Durham Restaurant Guide

A great restaurant is more than just the ingredients in the food. It also needs quality service, a classy yet relaxing atmosphere, and inviting specials.

If you can find all this plus free Wi-Fi, off-site catering, support for local farmers, and a great location, you’re probably at Serena Restaurant and Bar in Durham.

Located a quarter-mile off Interstate 40 near Research Triangle Park, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Duke University, Serena Restaurant has become a favorite destination for the many professionals who make this area home

Who’s cooking at Serena’s?

Chef Paul Rhoades. Growing up on a farm, in a small town in Wyoming. He wrote his first recipe for beef stew at the young age of 6 for a school assignment. This recipe became a winner in the school competition and is still used in the family.

His passion for food and his drive for excellence brought the young chef to the Windy City, Chicago, where he discovered his interest in desserts, from homemade originals such as Canoli and Tiramisu, to the bold Chocolate Bread Pudding and Creme Brule.

He attend The Culinary Institute of America in New York. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts in January 2007.

Since then, he has worked as a grill cook at The Muse in Greensboro, NC , and as the Kitchen Manager and Head Chef of the Carolina Brewery in Chapel hill, NC. Now we find him at Serena’s restaurant as Head Chef and General Manager, and plans to call this his home for many years to come.
Serena Sicilian Influenced Gastropub
Serena Sicilian Influenced Gastropub
3.8 stars (2 ratings)

Traditional tapas with an American flair

(919) 941-6380

5311 S Miami Blvd Ste A
Durham, NC 27703

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Italian Food & Culture History

August 3, 2009 @ 1:02 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Raleigh, NC
I have been to Serena's many times but usually for after work drinks as it is the closest bar, well, the only bar in the RTP area. I ordered dinner with my co-workers there the other night and it was tremendous. I thought they were mostly a sandwich shop but they have a whole list of tapas. We shared some chicken skewers, meatballs, cured salmon, seared tuna and hummus. It exceeded my expectations and I will now be hungry every time I am there for drinks. Waiter was great in helping us pick out our tapas as well and always had our next beer out to us before the last was finished. Although that probably always isn't a good thing. Great overall experience.
June 25, 2009 @ 11:55 AM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Durham, NC
You could not imagine how wonderful and creative this restaurant is. I love Tapas, I can't have enough of it. Good size plates and it doesn't break your wallet. As good as the Tapas was, what won me over was the bread pudding dessert. It is phenominal! I would definitely come back.

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Read More: Durham Restaurant Reviews

Avg Rating: 4  out of 5 stars

Number of Reviews: 2

August 3, 2009 @ 1:02 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Raleigh, NC
I have been to Serena's many times but usually for after work drinks as it is the closest bar, well, the only bar in the RTP area. I ordered dinner with my co-workers there the other night and it was tremendous. I thought they were mostly a sandwich shop but they have a whole list of tapas. We shared some chicken skewers, meatballs, cured salmon, seared tuna and hummus. It exceeded my expectations and I will now be hungry every time I am there for drinks. Waiter was great in helping us pick out our tapas as well and always had our next beer out to us before the last was finished. Although that probably always isn't a good thing. Great overall experience.
June 25, 2009 @ 11:55 AM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Durham, NC
You could not imagine how wonderful and creative this restaurant is. I love Tapas, I can't have enough of it. Good size plates and it doesn't break your wallet. As good as the Tapas was, what won me over was the bread pudding dessert. It is phenominal! I would definitely come back.
Read More Durham Restaurant Reviews

Serena Sicilian Influenced Gastropub Map

Recent Serena Sicilian Influenced Gastropub Reviews

August 3, 2009 @ 1:02 PM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Raleigh, NC
I have been to Serena's many times but usually for after work drinks as it is the closest bar, well, the only bar in the RTP area. I ordered dinner with my co-workers there the other night and it was tremendous. I thought they were mostly a sandwich shop but they have a whole list of tapas. We shared some chicken skewers, meatballs, cured salmon, seared tuna and hummus. It exceeded my expectations and I will now be hungry every time I am there for drinks. Waiter was great in helping us pick out our tapas as well and always had our next beer out to us before the last was finished. Although that probably always isn't a good thing. Great overall experience.
June 25, 2009 @ 11:55 AM
5  out of 5 stars
a diner from Durham, NC
You could not imagine how wonderful and creative this restaurant is. I love Tapas, I can't have enough of it. Good size plates and it doesn't break your wallet. As good as the Tapas was, what won me over was the bread pudding dessert. It is phenominal! I would definitely come back.