24 Best Italian Restaurants in Durham

“𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐀 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲: 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 – 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐦, 𝐍𝐂 Gocciolina offers a culinary journey reminiscent of a quaint Italian trattoria, where every dish celebrates fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Stepping through the doors, guests are transported to a cozy haven adorned with charming family photos and rustic décor, evoking the warmth and hospitality of traditional Italian households. - Michael Glinter has traveled to 68 countries and 36 states to get the flavor of some amazing foods. His view on reviews is simple – Taste, Presentation, and Service. He believes telling the reader a positive and negative unbiased look at the restaurant is essential. - SERVICE: Justin was just amazing, and the rest of the staff worked as a team to escalate the level of attention customers would expect in a restaurant. His knowledge of the menu and ability to articulate your experience with the meals truly was outstanding. His attention to the customer and quick follow-through make him a value for his restaurant. - STARTERS: Crispy Eggplant - This is a true elevation of the humble eggplant to new heights with their exquisite Crispy Fried Eggplant topped with Gorgonzola Dolce and Fresh Tomatoes. The crispy eggplant provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy gorgonzola dolce lends a luxurious richness that melts in the mouth. The sweetness of the fresh tomatoes balances the savory notes, creating a harmonious union of tastes that is both comforting and sophisticated. The chef artfully balanced contrasting flavors and textures to create an unforgettable appetizer. - MAIN ENTREES Roasted Lady Edison Pork Loin with Speck Ham, Campo Cheese, and Braised Ramps (this was a seasonal special) Diners will find that this dish takes you on a gastronomic journey with their exquisite Roasted Lady Edison Pork Loin. This dish harmoniously blends premium ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Each component is meticulously crafted to perfection, from the tender pork loin to the savory speck ham, creamy Campo cheese, and aromatic braised ramps, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses. The succulent Lady Edison pork loin, roasted to perfection, boasts a rich depth of flavor complemented by the speck ham's smoky notes. The Campo cheese adds a creamy indulgence, while the braised ramps infuse the dish with a delicate sweetness and earthy aroma. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate with each mouthful. – Feedback: It was a little salty. I think with the ham on the dish, you could cut back on the seasoning of the pork and have a better balance. But overall, exceptional. - Hand Cut Noodles, Lady Edison Pork Ragu, and Parmigiano. The art of pasta reaches new heights with their homemade Hand Cut Noodles (wide noodles), served in a luscious Lady Edison Pork Ragu and crowned with a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano. This dish epitomizes the essence of comfort food, offering a soul-warming experience that satisfies both palate and spirit. The hand-cut noodles, with their delicate texture and satisfying chewiness, provide the perfect canvas for the robust flavors of the Lady Edison pork ragu. Slow-cooked to perfection, the ragu boasts layers of depth and complexity, with tender shreds of pork melding seamlessly with aromatic herbs and spices. The Parmigiano adds a salty richness that ties the dish together, creating a symphony of comforting and indulgent flavors. – Feedback: I'm not 100% a fan of their red sauce. I asked for a side of the red sauce to better understand the base sauce. It was a little water, almost tasting watered down, lighter in color – not the rich red that one would expect, and it was a bit too bland - DESSERT There are no words. Their homemade class chocolate chip cannolis and biscotti was a true end to a fantastic meal.“

“Delicious food and wonderful service“

“Just WOW! Man oh man I’m a Pizza Lover through and through and this has to be the best pizza I’ve had in a decade! So great! This is the REAL DEAL!“

“Great service and great food. We had a long, difficult week, and the kindness and wonderful food really lifted our spirits!“

“Had a great Dinner at Cucciolo Osteria on Duke Parents weekend! Had the Bolognese was delicious! Highly recommend! Even met a Celeb!💙“

“This is one of THE BEST spots in Durham for a casual lunch—inside and outside tables, unique and tasty menu, friendly easy service, and dine in/carry out. Unique soups, paninis, salads, and wines—- and vegetarian options!! HIGHLY recommend!!“

“Many thanks to Aaron, Mary Claire, and everyone else Alimentari At Mothers And Sons. When Covid forced us to cancel our wedding (we had planned our reception at M&S), the team went above and beyond to help prepare a take home meal for us to celebrate our small ceremony this past weekend. We arrived to pick up our dinner only to be SHOWERED with amazing food and wine. Many thanks for helping to make it such a special day!“

“Lunch yesterday Cesar salad vert good Eggplant parm excellent Pasta with meatballs excellent Pasta cooked as requested al dente---sauce very good Will be going back Best eggplant parm we had in the triangle Worth a trip for lunch or dinner“

“My husband and I dine here often. Everything is fantastic. The rosemary bread, the amazing potato soup, and don’t get me started on the tapas. The lamb chops are incredible. I have never been disappointed here. Be sure to make a reservation since it’s a small restaurant.“

“Excellent pizza! Can’t wait to try the other menu items!“

“Truly authentic Italian cuisine! We had the most perfect night~ The owner and chef prepared a chefs meal for the 4 of us and everything was so delicious! Great atmosphere and wine too!! Our new favorite local restaurant!“

“This is a beautiful restaurant and I have had several delicious meals there. Today I went with a friend and ordered my favorite 4 cheese ravioli. The raviolis were overcooked to the point they were browned on top and parts of the pasta tough. As we were on a tight schedule I did not send the meal back. I was given a dish of extra sauce so I believe they knew the dish wasn’t up to par. The service, as always, was impeccable. I will go back but, after several great hits, today was a miss.“

“Kelly and Guiseppe went above and beyond for a large group catering order back in September. They communicated efficiently and worked with us on a menu leading up to our event. Not only did Guiseppe make sure we were taken care of, but he followed up after our event and made sure everything was perfect. The food was great, and service was even better. Well done Societa and thank you Kelly and Guiseppe!“

“Despite a few mediocre reviews, I risked it and I'm so glad I did! It was quite busy, but the 2 guys taking the pasta orders seemed friendly enough and up for the challenge. I ordered the Parma Rosa and the prepared sauce was mixed with cubed chicken then scooped into a pan and set on a gas burner to heat up. That does take a few minutes, but they move them around the burners in order so yours is up and ready to go over your chosen pasta by the time you get to the cashier. It even came with a garlic breadstick, which on this evening was really a generous piece of flatbread. It was all delicious! Granted, eating in the Brodhead Center when it's busy can be a bit chaotic, but it's a college atmosphere! I loved the food + the experience from beginning to end and will definitely go back whenever I'm on campus.“

“Good on a cold day. It was delicious“

“Bella Napoli Restaurant is an Italian Food Lovers Delight. Located at 3511 Witherspoon Blvd. in Durham 27707. You can eat in or take out Carlos and Angela Serrano are the proud owners of this classy and friendly restaurant. The menu offers a lot of Pastas, Salads, Sandwiches, Desserts, and even Chicken Wings! I give them 5 thumbs Up! Give them a call at 984 439 8118 for takeout or to reserve tables for your next meeting, or celebration.“

“Only been here a couple of times and both times I got the steak hoagie. Both were very good. Plenty of meat and the bun was slightly toasted. The only thing I'd like to see is a more reasonable price on their drink. Three dollars for a drink is a bit excessive in my book. Two dollars would be more reasonable.“

“1st time picking up pizza & it was excellent!!! Loved the crust & pizza sauce!! Will definitely be bad!!“

“Tasty pizza and the staff here are wonderful!“

“Every time I go there they treat me with such respect . They know my face and even what I want and how I want my steak. I have yet to be disappointed by a choice of entree there. The customer service and food prep time is amazing .“

“Love the creative calzone flavors.“

“Whenever I'm craving a good pizza, I always think of this place first. Best place in the area to get it. Staff is always very nice and my order has never been made wrong. A genuinely good experience every time I've gone there, whether it be dine in or takeout“

“First time going to a Pizza Inn since the 80s. And it is actually still very good pizza. It's not artisanal. It's nostalgia. I have to say it was a good trip down memory lane.

Definitely worth your time and money to give it a shot. Unlike some of the older chains, the pizza is sill made with plenty of toppings.“

“Great service , friendly staff and delicious food.“