Chase Thompson
I’ve been here many times, no longer live in the area. My wife and I had our first date here in 2012, revisited last night (2025) and the place was still excellent. For lunch I’d usually get a burger and fries (excellent fries), or the lobster bisque or clam chowder soups (both fantastic). For our first date (and again last night) we had the Filet Mignon – mine with a loaded baked potato and her’s with sweet potatoes. Both meals were absolutely delicious. To top it off we each got a small slice of cake (their slices are very big), also delicious. Our server, Eric, was incredibly nice and attentive. Can’t wait to go back again! Great place for a date or for a family outing.
… moreVernon Brady
This was our first time and we look forward to more visits. The food was delicious and portions generous. Everything seemed prepared very well. Service was attentive and prices reasonable. There were many menu selections with a variety of items. The desert was amazing !
… moreAwsum Davis
We ordered the crab dip, but it had a very fishy taste. The manager was understanding and removed it from the ticket, and we replaced it with the spinach dip. Unfortunately, we didn’t enjoy that dish either. When we asked about removing it, the manager said only one item could be taken off, which was disappointing and didn’t make much sense. The seafood pasta also wasn’t enjoyable, as it had far too many tomatoes. The one highlight was the steak, which was cooked well. The strawberry cake was yummy ! Overall, the experience was not satisfying, and I would not return.
… moreAdam Wallace
The Nantucket Grill in Durham offers a dining experience steeped in New England tradition, featuring a sprawling menu of seafood, steaks, and classic American dishes. However, what truly defines a visit here isn’t the entree—it’s the infamous, sky-high, multi-layer cakes displayed prominently upon entry.
The Atmosphere and Service
Nantucket Grill leans into a classic, established ambiance, which some may find charmingly old-school, while others might view it as slightly dated. The setting is generally comfortable, with outdoor seating often available.
The menu is extensive, offering everything from Filet Mignon and Cajun Ribeye to New England staples like the Maine Lobster Roll, Crab Cakes, and various stuffed seafood preparations (like the Nantucket Island Stuffed Tilapia). Popular savory choices include the Atlantic Grilled Salmon and the Jambalaya Pasta, which is described as a flavorful, zesty Creole dish. For lunch, the French Dip sandwich and the Blackened Salmon Salad are reliable options.
If there is one non-negotiable reason to visit Nantucket Grill, it is for the bakery case. The restaurant is universally known for its massive, multi-layered cakes—truly impressive feats of pastry engineering. The favorites are consistently the Strawberry Shortcake (often cited as the best) and the Coconut Vanilla Cake (Coconut Cloud).
The cakes are decadent, moist, and enormous; a single slice is often substantial enough to serve two or three people. Many regulars opt for sandwiches or salads for their meal just to save room for this signature dessert, or simply stop by for a slice to take home.
Nantucket Grill is an institution that successfully serves a niche. It is the perfect choice for family dinners, those craving classic New England comfort food, or anyone who values a spectacular dessert above all else. Just make sure you save room for it!
… moreAlvie Dingle
I have tried several items from the menu and have NEVER been disappointed. Their desserts are made in-house. OH MY–DELICIOUS. If you have never tried bread pudding or you may frown on it, please try. It is a succulent blueberry bread pudding. YUMMY!! I’ve also had the strawberry shortcake. YUMMY!! I’m confident that whatever your menu selection, you’ll enjoy.
… moreRobert Cox
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
During my trip to North Carolina, I was told by a local downtown that I absolutely needed to try the cake at Nantucket Grill, and I’m so glad I did! Their cake selection is incredible, with so many delicious-looking options that it was hard to choose. I ended up going with the coconut vanilla cake, and it was absolutely phenomenal. The cake was light, fluffy, and perfectly moist, while the frosting had just the right amount of sweetness. It’s honestly some of the best cake I’ve had in a long time.
While I didn’t get a chance to try the food on this visit, I would come back just for the desserts alone. The quality and flavor of the cake were top-notch, and I can see why this place is considered a local staple.
If you’re in the area and have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend stopping by Nantucket Grill for their desserts. Based on my experience with the cake, I’m sure their food is also excellent. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in North Carolina Chapel Hill area.
Cake slice was $5.64
… moremichlith
The food, service, and atmosphere is amazing! Miguel was our server! He checked on us making sure we were happy. We watched Shawn handle a difficult table with politeness and ease!
If you are looking for a place that is a hidden gem, THIS IS THE PLACE!
… moreTiff Barnes
Ordered carryout from Nantucket Grill during my break at work not long ago. This was my first time ordering food from this restaurant. I have had their strawberry shortcake a couple times and it is absolutely delicious! I decided to try their Jambalaya Pasta and Unbirthday Cake. The pasta was good but the cake okay. It was a little dry on this day. I will return for the strawberry shortcake when I need something sweet!
… moreThomas (Tom)
Stopped here for a late lunch a while back after a trip to Chapel Hill for a med ov. Turned out to be a decent restaurant. Food was good, service was good. Place was busy. Good selection on the menu – too full for dessert which was a shame since they looked great. We both opted for a clam chowder as an appetizer which limited us to about half our entrees. Think there’s a Raleigh location -will be checking since that would be a lot closer.
… moreAshley S.
We went for my mom’s birthday. Everyone was very nice but our server was not overly attentive just average. I had the blackened salmon salad and the salad was very good but the salmon was just so-so. My husband had the prime rib and he said it was just ok. The rice pilaf looked like unfried fried rice you would get from a Chinese restaurant. My daughter had the turkey cranberry bog and said it was good. Mom had the fried shrimp and said they were good. Other plated at our table were hamburgers (just ok) and ribeye(said it was good). The nachos and cake were winners and the crab dip tasted fishy. They did honor mom’s birthday with a 1/2 slice of cake.
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