Oakleaf

First experience– well worth the drive (45 mins from Cary)!! Very attentive staff. Very rustic yet classy atmosphere. Probably the most innovative dishes in the area. From start to finish the freshest and most seasonal choices. Can’t wait to go back.
Went back to celebrate Lee’s birthday– another great experience.

Can’t think of a better meal I’ve had anywhere! Each course was perfectly balanced, wine recommendations were on point, and service was friendly and well-​paced. A perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion!

We used to be cool foodie types, but then we had a kid and moved to the country, and, like… not so hip anymore. So last night, we were taking our cool-​in-​the-​90s selves to Pearl Jam, but everyone knows how *that* turned out. I’d gone through all the trouble of interviewing babysitters and putting on pants, so I pivoted like a boss and got some Oakleaf resos.
The restaurant itself is gorgeous — it has all the charm and personality of a space with genuine mill history with none of the hipster pretension you might expect (ok, there were some Edison light bulbs, but I can forgive it — they looked great!). The mix of patrons was fantastic, and even though it was maybe a quarter full on this random Wednesday, the ambiance was warm and bustling. Service was that kind of really amazing attentiveness that ALMOST makes you feel uncomfortable, like «do they think I’m someone else??» Just me? That’s cool. We got a wonderful wine rec right off for an Omero pinot — lilac, violet, blueberries, and plums with a standout Willamette, um, profile? Terroir? (Do I sound like I know anything? I’m trying REAL hard) It was the perfect weight for everything we ordered, start to finish, and nothing I’d tried before, so that was awesome. PS, their wine booklet is no joke, especially if you’re a pinot lover. They also provide a short list of bottles paired to the night’s menu, which was very cool.
As we ordered, my husband asked our server whether there would be bread. She laughed at him and said, «Wait for it… it’s something else.» As I peered into the bowl of hot crusty bread and perfectly spreadable butter, I told my husband I was gonna Unilocal this spot so hard. We threw caution to the wind and burned through our bowl of bread, no problem. With a wink, they brought more bread with our foie gras appetizer — and we were glad of it as we used it to mop every bit of the incredible sauce. I’m working off toddler mom memory, so forgive me, but the dish was baby turnips and strawberries in a beautiful rich balsamic reduction with what could have been a really delicate pesto and the entire big chunk of foie gras on top — soooooooooo goooooood.
For entrees, he enjoyed the duck confit with duck fat potatoes (I tried — amazing) and lots of fun extras — mustard greens? So unexpected, so good! I went with the ricotta gnocchi, which was served in a light creamy sauce with asparagus tips, more radishes, and foraged ramps, which I immediately texted all my big city friends about, because: foraged ramps. It was so delicious, and so incredible to think of what creativity and boldness goes into this sort of menu planning. It’s like the tastiest (and also least deadly) Russian roulette ever.
For dessert, I went with the chocolate budino, which made my eyes roll back into my skull, and I’m seriously contemplating sneaking over there to eat another one for lunch today, because it was too rich to finish and I’m embarrassed by my poor showing in the face of chocolate. Husband went with the triple chocolate tart with fresh mint ice cream — as in REAL mint, the herb, not the Baskin Robbins green ish. Both desserts were uniquely textured, offering crunch, silkiness, and contrast with every bite, but mine was better. We enjoyed perfect cups of Joe Van Gogh alongside the tailings of our wine.
The meal was well paced but not rushed, taking right about two hours. It cost just under $ 200 for shared appetizer, bottle of wine, two entrees, two desserts, and two coffees, so save up your allowance for a few weeks, but DO NOT miss out on Oakleaf.

Food was great (though salad a bit overdressed). Service was bad — table not ready at reserved time then a long wait for drinks and bread. Ate there once before and it was fine so maybe just a off night, but the bartender was awful. First attempt at a Manhattan was way too sweet, next attempt was like water. Even the waitress said it looked like a different drink.

This wonderful restaurant in a reclaimed warehouse in Pittsboro is well worth the drive from Chapel Hill. My party of four shared a gnocchi entrée as an appetizer that was delicious. We throughly each enjoyed entrées of duck, scallops and rib eye. The desserts were fantastic!

Oakleaf is a great example of why I started Unilocaling in the first place. I would not in a million years find this place on my own but at 4.5 stars with 84 reviews it made me pause. After dining here for lunch on my birthday I have come to the realization that I need more Oakleaf in my life. They are dining at its best. Unique food combinations, beautiful atmosphere, and impeccable service makes them bookmark worthy. Find a reason to dine here, make reservations on their website and you won’t be disappointed. As Adam B. stated; The hype is for real.

Lovely meal last night. Innovative pasta dishes and fresh salads made for a perfect meal. Lively ambiance and professional servers, knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients. We”ll definitely be back.

Oakleaf is a hidden gem. I can’t believe I never heard of this restaurant until a friend of mine, who is a chef, recommended Oakleaf. My boyfriend and I sampled the chef’s tasting on Valentine’s Day weekend. The food was delicious, the venue is beautiful & cozy and the service was impeccable. The staff is very friendly as well. This place is a must!

Upmarket creative eatery that subverts the paradigm with attention to details that create very fine gustatory experiences. Superb ingredients, fine execution, refined presentation and service that was both attentive and warm.
Smooth jazz playing quietly in the background prepares you for the sublime sophistication of the dining experience.
Portions are perfect. Wines refined and unusual. Mixed drinks very competently prepared and interesting alternatives on the menu (high praise, indeed)

My wife and I were visiting from Charlotte and came here based on other reviews. My expectations were high and Oakleaf exceeded them! Large wine selection and had a wonderful, reasonably priced Chardonnay. Caesar salad was great with fresh Romaine, delicious Parmesan, croûton crumbles and the perfect amount of dressing. My wife had a tasty soup. Our entrees were the duck and house made potato gnocchi with bolognese sauce. Whenever out, we always try fresh pasta and this was excellent. For dessert had a dark chocolate budino which was out of this world! This was one of the best meals that we have had and is a great example of a farm to fork success. I highly recommend Oakleaf!

The good food was overshadowed by a terrible waiter

Wonderful atmosphere. Staff polite and attentive without being presumptive or intrusive. Food was wonderful. A sure bet.

The atmosphere at Oakleaf is rustic industrial and sets the mood for a relaxing night. Definitely don’t miss out on the fresh made cocktails. Local ingredients in the dishes makes this an amazing treat. But just a treat, it’s on the pricey side.

The hype is for real. Located in a reclaimed warehouse-​y space off the main road into Pittsboring, this farm-​to-​fork concept is the true deal. Ingredients run the gamut from seafood to fowl to beef to all manner of vegetables and there was not a false step brought to our table. The cheese sampler is amazing, with four selections of varying types and textures plus a cornucopia of accompaniments. The tuna tartare was fresh and flavorful with lovely rolled cucumber ribbons and edible marigold blossoms making for a very distinctive flavor counterpoint that really worked. The roasted duck breast came with two huge slices (we nicknamed the duck «Dolly Parton») over a wonderful sweet potato purée with sautéed apple slices to provide some tart/​sweet and seared Brussels sprouts to provide some texture. Service was smooth and the dishes were perfectly paced, which is a tough trick in a full house. I can’t really find fault except that maybe the single-​person restroom isn’t quite enough for the size of the place. Speaking of the restroom:
Pro Tip: Do not place your iPhone on the back of the toilet tank, as it is a bit sloped and very slippery. Disaster may ensue.

Nice real good food and homemade grape soda pop. Nice atmosphere. I highly recommend it with organic veggies and great prepared foods. Nice.

I took my friends here for dinner tonight. We had a reservation for 6 pm, but didn’t need it – only one other couple was there and then four people came into the bar. I’m not sure if they stayed for dinner or just had a drink and left.
Two of us ordered the trout with a butter bean and shrimp ragout, and the other person ordered the pasta with chanterelle mushrooms. Everything was excellent! For dessert we had the peach blueberry cobbler with blueberry ice cream – the presentation was beautiful.
Nice place, but very expensive.

Fine dining. Chef prepared farm to fork food.
I see the chef at the local farmer’s markets often. This is the same food I have in my fridge at home, but, they cook it a whole lot better than I do.
My favorite is the chef’s choice where they surprise you with a 5 course meal.
Everything is prepared in house such as sauces and pastas.
An asset to Chatham County.

We arrived a little early for our reservation, so the hostess found us seats at the bar. They have a good selection of cocktails. And the cocktails are well made and were excellent. Service at the bar was good.
At the table, our waitress was attentive throughout our meal. The food was excellent. The offerings were interesting. And everything tasted great and fresh. They have a great wine list with some wines offered by the glass that you don’t typically see at other places.
While our meal was not cheap, I found it to be reasonable for the quality. They have a great atmosphere too! I highly recommend.

Oakleaf is a really neat restaurant experience in a beautifully reclaimed space in the historic Chatham Mills facility in Pittsboro.
This is fine dining. I’ve been there for lunch and my big city relatives who have a higher dining budget and fancier tastes than I do couldn’t stop talking about how good it was.
Friends invited my husband and I for brunch there one Saturday morning and it was really good. Good service. Good presentation. The french toast was unique and excellent.
Great place to impress your date, or take a guest for celebration.
Beautiful light coming in through the windows. Tall ceilings. Aesthetically very appealing. A wonderful addition and draw for Pittsboro.
While you’re there, check out the fine jewelry store next door, the food coop, also next door, the Joy of Movement dance space which is incredible much like Oakleaf’s space is, and step out the back side door to visit Starrlight Mead winery. Walk to the back of the mill and peek in Pittsboro Bicycles, and around the corner from them the famous Cackalacky’s new headquarters.

My husband and I had dinner at Oakleaf for our anniversary months ago, and I can’t say enough good things about it! We both started out with a glass of cava (they have a very nice wine selection), and when the waitress asked if we were celebrating anything, we told her that we were celebrating our anniversary (I promise this becomes relevant later). When our food arrived, everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked, in just the right portion size. The dessert we ordered was similarly perfect, and the coffee was top notch. I remember saying to my husband that it was probably the best meal I’d had in years. Which I still stand by. When our check came, it was accompanied by a card signed by all of the staff wishing us a happy anniversary! Our waitress, who had been exemplary to begin with, had gone the extra mile to give us a little something special!
I can’t wait to go back!