We arrived early for our reservation and were seated. Now this was a Tuesday. The menu is not the standard Italian. It is fine dining, but not big plates of spag bol. Every dish is fresh. The pasta is handmade. It is just amazing.
We were there on a Tuesday.
Arrival
We were seated immediately, even though we were early for our reservation. Water was provided immediately. The cocktails were some of the most balanced cocktails that I have ever tasted. They had a kick, but the alcohol was part of the drink, not the main part of the drink.
We ordered olives to go with the drinks. What is special is that the olives complimented the drinks. So there was thought there.
For our side, we went with the brussel sprouts. They were perfect.
We chose the seafood ravioli and the NC Tuna. These were specials and amazing. They had a little bit of spice to them which kept them from being bland. Again, it all balanced. I appreciated the thought of the menu. Portions were perfect.
We had room for dessert - also made fresh - cannoli and a torte. Not too sweet, perfectly balanced.
I think if there is a word to sum up the meal: Balanced. Everything was thoughtfully prepared. Everything was what you would expect and the plates were well done.
The only thing we plan to change next time is to treat it like a tapas menu. The dishes arrive when ready, which isn't what you would expect, so go in and order 3 or 4 plates to share. Everything is worth tasting and it is prepared in a way that you can easily get 3 or 4 "perfect bites." Definitely a place to go with friends.
Will be back.
Anne DeCocco
Oct 18, 2023
5
We ate here tonight and were bowled over by the quality of the food - just spectacular! The gnocchi melts in your mouth and the mushroom raviolis are unlike any we've ever had (so, so good). The portions aren't big, but the flavors are HUGE. Everything is obviously created with love and a high level of skill and expertise. We'll be back!
Heather Miller
Oct 5, 2023
4
All in all it was a decent experience. The food was really good but as stated in a ton of other reviews… nothing came out at the same time (our server did warn us) but it was drastically staggered. Party of three and none of us ate together, as in received a meal, finished it, then the next persons food came out. Also the portions were very small and they were out of a few items. We were seated outside and it was a little dark but it was intimate and cute. The server was pretty friendly for the most part and attentive. I am glad that I tried it but wasn’t impressed. And with so many local Italian options this is not one I feel like I would tell someone they need to try, it was so so.
Ed Kirkpatrick
Sep 30, 2023
4
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.
Juliana Young
Sep 21, 2023
5
We come here for birthday and anniversary dinners but it is also great for any adult dinner it. It is the best restaurant in North Durham. I love their fresh and local specials that rotate daily and weekly. I always have trouble deciding what to get because it is all so good. The service is always delightful like the servers are having a good time too. The decor is reserved and tasteful while a little playful and the chairs are pretty comfortable.
Trey Bobbitt
Sep 20, 2023
4
This is our first experience: I liked the environment and service of the restaurant. It was calm and the staff were great. Although we enjoyed our food, I can’t say it was impressive in quality overall. I would like to come back to try other dishes though, because the establishment said that the menu changes constantly.
Michael Duda
Aug 20, 2023
5
Fresh. Local. Italian. These people know what they're doing. The freshest local ingredients, turned into expert Italian food. Everything here is delicious. I recommend the spicy seafood spaghetti, but I've never had anything here that was less than delicious.
Nazneen Malik
Aug 17, 2023
5
I got the steak. It was very filling, flavorful, and delicious. The bf ordered chickpeas, some ground beef pasta and the chocolate desert. The taste was on point. Would love to go back!
Jessica
Jun 16, 2023
5
Goccialina is good and consistently so. It's my go to place for a nice meal in Durham when I want to treat myself or someone else. I've been coming somewhat regularly since they opened their doors. The food is always amazing and I've never had a bad experience or meal here. I suggest making reservations but they can sometimes squeeze you in at the bar.
The prices reflect the quality of the dishes and their ingredients. This isn't a chain restaurant or a counter service spot. Expect fresh, local, seasonal seafood and produce. You can go wild with the small plates and be quite satisfied. That said, this isn't a cheap eats spot and the portions are satisfying but not gigantic.
My faves from the regular menu are the spicy seafood spaghetti, meatballs, Brussels sprouts, and roasted broccoli. The breadsticks and bread and butter are tasty. I always try things from the specials board and that is always changing. Recently I tried soft shell crab, calamari, and hand cut noodles with truffles from the board and they were great.
Service has always been good for me here. They don't hound me constantly or rush me. They are helpful if you have questions and food has always arrived quickly enough. Your small plates may arrive before your entree, they are making your food fresh in the (busy, hustling) kitchen.
This is a small place and it's popular. It can get a little loud at peak times because it's a small spot. Your food may come out a little slower if it's a busy Friday or Saturday. Order a drink and relax. Or, if this might bother you, I suggest an earlier weekday reservation.
If you drink alcohol, the bar makes good drinks and they have a good selection of amaros along with wines by the glass and bottle. I've had a few cocktails from their drink menu and have no complaints. I've also requested off menu drinks with no issue.
Long story short: If you want a good meal (perhaps for a date, birthday, or to treat yourself) using fresh, local ingredients made by folks who know what's up, go to Goccialina.
