The Duck & Dumpling
Asian Bistro Fare in Downtown Raleigh
(919) 838-0085
222 S Blount St
Raleigh,
NC
27601
35.777885
-78.636594
Neighborhood: Central
What People Are Saying About The Duck & Dumpling
The Owner
The Duck & Dumpling
Owner
Fine dining meets Chinese and Vietnamese home cooking at The Duck & Dumpling in downtown Raleigh, where Chef David Mao creates Asian bistro fare in this urban contemporary restaurant. Raised by Chinese parents in Vietnam, which was then a French colony, Chef David blends the three culinary cultures of his heritage as the manager and executive chef at The Duck & Dumpling. From what used to be a furniture store in the 1930s, the restaurant's interior lighting casts a red glow onto historic Moore Square, welcoming guests inside to enjoy a varied pan-Asian menu. Chef David's flavorful specialties include handmade half-fried dumplings, edamame hummus, filet mignon chinois and poached sea scallops. The sophisticated menu is priced for everyday dining, whether for lunch or dinner, in the restaurant or in the mirrored mahogany bar area.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
This downtown addition is cosmopolitan in style and decor, with beautiful mahogany wood paneling enhanced by warm red lighting. Classic jazz plays in the background, tables are well spaced with occasional glass partitioning. The light, pan-Asian menu consists of classic Vietnamese dishes of grilled lemongrass pork or chicken. Steak lovers will enjoy the braised New York strip with garlic sauce, cut into bite-sized morsels and tasting as tender as caramel.
User Reviews
JanuaryBlue
May 20, 2009
I could eat at the Duck and Dumpling every day and be happy! I think I've tried almost everything on the menu and have found nothing disappointing! The Diver Sea Scallops in ginger sauce on Chef David's winter menu may be the best dish I've ever had, EVER. I have read other reviewers complain about the size of the portions and it is true that the small plate offerings are small. That is why they are called "small plates." The large plate entrees are enough for one diner, but they are certainly not piled as high as one might dish it up at a strip mall chinese buffet. More importantly, the quality of the food at the Duck is exquisite! This is Asian food at its finest! In addition, I need to comment on the other things that make the Duck such an outstanding dining experience. The decor and ambience are delightful. The wait staff is attentive and friendly without hovering or talking incessively. Almost every time I've eaten there, Chef David Mao has come out of the kitchen to greet diners, giving our meal a very personalized feeling. And to top dinner off, the Webbed-Foot coffee drink is absolute perfection! (Organic, fair-trade coffee with Amaretto, Baileys, and Godiva Dark. Yum!) My recommendation for best-ever meal: Start a with a Ginger Lemon Drop or Asian Pear martini. Or ask what seasonal or fresh fruit martinis they are serving. For your appetizer, I recommend the Hot & Sour soup and Chef David's Signature Half-fried Dumplings. (The papaya salad and the basil shrimp wonton are also great.) Order a Dark & Stormy (rum and ginger) cocktail with your entree, which you should hope and pray that the Diver's Sea Scallops with Ginger Sauce is on the menu; if not, Steamed Sea Bass with Baby Bok Choy & Shiitake Mushrooms, the Filet Mignon Chinois with Seaweed Salad, or the Thai Basil Shrimp are all absolutely heaven-in-the-mouth delicious! If you are having lunch at the Duck, start with the spring rolls or summer rolls and mixed greens salad; try any of Chef David's luncheon specials or treat yourself to his moo shu duck. For dessert, the Spiced Asian Pear with ginger ice cream is a treat unlike anything you've had anywhere else and must be tried before anything else. If everyone in your party is ordering dessert for all to share (a highly recommended practice!) put the key lime pie and the tiramisu on the list along with something chocolate. And the Duck is a chocoholic's delight. The chocolate souffle, the triple chocolate cheesecake and the chocolate bundt cake are all wonderful; but the Chocolate Pyramid filled with white chocolate ganache is simply to-die-for, above all other chocolate on the menu. Enjoy that with a Chocolate Satin or Milky Way martini before you finish off your meal with a dessert coffee (the Webbed-Foot and the Downtown recommended). I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. I would put Chef David up against any "top chef" anywhere!
read full reviewAnonymous
February 08, 2009
I've been to the Duck & Dumpling twice, both times with a large crowd. The service was very good, the wait staff was quick to take care of our needs and keep up with everyone. We had several joining later and it was no problem to fit them in. The food was very good, I highly recommend the pas thai.
read full reviewAnonymous
November 12, 2008
Duck and Dumpling is a great Asian style food restaurant. They have the option to choose small plates or large plates, which is great depending on the group size. Prices range from moderate to expensive, but the quality of the food is excellent.
read full reviewThe Details on The Duck & Dumpling
Know Before You Go:
The restaurant's flexible cooking arrangement allows for lemongrass dishes to be prepared without meats.
What To Drink:
The inviting bar area does not interfere with the dining room and boasts an extensive, affordable wine list that far outweighs the trendy beer selection.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from The Duck & Dumpling
- Chef David Mao
- Serving Lunch & Dinner
- Catering Available
Fine dining meets Chinese and Vietnamese home cooking at The Duck & Dumpling in downtown Raleigh, where Chef David Mao creates Asian bistro fare in this urban contemporary restaurant. Raised by Chinese parents in Vietnam, which was then a French colony, Chef David blends the three culinary cultures of his heritage as the manager and executive chef at The Duck & Dumpling. From what used to be a furniture store in the 1930s, the restaurant's interior lighting casts a red glow onto historic Moore Square, welcoming guests inside to enjoy a varied pan-Asian menu. Chef David's flavorful specialties include handmade half-fried dumplings, edamame hummus, filet mignon chinois and poached sea scallops. The sophisticated menu is priced for everyday dining, whether for lunch or dinner, in the restaurant or in the mirrored mahogany bar area.
