Incredible. Friendly staff, perfect portions, and delicious food. The spicy vodka rigatoni,…read morechicken, and the bruschetta are their staples and a must try.

We've been to Cucciolo twice, and both times enjoyed our experience. Last night we had fantastic…read moreentrees, including a white ragu and a seafood-based pasta. The service was spot-on; timely but never intrusive, prompt and very friendly. They have an expansive wine list, and their dessert menu has Affogato, which is one of our favorites. Two cons: The parking is super tricky in this area, and the restaurant is loud because every single surface is concrete or wood. That said, still worth your time to check out.

I came here for a group dinner, which was served family style in a private room in the back…read more I was the only vegan in the group, and the server was very attentive, making sure that I knew what food was vegan and what was not, bringing me separate versions of the dishes, and even coming out to confirm with me if I was okay with honey or not. Overall, I cannot speak highly enough of the service. I always feel anxious asking for vegan versions at restaurants which don't have anything vegan on the menu, but I felt very at ease here. The staff was extremely professional. They brought me a separate salad, which was some kind of pepper / oil / radish situation. The main dish was a basil & eggplant pasta with red sauce. The noodles themselves were delicious, and I loved the basil & eggplant. I did feel that the sauce was perhaps a bit bland / undersalted, but I suspect that was because of the vegan accommodations. I think the salad suffered for similar reasons. I think they could improve their menu by designing an intentionally vegan main dish, particularly one that was more well-balanced to make up for the lack of cheese (everything else had cheese in it, so I'm assuming that was the problem with my dish). Overall, however, I was very impressed with the service and it was a very positive experience. I appreciate the lengths to which they went to accommodate me.

We made reservations here for 5:30 on a Tuesday before a DPAC show at 7:30, which we indicated on…read morethe reservation. Because they state that tables of 2 will only be allowed the table for 90 minutes, we didn't think timing would be an issue, but indicated it just in case. The restaurant wasn't busy, assuming since we were on the earlier side of a weeknight. However, despite all this, we still barely made it to our show. The restaurant is cozy and moody and smells wonderful. I love being able to see the kitchen from the tables. However, service was a little off-putting. Our waitress was cordial, but she didn't tell us about the specials until after we asked and even then, only stated the name of the dish--no description. This wouldn't have been as off-putting except that she was energetic and forthcoming about the drink and food specials for the table next to us, which was a larger party. It honestly made us feel like there was a different attitude based on perceived tip. Pacing of our food was a little awkward. We ordered the burrata bruschetta and the golden beets and mozzarella salad to start and they were brought out separately--the salad only after we had finished the burrata. Both dishes were good, and the real shining star was the mozzarella under the salad. After we finished the salad, our waitress cleared our plates and then said, "ok now I'll put the entrees in." Again, since we had a schedule to adhere to, we were a little perplexed. We sat with nothing on the table for about 10 minutes, which I think would have been better filled with food or something to munch on. My friend got the cacio e pepe, which was divine, and I got the tagliatelle al ragu, which was good and very filling. Because of the timing, we didn't get to order dessert, which was a bummer. In fact, our waitress didn't even ask if we were interested--just dropped the check off. There are a few other things I'd like to try on the menu, so I'll probably be back, but this wasn't the stellar experience that I'm used to from Matt Kelly restaurants.

Such great food! Reservations are required…read more 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!

I always like to start with 5 stars and Gocciolina is close, even though I took 2 away. Why?…read moreOne 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.

For a team building event we made pizzas here during a weekday lunch and it was fantastic…read moreOne of the co-owners of this family-owned business (they have multiple locations in NC) led a quick lesson and taught us how to make pizzas! He also gave us a nice overview of the family business history which was great. We each made pizzas and they literally cook in 2 minutes! Absolutely delicious. If you're looking for a fun activity with your family or friends definitely call them up and arrange for pizza making! Plenty of space and outside dining is also an option. Highly recommend!

Man, what a great pie!! I prefer thin crusts and this one had a perfect crust. The sauce was not…read moreoverwhelming, the cheese and topping were just perfect. When I'm back this way, will definitely stop in again. Shoot, I might even make a trip just for the pizza.

Amazing service. Amazing food and drinks. My boyfriend and I were recommended the kale salad, which…read morewe were scared to try, but it was FANTASTIC. Pizza was amazing. Had great drink recommendations.

I ate here recently for the first time with my hubby, son, and brother. We all loved it! We arrived…read morewithout a reservation on a Friday night, and had about a 25 minute wait. We were sat right in front of the kitchen, at the end of a shared table. We loved seeing all the different pizzas being made and how efficient the team worked. To start we had the ricotta dumplings and the kale salad. Both tasted fresh, unique, and delicious. We then shared the soft egg pizza, the brussels sprout pizza, and the pizza americana (cheese) for the little guy. We enjoyed all of them, especially the brussels sprout. An added bonus to sitting where we did is that the gentleman preparing the pizzas made an extra and offered it to us. We were stuffed so we declined, and he gave it to the kitchen staff, but it was nice of him to offer!

The food was awesome! Especially love the Greek pasta with shrimp. A perfect spot for a romantic…read moredinner or a laugh filled girl's night! The wait staff is very attentive, going above and beyond to help you in any way possible. (Shout out to our favorite waiter, Kevin, and his killer cosmos!)

Enjoyed a nice birthday dinner at Melo. To start, the bread, I think foccacia, was really good…read more Their mozzarella sticks are huge and some of the best. Two people commented they didn't need the marinara they were so good. We all shared in some capacity. The hubs got the NY Strip which had beautiful and tasty veggies along with the good steak. I got a few tapas versus an entre. The sautéed spinach with the bacon for salt and an interesting dried cranberries for sweet were great.. not soggy or overcooked. The Shrimp in lemon was amazing! I could have just drank the sauce. Great for bread dipping. And of course the baked cheese was a winner. Service started a little slow because we had 7 folks and I didn't call ahead to warn them, but when we were finally settled the service was great.

Stopped by for just a quick drink. Was able to have one of the best Manhattan drinks ever. Also…read moreenjoyed the conversation with the bartenders as well. Looking forward to returning to check out the food and desserts! I even know which table we will sit at!

In this small, unassuming yet elegant restaurant, lives a true Italian tradition, and food just as…read moreyou would expect in Italy. We had a lovely dinner tonight, our server Rafael was an absolute delight! Every bite was delicious and worth every penny. I highly recommend this amazing establishment. It seems people haven't yet realized its presence. The wine selection was remarkable. We had a lovely orange wine from Calabria. 10/10 don't miss out on this great spot!

I was excited to try Killer Queen for a downtown girls' night. We don't make it downtown very…read moreoften, so I've been enjoying exploring some of Durham's newer spots -- and this one was absolutely worth the visit. The wine list is broad and thoughtfully curated, with options that feel approachable whether you're a casual wine drinker or someone looking to try something new. The sommeliers were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping us find something we loved. The space itself is adorable, with eclectic décor and cozy lighting that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It's a great spot for conversation and a relaxed evening with friends. The only downside is that the space is fairly small, and I would have loved to see one or two more lower seating options for small groups rather than mostly high tops. That said, I could absolutely see us coming back for a pre- or post-theater glass of wine or an easy catch-up night.

Love this place! It's definitely a bit on the pricey side when it comes to the wine, but the…read moreoverall experience makes up for it. The service is awesome--our server was super friendly and gave me a great drink recommendation when I wasn't sure what I wanted. It ended up being perfect. My friend and I shared a glass of the 2023 Cederberg Bukettraube (sweet white wine) and got the charcuterie board for one with the truffle salami. That board was so good--I can't stop thinking about it. The toasted baguette slices with truffle salami and mustard? Unreal. It was the perfect little snack to share. We also had the citrus lavender crème brûlée, which was surprisingly delicious. I don't usually go for crème brûlée, but this one was light, not overly sweet, and just had a really nice flavor. I've also tried their shepherd's pie before and loved it--wish it was still on the menu! The vibe inside is moody and cozy, and they've got a cute outdoor patio too. Overall, such a great spot. A little pricey, but I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend checking out Killer Queen.

Seriously amazing pizza! Yummy and highly recommended. We had the Hot Honey, Portobello Mushroom,…read moreand the Kale and fennel pizzas. For an appetizer we had the Brussel sprouts which were delicious. FYI, the ease of ordering was nice. You use the barcode on the table, order from your phone and the service is spot on. Very nice!!! Great food if in the area.

This is a seat yourself and order via the QR code spot. Drinks and food came out fast. If you order…read morea fountain drink or want water you just go up and grab that yourself. The Brussels sprouts and pizza Bianca were great. We had both of those between 2 people and had 1 slice leftover. We enjoyed looking at all the photographs on the walls and trying to figure out who all the celebrities are were! It was a Sunday evening so we were able to find some free street parking a few blocks away, but parking has become harder in that area with all the new things.

Littler is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Durham! The menu is New American with a focus…read moreon seafood and seasonal delights. The restaurant itself is cozy with warm accents, brick walls, and wood paneling. I feel like I'm visiting a good friends home whenever I visit here. As for the menu, and I say this without exaggeration, the carrot cavatelli is one of the best dishes I have ever eaten in my life. I seriously dream about that carrot cavatelli. Here's some of my other favorites: Smoked Hamachi Puree- the toaste brioche goes perfectly with this pate-like fish dish, so insanely delicious Caramelized Onion Tart- the robiola foam is a dream and pairs perfectly with the apple Carrot Cavatelli- I would literally write the chef personally if this item was ever removed from the menu. Trust me, just order this for the table. King Trumpet- there's not much better than a grilled trumpet mushroom Seared Scallops- such a fantastic dish that comes with creamed greens and little pasta to accompany it Braised Beef Short Rib- meaty and delicious, exactly as you would expect Chocolate Mousse- a delicious, decadent dessert that's the perfect way to end a meal All in all, you can't have a bad meal at Littler. Plus the service is always excellent and they pay their staff a living wage! Definitely a do not miss in Downtown Durham

Incredible service from the staff + a cozy ambiance (perfected by the unique napkin rings and…read moredishware)! We were pleased with all the items ordered - especially the carrot cavatelli and escarole. We had the early spring 2025 menu to choose from. Entrees were delicious but slightly smaller than expected, which was the only downside. The bill definitely adds up if you have a drink with entrees