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    Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant

    3.9 (380 reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Pizza
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    PULCINELLA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant

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    The olive oil dry tomato dipping sauce I add lots of ground pepper and Parmesan grated cheese.
    Jim B.

    Pulcinellas I have been eating here for 17 years. It is always fresh, and great tasting. This visit I had Bella Donna with sweet Italian sausage. Unless you are a big eater I always have left overs for tomorrow. My whole fe ordered the Alfredo lunch portion, she has leftovers for tomorrow also. Pulcinella's has never skimped on serving size. Adam our serving staff attendant was attentive handing the entire restaurant at lunch. Pulcinella's is a family owned and oriented for family dining. It could be a good date night, for an Italian restaurant but not low key quiet for a meal date. Where you want to carry on a conversation without shout at each other. Even at lunch with a half empty restaurant it is extremely noisy for noon dining. Other than that it is a fabulous restaurant to enjoy a meal at.

    Jenny D.

    We came on a weekend during lunchtime and were served by Dominic. The server was very attentive and came back pretty frequently. The ambience was very much like a family restaurant. The inside was a bit dim lighting wise so some people may have a hard time reading the menu but overall was clean. The booth seats were very comfortable, and the bread was very good too. I got a chicken Alfredo and my boyfriend got a chicken Parmesan. The chicken was pretty good. I did wish that the sauce for the Alfredo was thicker because it was on the watery side. The portions were awesome and prices for Italian seem to be great compared to nearby Italian restaurants. Although we didn't partake in any desserts, the menu looked really good with at least five different options for desserts. I would definitely visit again.

    The total should be $27.93. As you can see, we were charged $29.05.

    I am new to NC. I was feeling for lasagna on Mother's Day. I saw the reviews were good. So my daughter and I placed an order to-go. The lady at the counter was sweet. I couldn't wait to get home to eat. The food was awful. No flavor. It didn't even look palatable. I must say the bread was delicious. We ended up throwing the lasagna out. My daughter happened to look at her receipt. The math wasn't adding up. 2 lasagna for $12.99 each plus tax should have been $27.93 but she was charged $29.05. Unacceptable. I just saw a story on Insta last week. Telling consumers to check their receipts. We got, got!

    Penne Boscaiola.
    Issa S.

    A very authentic Italian restaurant! I have family who is Italian, so I really appreciated how genuine and flavorful the food was--it felt like a true taste of Italy. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which added to the great experience. I'll definitely be recommending this spot to others looking for quality Italian cuisine. What I ordered : Penne Boscaiola

    Fettuccine Carbonara.
    Jaclyn N.

    I ordered takeout, so I can't speak to the service or the feel of the restaurant. The food was good, though I've heard it was much better than what I received. I got the Caprese salad, which lacked much balsamic glaze for as many tomato's as there were. The lasagna was extremely meaty and I will say had good flavor. The carbonara was average. I felt like the bacon was a little undercooked, there were no caramelized onions that could be seen and the sauce was very light. The side salad was fresh and the ranch was homemade and delicious. I also liked the bread. Overall, I might try a pizza but will likely go somewhere else for food.

    Chicken Parm!

    The taste and quality of the food here is top notch. The prices are unmatched for pasta + meat entrees. You can't go wrong with their chicken parm while their dipping oil is to die for. The ambiance is casual and cozy while the staff treats you like family! My only complaint is the plate sharing fee and fee to use the credit card. Otherwise, this place is probably the best Italian joint around, especially for the value.

    Manicotti

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    6 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    4 days ago

    Great ambiance, great food. Adam, the owner's son was our server and he was very kind and helpful. 10/10

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    28 days ago

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    3 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Been eating here for more than 10 years. Always great Italian home food. Great stop to avoid fast food.

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    4 months ago

    Good food Been a customer for 20 years. Love the pizza and the chicken dinners.cheese àsteak is great.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Authentic and priced well. Our family enjoyed dinner at this place. It's slightly busy, but overall, it was fun.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Alfredo pasta was so watery.. no flavor at all so sad.. and I wish the chicken was crispy

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Service was great and ambiance was inviting. The food was not as appetizing or fulfilling.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Lunch specials are super affordable and tasty. Waitress was very friendly and food was hot and fresh and quick.

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    Page 1 of 10

    Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant

    Are pasta handmade?

    In our experience the pasta is not handmade. Mother and Sons in Downtown Durham has handmade pasta.

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    Mothers and Sons Trattoria

    Mothers and Sons Trattoria

    4.1
    (440 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    Excellent. Lovely and kind staff. The food is always incredibly fresh, fragrant, authentic. The…read moreportion sizes are perfect and the price is unbeatable for the quality of the food you get. The ambiance is very cozy. The bar is tasteful. Love this spot for a date night

    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.

    Photos
    Entry/part of seating area, April 2025.
    Entry/part of seating area, April 2025.
    Porchetta
    Porchetta
    Inside. Back of dining room. Peek into kitchen.

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    Inside. Back of dining room. Peek into kitchen.
    Killer Queen

    Killer Queen

    4.9
    (33 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Killer Queen
    Killer Queen
    Killer Queen

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    Hutchins Garage

    Hutchins Garage

    4.5
    (266 reviews)
    6.5 mi
    $$

    This was my first time having pizza from Hutchins Garage in person, and it was delectable! We got…read morethe: - Crispy Fried Polenta (Fried 3-cheese polenta, hot honey, parsley): Such a unique dish! Crispy outside, cheesy inside, sweet and spicy sauce (literally finger-licking good). - Fried Chicken (Vodka sauce, fried chicken, mozzarella, red onion, bell pepper, chili sauce, parmesan, parsley): Loved the creaminess of the sauce, the quantity of toppings was just right, the crust was utter crispy perfection. - Eggplant Alla Norma (San Marzano tomato sauce, fried eggplant, crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, pecorino/parmesan): Overall very tasty, but would have appreciated a bit more eggplant. - House Made Tiramisu (Imported Italian ladyfingers soaked in espresso, Kahlua, Goslings dark rum, whipped mascarpone crème, dusted with cocoa): Very coffee-forward but balanced well with the cream, not too sweet. Service was amazing, our server heard my dad talking about how much he liked the hot honey sauce from the polenta dish and brought us some more on the house! You seat yourself and order off a QR code on your table. Ambiance is casual, it's like a converted garage. Nearby free parking is a little sparse unfortunately, but there were some spots in front of the restaurant. 10/10 would recommend!

    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.

    Photos
    Hutchins Garage
    Polenta
    Polenta
    Lunch in Durham, NC. 11/24

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    Lunch in Durham, NC. 11/24
    Littler

    Littler

    4.5
    (150 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$$

    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

    Photos
    Littler
    Littler
    Storefront.

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    Storefront.

    Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant - italian - Updated June 2026

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