If you're craving a flavorful, wood-fired Brussels sprouts or meyer lemon specialty pizza, you have to visit Pizzeria Toro. Check out their assortment of Italian wines, don't miss the kale salad (one of Durham's most popular dishes) and finish your meal with the house cannoli filled with ricotta, mascarpone and chocolate. There are no reservations, but a cozy bar tucked away in the back to wait (or dine) if it's busy on a popular evening.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
My friend from Italy said this is the best pizza he's had outside of his country, and that it's on par with some of the best he's ever had, period.
The appetizer we had (burrata) was fine, but we ordered a red pizza (buffalo mozzarella and basil) and a white pizza (roasted leek and guanciale) and both were incredible. I even noticed a little bit of salt as you reach the crust, which is a nice flavor boost. The pizzas were cooked expertly, right in the center of the open kitchen. The back wall is full of firewood, which is super cool to see.
Dessert was the crostata and cannoli, both of which were fantastic. With dessert I also had a glass of Amaro montenegro, which was served chilled, as it should be.
All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the service was great. I'm definitely going back!
Emily
Sep 21, 2025
3
Our server was not very pleasant, she had an attitude and seemed a little racist. I didn’t get her name but she had dirty blonde hair and bangs. We waited more than 10 mins for her to even greet us. But when they sat an older white couple beside us they were greeted almost immediately, by the same server. The food was delicious! We ordered an old school pepperoni pizza.
Maria Lombardi
Sep 14, 2025
5
This place is absolutely amazing! Not only was the pizza delicious, but the atmosphere was so fun and inviting for a big group like we had or a date night.
We ordered the Old School Pepperoni Pizza, New School Pepperoni Pizza, and Summer Squash Pizza!
I also want to give a special shoutout to our waitress, Rebekah. I have a severe tree nut allergy, and she went above and beyond to make sure I felt safe and comfortable. Without me even asking, she marked every pizza that came out for my allergy and double-checked that I could have it, just in case I wanted to try something beyond my own order.
I cannot wait to go back!!!
Bhumit Mistri
Sep 3, 2025
5
Amazing pizza and great vibes at this place! They serve authentic Italian-style wood-fired pizza. Since we’re all vegetarian, it was nice to see they also have a full vegetarian menu.
Raymond Carbonneau Robles
Aug 31, 2025
5
Ali and Matt were excellent!
The food was top notch.
I sat in the back bar area and met three other very nice customers.
Loved it, looking forward to returning!
Erin Glosser
Aug 2, 2025
4
Came downtown with my friend after a day of thrifting and it did not disappoint! We shared the suppli al telefono, and did not expect the fried cheese /macaroni flavor-but with mushrooms. It was amazing. And we LOVED the NC Tomato vegan pizza. My friend is vegan and pizza with vegan cheese can be hit or miss and this was a hit. The olive tapenade and fresh tomatoes were mouthwatering, with a splash of chili oil for those that like a touch of heat. I would love to come back when it's less busy, I didn't necessarily love being packed into a long table with lots of people.
Chris Callow
Jul 10, 2025
5
The pizza crust and red sauce stole the show, so good. But the pepperoni and cheese were also great. Fantastic service. Not a super huge menu, but I suspect everything is good.
Jackie Lytton
Jun 28, 2025
5
Love this place! Perfectly baked in wood fired oven. Unique pizza combos as well as more traditional options on menu. Vegan option on menu with cashew cheese. Espresso on dessert menu (but didn’t see vegan food on dessert menu). Little bar around the corner (past restrooms).
Michael Rimmington
Jun 7, 2025
5
Great food, great beer great service. We bypassed the line as we only had 2 and sat at the window. Morel crotini was amazing and the deep fried pigs ear surprisingly tasty. Anchovies pizza was our favorite and the sweet fennel sausage a close second. Really good and an upscale pizza place with more pizza than just pizza. We loved it. Worth the wait and you know why there is a wait in the first place
Andrea Martin
May 25, 2025
3
I wish I would have taken a picture of the whole pizza. My teenage son would have called it “Mid”.
The Mushroom pizza was much better than Margarita- mainly, there was cheese. The red sauce was bland and the lack of any cheese on the margarita pizza made me wish I hadn’t ordered it. The cannoli were so overcooked and the inside was not smooth. 18% tip auto included on a table for two made it clear why service was so-so
JustSchmiley
Apr 17, 2025
5
Some of the best pizza in my life. Shared 4 pies with colleagues and there wasn't a bite left. They were larger than we expected, but couldn't stop ourselves from eating everything. This was my first potatoes pizza experience and my life is better because of it. The place was packed but the service was great! We had beers at the bar while we waited a few mins for a table. I can't wait to come back.
Andrea Byrd
Apr 11, 2025
5
Food was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent, shoutout to Francesca! The Brussel sprouts and kale salad were so fresh and tasty. We ordered the spicy lamb meatball pizza and the sweet fennel sausage pizza and the sweet fennel was a favorite! For dessert, the apple crostada and zeppole were divine! We will absolutely be back.
Matthew Thompson
Mar 22, 2025
5
This place came recommended by a friend and did not disappoint! Service was super fast and welcoming. Food was excellent. The wood-fired bake is what I believe sets this place apart. Also discovered a new brand of spicy ginger ale that we’re sure to buy some packs of. It’s a shame there’s only one location!
Kelsie
Mar 15, 2025
5
Came here twice on my 4 day visit to NC! The pizza and the drinks were amazing. I highly recommend. Lots of flavor and good service, quick too.
Cory Johnson
Jan 25, 2025
5
Came in here because it was close to where we were staying. It was jam packed but they were able to find us some space at a bar area. The service was super quick and attentive and all of the staff we interacted with was very personable and nice. Our food was delicious, got some prosciutto and a pizza. Both were very high quality and I would 100% order the same thing again. For a first time visitor to Durham, very pleased, and will return when we come back
London Grant
Jan 8, 2025
5
I love this place and come here often. You can always count on it for great pizza. I usually almost aways also get the kale salad, so good. It has family style seating.
