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Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant

4.4

4711 Hope Valley Rd
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: (919) 490-1172
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Google Reviews

Photo of Breanne Pearce Breanne Pearce
Mar 17, 2025 5

Went there for the first time with a friend and we both got the shrimp pulcinella. Which came with a side salad, bread that was awesome. I wish I knew what kind of bread it was because I’ve already told a few friends about the place in the bread. Pasta was amazing as well as the shrimp. I will definitely be going there again. We both had plenty to take home because their portions are large and they gave us a bag of the fresh bread to take home with our leftovers. The staff was very friendly and attentive. They were extremely busy, but we got our food fast without any problems during dinner time rush, and they were able to seat us almost immediately.

Photo of S Jackson S Jackson
Mar 15, 2025 4

The fam ordered pizza and spaghetti w/meatballs from Pulcinella’s and it was….good (at least the pizza was good). We ordered a veggie pizza (with pepperoni) LOL, and it was pretty good. However…the spaghetti with meatballs….can we say “need more seasoning” and the meatballs…. “could have tasted better”. Actually the spaghetti with meatballs was pretty bland. I gave Pulcinella’s a 4-rating because of the pizza. I will order from here again and possibly try other dishes. I do encourage others to try the pizza…it’s really good!

Photo of Chris K (Crispy) Chris K (Crispy)
Mar 2, 2025 3

Please keep in mind that this review is for this visit, not in general. Normally, their food is very good. I've been craving a sub and have never had one here, so I thought I'd try one. Take a look at the picture and tell me if it all wouldn't end up in your lap the way it's put together, esp since the lettuce was chopped up. I had to take everything out and then put the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions at the bottom of the bun and the meat and cheese on top to have a chance at not wearing it. Flavor wise, it was okay, but I'd pass in the future, opting for anything else on the menu. My spouse enjoyed her pasta, and it was an ample serving for lunch and enough for leftovers. The bread was somewhat hard, and she wondered if it was day old. The service is excellent. Our waiter was friendly, kind, and attentive.

Photo of Raing Yao (Julia) Raing Yao (Julia)
Jan 4, 2025 5

I ordered take out. Food tastes great, I especially recommend the homemade vignette dressing for the side salad.

Photo of teddy teddy
Dec 7, 2024 5

pretty good italian restaurant! my favorite is the pulcinella’s specialty pizza. great local spot!

Photo of T Sanford (MissTRee) T Sanford (MissTRee)
Nov 20, 2024 3

It was fine. It was a bit small for dining with 7 others... Our server was nice and knowledgeable. Every time I've had a salad from there (house salad) they've been so fresh and crisp! I appreciate that part. But please check the cleanliness of your glasses...dishes in general. Thanks

Photo of Tallitha Comrie Tallitha Comrie
Nov 14, 2024 5

The food was absolutely amazing 👏. I've been to many Italian restaurants and this is the best by far. The pasta was so delicious. You can see that they take pride in their craft. The atmosphere is very chill, and the service is excellent. We even got a free desert since it was our first time there. The owner is so sweet. If you are thinking of visiting this restaurant, go and enjoy it. 10/10

Photo of Gerald Stellar Gerald Stellar
Nov 4, 2024 5

Wow, wow wow. The food is absolutely delicious in every single way. This service could not have been any better. Lesley was our server and she was amazing. She checked on us every few minutes to make sure that we were completely satisfied and n was not in need of anything. The atmosphere is really pleasant and quiet. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy Italian food and even if you do not that you check this place out.

Photo of Chelsea Wong Chelsea Wong
Sep 5, 2024 5

The lasagna was sooo amazing. The sauce was thick and the noodles were perfectly cooked. Delicious!!

Photo of James Reardon James Reardon
Aug 16, 2024 3

The good: It's a good value, prices are reasonable The average: The food is about what you would expect from an indie mall restaurant The Swiss chalet cake is not a Swiss chalet cake. The Valopolchella wine might have been open a bit too long. The pasta was average. The bad: The service. Skipped us on the wait list even when we sitting there waiting. I was impressed that the waiter took our order by memory, I would have been impressed if he got it right. Had to flag him down several times for refills.

Photo of Alyssa Griffin Alyssa Griffin
Apr 26, 2024 4

If you want the atmospheric and aesthetic of a fancy restaurant but the price and experience of a more affordable restaurant, this is the place for you. Had a fancy vibe and a good wine list but also was low key (paper napkins, mountain drinks served in thick plastic cups, etc.). The restaurant itself fits about 50-75 people. I had the salmon in pink sauce and it was very good. My grandparents had the shrimp scampi and eggplant parmesan which they enjoyed too. Portions were perfect for one, I only took a little back with me. All entrees come with bread and a small salad. I would come back! Got the tiramisu to go and it was great!