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Tarantelli’s, Wilmington, NC

Tarantelli’s

4.7
4.7
2347 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Tarantelli’s is located on Second Street, just one block from Front Street and in walking distance to the Cape Fear River. The restaurant and event venue is located in the historic district of downtown Wilmington. This lively area spans 230-plus blocks and is home to some of the best bars, restaurants, churches, architecture, and selection of fine art. There are several parking facilities nearby, but you can also reach Tarantelli's year round via horse drawn trolley and carriage, river taxi, trolley cars, or on foot.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 54 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (910) 763-3806
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Zack Comis
  • Neighborhood
    Wilmington
  • Cross street
    Dock Street
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Entertainment
    The inspiration behind this restaurant was drawn from our grandfather, Anthony "Tony" Salvatore Tarantelli ("Papa") and our grandmother Mabel Tarantelli. Both Tony and Mabel believed that home cooked food brought family together. Our Papa's love for Italian food came from his father, Salvatore Tarantelli, who was born in the Abruzzo region of Italy in the province of L’Aquila. It is here that Tony began to appreciate Italian cuisine at its purest. Both Tony and Mabel were amazing cooks and deserve the credit for passing on many of our family recipes that we now have the pleasure and privilege to share with you.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,347 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Great for fine wines

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Romantic

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Good for special occasions

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Wilmington

    Good for business meals

  • Wilmington

    Good for groups

  • Wilmington

    Great for fine wines

  • Wilmington

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Wilmington

    Romantic

  • Wilmington

    Good for special occasions

  • Wilmington

    Most Booked

2,347 Reviews
  1. DebbyM

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We lived everything about this restaurant: food, drinks and Lucy’s wonderful service. The only reason for the 4 star rating was because the hostesses weren’t attentive and friendly. Never even said goodbye or thank you as we were leaving; and, no, she was not busy. Just stood there with her head down. Thankfully there’s not much interaction with the hostess. Just not a great way to depart after such a wonderful experience. We will be back.

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  2. TraceyM

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing. Prices were reasonable. Loved that it was not too loud, so we could carry on a conversation. Will definitely go back!

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Recently dined at Tarantelli’s in Wilmington, NC, and it was a fantastic experience. I had the the Braciola and it was cooked to perfection, embodying the rich, authentic flavors of Italy. My wife enjoyed the Calabrian Gnocchi Chili Shrimp Scampi, which was a delightful blend of spice and freshness - she loved it! For dessert, the Olive Oil Cake with Pistachio Gelato was a standout – a perfect balance of light, airy cake with the creamy, nutty gelato. The ambiance of Tarantelli’s added to the charm of the evening, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Service was attentive and courteous, contributing to an overall wonderful dining experience. Tarantelli’s is definitely a jewel in Wilmington for those who appreciate fine Italian cuisine.

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  4. SusanL

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    3of the 4 meals were poor. Veal like shoe leather and sauce was butter. Shrimp dish poor. Veggie dinner soggy

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  5. Robin

    Phoenix

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We always love Tarantelli’s. The food is excellent and the service is great too. We start with the meatball appetizer and the charcuterie. Both are excellent and if you’re looking for a lighter dinner for two, that could fit the bill. Every time we go we try new entrees and have never been disappointed. This last time I got the gnocchi scampi and loved it. It’s got a bit of heat but if you like that, then try it. My husband and son got the frutti d’mare and the chicken parm. Both said they were delicious.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything is delicious from drinks to dessert and everything in between!

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  7. Mary

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Very overpriced. $25/pp reservation is a bit much. We arrived 10 min before reservation yet had to go to the bar when there were plenty of tables available since they just opened. I would not recommend this restaurant.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    South Dakota

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    This is the second time we went to Tarantelli’s and overall, we had a good experience in terms of our Italian-American cuisine expectations. A few things they can improve on are to reduce the pasta portion sizes. The menu states that a smaller size is available to order but the server did not mention that. Also, the fish my husband ordered was way too small in comparison with the pasta dishes. Trying to minimize on expenses? The wine was good but we’d like to see more Italian wine options on the menu. We will consider returning.

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  9. LindaD

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food1service5ambience4
    Gavin iwas perfect, attentive and knows the menu's. We enjoyed our dinner and having Gavin as our waiter.

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  10. AprilF

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best Italian food I've had in a long time. The filet bruschetta was amazing, as were our entree's. Definitely would go again.

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  11. LisaH

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic and tastefully done. The atmosphere, the music, the wine and the food was outstanding.

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  12. GabrielM

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal service, couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience

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  13. NCGirl

    Atlanta Metro

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner before a play. Excellent service and food as always!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    The hostess was exceptionally rude. She appeared annoyed by every patron that walked in. We had a reservation yet had to wait for our table. Our waiter forgot about us repeatedly and failed to tell us dishes no longer available until we asked to order them. An appetizer we ordered was missing a main ingredient listed in the title of the appetizer and he acted like we were high maintenance for calling it out. My meal was so bad I only had 3 bites and I’ve never refused to eat a restaurant meal before. So disappointed in the experience.

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  15. KeithG

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite Italian places to eat in Wilmington

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  16. CeciH

    Wilmington

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. Our server was very polite and very knowledgeable on cooking the pasta in the cheese wheel. We all enjoyed the experience. Recommended for a special dinner.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So happy to have a wonderful dinner to celebrate my partner’s 70th birthday. The food was amazing, the table was romantic as I requested and a special happy birthday dessert was nice I requested touch.

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  18. SherryJ

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Both the service and food were very good. We had to rush because we were going to the theater and they were very accommodating! Highly recommend.

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  19. DebM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    Love the ambience service is always great but the food the last couple of times has not been up to par. Not sure I’ll be going again.

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  20. PaulG

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service was amazing..probably the best Italian food we have ever had!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing and the service was impeccable! Thank you to Josh who made our night so wonderful!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic! Food and wine were excellent.

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  23. KellyB

    Western NC

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    I'm old school and still like a salad that comes with my meal. For the price of the Veal meal, I feel that would have been nice. The service was great!!! He was so nice and pleasant. I would have given the restaurant 5 stars but the NOISE was unreal. The 4 of us had to yell at each other the entire night. Ugh! The pasta was amazing, and the bartender gets 6 stars! She did a great job and was very quick.

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  24. Cody

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Make sure to make reservations, food was excellent

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  25. Michael

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about Tarentelli's is amazing. We always get the gnocchi and it is phenomenal. Also the bruschetta is very good as well. Would highly recommend to a friend!

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  26. BarbaraAnn

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Very convenient downtown location, tho parking is always a challenge. Several options for dining, both inside and out. Service was excellent as was food. Look forward to visiting again.

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  27. Kathy

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    This was the worst dining experience. We waited 50 minutes from appetizer to entrees. Saw the tray delivered but waitress was doing bills in between serving plates. Four out of five got their meal. Waitress did bring free glass of wine, but wss really an empty gesture. Last meal brought out about 20 minutes after other meals and after everyone else was almost finished. Guest told her he did not want the meal and to return it to kitchen. We told the waitress we had time constraints due to a show. But it took forever to get cards processed. Waitress got really snippy with one of the guests. Other than the very good arincini, the rest of the meals were just okay, nothing great. Obviously, none of us will be back.

    1 person found this helpful

  28. Hampden

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious Italian food served by courteous, efficient people--what more could you ask for? I heard Tarantelli's was good and I was not disappointed.

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  29. DustinA

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall2food5service5ambience4
    Everything went well until we went to leave. We accidentally left our left overs on the table (in to go containers). We realized this before we even walked out the door - maybe 30 seconds after we left the table. I walked back to the table and the food was already in the trash. When I asked for the hostesses help, she basically said “sorry, tough luck.” Two, $35 entrees wasted after 30 seconds.

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  30. Ellis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service! This is our go-to place for a fabulous meal experience.

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  31. PamelaC

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great date night spot. The pasta special was amazing. Terrific service and lovely ambiance. The very generous portions make up for the sort of proxy menu. Absolutely worth it.

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  32. Bethany

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite restaurants in ILM. Waygu filet mignon bruschetta will always keep me coming back!! Drinks and food are all amazing!!

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was really good. Great service and great food. The ambience was really nice and food was really fresh. Will definitely return again.

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  34. Frankinnc

    Raleigh

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Overall food and service was very good. There were out of Tequila requested but meal was more than anyone could eat. Very good quality and more than enough. Same problem with all smaller places trying to squeeze tables in....noise level so high you could barely talk. Not sure what the answer is . Manager seemed a little stressed probably due to employee issues. Frank Slightom

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  35. ScottM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Service a little slow and wait staff not the friendliest. Not rude, just could be a little more friendly.

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  36. JuneD

    Wilmington

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience on a beautiful evening outside on their patio!

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  37. AmandaJ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Dishes are very fresh, traditional; authentic. Be prepared to take your time and enjoy your meal. There were 6 of us. Most of our dishes were fabulous! Some dishes are a bit over seasoned/garnished. Service was great, the initial environment upon opening didn’t seem to be very welcoming.

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  38. SharonW

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our evening was very nice. Food was very good. Wished the entrees included a salad. The wine we chose was not in stock and the wine we had was a bit overpriced…. 150% markup. Kerrie was our waitress and was fabulous!!

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  39. Rosemaryparker

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very busy but noise level not bad. However they said espresso machine broke. Most people don’t care but I look forward to an espresso after dinner. Was husband birthday. They brought him a cannoli with a candle. Very nice

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    As a Wilmington local, I get to experience a lot of significant dining experiences. I can say without a doubt that Taratelli’s rates near the top, or maybe even at the top, of that list. Great ambience, great service, and outstanding food. And a fantastic corner table doesn’t hurt!

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FAQs

Tarantelli’s offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (910) 763-3806.

Tarantelli’s is rated 4.7 stars by 2347 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 54 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Tarantelli’s

102 S 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Dock Street
  • Neighborhood
    Wilmington
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Zack Comis
  • Entertainment
    The inspiration behind this restaurant was drawn from our grandfather, Anthony "Tony" Salvatore Tarantelli ("Papa") and our grandmother Mabel Tarantelli. Both Tony and Mabel believed that home cooked food brought family together. Our Papa's love for Italian food came from his father, Salvatore Tarantelli, who was born in the Abruzzo region of Italy in the province of L’Aquila. It is here that Tony began to appreciate Italian cuisine at its purest. Both Tony and Mabel were amazing cooks and deserve the credit for passing on many of our family recipes that we now have the pleasure and privilege to share with you.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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