Gocciolina

We arrived early for our reservation and were seated. Now this was a Tuesday. The menu is not the standard Italian. It is fine dining, but not big plates of spag bol. Every dish is fresh. The pasta is handmade. It is just amazing.

We were there on a Tuesday.

Arrival

We were seated immediately, even though we were early for our reservation. Water was provided immediately. The cocktails were some of the most balanced cocktails that I have ever tasted. They had a kick, but the alcohol was part of the drink, not the main part of the drink.

We ordered olives to go with the drinks. What is special is that the olives complimented the drinks. So there was thought there.

For our side, we went with the brussel sprouts. They were perfect.

We chose the seafood ravioli and the NC Tuna. These were specials and amazing. They had a little bit of spice to them which kept them from being bland. Again, it all balanced. I appreciated the thought of the menu. Portions were perfect.

We had room for dessert - also made fresh - cannoli and a torte. Not too sweet, perfectly balanced.

I think if there is a word to sum up the meal: Balanced. Everything was thoughtfully prepared. Everything was what you would expect and the plates were well done.

The only thing we plan to change next time is to treat it like a tapas menu. The dishes arrive when ready, which isn't what you would expect, so go in and order 3 or 4 plates to share. Everything is worth tasting and it is prepared in a way that you can easily get 3 or 4 "perfect bites." Definitely a place to go with friends.

Will be back.

The food is phenomenal! Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. I am a big fan of the "bring food as it's ready" model, we shared everything and were thrilled with the freshness, taste, and temperature. The menu is super accommodating for gluten free diners.

Without a doubt the best meal I’ve ever had! Unique atmosphere, reasonably priced, DELICIOUS food, and personable service. Great laid back date spot

Our first time visiting this small, quaint restaurant and wow! It was top notch with great service and even better food! Wait staff is very attentive and knowledgeable about the entire menu and wines. Daily specials were diverse and wonderful. We will definitely be back.

We come here for birthday and anniversary dinners but it is also great for any adult dinner it. It is the best restaurant in North Durham. I love their fresh and local specials that rotate daily and weekly. I always have trouble deciding what to get because it is all so good. The service is always delightful like the servers are having a good time too. The decor is reserved and tasteful while a little playful and the chairs are pretty comfortable.

Diner reservations highly recomended. We made a reservation got to the resturanut, and was greeted and seated immediately. Waiter came by and offered some recomendations that we ordered. The food is fantastic, they have a great wine selection and well what can I say if I could give 7 or 8 stars I would, Fantastic all around. What a great experience.

I’ve spent time in actual Italy. This tops some of the most authentic dinners over had. Wine. To die for. Food. Perfectly portioned. Owner/ servers. Personable, friendly, attentive. Best date I’ve had out with my fiancé since our son was born, and he was WITH us. Somebody give these guys a damn Michelin star. The food is THAT good. AND
we spent half what you expect to at a fancy upscale authentic Italian Trattoria. Thank you for sharing your passion with us through food!

I got the steak. It was very filling, flavorful, and delicious. The bf ordered chickpeas, some ground beef pasta and the chocolate desert. The taste was on point. Would love to go back!

We ate here tonight and were bowled over by the quality of the food - just spectacular! The gnocchi melts in your mouth and the mushroom raviolis are unlike any we've ever had (so, so good). The portions aren't big, but the flavors are HUGE. Everything is obviously created with love and a high level of skill and expertise. We'll be back!

Excellent, authentic Italian food made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently but I haven't tasted anything there I didn't absolutely love. The staff is the best in Durham. Highly recommend!

This is our favorite restaurant in town- we always have the most wonderful service and often feel like it’s our second home. The specials board has great local seasonal selections but we also love the classics on the “main” menu. Don’t skip on the affogato for dessert!

Gocciolina has always had the best food. The service may have been a bit slow, for whatever reason, in the past, but we discovered differently last night. Our server, Allison, was the absolute and made our family celebration that much sweeter. We, of course, had reservations. Especially following a Duke basketball game. Thank you, Gocciolina and Allison!

Absolutely amazing on all fronts! The specials were amazing, the cocktails mixed to perfection, the wine selection was top-notch, and the service excellent.
We ordered the pork chop, and the gnocchi for entrees and were not disappointed. The portions are perfectly sized so you can try a few different items.
I'll continue to come here when I've got a special occasion! It would also be perfect for a date night!

As a longtime resident of the Triangle area, I always recommend Gocciolina to my clients when they are looking for a great Italian restaurant. The popular spot offers house-made pastas, homemade bread, mouth-watering appetizers (don’t forget to try the anti-pasti), and delicious desserts such as chocolate almond torte and tiramisu cannoli. The ambiance is amazing, they offer indoor or outdoor seating, and the servers are always knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. The Italian eatery is a great place to celebrate an anniversary, a special day, or just to get a great meal.

Gocciolina has always been one of our favorite restaurants, but I'm writing an updated review to give them credit for an EXCELLENT take out experience.

We got the following:
-Spicy Baked Gnocchi all' Amatriciana with Lissome and Pecorino Cheese
-Braised Four-Leaf Farm Chard, Kale with Garlic and Tomato
-2 orders of Meatballs by the Half Dozen
-Order of olives

Each item was delicious!

Everything was packaged as take n' bake with easy instructions. (Especially helpful, all our dishes were roughly the same time/temp!)

Door was open to avoid touch, then orders are placed on a table near the front. Greatly appreciated that, since many take out options in town still want to HAND YOU your order, which defeats the purpose.

In the end, the food was tasty and the experience was seamless. Great job!

Absolutely delicious! We just returned from Rome and this lovely place really made it feel like we were back in Italy. Delicious seafood daily specials!

By far the best Italian food in Durham. Local ingredients, cooked fresh, rotating specials and menu, great wine selection, drink selection, vegetarian options available and they can accommodate it as well.

Thouroughly enjoyed my meal...I had the pork chop and the pasta carbanara.... oh and the claws... followed by sorbet! Everything was great and the bartender was super cool.

Best Italian food I found in Durham so far!! Very impressive😍with good price!
The pasta is simply amazing! The appetizers are great too; we got eggplant, salami, and meatballs and they are all wonderful! Highly recommended 🍷😄

Fantastic atmosphere and food. Very relaxing vibe.