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Provence
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
5 reviews for Provence
We had a great time at Provence on New Year's Eve. The meal was a two course Prix Fixe - not cheap - the food was excellent. We arrived early (5:30 PM) I enjoyed my escargot with blue cheese and my grilled halibut.
The people who dine here would enjoy Margaux in Raleigh
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/9/2008
Great atmosphere. High quality food. My wife and I went for an anniversary dinner and enjoyed our… Read more »
My girlfriend loves places like this, so when we walked by a while ago she insisted that we try it. I was a bit apprehensive since, as someone who has spent a lot of time in Provence, I didn't relish witnessing some of my favorite foods being subjected to the whims of a southern American chef.
As it turns out my fears were largely unfounded. The food is very good, hot, tender, and flavorful. I had a steak, which was suitably juicy and much more subtle in flavor than I would have anticipated (rosemary, you are go). The escargot is amazing, as well (god, it's been so long since I had good escargot... well done).
It's not Provence, though... The styling is very different than anything you'll find in France proper. The influence of the States is definitely upon us, here. Minus points for deceptive advertising.
If you want great food, this is a fair stop. If you want authentic French food... Maybe not so much.
I come to Provence every time I want to get good French food but don't want to drive too far. The atmosphere here is really cool, and probably the best attribute of the place. The food is above average, and the service is too, but I think the prices are a bit high for what you get. I can't say it's the best French food I've ever had, but worth it if you're in the area and don't feel like going too far.
The owners, Felix (raised in Provence, France) & his wife Anne have been in the restaurant industry for over 40 years. The restaurant, located just on the cusp of a residential area, is in a house, dressed for fine dining. You'll find roasted rack of lamb, herb crusted with a juniper wine reduction on the menu or how does red snapper fillet with roasted garlic confit; sounds scrumptious doesn't it? This is a lovely space with outdoor seating, wonderful in the spring and summer months.
Provence was a very good, but not exceptional meal. Although it strives to be a french restaurant, I would say it is more French-influenced. I guess it's the Southern French bent, but the dishes were not particularly well seasoned. I had Roasted Grouper in Basil. The fish was a nice cut and tasty, but the sauce left a little to be desired. It just wasn't there.
My wife had the house 'specialty' - grouper baked in Rock Salt. It came out w/ just a little pile of salt on the fish. When this dish is done in the Mediterranean, i've had it in both Provence and Spain, the fish is caked in a hard layer of salt that seals in and moisturizes the fish. Here the fish was tender, but not exceptional and needed the Aioli and Hollandaise they served on the side.
For dessert, the frozen espresso mousse was great.
The wine list is almost entirely French and reasonably priced, although I don't know French wines enough to know if there were any bargains. I would have appreciated a few more California Chardonnay choices.
We ate in the main dining room, which got very loud by about 8pm when it filled up. If the weather is right, I'd sit outside.
