- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Restaurant Savoy - CLOSED
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
8 reviews for Restaurant Savoy
8 reviews in English
-
Review from Magie L.
We stopped by Savoy last week Friday (Good Friday) for lunch. I had made a reservation just in case, but the place was nearly empty - just 3 other tables seated. Having never been there before, it's difficult for me to say if this would be the typical lunch crowd. It was also raining, so even though there was covered outdoor seating, we sat inside. The restaurant has a very nice interior, with pleasant lighting, a cool fish tank with brightly colored fish swimming around, and some semi-private eating areas for groups. The bar looked nicely stocked as well. After living a few years in the area, I'm getting used to fine dining being located in Food Lion strip malls.
Their lunch menu is very short, with just a few appetizers, salads and entrees. But the prices are also really good at lunch time, with nearly everything less than $10. My husband and I both ordered the French Onion Soup for an appetizer, he got the Monte Cristo sandwich ($8) and I got the Savoy sandwich ($9). They don't have a kid's menu, or any kid-friendly foods at all, so I would recommend leaving the kids at home for this one.
They bring out some sliced bread with whipped butter after ordering. It was very soft and warm, and made for a good snack before the soup came out. The soup was served in cute little pots, perfectly baked with crispy, gooey Gruyere cheese on top. It was quite possibly the best French onion soup I've ever had, though typically I've had it in chain restaurants like Outback so I suppose that's not saying much. At $7 it's probably more than I would usually spend on a cup of soup, but it was really good and I'd definitely pay that much again.
While waiting for the entrees (and do expect to wait, even at lunch time) I checked out the back and the bathrooms. There's a more secluded back room that would be great for private parties. The bathrooms were also pretty nice, though not extravagant.
The entrees had been brought out by the time I got back. I hadn't realized when I ordered, but the Savoy is an open-faced sandwich. Not that I minded at all. The entire sandwich and fries were covered in the most delicious Bearnaise sauce. The beef was tender and soft, and the bread underneath had a crunchy buttered crust and was soft and warm. Definitely one of the nicest lunch entrees I've eaten in a long time.
My husband's Monte Cristo was one of the nicest looking Monte Cristos I've ever seen. Usually they look like a sloppy mess from being fried and having gooey cheese dripping out. But this one actually looked somewhat "fancy". It came with a small pot of blackberry preserves which was an excellent compliment. His also came with the hand-cut fries, as well as a small salad with a very tasty dressing on it. He's tried Monte Cristos from many different restaurants, and he's rated Savoy's as being #2. That's pretty good.
I'll have to come back for dinner some time to try that menu, but there were some other items on the lunch menu that sounded really good too. I was so close to ordering the chicken bacon dumplings. I know the dinner prices will probably be more than $8 an entree, but it seems like a very nice place for a romantic evening out. -
Review from X X.
Los Angeles, CA
5/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Took advantage of Triangle Restaurant Week to give Savoy a try. To be perfectly honest, we chose it based on the prices of the regular menu to maximize the value of the meal. That said, expectations were pretty much nonexistent. It wasn't without flaws, but was decent. It looks like it wants to be the "neighborhood gem" type of place.
The North Raleigh location isn't great. It's not the easiest to get to from the eastern Triangle. Also, it's hard to project an image of fine dining when you're situated next door to a Food Lion and your patio tables overlook a parking lot. The inside was nicely decorated and had a small, intimate feel. This night was not busy at all and we were seated upon arrival. A reservation would not have been required.
Our server was friendly and polite. I was put off after finding a small gnat in my water glass after it was refilled. She replaced it promptly and was apologetic. Still, gross.
Food came out timely, but there were a few misses. The olive onion tart appetizer was delicious. The mixed greens salad with figs, apple, and Roquefort cheese was average and could have taken advantage of seasonal ingredients.
The pan fried pork tenderloin was prepared fine, but topped with a very salty gravy. The dirty rice on the plate was good as well, but the collard greens weren't appealing at all, being strangely sweet and a little undercooked. The NC trout was cooked and seasoned perfectly. This plate also came with the best part of the entire meal: a small ramekin of cauliflower au gratin, which was creamy and cheesy. It was also served with the worst part of the meal: horribly over-salted spinach that was even worse than the aforementioned gravy.
Desserts left things on a good note. The poppy seed cheesecake was light and made you forget how bad it is for you. The fresh strawberry tartlet competed with the cauliflower for the best part of the meal.
I dig the free muffins in the doggy bag at the end of the meal. Nice surprise.
In all, a decent meal from a place where we had no expectations, but upon closer inspection could be even better.
Points off for the unevenness of the food and for the location. Worth a look if you are in the area. -
Review from Christina G.
Durham, NC
1/27/2009
My brother and I were looking for a special restaurant to take Mom and Dad for their 30th anniversary. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, like a chef's table but found that typically (Angus Barn), those tables are limited to two people, or else (Second Empire), they were ludicrously expensive. I found a nice and reasonably priced alternative in Savoy. We reserved the "chef's corner" which is described as a semi-private dining room. The restaurant is located on a strip in the Food Lion shopping center, which might be why it's not prominently known. Inside, it's small but tastefully decorated (love the curly-q wired lighting!). I was a little disappointed to see the chef's corner was nothing more than a three-sided shoji screened room. But it was fine for our purposes, and we still felt a little tucked away.
I wanted to order the chef's tasting menu (7 courses, 5 paired with wine) for my parents. But would you believe that the entree for the evening was lamb -- like seriously, the only thing besides sushi my parents won't touch. I told our server, Alex, about the celebration and asked whether the chefs would be able to swap out the entree for something else. He dutifully checked but came back with a 'no'. To their credit, the menu states "no substitutions", I was just really hoping they could make an exception.
Still, all was not lost. We did do the chef's tasting for Mom and Dad, and then ordered for ourselves what our parents actually wanted for their entrees. When the entree course came out, we just switched up the plates. Every course was enjoyed (except the foie gras!), and the wine pairings were thoughtfully done (a variety of reds, whites, desserts; and European and California) and all really excellent. The chocolate torte is to die for -- and paired with the port -- ah, heaven.
Service was wonderful -- the sort of place where appetizer forks are changed out with each course. And to conclude the meal, we were each surprised with doggy bags of house-baked muffins for the next day's breakfast. Now, that's exceptional! -
Review from Luci T.
5/25/2010
We chose Savoy for Triangle Restaurant week because the menu looked great and we had heard great things in general.
We arrived on time Saturday evening and were seated immediately. We were the table directly in front of the kitchen, which I didnt mind because it wasnt very loud. What I did mind was that it took about 15 minutes for our waiter came over to acknowledge us. He walked by at least 4 times, and I understand if it's busy, but you can still give a quick "Hi, I'll be right with you"
After we were acknowledged, things went a lot better. The food was good, I had the trout while my boyfriend had the pork tenderloin. Both were cooked well and tasted great.
I particularly loved the berry tart for dessert, it was delicious.
I would like to go back to try some of their regular items like the duck entree, but the location leaves much to be desired. -
Review from DAVID C.
Pacific Palisades, CA
8/3/2010
First, to call this place "French" is like calling Taco Bell "Mexican." However, this is the least concerning aspect of this restaurant. I recently entered this "joint" on a Saturday night, and the clientele can best be summarized as "beach bum / trailer trash." By the way, it is the former site of Fins, another casualty that deserved to be "put out to pasture."
This is a Michelin Star wannabe, but this "tire" has never been inflated. The food is ostentatious with very little artistry. I am not a trained chef, but know how to use good produce and seafood better than this chef.
When the menu did not properly explain a dish, I returned it and ask the chef to explain the menu detail to me. He approached our table with a defensive attitude, and when I realized that my complaint regarding an unstated ingredient (pork), the chef was unapologetic.
I should have known when I walked in at 7pm on a Saturday night to four tables that were occupied (that's right, four!). It seems that Raleigh had already learned what I had not. Many people criticize fine dining as a "waste of money." I don't agree with this philosophy, but Savoy would definitely benefit their argument.
Warning: The chef/owner does not permit substitutions and does not want to hear your complaints. However, it makes a great alternative to fast food after a hard workout, when you don't want to shower and change to go out.Comment from Jeff S. of Restaurant Savoy 8/18/2010
We truly appreciate David's sense of humor! Click his… More » -
Review from Sandy W.
Raleigh, NC
2/7/2010 3 Check-ins Here
This is a hidden jewel in North Raleigh. The food is consistently fantastic and savory. Love Love Love the pimento cheese, colards, and jalepeno cheese grits. Bottles of wine are half price on Tuesday to encourage adventure (a welcome change from the overpriced and limited "wines by the glass" selection that seems to happen often in Raleigh). We try to eat here weekly and we have never been disappointed.
-
Review from Henry T.
Palo Alto, CA
7/20/2010
I don't think it's hard to do better in Raleigh food and service-wise. I ate here about a year ago and had a perfectly fine, uninspired and overpriced meal. My wife and her mother had salmon, her dad had steak frites and none of us remember what I had (which never happens). They sent us home with small muffins which were tasty treats for the next morning. There was nothing "wrong" with the service, but considering the prices aren't much lower than Second Empire, Herons and Saint Jacques, go have a better meal with better service at one of those establishments.
Recently my wife and I tried to go back and despite the fact that I called ahead and was told I did not need a reservation and even though their website says they are open until 11pm on Saturday nights, we were turned away before 9pm. So, we called over the Saint Jacques, were told they absolutely had a table for us right now and to come on over. We ended up having one of the best meals of our lives. THE best meal we've had in the States, period. Go to St. Jacques and have a superior meal for a bit more money. It's so worth it.
I am giving this 2 stars only because I think it's so easy to do better, though Savoy is by no means "bad." -
Review from Christina L.
Raleigh, NC
7/10/2010
My mom and I happened upon Savoy at lunch while in the shopping center. We had my two little ones in tow bc we were at the indoor playground next door. We took a look at the menu which sounded fantastic. We went in and were the only ones there except one other table, so we were a little concerned. We asked for a highchair so they sat us in a booth that was raised up 12" off the floor so my son was basically under the table. It was on the opposite side of the restaurant of the only other seated table, so we figured they wanted us far away, so we were going to just deal with it. Then the waiter came by and said the highchair can't be in the isle. We were kind of stuck there since it took my 3 year old about 2 seconds to wreck the table and I didn't want to cause any more of a ruckus, so I just held the baby. Needless to say it was not a relaxing meal. When will I learn not to eat in nice places with kids? We were so enticed by the menu and so tired of eating at places with playgrounds, we weren't thinking straight. The waiter basically avoided us except to deliver the food and was a bit rude, maybe he didn't want to deal with kids. Hopefully it wasn't a reflection of the usual service. We asked for bread and after a long wait, he brought out some stale brown bread, not sure what it was and then he brought some bad French bread. Why is it so hard to get decent bread? Luckily the rest of the food was good. We had the crab croustini and open face roast beef sandwich, both were very nice. You can tell they have a good chef who knows how to prepare refined dishes. I would like to go back for dinner, no kids, and try it again. I am intrigued. Located in a somewhat run down strip mall next to Gymboree, a kids art store and an indoor playground, my only fear is that their location will be their demise, especially not being at all kid friendly.
