The Mint Restaurant
based on 20 reviews
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 821-0011
Edit
Category: Restaurants
Tags:
southern food, downtown raleigh, upscale, molecular gastronomy, look somewhere else, good quality, smaller portions., prix fixe
I am the owner of this business
Nominate this restaurant
Price Range: Spendy, $31-60
Accepts Credit Cards: yes
Parking: Valet
Wheelchair Accessible: yes
20 reviews for The Mint Restaurant
My husband treated me to a wonderful dinner here. Unfortunately, he chose Valentine's Day,,,aggghhh! Our experience: Waited for our reserved table, waited for our waitress to greet us, then waited for her to return for our order. Her personality was wonderful so we overlooked these items, even after having to ask for bread after our salads came. The atmosphere was really nice with the live entertainment. BUT,,,then we waited a long time for our food, which was Fabulous (after the wait),,so still we over-looked. The biggest let down to me was the unexpected 20% gratuity, for a table of 2, that was added without our knowledge or consent. As evenings go,,it was sweet because I was with my Sweetie, but will only visit this restaurant again during non-busy times.
I wrote a review yesterday that seems to have vanished...so here goes again:
My wife and I dine out roughly 3 nights per week in Raleigh and had been meaning to visit The Mint for quite some time. We finally got around to going there this past Saturday evening. The decor and staff were top notch but it fell short when it came to the food. Considering the high prices I would so far as to say that the place is a complete rip off. I had Duck Breast that was tough and grisly and actually blood red in the middle. Anytime I have had Duck in a good restaurant before it was slow roasted and fall apart tender; this looked and felt like it came out of a microwave. The side dish of Gratin potatoes were barely passable. My wife's scallops were tough and fishy...how do you screw up a scallop?!? and her Pad Thai Noodles were a plasticy glob that tasted bitter. She ended up barely eating any of it as it was that awful. I didn't complain to the manager, or make a stink, altough I probably should have; our evening was already ruined by this experience and any ugliness would have only made things worse. We opted to pay the bill and quietly leave.
Our check came to $65 and I left a 20% tip as I felt it wasn't the servers fault. They were friendly and courteous, and the lousy food wasn't their fault.
It seems that The Mint is getting by on it's chic decor, and trendy image; I find that aspect of The Mint to be obnoxious and shallow...and insulting actually. The REALLY good restaurants have a down to earth vibe and are truly insightful and aware of what it takes to make a guest feel like they are experiencing something special. The Mint seems to be trying too hard to appeal to peoples lesser instincts so they can make a quick buck. Honestly Mint, ...scratch the valet parking and pretentious image, and concentrate on making great food. That degree of empty ostentatia is actually very low rent and the opposite of what you seem to be shooting for...tacky tacky tacky!!!
Nice place, just don't plan an event there! I was told I'd have an area reserved, then after advertising and planning my event (with the date, time and location listed on all materials and website), the event planner from the Mint called me and said she was giving my spot away b/c I had not signed anything yet (with no warning at all). I had asked when I made the reservation if I had to come in to sign anything or put a deposit down and was told as long as I came in a few days or a week prior to the event, everything would be fine!
It was your responsibility to dot the i's and cross the t's before you advertised your event. Restaurants exist to make money not risk revenue when a large party doesn't show.
That would be understandable, but I was told it was reserved (and did not need to come in to sign paperwork until a week before the event)... I also have this in writing since we were corresponding via email! I'm not sure if she didn't expect someone to take the date since it was during the work week, or what the case was, but I specifically asked if I had to make a decision on food and sign everything before it was reserved or if it was possible to advertise and see how many people would be attending before deciding on food (which is when paperwork would be filled out). If the event planner says it's "100% yours" and not to worry, you usually believe they're telling the truth! So my i's were dotted and t's crossed, it was their responsibility to be honest with me and tell me it was not reserved when asked flat out... and if someone comes in asking about the date, you inform the person who you promised it to and give them a chance to get down there or make payment over the phone (not just give it away)! The only thing I can guess is that the other people must have been planning on a bigger crowd (therefore would be spending more money). No matter what the reason, there is NO way this is acceptable!
This is the most beautiful restaurant in Raleigh. The service was flawless and the food was a culinary experience! The portions are perfect, the flavors were big, and the wine was excellent. We ordered the Prix Fixe menu and were not disappointed. For the first course, I got the Calamari and my sweetie got the Short Ribs because he is a big meat-eater. The calamari was the best I've ever had. I loved the pepper. Mmmm. For our Second course, I got the Scallops -- sweet, fresh, and the red pepper coulis -- perfect! My guy got the Osso Bucco, which he loved, but it's not something I would gravitate towards, myself. For dessert, he got the Napoleon (a classic!) and I got the Apple Tart -- which was amazing. Such a lovely dinner!! Be sure to trust your waiter for the wine pick -- because we were ordering such different plates, we just ordered by the glass. Everything is done to perfection here - they made me feel like a million bucks and we only spent $30 apiece for a 3-course meal. We will be coming back on my birthday -- if I can wait that long!
The portions are right on for fine dining. If you believe they are the size of a "normal appetizer" it is only because you must be used to Chilis, Applebees or the other chains that overload their plates to the point food is wasted. I have dined at many upscale restaurants and the sizing of portions is on par for the class and style of restaurant that The Mint would be included in.
The interior of the restaurant is pleasant, but the service is poor, furthermore the servers have attitude! The portions, despite are listed as a large are really small, comparable to regular appetizer serving. The quality of the meal is decent.
We had a fantastic dinner at The Mint. Fixe Prix menu had excellent choices - the shrimp/grits, calamari, & scallops were out of this world. We're not food connoisseurs, but we know good food and The Mint delivered! Yes, portions were on the small side and may seem even smaller because the restaurant uses oversized plates but we had plenty to eat and couldn't even finish our desserts.
Atmosphere was soothing, service was great. Tip: Don't get the still/sparkling water if the server offers, use the money towards an equivalent glass of wine. Definitely a restaurant for a special occasion - we highly recommend it.
I had dinner there this past Tuesday night, December 15, 2009. If I could give it TEN stars I would. It was the best meal I ever had from the appetizer to the dessert. The service was superb. I can't wait to go back and bring my family and more of my friends next time I'm in town. If you live in the area or plan to visit the area make sure you stop there for lunch and/or dinner. Make sure to try at the very least, the Yellow Tomato Soup, Truffled Mac and Cheese, The Campfire and any Entree of your choosing (I had the Pan Roasted Grouper). The selection of food choices and taste itself you will not find elsewhere.
I too certainly agree. For my birthday I requested we all go their for dinner. Food and service were superb. Excellent tasting food and the grandkids ate everything, I mean everything on their plates. I have been back twice since. I highly suggest this restaurants to all my friends.
Had dinner there on 04/11/09, the service could have been better; our server had too many tables and could not tend to our party in a manner that suits this level of restaurant. The servings are smaller than I would have liked, anyone who says they were "stuffed" after eating here is lying or just had gastric bypass surgery. However, the quality of the meal was quite good. The sea bass w/ rib meat was outstanding and the filet mignon was good but should have been listed as a "small plate."
James WSSU 92'
You people that are complaining about the Mint are rediculous!!!! Look at the place when you walk in, that should tell you "hey this place is going to be a bit on the expensive side" the atmosphere is amazing as well as the service.............maybe you should know I worked with the new executive chef Eric Foster, he is one of the most meticulous chefs you;ll ever find not to mention his knowledge of food, every meal that goes out is checked and passed by him, and trust me he will send nothing out short of excellent!!! Maybe the people that didn't enjoy it don't have the palate for this kind of dining, it's not your typical dining place the food is different and you have to go in with an open mind about the menu, just try the stuff it may sound like it dosen't go together but trust me it does!!! Eric spends hours upon hours researching and testing new foods, his love for food shows in his presentation and tastes that are sent to each and everyones table, I feel when I'm there I'm a VIP, you just don't find a complete atmosphere such as the Mint, service, food, and ambience is great!!! To those that down the Mint try it again and don't think about the high price think your getting what you pay for and by all means you do. keep up the good work The Mint, your a favorite in my book!!!
I am a woman who loves not only good food and service but great atmosphere. This Restaurant has it all. She will love it!
I am looking for a very romantic place to take a special woman in my life. I want her experience to be a memorable one she will have as long as she lives. This will be our first Valentines together...would you recommend The Mint for this special occasion?
The new affordable menu along with the quality and service will make The Mint your favorite restaurant.
I don't think you should give reviews on anything until you learn
a proper language! English would be helpful, how can you afford to dine at a place like this? When you couldn't have a decent job! You can't complete a legible sentence!