The Mint Restaurant
based on 20 reviews
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 821-0011
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Category: Restaurants
Tags:
southern food, downtown raleigh, upscale, molecular gastronomy, look somewhere else, good quality, smaller portions., prix fixe
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Price Range: Spendy, $31-60
Accepts Credit Cards: yes
Parking: Valet
Wheelchair Accessible: yes
20 reviews for The Mint Restaurant
This has to have been the best looking place iv walked into in downtown. Are the setting is wonderful. Thats where is stopped the server was unpolished and forceful with what chef wanted you to eat and to trust in the chef. Well we did and there is a reason there where only 6 guest in there at 8:30 it was awful. Overcooked Sous Vide lobster and funny part its idiot proof cooking in a bag. the flavors where like a caramel lobster candy bar. salad was a joke a head of romaine that you have to cut and mind you not small tender romaine I mean monster walmart romaine heads.. should have been served with chefs knife. Filet was cooked right but I ordered entree of the build your own menu because his entrees lacked that this that makes you want them. I would never go back again until they get a chef that can cook on fine dining level. I also talked with other foodies in area and everything about mint is negative and "dont go" I didnt listen I hope you save your money and send it on a good mean not here.
I've eaten there a few times for lunch and dinner, including a special dinner in the private dining room. Find it very overrated. Wait-staff is overly friendly. Had a potentially embarassing situation at a set dinner, where we picked wine beforehand with the restaurant, but then one of the guests wanted a different type. I asked the head server for recommendations in that category and he started pushing wines that were at the most expensive end of their wine list -- which in this restaurant can be quite pricey. Expected that he should have been able to offer 3 choices in different price ranges.
Food is okay but nothing special as stated in the other reviews. Desserts just don't do it.
Spot on with the 5 stars, but our Chef's Tasting didn't stuff us--it was a perfect amount of food and we definitely had room for dessert.
I'm not a dramatic person, but the meal was a bit of a life-changing experience. The service AND the food were impeccable. I was so wound up after our meal I could barely go to bed that night. And we left the restaurant with a few new friends--among those: Lindsey, Whit, Jeremy and Eric.
We did the tasting and the pork belly as well as the duck breast nearly brought me to tears...they were so good. Everything was so good. And I've never been so well taken care of during a meal. My wife and I felt very, very special.
We'll be talking about that amazing meal for a long, long time--and we'll absolutely be going back ASAP.
The Mint was not just a restaurant, but an experience!! We were so stuffed that we did not even want dessert!! Our server was like a long, lost friend!! The food and atmosphere was 5-star. When in Raleigh there will not be any other choice!!
A Las Vegas/ LA Dining experience here in Raleigh! Recently at a party I attended that was full of Chefs, one Chef mentioned that he worked at The Mint. After talking with him about Advanced Molecular Gastronomy (better know as food science) and how they practiced it at The Mint, as a food nerd I had to go.
The decor was very elegant, luxurious, and modern. Our server Matt was extremely knowledgeable, and vividly described his favorite entrees and how they were prepared using molecular techniques such as dehydrating and pickling watermelon.
My favorite appetizer, The Butter Poached Lobster with pureed popcorn, miso caramel, and peanut butter was the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
We also sampled the Duck Foie Gras with huckleberries, the Watermelon Gazpacho which is served chilled out of a tea kettle, and both the Baby Lettuce and Crab Salad. Even if you never accept freshly ground pepper on your salad, you absolutely have to at The Mint just to experience how truly awesome their pepper grinder is. I don't want to ruin the surprise just trust me and accept the pepper, or you'll instantly regret it when you see someone else get it.
For our entree we shared the Filet Mignon, and Matt offered to have it split for us on separate plates. Wow. It was so buttery and just melted into my mouth. The accompanying beet sauce and hollandaise were incredible with the foraged mushrooms. All of the plates were eclectic, and beautiful works of art.
My Husband and I both agreed that we were way too full for dessert but ordered the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake anyway, which is made from scratch and baked while you wait. Now, normally in most situations you would not want to wait fifteen minutes for dessert at a restaurant. But it was a wonderful idea, since we sipped our espressos and let the overwhelming "fullness" subside. With the rich raspberry sauce, subtle citrus and vanilla notes it was both simple, light, and seductively decadent.
Chef Jeremy Clayman knows what he is doing, and we enjoyed our dinner so much I felt like I was on vacation and forgot that I was in Raleigh. While I have traveled to many big cities and eaten at some big name Chef's Restaurants, this was definitely my favorite experience here in Raleigh. Matt was a great server, and all of the staff that we met really went out of their way for us. It was a magical evening.
I went at lunch and it was fabulous! If price is an issue you should try lunch time. My meal was under $12 and the atmosphere was divine! The mint is a great experience for a nice lunch with your friends or a date. Husbands you would earn major points if you took your wife for a romantic lunch. I LOVE THE DIAMONDS IN THE WINDOWS!!!
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.
Very impressive menu, decor, service, and wine list. Lobster and crab cakes for appetizers, scallops and NY strip for entrees, coconut cake and smores for dessert ! Never had an experience like this in the Raliegh area. We will definitely be returning.
My husband and I ate here last Friday night and were blown away. We each ordered an entree (the filet and scallops) and shared the tartare appetizer. We were both so full we refused dessert even though this menu looked impressive as well. The service was friendly and very knowledgable on each of the wines we ordered. Although expensive, we will def. be returning!
We've experienced two meals at the Mint. Beautiful decor + overpriced menu + small servings = a great place for drinks!
Cheers!
The food is good, but I was very disappointed with the portions. For what you pay, they could give you more. I like that they use a lot of local food and organic, free-range, grass fed meat. Plus they use environmentally friendly vendors that support sustainable practices. They also offer complimentary valet parking and coat check. We ate in the bar on a Thursday night, and the service was average. Definitely upscale.
Very nice. Don't come underdressed. There is a ton of demand for a table but you can eat upstairs at the bar fairly easy and its a little more relaxed.
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foodienc
Sounds like this person has something "personal" with the place. Not to mention your review was hard to read with all the typos and grammar errors....sorry.
I have been to The Mint on many occassions and have had a great experience every time. If you frequent fine dining places, then you know what to expect. Portion sizes, presentation, etc. I plan to go back again and again, whether it be for an appetizer at the bar or an 8 course tasting menu.
J.Weldon
I had to read your comment several times to understand it. Surely you have a friend who knows enough English to post a review. Oh, also, you couldn't be more off with your slanderous chickenscratch.
I cooked professionally for 6 years and I've been to 3, 4 and 5 starred restarurants here and abroad. The Mint gave my wife and I our favorite meal ever. The service and the food were unbelievable--and it was the combo of the two that made our dinner unforgettable.
If you're really a foodie, you'll go back and give it another chance. I suspect, however, that your vitriolic tirade is a dishonest, personal attack and not an actual review.
lvg
sounds like you should eat at Walmart, guest55
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