Gocciolina

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!

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.

I'm giving this rating with a bit of a heavy heart. I've dined at Gocciolona numerous times in the past 8-10 years and it's always been a favorite Italian spot. However, I went for the first time in ~8 months in May and was honestly quite disappointed with the experience. Prices have increased (but they have everywhere, not necessarily dinging for that), and the portions of food have also decreased dramatically in tandem with price increases. Some of the appetizer/small dishes we ordered were on the order of $14-$16 per item for an amount of food I would expect to be served as a first or second course in a set meal at a high end restaurant. However, the quality of the food just wasn't there to justify the portion sizes and price. We ordered baked oysters (which were actually wonderful) but the cheese small plate and our mains left a lot to be desired. Our red sauce pasta dishes were quite bland in flavor, and the sauce itself was very thin and had issues sticking to the pasta itself. I ordered the lamb (medium rare) which arrived at the table maybe even below rare in the center, and the cut was quite gristly. The staff were very kind as usual but it was apparent they were stretched too thin for the amount of tables that night as service was quite slow. All in all, I believe we spent around $200 between food and two glasses of wine, and it just did not feel worth it. I'm not sure if/when I'll be back.

Such lovey authentic food. Even more lovely, authentic people. Being here is always like being with family even the first time.

Amazing, fresh food, love that there is a new and different dishes each day! Justin was our waiter past two times and absolutely wonderful along with the rest of the staff. Will be back again!

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.

Great place for Italian food. Will return to try some more selections. Service good, they were busy. We had reservations. The sardine toast was great. The shrimp cooked perfect. Main course tortellini ok. Sea trout ok. Gnocchi fair. Pork was excellent.

The food is delicious, and the staff are very friendly and efficient. Aaron is the owner and head chef, who trained in Italy for two years. Many ingredients are sourced locally.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

: : - , 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.

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.

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!!!

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.

I made a reservation for 7:30 and I was not sat until 8pm. I ordered the fried eggplant, oysters, tortelloni, and bass. The food was visually appealing but when it came to flavor, it was very bland. For the price point, I expected to be wowed. For half what they are charging, I could see the appeal.

Small, Overpriced, And Disappointing. 1.5 stars My wife and I went to Gocciolina the other night with another couple. At the risk of sounding terribly negative, I have to say that the food was mediocre and overpriced; the restaurant was small and noisy; and the chairs were terribly uncomfortable, giving both of us sore backs. The couple we were with, who are regulars, ordered three or four small sides - think tapas - then a salad and their entrée. My wife and I ordered the same sides and then a salad which consisted of about three pieces of Bibb lettuce and light balsamic dressing. For entrées, my wife and I ordered gnocchi with a Ragu sauce (the least expensive entrée on the menu) the taste of which - forgive me! - reminded me of the wet canned dog food I tried a bit of when I was a kid. The menu is limited in terms of the number of entrées they offer. I went there expecting a pork chop I had seen online, but they did not have that; nor did they have two or three other items that were on their daily menu. Finally, their bread is good, but they seemed stingy with serving it. All of this on top of being way overpriced. We could've gone to a much nicer restaurant for the same amount of money. Needless to say, this will be our only visit.

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.

They have some amazing seafood. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. Definitely worth stopping by

This the best Italian restaurant in Durham/Chapel Hill hands down. You absolutely need reservations but it's really really worth it. Been here about a dozen times and it's always been excellent.

I've been here three times. I don't know why this place is popular. Today there were four of us. 1) One of us got their entree 5-20 minutes before the others and we asked him to eat. We all ordered pasta for our main course. 2) They had two white and two red wines by the glass. That's it. 3) They only had two vodkas Tito's and Ketel One. I'm no expert but Ketel One was terrible. I asked for a martini with olives. They came floating in my drink. No toothpick so I used my fork. 4) When the check came it was messed up (separate checks). The waitress refused to fix it! "We don't usually split checks." Well you did the other two times. 5) The carbonara was really basic. Not much bacon. It was like eating spaghetti with cream sauce. This will be my last visit. Brixx pasta is better than this.

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

My husband and I have been going to Gocciolina for over 10 years and unfortunately we won't be coming back: Ambiance: We arrive at around 7:30 and are sat at a table right next to the front door. It's cold out and on multiple occasions the door was left wide open with cold air coming in. Multiple patrons, including my husband, had to get up to shut the door throughout the night. I had to wear my jacket I was so cold, but the restaurant is small, there was no where else to sit. Service: We weren't greeted at our table for over 10 minutes. There also used to be fun little breadsticks at each table, not anymore. Our service was ok after we finally were greeted, but we had to ask what dishes they were running low on (having been there multiple times before, we know this). Food: The pork ragu with hand cut noodles was running low, so we said we definitely wanted that dish, we had no idea it would come out first before our apps. This dish was good, and that's what my 1 star is for. Then came the apps, aged Parmesan with basalmic, we get this dish every time we come. The cheese was terrible, very chalky. Then we got wild ramp with pork belly and eggs. This dish was so odd, like eating spinach, bacon and eggs. All the water comes out of the ramp though, making it very soupy, not great. Finally for dinner we had rubbery meatballs with al dente beans (again terrible) and baked gnocchi which was again very mushy. They ended up comping the meatballs and beans dish as it was almost inedible. We left without dessert. This restaurant was always one our favorites and I'm sad it's no longer in our rotation for date night. Just too many things went wrong for us to want to come back.

Vaooooo! -as someone I dearly love would say M picked for our date night, and Gocciolina really impressed, and we (he) are (is) pretty tough. Ambience was cozy and romantic on a cold winter night, and we were seated immediately at the bar without a reservation on a weekend night. We loved the bartender, who was quite gregarious and helpful with food and drink recommendations. Glad he asked for our IDs ;) The homemade bread was soooo good, very soft with slight crisp to the crust just how I like it. A palate teaser with butter alone, but we also added the nduja spread, which was OK, not needed. The cocktails were also lovely, would order any, as was the selection of wines. Donatella and Lis Neris were recommended to us and paired really well with our pasta and seafood. Now the menu changes frequently, so while we can't promise that the delicious items we had will be on your day's selection... - Slow cooked butter beans with sautéed spinach and jammy egg: egg was cooked perfectly and fun to gently open, and the runny yolk with spinach over the beans, perfectly cooked and not over done as many are, was a surprisingly well-suited combo - Carnaroli risotto with NC shrimp and toasted almond pesto: my favorite, so smooth and flavorful - Hand-cut noodles with NC lump crab and roasted pepper with tomato sauce: generous portion of crab mixed into the dish, and the hand-cut/made noodles really added a slightly sweet taste as well as a special touch - Pistachio gelato: an ambivalent dessert person, I admit that this was good... - Cannoli: with chocolate chips and pistachio dust, so fun to watch the pastry chef create these I am impressed with this restaurant selection, if you're reading this, M. We will have to return on a special occasion... or any night we'd like :-)

The food was very good, but.... I'm not a big fan of food runners who arrive at the table auctioning the plates they hold in their hands, but I especially don't like it when the meals arrive before the starters. We decided to go with the flow and eat the starters after the meal.... The server never came by until we were half way through our meal. When she did, and we explained we had not received our starters, she informed us they were out of one starter. What I did not like was the attitude. We were told by the server they wanted to "make it right" by offering a dessert, whereby we explained my partner was a diabetic with an insulin pump and a dessert was not something we wanted. It was explained my partner had taken insulin according to what he was going to eat. We were not offered a gift certificate, a break on our bill, just the standard 2024 perception of "I really don't care because I don't have to". Why the comments turned to sustainability when we are are discussing the fact someone made a mistake and we did not get our starters, I don't know and no longer care. We won't be back. We don't need someone to fawn over us or be effervescent with apologies, but some compensation for their screw up would have been appreciated, especially on a $100 bill, and we did not get what we ordered. It's good they are doing well and are contributing to Durham's culinary explosion, but they won't be receiving money from us or our clients or family when they come visit in the future. In Italia non sarebbe mai successo e, se fosse successo, il proprietario o lo chef sarebbero venuti a porgere le loro scuse. Lo so perché ho vissuto in Italia diverse volte per diversi anni dal 1973.

I have never had anything that I ordered, not be nearly perfect. The food is always excellent. I highly recommend that you order the whole fish whenever possible. The service both at the bar and at the dining room tables is always pleasant, friendly and efficient. Even as close as you are to your fellow diners, when sitting at the bar, the atmosphere is great allowing you to either interact with your fellow diners or not as you watch the bartender and expo work to get everything out to where it is supposed to go. A bit expensive for a nightly hang out, but definitely becoming a biweekly dining experience for me.

Solid local Italian place, always requires a reservation because it's really small. Simple dishes, fresh pasta, it's really a wonderful neighborhood find.

Great service! Super knowledgeable and friendly staff, delicious dishes (both specials and regular menu items), and loved the throwback music playing in the restaurant. We will be back soon!

Ambiance in the side area, was much less impressive than the main area leading to my 4/5. Started off with a glass of wine, salami, and fried eggplant. The eggplant was maybe my favorite course of the meal. Had the carbonara and ravioli, carbonara was phenomenal. Ended with the cannolis and would recommend them again and again.

First time here in a couple years. Remember it being very intimate, the dishes outstanding and the service very attentive. This time though... meh. The food was okay at best and the prices were a bit high considering the portions and taste. The staff were fine although not as refined as I had remembered. Would I go back? Maybe. But certainly would give pause and consider other restaurants first.

Ace our waiter was wonderful! The wait staff, food runners, buzzers were attentive. Food portions were a bit too small especially for entrees- too much ala carte. We felt rushed due to the small portions and were out in 45 minutes!! Way too quick with table turnover. The fried eggplant appetizer was so good we had 3! Overall ambience was good, too many high tops. We would go back for a later seating to not feel rushed.

A little evening in Italy! This restaurant lived up to its hype, from the outstanding service to the quaint family style ambience, Gocciolina has earned its spot in our rotation. Makes me want some Olive Garden!

Y'all this place is SO good, and I truly don't feel like enough people are talking about it. The restaurant is absolutely adorable. The menu is constantly on rotation though, so I am warning you not to get too attached to the foods you see here on Yelp. However, I know you will be happy with whatever you end up ordering! We had loads of oysters and pasta, and I went home a very happy girl! Side note: they do have a cork fee

Food was excellent, very authentic pastas. The small plates are indeed small, but that didn't bother me. The service was excellent! We had to wait 15 minutes for our reserved table to be ready, they apologized and gave us free cheese antipasto and a free sorbet for dessert! The waiter was very attentive. Ambiance was also nice, not too loud, good lighting, all the tables full even on a Wednesday. Would love to return soon!

So I have made my reservations several days in advance. I get to the restaurant and the receptionists says my table is on the patio. There was no mention of patio on the reservation site. Its summer in NC. Its 95 F outside and the "patio" is beside an asphalt parking lot that is probably 115. I tell her that I have no interest in eating outside so she shuttles me off to the side room. Now you have to use your imagination here a bit. This side room looks like an overflow area for private parties. The sun is toasting me through a window but the blinds do not work on the window. I move around to the other side of the table. A waitress appears and we order drinks and mussels. I ask for a piece of bread. She tells me the bread is too hot to cut so I will have to wait. I orders snapper and my wife orders ravioli. The snapper is overcooked on a skimpy bed of eggplant and tomatoes. Three ravioli with a light sauce are very good. Hardly a satisfying meal. I really don't have the patience for poor customer relations and small portions that seem to be of variable quality.

Gocciolina is one of those places that I'd really miss if I moved away. I love the weird strip mall location, the quirky decor, the tiny chalkboard menu. It is just the right amount rough around the edges. But, the best part is it's authenticity. I'm not talking about authentic Italian... I mean authentic in the sense that they are serving real food made with a ton of integrity. No smoke and mirrors here. These people give a shit, and it shows.

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.

we had a wonderful birthday celebration. the food and drink were wonderful, and service A++++. The 6 of us sampled most of the small plates as appetizers, and still had room for the wonderful entrees and a little dessert. Thank you for a special evening.

Over-rated, over-priced, appetizers never served, fancy name dinners (the Grilled Lady Edison Pork Loin was an overcooked pork chop). And to boot, that pork entree was $34. The roasted potatoes side came before entrees. Entrees were not brought at same time. Looking around, tables that ordered the Spaghetti All' Americana, including one at our table of four, got their entree at the same time, while others waited for their different entree. Same thing with the "pork". Which ever table ordered that all got it at the same time. My dessert was touted as "sweet cream gelato with dark chocolate chunks". It was plain old grocery store vanilla gelato with small pieces of chocolate. I feel bad for our friends who treated us and paid for VERY expensive food that was mediocre at best (speaking for mine and my spouses pork).

Lovely local Italian! Great black board daily menu! Can't wait to return! Wine and cocktail choices excel and definitely get the 23 month old Parmesan.

Pros : Food was fair to excellent. Cons: portion sizes are too small good meatballs The steak was disappointingly tough. There were no chicken entrees???? what ??? They had a strange way of serving salt... They were stingy with the butter. The bread was good and they were generous with it...

This is a solid choice for a pricey, low-key romantic date. The restaurant has quaint decor and warm dim lighting, and has a few different seating areas that make the settings more intimate. The food is properly done, but I wasn't particularly wooed by any of the flavors; some of it felt a little flat and could have used more seasoning. All items are a la carte and quite pricey, so be prepared to spend in the ballpark of $30 per person if you want a main dish with a side, more if you want appetizer, drinks, etc. Their daily menu is available online at 6pm. They did bring out a little cheese stick for the bread, and half a slice of bread per person for the bread. They brought us another half a slice per person after we asked. The carnaroli risotto was okay; a little dull and monotonous on the flavor. The spaghetti all amatriciana was a good al dente and had a light pleasantly spicy kick, but was mostly pasta and did not have much of the bacon flavor present. One of our party ordered the whole fried fish, which looked quite dry. The ravioli dish was composed of 3 pieces of ravioli and left a little to be desired. Service was A-OK. We were seated on time for our reservation. We had a group of 7 so they did make efforts to accommodate us and have all the food coming out around approximately the same time. They did start off pushing that we do family style since the dishes tend to come out at different times sporadically, which really does not work for the small portions of dishes that they had, and definitely did not work for us given some of our group's dietary needs. They also did not accommodate splitting checks individually. Over all, a solid place to try once, but given the food flavor/food quantity/price ratio, I don't think it'll be a place I return to.

I had been wanting to try this restaurant for a while as I had heard good things so made a reservation for our anniversary. We waited 35 minutes despite our reservation and still had not been acknowledged by wait staff. The table we were seated at did not even have a chair for my husband and he had to ask for one. We finally left so I cannot comment on the food but the service was dreadful.

Wednesday Evening 6 of us had a fabulous dinner at Gocciolina. At the end of the meal our waitress Samantha asked me how the meal was. My comment was, 'I'm frequently in Raleigh/Durham. This is the first time I've ever experienced a 5 star perfect meal in this town.' We arrived at 630 PM on a chilly night. They had waiting for us a warm comfortable table in the middle of the restaurant. We wound up staying until 10 PM. None of us were in any rush to leave. Dinner began with a textbook perfect Negroni. It is easy to screw up a Negroni by making it too sweet or not getting the right proportions. Gocciolina made me one of the best Negroni in history. It was so good several of us had a few of them. First we tried numerous Antipasti. Sliced Radishes w/ Parmesan Cheese: This was one of the evening specials. It was amazing. Had a nice crunch with a touch of acid. Perfect way to wake up the palate. Cetara Anchovy on Sesame Crackers: It was light, salty with the perfect crisp. Delicious tidbit to kick off an evening. Zucchini Wrapped Provolone/Ham: This was an amazing special on Wednesday. Of course we had to order more because everyone was fighting over them. Thin Sliced Speck Ham: Delicious, light and tasty. Then we split two orders of the mussels on the specials board. They were textbook perfect and had a tad of heat. In seconds every mussel was consumed. All six of us agreed they were amazing. The broth was light and packed with tons of flavor. All I can say is wow. I had the grouper special on the board. It was one of the best grouper I have ever experienced. The fish was flawlessly cooked fresh grouper, tender and perfectly seasoned. It was served atop sautéed veggies which I slowly finished. I did try someone's black truffle pasta dish which was unbelievable. It may not be their cheapest pasta special; however, the truffles packed flavor one just can't describe. The Sbrisolona crumbly almond cookie makes for a fantastic dessert especially if accompanied by pistachio gelato. I'm usually not a big dessert guy; however, these dessert choices were just so darn good. The service here is 5 stars. Our waitress was amazing, taking world class care of each of us. Will I be back? Silly question. Fact is this is the only place I will have dinner in when in Raleigh/Durham moving forward.

The food here was good. The portions were small compared to the price, however. My friend ordered a salad and received a few naked leaves of lettuce after paying a premium when we came for a birthday dinner last year. The ambiance is lovely! It has a warm, inviting, Italian theme. This is the perfect spot for a cozy date night. The service unfortunately left a little to be desired. The staff could have been more attentive and friendly. If you are looking for a good Italian restaurant with excellent service and decent portions, more suited a family dynamic, I would recommend trying a spot down the road - Pomodoro Italian Kitchen.

Food is fantastic. One of the best in Durham. Cocktails are also perfect. The vibe and ambiance is wonderful I'm the dining room and bar, but the lounge is a little cold and doesn't have the music so not as appealing. Overall one of my favorite places in Durham.

Dined one evening with my cousin, the service was simply wonderful. Our server was attentive and very knowledgeable of the menu, made wonderful suggestions. The atmosphere was picturesque. The food was amazing we started with the meatballs and croquettes and they both were amazing. START WITH THESE PLEASE. Afterwards we tried the spaghetti carbonara which was also amazing, followed by the lamb chops which were seasoned to perfection and melted in my mouth. We ended with the "Damn Fine Affogate" which, yes you guessed it, was amazing..

Quirky but good. Wasn't crazy about everything but the quality is there. It's small and can be hard to get into. I'm in Durham for work so I done alone and I'm too lazy to make a reservation for one hence I rarely eat here

The bread is perfect accompany with anything！！Really love the Spicy Seafood Spaghetti & fried eggplant!!! Everything here is worthy to give a try

I was really disappointed with this pick. They try really hard to be a special bit of Italy but fall short. The food was just good, some plates were okay (gnocchi and spaghetti ) while a few others like the Pasta Fagioli were poor. It wasn't really edible, we thought it was a bowl of chili served to the brim. Service was not great, they brought the wrong dishes. The waiter played the part but never came to the table after taking our order. They served bread really late with dinner after appetizers (we didn't know it was an option - bread was really good though) served us a bottle of wine instead of sparkling water. The inside is funky which is is fine but it doesn't look clean and is very loud.

I made a reservation for 8PM on March 4th. I checked in at 8PM. I was never sat. At 8:30PM, after every other person who was waiting was sat (all the other 8PM, 8:15PM and 8:30PM reservations, plus a walk-in couple) I asked the staff when I would be able to eat. I was told I was already sat. I left. I contacted the restaurant multiple times- no response. They don't answer the phone or answer emails (info@gocciolina.com). I don't want anything from them but an apology and I can't get that. I wasted over an hour on a Saturday night to not eat. The food is good and I went there several times during the Pandemic- but I cannot understand why I was treated so poorly.