Juju Durham — Restaurant in Durham

Right now, Juju is my favorite restaurant to take people to when they come to visit Durham. I haven’t exactly figured out why that is but, if I had to guess, it would be because of Juju’s energy and novelty. I absolutely love the food at Juju but there are other top-tier Asian restaurants in the area. What makes this place particularly special is how I can always bet on it to be a unique and incredible experience no matter what.

This chic restaurant is always busy when I go but never too busy to find a table. When we sit down, the staff is ready to tell us any drinks or items they recommend. The Red Sangria is my go to choice because it’s a bold and fun flavor for under $10, but please don’t overlook the cocktails (there are lots of great options). The menu is expansive without being overwhelming. Instead of feeling like there’s no way you can figure out what you want, you start to feel inspired by all the combinations of flavors you could have. It feels like a create-your-own-adventure kind of meal and that’s a good thing. If you’re not sure what you want, you could do a bunch of nibbles to really give yourself a chance to see what they have to offer. Heck, split the nibbles with a friend and double your options! Or, if something from the menu jumped out at you the moment you sat down, then maybe you just get a large plate and some dessert. If you ask me though, you can never go wrong with the following: Spicy Tuna Bites, Sizzling Sisig with Bing Bread, and Miso Corn. Some of those items might be seasonal, but every single gosh darn (not sure if you can curse in Google reviews) time I’ve ordered any of them,I have to take a moment because my spirit leaves my body.

And like I mentioned before, it’s not just the flavors that will impress you. Juju feels like a well run machine. If you take a moment to observe, you might just notice a dish that’s next on your list to try. I recommend ordering one or two plate(s) at a time so that you can be inspired by your neighbors or a staff member crossing in front of your table. It seems like their menu is designed to be explored because the food comes out so quickly. Once you’ve decided on your heart’s desire, it won’t be long before it’s on your table.

After you’ve had all your food and you’re ready to leave this magical place, your server will lay down a receipt with a QR code. You can pay all from your phone and head out without having to wait on anyone. And if you’re anything like me you’ll likely leave thinking “Next time I gotta try that, this, and...

TLDR: One of my favorite places in the triangle. Upscale Asian fusion tapas restaurant that represents and marries both cuisines perfectly. You have to try it.

Ambiance: the restaurant has modern wooden slat wall fixture on one side and windows from floor to ceiling on the other, giving it a warm and open feel to the space. Bar sits in the middle, so it breaks the space up nicely. Tapas restaurants always pick the smallest tables (LOL).

Parking lot: plenty of parking. Went at 6pm on a Saturday.

Service: waiter was friendly but overloaded, and took 10 mins in between bringing dishes/drinks/refills. Also didn’t explain the menu.

Food: (read below)

Roasted Bone Marrow with Bing Bread - Could have used a better scorch/roast on the top and do without the mandarin slices. Bone marrow was topped with panko, which complemented the soft buttery like consistency of the marrow, with a good crunch. Bing bread was served hot, and it allowed the butter to melt easily. The onions broke up the savory flavor with a soft crunch and tangy touch.

Hand-Pressed Fingerlings - These taters are a must get. The potatoes have been boiled to mashed consistency on the inside, but the outside is so crispy. The Fresno peppers really make the dish pop, and the Miso Aioli balances it out. The fresh scallions are a nice touch.

1750 - Gin, Grapefruit; Elderflower, rimmed with salt/Sugar. It was very good and refreshing.

Bao Donuts with Chai Creme - the dough these donuts are made with is light and fluffy, and just slightly gooey in the inside. The donuts are great on their own. The crème was delicious, and the fruit and cream blended really well.

Charred Octopus - get two of these, they are my favorite out of all the tapas I ordered. The octopus is charred to perfection, but soft and buttery on the inside. The potatoes mixed in with the greens really compliment the savory flavor from the octopus. The mandarin slices could be left out.

Sweet Chili Cucumbers - fresh, crunchy, not too sweat, and with a tiny bit of spice. Perfect tangy/spicy bite.

Mint Condition - the mint leaves are chopped too fine, and you end up with mint every sip you take. Other than that, this drink is fantastic.

Spicy Tuna Bites - the tuna is perfectly mixed in with a chipotle sauce to make it a little savory and drizzled with a sweet teriyaki and topped with sesame seeds. Served on a small and crunchy rice patty that is fried to perfection. The sauce drizzles on the sides help with the presentation...

Juju has been one of my favorite Asia restaurants for a while. Today the food was still great but the service was not up to my expectations. I sat at the bar, I started off with Brussel sprouts. When they came out after a few bites the waiter, asked how everything was and I responded delicious. At that moment I ordered my meal. I waited for about 20-25 minutes seeing all of the other people at the bar food come out promptly. I got the waiters attention and asked about my food he responded he didn't put it in because he was waiting for my to finish my Brussel sprouts because "they don't send multiple plates out at one time so it won't be so crowded". While all the other people had multiple plates in front of them. Why was I different. I expressed my concern to the manager he apologized to me and asked what he could do. I told him I just wanted to let him know my experience. He then tells me that he could send a new order of Brussels sprouts or take them off my bill. I told him I didn't need a new order. He made sure my food came out, and the waiter let me know I could order a dessert. After eating I looked at the dessert menu, and told him I was full and I didn't need a dessert. He said he was going to bring one anyway because of my wait. When I got my check the Brussels sprouts were still on the bill. I told the waiter the manager said he was going to take it off, he stated he was aware. He took the check back to the manager and the manager came over and brought me dessert that I said I didn't need and Brussels sprouts still on the bill. I didn't argue I paid the bill. It seems the manager or the waiter at this location doesn't listen to the customer or value the feedback or concerns. I would have expected a different experience especially with the manager...