Gocciolina

This place is so so so good. The problem you will have is deciding what you want to eat. Can’t wait to go back.

Gocciolina is an absolute gem. I lived in Italy for a few years and don’t mess around with Italian food. This is authentic — they even have stracchino! It’s also delicious.
When I accidentally ordered meat as a vegetarian, they profusely apologized even though it was my fault, took it off our bill and brought me something else right away. If that wasn’t nice enough, the hostess offered me her keys (without even knowing my name!) when I needed to go get a battery for my key fob in order to get my car to work after dinner. So not only would I recommend the food, but this is by far the most ridiculously nice service I have received in the triangle.
Basically it’s so good that I don’t want to recommend it out of fear that it will be harder to get a table.

We went all out on the small plates and were not disappointed. We started with dessert — a Grand Marinier stracciatella gelato that was absolutely to die for. Everything else we tried was amazing as well, especially the brussels sprouts. Just be sure to make your reservation well in advance. It is worth the effort!

We came to Gocciolina again with friends, this time with a reservation. I love their improvements (for example, they have apparently taken out the space next door which they’ve outfitted with a bar and tables for a comfortable wait while you’re waiting for your reservation to be ready). This time we were with another couple.
I ordered the terrine again, and my husband and I REALLY enjoyed the anchovy bruschetta. And the fiddle fern appetizer. We all ordered specials off of the chalkboard. While they were quite good, I think the carbonara from our first time spoiled me. Next time, I’ll probably get that again. Our only disappointment was in the dessert, and honestly I should have known better. Next time, I’ll forego that and get another of those wonderful small plate tastes!

Wow, just the Italian food that I have been looking for in the Triangle! Stumbled upon this unassuming restaurant on a Thursday evening and can see why it was named Restaurant of the Year! The dining area is small so would definitely recommend reservations, but we were lucky enough to get the last open table. The staff is incredibly helpful and gracious. It is SO affordable which allowed us to sample and share many of the exceptional dishes including the crispy eggplant, meatballs, brussels sprouts, grass fed steak, and pasta carbonara. One of my favorite restaurants that I have been to in the Durham area — can’t wait to return and try more of the fresh, local Italian favorites!

I had high hopes for this place as weekend reservations are hard to get. I was not impressed by the food or service. Actually, my food was pretty bad. Especially disappointing was the roasted broccoli. It was just plain burnt. all over… and I couldn’t believe they served it that way! Ironically, my entrée was undercooked and doughy in the middle.
My husband ordered 2 appetizers instead of an entrée and the waitress didn’t explain how small they were even when I asked. She was nice enough, but we kept having to stop her just to get drinks… she even forgot to ask us when we ordered our food. I have gotten better trained servers at chain burger joints. Again, she was nice but poorly trained!
We ended up going to get snacks after our dinner since it was either too small, burnt, or raw.
Maybe I went on a bad night, but I’ll definitely not try it again.

I ordered the carbonara and it was amazing and cheap. It was hearty and light. All in all great value, great food, good service and solid décor.

I moved to NC from Baltimore in 2008, and one of the things I’ve missed most is delicious, authentic Italian food. Finally, someone has got it right! I’d heard rumblings of an actually good Italian restaurant having opened in north Durham from a few friends, and on a random recent Saturday night, decided to try it out. While they were fully booked, the host managed to seat us within thirty minutes. Our server was knowledgeable about the numerous specials and menu items, efficient, and friendly without being intrusive. She made a special effort to accommodate my mother’s several dietary requirements and was very kind about meeting her needs. We ordered several appetizers-​the meatballs, a robiolo cheese with cabernet reduction (a special), the roasted Brussels sprouts, and crispy fried eggplant. Each one was excellent. The meatballs reminded me of my Italian grandmother’s, the robiolo was amazing, and the Brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked. The eggplant was a dream. For entrees, my mom had the Baked gnocchi. It was light and pillowy rather than heavy and overly filling just like it should be. It was lightly but perfectly sauced and the perfect portion size. I had the best Pasta Fagioli I have had. It was a perfect combination of freshly made pasta, yummy beans, and fresh veggies, in a delicious broth. We followed these up with a regular cannoli and a tiramisu cannoli, both of which were perfect. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the food or service.
The atmosphere is cozy and homey, and the restaurant was packed, but they have an expansion on the horizon according to the host. The prices are absolutely fair. Gocciolina could get away with charging more, honestly. I’ll be back very soon.

This place is fantastic!
The only downside is the capacity, however, they either expanded or are expanding so, that takes care of that.
The atmosphere is romantic. Leave the little ones at home please. The menu is superb and from what I can tell, seasonally fluid. They’ve got a well stocked bar to whet your whistle and the desserts are alluring and gluttonous at the same time.
I can’t wait to go back again.

Just had the most fantastic dinner at Gocciolina. Phillip was our most excellent waiter (there has to be another name for waiter, because Phillip was a sommelier, diplomat, enchanter, and just excellent !!)
I ordered the lamb special, my husband ordered the pasta carbonara — of course we traded bites — I have to say they were both excellent. And dessert — oh my my ! The walnut gelato was heavenly — as was the dessert my husband ordered (chocolate panache? — I was too busy eating my gelato !
A wonderful, well priced meal. Our daughter and son-​in-​law made reservations for us to eat there. We do not live in Durham but will definitely be back. I felt like I was back in Italy, — did I mention our wine ?
Make a reservation — but if you don’t, it is well worth waiting !
Thank you to the owners and Chefs of Gocciolina !

Awesome Italian food — most authentic I’ve had so far in the area, and depending on what you get, at a very reasonable price too. The pasta is handmade and tastes it, and the ingredients are very high quality.

I went to Gocciolina for the first time tonight after hearing nothing but greats things since I moved to Durham in August. My gf and i have attempted to come on numerous occasions but could either never get a reservation or able to speak to anyone. So today we decided to take advantage of their we hold a few tables for walk in policy.
Let me preface the review by saying the food exceeded all expectations.
We showed up at about 5:40 and were told it would be an hour to hour and half wait. We could eat now at the bar or have drinks in the lounge. We opted the lounge route and I was disappointed. It was set up like a doctors office waiting room. We were tempted to leave but decided to wait. The wait was only 20 minutes. I was thankful but a bit annoyed that I was given such an inaccurate wait time. The lady at the front of the house, one of the reasons this place was docked a star, also told us twice that there was a reservation on our table at 730 so we would couldn’t linger. Once in the main room, I was disappointed with the appearance. For such great reviews, I expected more than cramped tables, drop ceilings, and paper place mats. The reason for the other star missing. Then came the food. Food definitely deserved 5 stars. Amazing meal and well priced. Our waiter was great. Once again this place would be given 5 stars if not for the hostess and poor décor. My gf and I will go back. Next time with a reservation and hopefully the hostess will be a bit more friendly.

The food was excellent. my only recommendation would be to cut back a little on the use of olive oil.
portion size was perfect and the combination of flavors well balanced. Price range medium. very enjoyable.

Gocciolina is a tiny Italian restaurant located in an odd neighborhood in North Durham (it also has a small parking lot, so be prepared). It’s a long term local establishment and seems to bring in an older crowd, so be prepared to make a reservation, even on a weekday. My very first impression at Gocciolina was standing at the hostess stand for over five minutes while servers and the host walked by without greeting myself and my guest. Not a great first impression for any restaurant but one that could’ve been rectified.
The menu is relatively small and seems cheap, but once you receive your portion, you’ll realize why, they’re small. We tired a variety of dishes with our party of four (note: they don’t split checks, so bring cash or be ready to whip out Paypal, this can be rather an inconvenience these days!) Brussels sprout appetizer to start with the ravioli for an entrée and who can say no to some cannoli for dessert?! While the meal was good and the atmosphere enjoyable and service was reasonable, there when the bill needed to be paid or orders needed taking, I can’t say I’d return. As a home chef that has prepared both homemade pasta and grilled brussels sprouts, I feel that prices mixed with portion didn’t add up and the flavor was truly lacking. They do a great job with authenticity but where’s the salt?! And even the dessert was a little lackluster: pistachio cannoli that tasted strongly of lemon than pistachio and tiramisu cannoli, which was the best item I enjoyed.

I have a secret to tell you: For the longest time, I thought this place was the business front for the local Durham mafia, and that all of these reviews were products of bribery/​intimidation. This is because every single time I or my fellow dining friend tried to call for a reservation, no one ever answered the phone. So, mafia front.
But here’s another secret: just go! Don’t worry about a reservation, as Goccio keeps tables for walk-​ins. Even if you do have to wait, it’s the most pleasant wait ever, as they have recently taken over the space next door and turned it into a lovely lounge, where you can sit down, start on your bottle of wine (and it gets seamlessly added to your dinner bill), and snack on a few olives.
We went on the eve of NYE, and the restaurant was bustling but not crazy. Service was fantastic, attentive, and warm, and in general the ambiance is just so nice and cozy.
We ordered:
— Appetizers: Meatballs (super fresh, but nothing to write home about), ‘Nduja (wish it had come with more bread), and crispy fried eggplant (YUM, so light and great acid).
— Whole roasted broccoli — so simple, yet so delicious.
— Spaghetti carbonara — probably my favorite pasta dish, creamy, rich and satisfying
— Goat cheese agnolotti — the pasta pockets had good chewy texture, but I wanted more
— That night’s pasta special, flat noodles in a beef broth, very flavorful and tender
— Cannoli — flaky shells! Tiramisu was yum, less so for pistachio.
— THE CHOCOLATE TORTE was amazing. GET THIS.
Overall I would definitely come back. It was a lovely dining experience, perfect for intimate conversation with friends and family who like delicious, well-​valued food.

Ahh, Italian cuisine! One of those main-​stays that you eat so much of, it becomes hard to rate it fairly. But I think I may have found some of the best Italian food in the Triangle at Gocciolina! I finally made it over for a visit with friends to try the N&O’s 2014 Restaurant of the Year…
From the outside Gocciolina doesn’t look like much and it’s only slightly better inside but let’s not judge a book by its cover. It’s humble but comfortable and cozy in an old-​school, throw-​back fashion. Specials on the chalkboard ranged from a seafood arancini to tortellini in brodo (broth). All apps and large plates are in the $ 5 — $ 15 range and are good for sharing! Our table orders up a ton of food, I love my arancini which is perfectly fried and delish, while my baked gnocchi and bistecca (sliced steak) was wonderful. We capped off our dinner with a great torte and cannoli.
Service was solid at Gocciolina and this place is busy but they are doing a good job keeping up with the crowds now that they’re really popular. All I can say is go out of your way to give them a try and make reservations unless you plan on visiting in off-​hours. Gocciolina delivers the goods for real along with a lot of deliciousness, buon appetito!

Delicious! It reminded me of my time in Italy. My advice to any newbies, order a pasta along with a meat or a veggie dish. The portions are traditional– meaning you should order multiple dishes and not depend on one massive dish. We will be back!
Also, make a reservation. We randomly decided to go and arrived 10 minutes before they opened at 5:30. We were met with a crowd and stood about 4^th in line with maybe 15 people behind us. The hostess said we got the last table. Again we arrived for dinner at 5:20 and got the last available table without a reservation. It’s just good folks, a great, quality, Durham restaurant.

This was a solid B/​B+ Italian restaurant, nothing special. Not really sure what the hype is about. If you are expecting it to be on par with top-​rated Boston/​New York Italian restaurants… spoiler: it’s not. A lot of people on here complain about the portion sizes and service — neither of which were an issue for me. However, simply put, the food just was just not what I was expecting from a place that wins best food in the triangle. It was definitely not «wow» worthy.
That being said, some of the dishes were good/​very good. The spicy chickpeas, grilled steak, and Spaghetti All’Amatriciana were by far the best. Again, nothing special or excellent, but good. I’m not a fan of lamb, but the rest of my family enjoyed it. The Spaghetti Carbonara was actually really disappointing. I love this dish usually, but the noodles were gummy, it was dry (the egg was already mixed in supposedly), and the house cured pork belly was too hard (and there were probably like 4 pieces of it).
Overall, not impressed, but pretty decent compared to other Italian options in the area, especially if you’re looking for something a little more authentic.

I loved Gocciolina honestly for the prices. I went because I saw it was voted best restaurant of the year in the Triangle, which is a huge title. I went with two other friends on a Tuesday night, and it took over an hour to get us seated, which was a little ridiculous. I didn’t make reservations because we decided to go the day of, and 40% of their seats are reserved for walk-​ins. But, it took forever, and the hostess told us she gave seats away that should have been ours because she «called» our name and no one answered even though we were standing right next to her the whole time… But anyways, that was just a rocky start.
After we were seated, the whole meal really took off. We decided to order the carafe of wine, asking if it served three, and they nicely filled it up to the tippy top in order to give a little bit more for the three of us! The wine was really good and only $ 12 so $ 4 each! Incredible, considering we each got 2 glasses out of that.
We also ordered the three appetizers for $ 9, the meatballs, salami, and fried eggplant. All were really great, and great portions. Again, $ 3 for each of us! For an entrée, I ordered the pasta carbonara and we split a side of broccoli. Just like the Unilocal reviews say, the broccoli is really great. It’s crispy and yet soft, the perfect texture for broccoli. The least impressive part of my meal was the carbonara, but perhaps that’s because I’m more accustomed to the very rich, creamy carbonaras whereas this was a lighter sauce, had few pieces of pork, and no peas. I did really enjoy the pasta as you can tell it’s homemade.
Gocciolina is a fantastic place for the price. Highly recommend it. Would have given it 5 stars if my pasta had been more flavorful!

Let me start by saying I love food. And my husband loves Italian food. Tonight was his pick but it’s been on my list since it opened so win /​win!
I loved the atmosphere — tables were close but not on top of each other, bar was big enough to eat without feeling cramped. We started with cocktails (I had a spritzer that was fantastic but took 10 minutes to get but worth the wait) and antipasta: salami, Parmesan with aged balsamic, meatballs and fried eggplant (all 1 – 2 bites for 3 people). The eggplant was crunchy but tender inside and the meatballs were melt in your mouth perfection.
Next was a green salad: literally olive oil, aged balsamic, lemon and butter lettuce — so simple and so fresh. For main courses we tried the spicy shrimp carbonara and the squash agnolotti with sage butter. The carbonara was perfectly al dente and you couldn’t taste the seafood in the shrimp (they were chopped), but you knew it was there due to the richness of flavors. The agnolotti was equally on point.
The portions are not huge, but here’s the thing: I simply think people need to quit stuffing themselves and not expect to walk out with leftovers. This is not The Olive Garden people!
We dined at the bar and I watched countless cappuccinos served so I had to have one… again, perfection. This bartender takes her job seriously and it showed! We finished with 2 styles of cannoli (which the pasty chef stuffs right before serving for maximum crunch) and chocolate almond torte with bruleed meringue.
We walked out talking about what we’d try next time., pretty sure we will be back!