Such great food! Reservations are required. It can be a tight fit but the set up is great. The service can take a little time but that is because everything is made to order and soooo worth it! read more

I always like to start with 5 stars and Gocciolina is close, even though I took 2 away. Why? One star goes because the appetizer should have had a piece of bread served with it. It was good, I am certain all their appetizers are. But, a small plate without a chunk of bread for the gravy is sad. OK. Maybe that is 1/2 of a star, the other half is for the less than generous wine pour. I honestly expected more than an ounce our two and I have been more in may other restaurantss, both here and in Italy. The other star goes away for the slopply dessert service. I ordered almond cake at the recommendation of the couple sitting next to me at the bar and an espresso. I expected the cake, the the coffee or, perhaps, both together. I got the coffee and later the cake. Stmosphere, serving people, hostess, all top notch. Maybe I will go back and g et better appetizers and desserts next time. read more

Meh, I really wanted to like this place. Ambiance was lovely but the food was mid and overpriced. We didn't get the breadstick appetizer that the other tables received and waited almost an hour for our entrees. The cacio e pepe (my entree) was cold and started to congeal as I ate it. Overall, slow service and okay Italian food. read more

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Gocciolina has been on my list to try for a while and I was not impressed. We started off with drinks and they were good, a beer followed by an uptown spritz for me and the paper plane cocktail for my husband. For food we started off with two complimentary bread sticks then the cheese with local honey and toasted pistachios, crispy fried eggplant and butter lettuce salad. For our entrees it was the spaghetti carbonara for me and the pork cheek agnolotti (a chalkboard special) for him. The chalkboard specials change daily so make sure you check out their menu. Overall, the food was just okay. The salad was lettuce with olive oil and balsamic vinegar drizzled on it and the other food selections were just okay. read more

My bff and I have both been Gocciolina separately and we decided to make it a girls night and go together. We scheduled a reservation because we were both aware of how things fill up. When we first arrived we were greeted by the host who was very kind. Originally we thought one person who we thought was our server but later met Justin. Justin was matter of fact and basically there todo his job. He was not overly chatty and straight to the point. My friend and I were looking for a bottle of their Lambrusco and while they did not sell it by the glass we decided to move forward with the bottle. We ordered the oyster (beware they don't come in a shell) but they are packed with flavor. We also ordered the Bolognese and the steak. The Bolognese was solid and the stick was delicious. We ended up sharing everything. The bathroom was really clean and the parking lot has plenty of parking. It is such a cute little restaurant, very unassuming and truly a solid Italian place. Would definitely go back. read more

Gocciolina - oysters - Italian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Went here for our anniversary and it was really good! The service was really great and we sat in the back room which was more quiet and peaceful. We got a bottle of wine which was delicious and tried and shared a few plates. The carbonara was my favorite! The sorbet was also really amazing. The area the restaurant is in isn't the nicest but when you walk inside you really forget where you are. This was recommended to me years ago and I'm glad I finally made the stop in! read more

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Every item was delicious! I recommend going right when they open because there were two limited-quantity specials we ordered - the broiled oysters and a whole fried fish. We ate family style and ordered a mix of daily specials and regular menu items. From the specials: oysters, fried fish, agnolotti, pappardelle, gnocchi. From the regular menu: spicy seafood pasta, lamb chops, Brussel sprouts. The only disappointment was the size of the lamb chop entree compared to its price. Also, we ordered some dishes later into the meal and I do not recommend this. The restaurant became much busier and the wait for the additional plates was long. However, this is not the fault of the restaurant! Overall, incredible meal + service read more

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I've lived in Durham 14 years and have always been curious about this restaurant and this evening myself, my cousin and his wife went in honor of my birthday dinner. It was a very cute, comfy atmosphere. At first I thought the menu was very limited but also found it very hard to decide on my food! We tried the fried egg plant appetizer and it was. We also tried the a cheese fig and honey appetizer which I actually really enjoyed. I also had the chance to try some new beverages and two of the three in the flight I really enjoyed! My meal, potato gnocchi with peppers, onions and pork sausage was very good! I also really enjoyed the gelato I got for dessert, probably more so than the cannoli which sort of surprised me. The service was great and I thought the prices were very reasonable for the menu items. Thank you for a great dining experience. read more

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Great place. Will be back to dine here for sure. Also, they have great GF pasta. It's got a nice homey feel but with delicious food.

Amazing food, solid service. Came back after a few years and it just didn't hit as hard as I had hoped. Had to give it 4/5 stars. Amatriciana is the dish that stands out here. Definitely come and be the judge though! read more

The drop ceiling and vinyl floors don't necessarily make for a great ambiance but the food is very good. Had the lamb and some pasta and both were well executed. The olive oil cake was on point as well. Very friendly and attentive staff. Definitely on the go to list. read more

Baked NC oysters. Yum. Singles can usually find a seat at the bar. Prosecco listed on the chalk board. Check it out and return as often as you can. read more

Our first visit to Gocciolina and it was excellent! We were given a gift card from our daughter in 2021 but lost it in our move. We recently discovered it and the restaurant honored it this evening. Our server, Kate was very attentive and our food was timed perfectly. And she took her time to make sure that my order was safe for my severe shellfish allergy - which is of critical importance. The restaurant was very busy for a mid-week evening. We started with two appetizers: Spicy Salami (Nduja) and the Parmesan with aged balsamic. Our main courses were: Spaghetti alla Amatriciana and Spaghetti Carbonara. All paired with a bottle of Rosso di Montalcino. For dessert we shared the tasty Gelato - two scoops of different types of Gelato: 1 scoop vanilla with chocolate and the other a latte. A wonderful evening at this restaurant and we will definitely return! read more

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We have visited twice now. Once for Valentine's a few years ago and recently for our 8th wedding anniversary. There is a menu, but it is limited because they create the menu that is on the chalkboard. Everything has been delicious that we have tried. This time around, the cheapest bottle of wine was $46. The last time, there was a Montepulciano for $28. The Puglia we got was very good and paired well with our food. You can't go wrong with their Burrata to start. I always get pasta because I want pasta when I go for Italian. Therefore, I got the eggplant and roasted red pepper ravioli and sautéed swiss chard and garlic. 4 huge homemade ravioli and the chard was perfectly cooked and not mushy. Husband got the yellow fin tuna medium rare with cucumber and onion salad and brussel sprouts. The sprouts were charred with a good mix of spices and salt. The tuna was cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. We finished with the chocolate torte, ice cream (can't remember the name) and I had an espresso martini. Rich and chocolatey! Rhe martini was perfect - nit too sweet, good espresso/vodka mixed flavor. We did spend ~$200 with tip,, but that's not terrible for all we had and an anniversary. Make a reservation and go! read more

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We loved this place! Nice ambiance, lighting, friendly server, and the food was fantastic. Kind of tapas dishes. Can't wait to go back! A little pricey, we went on New Years Eve read more

Literally called this restaurant back 3x to speak with a manager. First 2 times someone picks up, says nothing and puts the phone down for over 5 minutes so I hung up. Called back and someone left me on hold for 4 minutes, then I asked to speak with a manager and they said nobody is available and they'll take my number and probably get a call tomorrow so I hung up. Called back a 4th time to get a human and again, someone picks up, says nothing and sets the phone down. Just had a total scam of an experience. They put fixed menu for graduation when you make a reservation. I looked at their menu and everything was reasonable, but they put no cost for what their fixed menu is. I think the scam is they ask what you are celebrating so when you put graduation they've got you. There was nobody in there aside from us with college age young adults. All older crowd and many had food that was not on the fixed menu that further tells me this is a graduation week scam. They bring the bill for 4 people and it was $360 then add tip. The waitress didn't even want to make eye contact when she dropped the check off and brought it back. I added up the more to most expensive end of what we got and it added up to $52, NOT $85. $33 for the meal we had is a total scam and unethical business practice. Very disappointing and would not support this restaurant again. The fact you can't speak to a manager or ask a simple question with anyone further highlights this restaurant and the experience. I guarantee to 60-80 year old crowd that was most of the people there didn't have this nor would frequent this restaurant if this was the cost in exchange for the portions and meal provided. Disappointing to say the least. read more

I drove by Gocciolina dozens of times, finally had dinner there with two friends. It's a fun place, has a family, slightly funky vibe which I enjoy. We had cocktails which were well-made, the eggplant appetizer which was delicious, butter salad, and the lion's-mane mushroom ravioli which was excellent. We shared a chocolate torte for dessert. We all enjoyed the meal and the service was great. Highly recommend. read more

The food was just ok and the portions were very small. Pricey for what you get. The only thing I liked was the almond olive oil cake which was delicious. There were 4 of us and nobody really liked their food. read more

Very good service but small portions. The ambiance was nice as well. I'm not sure if I would go back.

Talk about a fun date night! My wife and I sat at the bar. We got a dinner and a show. It was so fun watching the staff roll out the food. As it came out, we got to see first hand what we wanted to eat. Everything was super delicious and the staff is great! We will definitely be back! read more

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Great food (all courses) and service! Relaxing ambiance. Around enjoyable experience!

I had an amazing experience today! It was such a lovely homey feel. We sat at the bar and got great recommendations from the bartender. My drink was amazing and made very well. I am not usually an adventurous eater but i really enjoyed everything my date encouraged me to try! Everything we ate felt very authentic and homemade. I will absolutely be back! Make a reservation because they are only open for dinner. read more

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I was really looking forward to Our meal here but nothing really stood out. I'd read reviews and had recommendations but eh. The atmosphere was cute. I had a pasta dish with no protein, just spaghetti in a very light lemon butter sauce. Too lite. For apps we got the eggplant, which wasn't wow, and the artichoke salad, meh. Friend got muscles and loved them. The waiter didn't listen to our request, just smiled and nodded then did whatever wrong. read more

Snuck into an open bar seat Friday night. The restaurant from the outside gives off a Mediterranean meets NC vibe. The service was warm and quick, and the staff was all hip, thoughtful and very competent. The kind of people you know read good books and can tell what good olive oil tastes like. Both my dishes were excellent. My negroni was as good as any I've ever had before. The clientele skewed over 50, a good mix of what seemed to be Duke professors and the local professional class, but lacking in any kind of pretension. I would recommend this restaurant to others. read more

Gocciolina - Blue crab claws - Italian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Yum! I've been here twice now and it was up there with the best food I've had in the Durham area. I think some of the bad reviews are down to some limitations of the business model. It is a small kitchen and most things are made-to-order. Also, I do wonder if the restaurant has a bit of a PR problem...for example, in my experience, this is a tapas style restaurant with smaller portions so food sharing is the way to go--things come out of the kitchen with different timings. As the night goes on and the get busy, food quality may go down and timings may suffer. Lastly, they run out of supply quickly and the specials are incredible! So, arrive as close to opening as possible and definitely get a reservation on weekends. Gotta try their food! read more

Gocciolina is a go-to for us. Whether it is the regular menu or constantly rotating chalkboard specials, you cannot go wrong here. It is a cozy and elegant environment with nice lighting and friendly staff. Highly recommended! read more

Food and service were good! We did arrive to find the wait to be long even with a reservation so plan to eat for 1hour minimum. NO COMPLAINTS!! The food was good and they had a nice wine selection read more

I'd go back! I thought the Italian food was very good. My only minus is probably with portion size. To start, I love that they change their menu a little every day. That introduces some variety, and it also shows that they use fresh ingredients and fresh preparations every day. I definitely noticed how fresh everything was when I was eating the food. For example, I got a side of broccoli and the broccoli they used was great. I really enjoyed my aperol spritz and my risotto too. Sometimes I feel like it is hard to get good risotto in the triangle area, so I was super relieved. I loved how many leeks there were in my risotto, but I would've loved a tiny bit more crab. I do wish the portions were a little bigger. Especially compared with the prices! This especially applies to the sides and antipasti. I love to eat, and it's tough to order meatballs and get three small meatballs. The entrees had better portions, though. read more

Gocciolina - Aperol spritz - Italian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

What a wonderful place! The menu is just amazing - it was hard to decide on just one plate. Would highly recommend the charcuterie board and the focaccia bread to start. The beet salad was also absolutely excellent but my favorite dish was the risotto, well worth the recommendation. I am not usually a risotto fan but I was feeling adventurous and it paid off. My party also highly rated the lasagna dish. I recommend saving room for dessert- the flourless cake was absolutely amazing, one of the best I've had and the chocolate mouse dessert was a table favorite. I will be back soon because I was left wanting to try many of the other dishes. Gosh it was so good, pricey but so worth it. read more

My wife and I went a whole lot back in 2014-2015 until we got really frustrated with the how hard it was to get a reservation. Tried again back in 2019 and it was fine but nothing special. Covid hit, I frankly forgot it existed and then we went back two weeks ago. Overall it's totally serviceable though the 'only place in Durham with fresh pasta' gimmick has sort of lost its luster. The food is for the most part not bad but nothing wowed us either. Small pasta portions but it's all handmade, small antipasti portions but not too expensive, small vegetable portions but again not too expensive. Always enjoy the meatballs, the spiced chickpeas, the chocolate torte and any vegetable. Pastas are fine but again neither that hearty nor that tasty. Service used to be this one old guy who was really funny and knowledgeable but the last two times I've been it was a young, indifferent and not at all knowledgeable guy each time. Food does tend to come out fast so that's a plus. Ambiance is a small cut above the bare minimum though I will echo others' observations that it's really cold in the next door lounge (and a bit weird that to use the restroom you either have to exit and then re-enter the building or walk through the kitchen. Overall yeah I'm not waiting with bated breath to go back but it's really the only game in town for decent food above the I85 corridor in Durham. read more

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: : - , 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. read more

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Just ok. Had the Blu crab claw appetizer, portion was very small. Brussel sprouts were good, Beef Ragu gnocchi tasted like chef boy r D! Won't be going back. Ambiance is a no for me and service was ok. read more

So blessed to have such a gem in Durham! You can taste the authenticity in each dish. The server was really nice, and made us feel home. Cant wait to be back with my group of friends. Highly recommended!!! read more

I've been 4-5 times and the food is fantastic as always. However, the last time I went last night the service was poor. It seems to be a result of understaffing. We were promptly seated for our reservation by the wait staff (in fact they sat us early). But they kept having to seat people. Which delayed our order. Our appetizers came out in fine time. But the entrees took at least 30 minutes after the appetizer. It could be because they had staff not show up. If so, I would recommend the owner add more backup wait staff or host staff some when it's known to be busy. read more

Gocciolina is such a solid Italian place. It served up nice pungent flavors and freshness. We absolutely loved the slaw that came with the fried triggerfish, the sautéed pei mussels, and the chocolate almond torte the most. Every dish had a strong and distinctive flavor that really lingers in your memory. The mussel sauce was definitely more salty but it seasoned the mussel meat perfectly. Overall, the salt level at Gocciolina was perfectly done and food was executed well. I don't think the food is exciting or awe inspiring, but I left very happy with the meal and look forward to returning to try more as the menu changes. I only wished the main entrees were slightly bigger- the portions are a bit small for the price point for the main dishes (Ragu pasta and triggerfish). Taste: 4/5 Presentation: 3.5/5 Recommend to a friend?: Yea Consistent: 1st time Cost: $$ Parking: parking structure is whack but there's enough parking lol read more

Gocciolina - Complimentary breadsticks - Italian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food at Gocciolina is exquisite. For the most part, it's local, farm raised, or from NC shores. It's served on small plates, so prepare to order many items to share or to have on your own. Service is excellent. Might have to wait a bit when the place is busy. This is NOT a family-style restaurant. You won't find burgers and fries here. Reservations are requested, especially on weekends or holidays (it's a great place to take your squeeze for a one-on-one dinner, valentines or mother's day, for instance, but don't bring the wailing/crawling/running/hyperactive spuds, please). The general age range of customers is middle to elder. Make a reservation in advance and go. read more

Maybe we just came on an off night. Our server must have been having a off night as well. He forgot to put our drink order in and when I asked if I could have the crab cake only with broccoli he went to ask the chef and he forgot I had to remind him of that as well. To start off he forgot to ring our drink order. Then he took the menu away before we ordered and I had to remind him. We ordered an old fashioned and an aperol spritz and a meatball appetizer. Then our food came mine came first and it was such a small portion and it took my friends 5 minutes later to get his. I was so disappointed because my crab cake was so small and the broccoli was described as a full crown of broccoli and it wasn't it was 2 stalks. They also charged the full price plate when all I got was the crab cake not the crab claws as it described. My friend ordered the shrimp carbonara with oysters and mushrooms which looked very good. The flavor was good but not great. The bartender did come over and offer to comp another round of drinks but after our experience here we just were ready to leave. read more

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One of my favorite spots in Durham! It's definitely worth the extra few minutes from downtown. Food and service are always excellent! I recommend making a reservation as the space is small and tables are typically all full--even on weeknights. read more

Oh my goodness! This food was so good so authentic. The service was amazing. They explain the menu they gave you what the daily options were. They suggested wine and drinks. The ambience was so nice especially if you're looking to take someone on the first date to impress this is the place to go. read more

Note that I got this to go. I tried the carbonara based on the numerous excellent reviews. It wasn't good. It was sticky, way too salty, and had too much pepper. It wasn't creamy at all, and the meat was mostly stuck together. The icing on the cake was that their menu has only what appears to be a tasting menu with no prices. I used the yelp menu which showed the carbonara as being $10. It was $20. Not worth it. read more