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Café Meridian & Catering
Categories: Event Planning & Services Caterers Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Sandwiches Caterers, American (New), Sandwiches [Edit]
2500 Meridian ParkwaySuite #130
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 361-9333
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Port L. said: "This is an interesting place that seems very authentic although I can not confirm the authenticity because I had never been to Cuba. The environment and vibe was pretty chill, although the waiter was really awkward. The food was…" read more »
21 reviews for Café Meridian & Catering
Review Highlights
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"...Caprese Panini with a side of spinach orzo pasta; I opted..." In 3 reviews -
"We met the owner and had a GREAT lunch." In 4 reviews -
"...Meridian Club with the black bean & corn side is my fave..." In 2 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Andrew D.
4/20/2012
For a workday lunch this is pretty much as good as it gets.
**Good food (I liked my quiche and salad on this last visit)
**Fast - tray-up and pay-up
**Not expensive -
Review from Mike M.
Durham, NC
4/16/2012
I have eaten here at least 3 times a week for the past 2 years. What more is there to say?! The menu changes every day but the quality is consistent. If you work close there's really no reason to eat anywhere else.
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Review from Hannah R.
Durham, NC
3/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is the best place to grab lunch in RTP. If you are looking for a delicious hot meal quickly prepared then go to Meridian! We often go here whenever we want to eat lunch out but don't want to spend an hour away from the office. Even when the line seems too long to stand it moves quickly. I would reccomend getting a hot dish as the wraps take a bit longer to prepare.
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Review from April T.
Durham, NC
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had lunch here earlier today. I ordered a turkey Wrap and was unaware that the wrap came with bacon on it. I admit that it was my faught for not reading the menu entirely, but I also felt that it would have been practicing good customer service by preparing me one without bacon after I explained that I do not eat pork and that I was unaware that it was served with bacon on it. I was told that I would have to purchase another sandwhich if I wanted another one. IT wasn't just what was said but more so how it was said. (He was plain out rud) SInce I was there with my partner who was enjoying her meal, I kindly ate my soup and took all of the filling out of my wrap and took all of the bacon out. What I did get a chance to eat was actually good, but I was totally displeased with the way I was treated. I'm truly big on customer service. I haven't had a meal yet that worth me being treated poorly.
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Review from Carter N.
Raleigh, NC
4/5/2011
I saw that this place was trending at number one in Durham on my yelp homepage. I was surprised, because I drive by the place almost every day and it doesn't look that great from the outside. Well, like many other reviewers and myself have found, looks can be deceiving and in this case they were.
The inside was very nice. They were offering a limited menu because of power outages from an overnight storm. I spotted the Asian salmon which looked yummy so I got that with salad and orzo with sun-dried tomatoes. The flavors of all the food was great. I did have a sneaky suspicion that the salmon was farm raised, which pretty much takes away any of its health benefits. (The texture, taste and color of the fish led me to think this.)
The staff was friendly and the service was speedy. It was not too crowded for 1pm. I will definitely be back. Sad I didn't check out the spot sooner because it's in walking distance and I won't be in the area for much longer. Note: If you get a drink your total will probably be over 10 dollars.Comment from Rich K. of Café Meridian & Catering 8/2/2011
We serve wild Norwegian salmon. Fresh, cut, cleaned &… More » -
Review from Candi K.
10/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite place to lunch in RTP, hands down. Once upon a time Doce was in this spot - then the food was good but the service was lousy. Now it's Cafe Meridian and it has a better, expanded menu AND awesome service. Plus it's about 4 minutes from the office, leaving us plenty of time to chat on the terrace instead of driving across the Triangle or to Briar Creek.
I tend to bounce between the freshly made paninis (The Meridian Club with the black bean & corn side is my fave) and whatever fried chicken dish they have. But I don't think I've had anything on my plate that I didn't love. I've never made it to dessert but I guess I must one day.
The only thing that they are missing is Clearly Canadian water. Doce always carried that...now it's San Pellegrino or Perrier. :(Listed in: The RTP
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Review from Christina G.
Durham, NC
It's true: this place rocks. While the food for me was closer to 4 stars, I have to say the friendly folks push it right up to 5!
Went with a buddy for lunch the other afternoon and it was already buzzing with office folk -- including Jonathan H himself (haha, I guess he really :does: go there every day!). We were perusing the whiteboard offerings when the guy on the line called us over with a, "Let me show you what we've got!" He pointed out the dishes for the day and even helped me to learn how to pronounce span -- spana.. sp-spanakopita...uh, spinach puff or whatever. =)
Really enjoyed my first spana-spinach-puff experience! Got it with a side of risotto in balsamic vinaigrette... which was okay, but I think I'd try a different side next time. And had to go for a brownie after Jonathan's raves (they are gooey and chocolatey. And I'll admit it -- our table of two wound up with :three: desserts, they looked so inviting!). Gal at the register was super-pleasant and chatty. We grabbed a table inside, but there are a few spots for folks who want to soak in a little sunshine during their lunch break. At the end of the meal, I was fat and happy -- and $8 is an easy price to pay for that level of food coma!Listed in: My 5-Star Faves!, Best Lunch Spots in the…
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Review from Jonathan H.
Durham, NC
2/27/2010 ROTD 3/18/2010
In the barren wasteland of fast food joints and chains surrounding the business park where I work, Meridian Cafe stands as blossoming oasis of culinary delight.
Housed in the same space that Doce once occupied, the relatively new establishment has elevated lunchtime eating to a level I'd not experienced before. For all it's airs, Doce frequently left me dissatisfied, and usually with an upset stomach. Cafe Meridian leaves me wanting more, every time I leave.
I admit, I am a regular - I go there almost daily with a colleague from work, and I've rarely - if ever - had a regular eating establishment in my life. They manage this behavior from me with several simple achievements that they meet, without fail, every day.
First, the menu rotates and evolves every day. Delicious, gravy coated meatloaf and mashed sweet potatoes, catfish platters, bourbon street chicken, burritos, pastas, a full fresh salad bar, delicious soups and the best damned brownies I've ever had. The staff all look like they work hard every day, and it's evident in the food and service - both of which are without peer for the price.
There was a time, for years actually, when thinking of eating lunch that I didn't bring to work was an unpleasant task. Having to pick a place that would be the least unappealing for lunch is never something one looks forward too. Cafe Meridian is a restaurant that I frequently look forward to heading to for a daily respite, and excellent food. The staff knows my name, knows the food I like and knows how I like it. And they seem to have that connection with many of the patrons who go there. Unlike other places, food RUNS OUT there, because it's all made fresh, from scratch, every single day - and it's ALL delicious. From the stuffed peppers to the lemon salmon, there are simply no bad choices, and if you're uncertain the staff will never steer you wrong. How can you possibly ask for more?
If you want to eat well and healthy for lunch at a reasonable price, Meridian Cafe simply has no peer. I HIGHLY recommend it. -
Review from Jane Y.
After noticing a crazy wave of 5 star reviews of Meridian Cafe, I knew I had to try it.
After meeting Ellen and Dan at the Elite event and them telling me in person that it was really good, I knew I had to try it SOON.
I came at a bad time though. If it was any other time, my review would've been a 5 star.
I got the caribbean pork tenderloin with yellow rice and pineapple salsa. With a side of spinach orzo. The pork was tender and flavourful. The juices of the pork was just right to complement the bed of yellow rice. The spinach orzo was balsamic vinegar based, and delicious.
What went wrong was the yellow rice. It was undercooked. I had to chew through bits of uncooked rice. I have an urge to call them and ask them to cook it a little longer before the lunch rush, which is now.
It also came with a dinner roll, which was warm, soft and delightful with a slight hint of sweetness. I'm a huge carb feine. AND they had MARGARINE. They are so lactose intolerant friendly. Definite PLUS.
They had a plethora of desserts. HEAVEN. Too bad they don't have lemon bars, which is my current obsession. They had 5 different kinds of cakes, 3 kinds of brownies and a 7 layer bar.
The 7 layer bar was filled with coconut. Not the best I've ever had (i felt that it was a little too sweet for me) but it definitely hit the sweet tooth. YUM.
The walnut brownie was the gooey-est brownie I've ever had. It was a mess eating with my hands. Fork is a must if you want to stay classy.
I didn't get their cake slices because even though it's freshly baked, it was the food colouring kind.
I mean the strawberry cake is straight up pink with no real strawberry bits. Maybe I'm just too much of food snob to eat pink cake.
The space is very clean and tidy. You won't find a half eaten piece of chicken on the table from the person who sat there before you. They also have outside seating, which is a plus during this time of the year.
The service was great - well, the counter girl complimented me on my long bangs, which she misses cuz the salon chopped hers off the other day. (pointless story).
It's also really affordable. That pork tenderloin entree was only $8. That's average for lunch, but the quality and portion is good enough for dinner.
It wouldn't be silly to get their hot foods and save it for dinner.
It's a little hard to find if you don't have a GPS, but it's right across from Sansui (the sushi joint).Listed in: I Crave: Lunch @ RTP
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Review from Brad C.
Morrisville, NC
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I absolutely love this place, it's easily my favorite place to eat lunch. Also, how convienent that it's practically right next to my office.
Everything I have had has been great. My favorite lunch is the Italian Stallion sub with Pesto Pasta Salad. The prices are very reasonable and the wait is never too long even when there is a sizable line.
Follow them on Twitter as they tweet their daily specials M-F around 10am or so. -
Review from Jim N.
8/13/2011
Drove past this cafe earlier in the week....don't know why I'd never noticed it before....read the Yelp's and just had to return for lunch. We met the owner and had a GREAT lunch. Terrific line-up of hot entree items, and salads. We got sandwiches and sides, which were very tasty. The Cubano is closest to the fare I got in Tampa for years that I've found since moving back to NC. Friendly, reasonably priced, and outstanding cleanliness makes this a definite return spot for lunch.
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Review from Jon W.
Durham, NC
4/28/2010
I have eaten here twice for lunch and both times they've exceeded my expectations. For a cafe that caters to a business park, they go above and beyond the call of duty. The portions are large and the father/daughter duo that operate the cafe are extremely friendly.
I would recommend their crispy chicken sandwich and their turkey club for lunch but I don't think you can go wrong with anything they serve. All of their ingredients are fresh and local, brought in only for lunch. They also give all of their leftover food to the local homeless shelters. Great lunch destination if you're ever in the Meridian Business Park....or even if you're not, it's worth a trip! -
Review from Sheri T.
Wake Forest, NC
5/12/2010
First I'd like to say, is it Cafe Meridian or Meridian Cafe? They have both names on the building and both are in the previous reviews. But that's neither here nor there.
I met up with Christina G for a quick lunch here the other day and was impressed by the food for sure. Naturally I menu-stalked before going, but was swayed by the soup du jour - butternut squash...delicious! And it wasn't that overly cream-filled kind either. It was much more runny, but not in a bad way...more in a this tastes delicious AND good for me all at the same time! Other than that I had a half of the turkey ruben...I'm such a sucker for a good ruben, and this one was very good.
Christina was right on the money with the staff...they are very friendly and welcoming and actually seem to enjoy their jobs, which isn't something you see too often in the restaurant biz. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is bright and cheery, they have a great menu selection, and the service is really quick. So if you need a change of pace for an RTP lunch check Cafe Meridian Cafe (since I'm unsure of the name!)...I hope it does well in the unstable restaurant market that is RTP. -
Review from Gregory H.
Creedmoor, NC
Updated - 5/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Even better today than it was a couple weeks ago. I decided to take Pastor Rob here so we could talk about some things over lunch.
The Clam Chowder (NE Style) was consistent with my liking, not too thick, not runny. The Caliente Sub was pretty darn good, but not as hot or spicy as I thought or hoped it would be.
Big kudos to all the staff, from the kitchen to the cashier. Everyone was very friendly, and they were eager to explain what things were when we asked "Hey - what's that? What's in it?" Good stuff. I have to agree with Christina G - about a 4 for the food, but the people are what make this place a 5!Listed in: Local Favorites
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/8/2010
Move over Panera, there's a new sheriff in town and it's called Cafe' Meridian.
I had been… Read more »
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Review from Craig B.
Raleigh, NC
7/30/2011 12 Check-ins Here
This is a lunch-only spot. I work very close to Cafe Meridian...and that is a plus. The food is very good. Most lunches are between $6-$10. They do everything from panini's to burritos. All the ingredients seem fresh. The owner and his family run the place. The salads are good. They are pre made, so no customizing. The side are great. The orzo side is the best. They have a frequent diner program. After 12 lunches, you get $5 off.
Comment from Rich K. of Café Meridian & Catering 8/2/2011
Salad's are premade for a fast lunch crowd, but call in… More » -
Review from Jennifer P.
Durham, NC
1/26/2011
Great lunch spot. They have a wide variety of sandwiches, as well as specials such as turkey breast with spinach & cranberries or a stuffed burrito. They have a "make your own sandwich" option if you don't find anything on the menu. Take out orders are quick and easy.
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Review from Mari K.
Durham, NC
1/14/2011
Nice family-run cafe-style eatery with ample pleasant seating. Typically great salads, soups, etc for lunch. Though crowded like many RTP lunch spots 12-1 they move the line pretty quickly. To increase your chances of enjoying your meal I suggest arriving earlier in the lunch hour. Recently I arrived just before closing and it was awful, awful, awful, but took to work so could not ask for replacement . So they are temporarily off my list but that still gives them something like a 95% success rate with me so I will be back once the memory of the bad meal fades away, and closer to opening time. Oh, the lemon-y Greek salad might be a little off-putting to some.
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Review from Liz W.
Durham, NC
3/21/2011
I love this place. Healthy options and a variety of food to choose from. I had the baked talipia with fresh fruit and orzo pasta salad. The red velvet cake was nice too! I will be back.
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Review from Ellen C.
4/30/2010
Great lunch spot for soups, sandwiches, salads and the specials of the day. You get the sense that everything is homemade, fresh, and made with care. For lunch today I ordered a Caprese half-panini and a side of spinach orzo salad ($5.50). My husband ordered the southwest chicken special with black beans and mac and cheese as his sides ($7.99), and we split a cup of the Maryland crab soup ($2.25). I would have indulged in dessert too, but was disappointed to see all of the walnut fudge brownies and pineapple upside-down cakes sold out. They were offering a chocolate éclair that looked good, though.
I was captivated by my toasted panini, with its lovely basil pesto, fresh juicy mozzarella and spinach. I'm not sure if it contained any of the roasted peppers as the menu claimed, but I was happy with the buttery deliciousness of my sandwich all the same. My orzo was nicely marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
I tried my husband's sides and I liked the corn and black bean salad, with a hint of cilantro despite it being a tad wet and oily for my taste. The soup and the mac and cheese were just OK, but they both tasted wholesome and homemade.
For non meat eaters, there are a lot of choices from the various sandwiches, salads and sides. Today there were also two hot vegetarian options available - spanakopita and a roasted veggie frittata quiche. However, the best part was the friendly staff, who treat you like a person rather than just another nameless customer. The woman (Paige? as presumed from the other Yelp reviews) came over to tell us that there was more soup in stock (we had been about to order it when she told us they were out) and then later took the time to ask my husband how he enjoyed his food.
Great place, and I'll be back, hopefully beating the rest of the RTP lunch crowd so I can try some desserts before they sell like hotcakes. -
Review from Dan R.
Durham, NC
3/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've only been to Meridian Cafe once or twice, but I'm adding it to my list of lunch spots to visit on a regular basis. The food on my last visit was very good and makes me want to go back to try more! The service was well above par for a place without waiter service and the brownies are excellent! So far that's the making of a great start in my book, so I'll head back and fill up my plate and update my review after I've had a little more....
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Review from Dan C.
4/30/2010
I honestly didn't know what to expect, but based on previous Yelp reviews, we decided to give it a try today. Verdict? This place is serving up some seriously good food in the business end of the Triangle and providing a much needed alternative to the usual heavy lunch sandwiches/burgers/burritos and other fast food permutations out there as others have said already (Jonathan H., etc). Based on our recent experience and in light of the recent "flurry" of reviews this business has received, all I have to say is that the reputation/following this place is earning is well deserved. I don't think this place is suffering from a "hype' effect. They *really* are producing some good eats - it's part deli/cafe (sandwiches, cold salads, etc) and part cafeteria (hot meals and specials). Hmmm....maybe a bit like a Franken-deli-teria-fe?
Personally, I don't care what you want to categorize this place as, they just produce good quality food which is all I'm concerned with - prolly on par with a good home cooked healthy meal your mom might make for you. This is definitely a family owned business and you get that nice vibe the moment you walk in - they joke, are jovial and friendly and ask you how everything tasted at the end of the meal. Don't be misled by the location either! The generic RTP business building exterior facade belies the rich flavors of food that can be had here. As evidenced by the small lineup, CM&C draws the business crowd en masse. It's like the afternoon of the living slacks!!
The menu is pretty simple - salads, and pre-conceived sandwiches with a list of sides (some pasta, some veggies, even some carbs). The sandwiches are made to order, the sides look to be pre-made and are ready to be scooped onto your plate (these definitely look home-made). On the other side is the "hot" section. There are hot specials (listed on the whiteboard), but there also appears to be standbys like a fried chicken cutlet and a grilled chicken. Much like a cafeteria, you walk up to the super clean food area and basically talk to the guy/woman behind the glass. You can point and "ooh" and "ahh" as your mouth waters...but you better be quick b/c I think they make a limited number of portions and seem to run out! (They almost ran out of the Maryland Crab soup while we were there!) Drinks and some desserts are on the opposite side and they also seem to have a short shelf life. We weren't able to score any desserts by the time we got there (after 12:30pm).
Enough on the logistics, and on to the food! What did we get? She opted for the half Caprese Panini with a side of spinach orzo pasta; I opted for the southwest chicken with mac & cheese and the black bean and corn salad. Mine came with a slice of bread. We also snagged a cup of the Maryland Crab soup. Portions were a tad bit large for us - not too big, but i could have done with ordering one less item. If you're a big eater, you might want to order a bit more food. The winner of the lunch: the half Caprese Panini, hands down. It was nicely pressed and toasty. The mozzarella was sliced thin and fresh. It also had a nice bit of crunch with the spinach, tomatoes and red onions. Overall it was perfect as a sandwich b/c there was never too much bread and every bite you took captured the essence of that sandwich with that pesto spread. It was easily large enough for one and I could imagine the full sandwich feeding both my wife and I. With the one side, her dish was only $5.50! Mine was a bit more at almost $8, but it included 2 sides. I liked the cold black bean and corn salad and the mac and cheese. I thought the m&c was better than your garden variety deli version (It's not great, but not bad). I liked the chicken - you could tell that it was still juicy and that they simmered it nicely in the red sauce. Heat-wise, the spice level was just so-so (not spicy by my standards). I didn't think it was necessarily a "southwest" style as more of a "southwest-inspired" style...but it was tasty nonetheless. The soup was prolly my least favorite of the meal - it was salty and the "crab" was more like floating wispy bits of meat. It was still tasty and it came chock full of veggies, but I would have preferred bigger chunks of crab - but maybe that's an unrealistic expectation?
Overall, good food (4 stars) and great service (5 stars), puts CM&C at a 4.5 star rating for me. Could I make this stuff myself? Yeah, probably...but it was done well and I enjoyed it. I'm definitely looking forward to my next meal here!Listed in: Where's Dan? (Lunch eats in &…
