Best pizza in NC!!! Plus, the zeppole dessert is da bomb!!! It is worth the drive and parking cost for a taste of Italy in downtown Durham, NC!!!! read more

Follow-up review - went on a Saturday evening. Sat right near the oven. My son had the fried pigs' ears which he said was amazing and the Parma Prosciutto- amongst the best he's tasted. We split a Margherita Pizza and Soft Egg pizzas - both were even better than our last visit as they barely spent 30 seconds from oven to table. The soft egg with the arugula, parmesan and garlic was such a delight. The Margherita was flawless. Service was spot on and fast. Expect to spend 30-45 minutes dining. First come, first seated. Well worth the short wait. N.B. 20% Gratuity is added to all bills. Fortunately, you can add additional gratuity if you like. read more

Was very disappointed in the pizza. I love pretty much all pizza. But somehow both of these were flavorless. It was very shocking. Our waitress was lovely though and the workers are very nice. Also, they add a 20 percent service charge to the ticket. Great people, but I won't be back. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Ok, this isn't the best photo but trust. They have the 2nd best kale salad I've ever had and the pizza is right there with it. All their apps are also a must try read more

Pizzeria Toro - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Took our friend here for dinner on a monday evening. Situated downtown durham, the pizzeria has a tidy, rustic appearance with large windows opening to the street. It can get a bit loud with the tables being pretty close to each other, but it created a fun atmosphere along with the open kitchen (where you can see the wood fire pizza oven). We ordered three pizzas - two red based (sweet fennel sausage and Calabrian salumi) and one white based (mushroom). We thoroughly enjoyed all three of them. We especially appreciated the pizza dough here - one of the best pizza crusts I've had. The service was quite fast. Would definitely recommend for casual friend gathering here! read more

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Great joint in downtown Durham. Good vibe, excellent pizza, decent beer selection. Gets pretty bumpin some nights, and service can slide a bit. Definitely worth a stop. read more

I'm not easily impressed when it comes to pizza. This is a delicious wood fired pizza that deserves all 5 stars. Located in downtown Durham, easy walk to Dpac from here. We stopped in prior to our show on Sunday early evening and while it wasn't packed when we entered, it got increasingly busy by the time we left. Shared the ricotta dumpling for starter. It had a bit of sweetness as well as savory. Very nice balance of flavors and quite a unique dish. We shared the red pizza with Buffalo cheese and it was plenty filling for 2 of us. We had a two seater table and noticed some large communal tables. It's not a large place and you will be very close to others but it's all good. The service was great and I'd definitely come back. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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We dined at Pizza Toro for an early dinner on a Wednesday before our Les Miserables show at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Pizza Toro serves Neapolitan style pizza and other Italian inspired dishes. The pizza is cooked in a large brick oven that is in the center of the restaruant. You can see the chefs crafting each unique pizza and charring them right in front of you. The interior is rustic, modern, and very clean. The ambiance is inviting and provides for a nice dining experience. It isn't an upscale atmosphere, but has a sophisticated vibe to it. The service is very attentive and we were pleased with our waiter. He knew the menu well and was able to explain the flavor profiles of some of their unique pizzas. He was very attentive and made sure our waters were full and that we were satisfied! We were seated at the end of the long center table near the brick oven. We came for an early dinner, so it wasn't very busy. As we were heading out the restaurant definitely became more busy though. For our appetizer the three of us ordered 2 of their "Tuscan Kale Salad". The salad included tuscan kale, pine nuts, chiles, and shaved Parmesan cheese. We all were blown away with the salad and the overall quality! The kale wasn't tough at all and the parmesan cheese was very sharp. It complimented the pine nuts really nicely and the chiles added a little bit of heat to the salad. Would highly recommend starting with this salad, it will not disappoint! For our pizzas we ordered the NC Clam, Soft Egg, and Sweet Fennel Sausage Pizza. The clam and soft egg pizza were white pizzas and the sweet fennel sausage had red sauce. We could see them crafting our pizzas and even watched them put them in the oven, really cool! The pizzas didn't take too long either. My mother and I had had a clam pizza in NJ this past year and really enjoyed it. So we were excited to see this on the menu. This was a different clam pizza than the one we had in NJ. Pizza Toro's clam pizza had the clams in their shells on the pizza. It was really different and provided for a completely different flavor. The pizza wasn't bad by any means, but it did disappoint a little. The clams in the shells made the pizza too salty and if it wasn't eaten quickly, they made the crust/base of the pizza soggy. The clam pizza was lacking a little and we were disappointed. The soft egg pizza included a soft egg, trumpet mushrooms, chiles, arugula, and parmesan. None of us had had a pizza with these flavors before and we were intrigued! The pizza was great and the runny egg worked very well with the mushrooms and the sharp taste of the parmesan and arugula. A good pizza and would recommend! Now for the fennel sausage pizza. Wow! Their homemade red sauce is absolutely amazing and you can really taste the quality of the ingredients used. The pizza was topped with fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and provolone. It was pretty basic, but the flavor was so unique. The sausage had a lot of flavor and complimented the sweetness of the peppers perfectly. I would HIGHLY recommend ordering this pizza, it was by far the star of the show! Overall we had a great dining experience at Pizza Toro. The service was attentive and the restaurant was very clean. We appreciated the modern, rustic atmosphere of the restaurant and will be returning when we are in Durham again. We loved our kale salads and while we were disappointed with the NC Clam Pizza, the other pizzas we ordered were great! Our only regret was not ordering more of their "Red based" pizzas, that sauce it to die for! read more

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Had a wonderful meal from start to finish. Generous portions (baby greens salad was perfect for two people), delicious pizza with fresh ingredients, and great service. And the cannoli! We loved the communal tables and noise (6 pm on a Monday and it was pretty full), as well as being able to see into the pizza stove and all that was going on as the staff prepped the pizzas. But if you're looking for a quiet place with tables that are far apart, this isn't the place for you. We will definitely be back next time we're in town! read more

Pizzeria Toro - Summer squash pizza with zucchini bechamel, ricotta cream and basil - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Went back for the first time in almost five years and it was absolutely great. Service is still a bit slow and it was crowded per normal but the kale salad, the ricotta dumplings and the pigs ears were still quite good while the potato pie was as spectacular as I remembered. Happy it's still around and happy to return read more

Completely disappointed with this restaurant. The pizza was bland to the point of not being able to tell which one we ordered. One of our bartenders was great: funny, nice, personable, wonderful. The other one was just rude. Literally threw my bill to me across the bar without even looking at me. Just a miserable woman. And the reason why she's so bad is she has no reason to be a normal human being due to the main problem with this place: their sneaky and classless hidden 20% add on to your bill. See picture. Why be nice when you're guaranteed a 20% tip? And "to ensure a fair wage?" Really? How about you PAY YOUR OWN PEOPLE, you scumbags? Sorry, but if you accept this treatment, you get what you deserve. My payment was cancelled by AMEX because that is against their policies. Thanks for the free, bland, tasteless meal! read more

Pizzeria Toro - Sneaky and classless. Should be illegal and I refused to pay it. - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Not only is this the best food I've had in Durham, it's also perhaps the best pizza I've had in my life. We were expecting Pizzeria Toro to be good, but it way surpassed expectations. We've only had the chance to try the pizza, but based off how good the pizza is I can imagine the rest of the menu is phenomenal as well. Service was quick and friendly. I'd recommend the pepperoni white pizza. It's what you expect from a classic but with an elevated twist. But really, I'm sure you can't go wrong with anything you try. Be sure to check them out, and bring your out of town guests as well if you want to impress them with the best of what Durham has to offer! read more

Pizzeria Toro - Pepperoni - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The fact that I do not have any pictures to share with you tells the story. This pizza was so delicious and looked so good that I gobbled it up right away. Definitely come here for the excellent pizza and food. You can't go wrong grabbing a pizza and a dessert from this place. One standout feature was their awesome selection of non-alcoholic beverages. As someone who does not partake, having wonderful options such as shrubes and kombucha was a nice change of pace and something I really appreciate from the owner. However, space is cramped and you better be prepared to go elbow to elbow with someone you don't know. But, what's the worst that can happen? You end up chatting with fellow North Carolinian, possibly make a friend in the process. Don't be shy, go check this place out! read more

Our waiter was funny and kind. The pizza was delicious. I usually don't eat crust but their dough has a great amount of salt and crispiness with burnt bits from the oven. We went during lunch hours on a Monday and it wasn't packed but there were a good amount of people. No problem getting seated with our group of 6. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Mushroom Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Can't beat this spot. Really unique and inventive pizzas with some classic staples. Drinks are always on point as well.

All I can say is that was deeeeelish!!! Hubby and I had san marinara tomato with buffalo mozzarella and basil...he added prosciutto di parma to his because he likes meat on his pizza. We also drizzled the calabrian chilli oil over the pizza as well as the ricotta dumplings--- omg to die for!!!! They were a bit understaffed so we had a little wait which was about 10 mins...GO EARLY bc the line was out the door! And for good reason--- wood fired oven pizza...yummy deliciousness! For dessert I opted for the gianduja budino to go...it comes in a cute little jar...it consists of hazlenuts olive oil sea salt and chocolate. read more

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The ambiance is inviting, the staff is exceptional, and the food is an unforgettable experience. If you're a foodie, a pizza lover, or looking to try something new, this is your spot. read more

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I really wanted this place to be great! I need to have gluten free options and this was listed as the top of the 10 best GF places in Durham. Our server seemed very annoyed to be serving, and when we asked if they have a gluten free crust she said "no" and looked at us as if we'd fallen from mars. Maybe she doesn't try to impress since they require a 20% tip on every bill. Needless to say, the cute atmosphere didn't make up for the poor service. read more

Food was great service was great wasn't happy with being forced to pay a 20% tip maybe pay your staff better i usually leave a good tip but would prefer to leave cash also want to be sure that I get good service. Also didn't like not having a separate table. Probably won't be going back. read more

This has been a favorite date night spot for the last few years! You can always count on this pizza and truly cannot go wrong on any order. I have even taken some friends from NYC here and they have said this za is as good as some of their favorite za spots in the city! I mean..can't beat that compliment. I would suggest dining in. The pizza here is made in a wood fired stove and the best method to consume is straight from the oven to your mouth. Plus their drink menu is delicious and the ambiance in the restaurant is so quaint! I don't believe they take reservations but I did call ahead of time when I came with a large party once and the staff was very accommodating. Which brings me to service! Everyone here has always been super kind, attentive and helpful! I have zero pictures for you because...the food is too good. Maybe I'll remember to take some pics the next time I visit! read more

I dined here and found out later that I had 20% automatically added to my bill and they didn't tell me when I tipped significantly in cash. What outrageous greed. I will never go back. read more

Very good spot on the weekdays, weekends is very busy and do not take reservations. The Kale salad is one of the best ever and can't go wrong with the specialty pizzas. Sit at either the long table in the middle or by the window is the best. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Bellumi drinks and specialty pizza with spinach and salami - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Absolutely delicious and some of the best pizza I've had. We were only in town for the weekend, and we went two days in a row for lunch because it was so good! Highly recommend the plum soda as well. Very quick service and cool vibe. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Old school pepperoni - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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An automatic 20% added to our bill for two people. I did not see this on the check and consequently left another $20 on top of the $12 automatically added to my check. Unbelievable how now everything must be scrutinized and verified. I don't like this concept of adding on a 20% tip automatically, and will not be back. read more

Over the years, Pizzeria Toro has never disappointed. It's been a go to place for catching up with friends and for family visiting from out of state. I always order the same pizza (anchovy) and appetizer (kale salad). I can always count on these for the perfect meal. Lately, I've added the burrata and it pairs nicely with the kale salad as appetizers to share. There's always burrata and pesto left over, which I put on top of the anchovy pizza and it's delicious. Don't snooze on the seasonal drinks and special desserts, either. When a place is this popular, there's going to be a wait so plan on it and head to the bar to enjoy something to drink. Soon enough, your table will be ready. The staff is great. They work hard and try to make your dining experience as pleasant as possible. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Anchovy, fresh garlic, chiles, basil, no cheese - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This place was incredible! They specialize in personalized pizzas with red or white sauce, with a beautiful ambiance. The service was great and you could see the beautiful brick pizza oven from wherever you sat! read more

Pizzeria Toro - Ricotta Dumplings - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Went here for an impromptu date night with my husband. We put our name on the list for a table but luckily we were able to get a seat at the bar before our wait time was over. The bar is full service if you are able to squeeze in. Started the night out with a pickled melon shrimp dish that was my husbands idea. It wasn't bad and was very unique. Then we ordered one pizza but they brought out the wrong pizza for the couple next to us and we were able to snag that one for free so it wouldn't go in the trash. The pizza is very good. I love the then crispy crust. The service was fast and friendly throughout the meal. We ended the dinner with the donuts (it's a different name on the menu). But they turned out very tasty. Overall this is a great place for good quality food. I have seen that they have clam pizza, it wasn't available when I went but perhaps it will be for those more adventurous than I. read more

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Amazing experience! The food was amazing and the service was extraordinary! We really enjoyed the vibe and service! read more

Pizzeria Toro - Great food!!! fire fresh - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Good food (though overpriced), but terrible service. There are several very rude servers, as reviewers elsewhere have also commented. This has happened twice. There is a required 20 percent gratuity added to the bill, which I would be happy to pay if I were not treated so rudely. read more

Great brick oven pizza! Don't have too many dishes as option but Dessert are really good! Cake with orange tastes like heaven. Hopefully I will go back again. read more

This restaurant had a very warm feel and the service was fast. The appetizer and pizza we ordered were also amazing and I definitely recommend coming here on a date night. read more

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3.5 / 5.0 - Loved the cozy chic decor with their open kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven. The food wasn't anything to write home about, though. The staff was friendly and the service was great, but they also automatically charge a 20% gratuity based off of your total bill including tax. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza ($17+) - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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It's not rocket science. The pizza is just really good. It's what you want. Not just the pizza. There's a few unexpected things in the menu, but they are really good too. Soooo... read more

Food: Pizza Excellent (Had the margarita add fresh garlic) Service: Excellent Ambiance: Fantastic, laid back, and modern. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Margarita Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The food was very good and the service was attentive and friendly. It's a small space so between the too-loud music and the many guests it's almost impossible to have a reasonable conversation. The one thing that really put me off was that a tip was included in my bill. The irony is that I'm a very generous tipper and I would have tipped my server more than what management decided I ought to tip. Now, there is another line on the bill where I could have added an additional tip but the whole idea of an auto tip put me off that I didn't add anything more. Doubt I'll be going back any time soon, too many other places to try. But, as I said, the food was good. read more

Second time here and it did not disappoint. Salad and pizza were both excellent. Our waitress was great too.

Agree with others on the sub par service. I am visiting from out of town, ordered pizza and salad to go to take to my hotel. When I got there, I was abruptly told to go to the back room for my to-go order. I sat at the back bar for a while without being acknowledged while the staff member did other tasks. When they finally came to me and i told them I had a takeout order, they just nodded to a shelf with a couple bags sitting on it and I had to figure it out. Wild for a place that adds a service charge for takeout. Pizza was decent. No silverware included for my salad, so I'm eating it with my fingers, but it's also decent. $50 for a small pizza and salad, crappy service, and no silverware for my takeout. No thanks. read more

I come to town for business about once every two months. I've always had great meal ls at pizzeria toro! We now bring our business partners too. read more

Pizzeria Toro - Had a great meal with a colleague at pizzeria toro! - Pizza Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Just had a pepperoni and fennel sausage pizza at Pizzeria Toro. We have had pizza from all over America, and this is literally the best pizza we have ever eaten. Period. Amazing crispy crust and yummy toppings. Plus everyone is super friendly. Sure, there is an automatic tip of 20%, but the pizza was more than worth it. You need to eat here! read more

This my second time coming here. The first time was stupid packed, but this time wasn't so busy. The food is super fresh and tasty. Also they are very accommodating to dietary restrictions. read more

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