try saying that fast three times. It was surrounded by a sauce Vierge and blueberries, and white corn. Amazing. My dining neighbor at the bar had an amazing chicken pate with fresh farm bread and flavorful spreads like whole-grain mustard and some fresh jam to balance the flavors. What is great about this price is that they let you order à la cart off a fixed price menu, which is what I did this evening because I wasn’t that hungry, but they also have charcuterie, cheese boards, small plates, lots of à la carte, vegetables and salads, fantastic specials – tonight was foie gras, which was almost what I got, and really inventive drink specials, as well as unique wines. You will need a reservation unless you’re willing to chance it to come in and sit at the bar. But if you do sit at the bar, make sure you get Tony as your bartender he will give you great service and mix a killer drink, or find a great wine for you.
Allie
Aug 19, 2023
4
Nice little French Restaurant in the heart of Durham. Reservations are recommended for this restaurant as it can be fairly busy. There is a parking garage across the street and street parking if you can find an available spot.
My husband and I used to go to Rue Cler more frequently before Covid and loved the food and the atmosphere. In our first post Covid trip we were a bit disappointed with the food. They seemed to be doing a more Southern take on French cuisine as opposed to traditional French cuisine. We questioned the use of some controversial ingredients in otherwise nice dishes- like anchovies on a tomato salad.
Still a nice /romantic/ evening out. Would recommend as a date location. Is a bit on the loud side for people with noise sensitivity.
Patrick Wagner
Aug 13, 2023
5
My friend and I went to Rue Cler this past Friday night. Everything was absolutely splendid. The service, food and drinks were absolutely perfect. I recommend the duck and lamb, perfectly prepared and the serving was worth the price. Had the chicken liver pate as an appetizer and no words can describe the taste, simply amazing. I will definitely be returning and encourage everyone to pay Rue Cler a visit. I would give them 6 stars if I could.
Kristi Thompson
May 17, 2023
5
Delicious cuisine with attentive service - our server was kind and helped us make our show at DPAC. The escargot was tasty - favorite dish was the brown butter ham (melts in your mouth) - the cucumber soup with crab was excellent as well - everything is such a treat! Lovely evening! Thank you!
Giorgia Boero
Jan 21, 2023
5
Very elegant and chic French restaurant in Durham. Not the first time I visited, the food is always excellent. An experience to do if you like to try elaborated french food. It is not cheap, but it worths.
