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Tarantelli’s, Wilmington, NC

Tarantelli’s

4.6
4.6
2260 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 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • 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 2,260 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Good for special occasions

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Wilmington

    Good for groups

  • Wilmington

    Great for fine wines

  • Wilmington

    Romantic

  • Wilmington

    Good for special occasions

  • Wilmington

    Most Booked

2,260 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was amazing. Would recommend anyone looking for some fantastic Italian food! Will 100% be back again.

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  2. CarolH

    Coastal Georgia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Our third visit, and again, food was fabulous. Delicious, traditional Italian. Parking can be a challenge on a busy Saturday night. Minor computer glitch delayed our meal, but we were informed and it was not significant. Will definitely return.

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  3. PaulM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    First time at restaurant, very glad we went. I noted in our reservation that it was our anniversary. They gave us an excellent table upon arrival and the service was outstanding. We took the server up on the dinner specials, one seafood and other pasta. Both entrees were very good, but would rate the pasta a little higher. The Italian bread is served warm, and refilled when the plate got low. We will be back!

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  4. KearM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best Italian in Wilmington, and some of the best Italian I've ever had.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner but didn’t love having to wait for 20 minutes after our reservation time when we had arrived a few minutes early. Hopefully just a fluke because the food was yummy!

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  6. PatriciaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautifully decorated. We ate outside at such a pretty evening. We were able to split our meal as servings are huge. We made a reservation which I would recommend. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal and drinks.

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  7. ExpatInEurope

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Upon arrival, I asked for a quiet corner table as my Dads hearing aids were acting up. They did a great job accommodating (no eye rolls or sighs for the last minute inconvenience). Service was great, timing perfect, drinks delivered quickly. Waitress was appropriately attentive, dishes were cleared promptly, leftovers boxed nearby where we could see, but we did not have to do ourselves. All great signs of a good restaurant! Our dinners were delish too! I love the homemade Pappardelle with fungi (creamy mushroom sauce). My husband had the special-shrimp and sausage over Pappardelle and my Dad had the veggie Pasta, again over the homemade fresh Pappardelle. Appetizers were a Caesar salad, a wedge salad and the Wagyu Bruschetta. I didn’t love the bruschetta. Wagyu beef is such a treat and the sauce was thick with a heavy balsamic taste. The beef was chopped into tiny pieces. Thinly seared slices or beef without the sauce would have been my preference. We all started with a cocktail followed up with a glass of wine. One had ice cream and a chocolate martini for dessert. The total bill including tip was $300. Not unreasonable for all we ate and drank (and brought home for lunch the next day). We’re never disappointed at Tarantelli’s. Great service and food!

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  8. DonaldW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    I was told to make a reservation because Tarantelli's gets busy.My wife and I were early so we sat in the lobby and watched many people get turned away with no reservation. The occasion was our wedding anniversary and the hostess seated us at a large booth which was very comfortable.The waitress was outstanding and we enjoyed all the food and drinks.(dirty martini and wine). So much food we went home with the leftovers.I'm a big eater and I never go home with leftovers!

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  9. AmyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner! The meatballs and bruschetta were amazing! I also had the Caesar salad and it was very good! I highly recommend this place.

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  10. TiannaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time coming to Tarantelli’s and it was perfect. The food was amazing, made fresh and the taste backs it up. It was the perfect birthday dinner. We loved our meals and the quality shows. The staff was friendly and professional and the table touch from, we are guessing the owner, was friendly, comfortable, and we cannot wait to come back. 10/10!

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  11. MARYDUKE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    TARANTELLIS CONTINUES TO BE THE BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN WILMINGTON. CONSISTENT AND DELICIOUS.

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  12. JaneB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an awesome experience!!! Can’t wait to go back

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  13. Erica

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Homemade pasta sauce was delicious. We shared plates of house made pasta, eggplant Parmesan, and lasagna. All were delicious.

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  14. Daniel

    Poconos

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I were truly impressed with the restaurant and the service. My wife grew up in an Italian family where food was at the center of everything. The food at Tarantelli’s surpassed our expectations.

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  15. TimD

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience3
    Pasta soggy and meal seamed like it was heated up…would not recommend

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  16. Meg1591

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We finally got to go to Terentellis on our day trip to the beach, after not being able to get a table in our last trip. It was worth the wait. Our server was Matt, and he gave us great service and still allowed us to chat and not feel rushed. Which reminded me of my time in Italy. The food was amazing and the wine was delicious. Highly recommend!

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  17. Southport13foodie

    Raleigh

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Not fine dining anymore. Had a reservation and arrived 15 minutes early. The restaurant was empty, yet the hostess told us we would have to wait until our reservation time to be seated. She then proceeded to offer us the worse table in the restaurant, near the entrance where there was service station. They moved us to a table, where the ceiling air conditioning was leaking onto the table and chair. We moved to another table. Service was very slow and we had to ask for menus and pepper and grated cheese. Food was just fair. The cannolis were supposed to be filled with traditional ricotta cheese, but it seemed to be whipped cream. We told our waiter and he just shrugged. Even though they were aware of the leaking air conditioner, they tried to seat another couple at that table. They also moved to a different table. We brought out of town guests and had told them ahead of time that this was a great restaurant. We were very disappointed and embarrassed.

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  18. GaryB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Six new people dined at this fine Italian restaurant. We enjoyed all aspects of the experience. Food and services were excellent. Never once were we rushed and were allowed to enjoy the nice evening out with friends!!!

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  19. DavidS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Randomly tried this spot out. Turned out awesome. Food was phenomenal, service on point. Just all around magnificent

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  20. Mike

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first time. The service was top shelf. The food was fantastic. I’ll be back.

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  21. MikeA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Would like to see more Southern type cuisine. Lees heavy sauces . Baked fresh eggplants, artichokes , more meals consisting of vegetables.

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  22. TreyF

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Jason and his crew are the best, with a great al fresco dining area… a must for quality Italian! 👍🏻

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  23. RayL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Food was delicious. Wine selection was lacking. We had to wait at least 10 minutes for our server. We enjoyed talking to the owner’s father - Mr. T, who is a total asset.

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  24. HeatherB

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place!! The food, the service, ambiance was fantastic! We will definitely be back 😁

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  25. OpinionAter

    St. Louis

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service in downtown Wilmington. The meatballs as an appetizer, the house salad, the chicken parmigiana and the Italian wines were all excellent. My only regret is that the portions were so generous we had no room for dessert! It was our first visit and we will definitely be back.

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  26. Will

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent service and food. ambience could not have been better. great bar

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  27. BeckyJ

    Charleston

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came for business dinner and it was perfect. Great food, large portions (lunch tomorrow!), and an outstanding server.

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  28. robert

    Raleigh

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great and Gabriel our waiter was very good

    1 person found this helpful

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Very friendly staff the apps were very good but the main dishes meat was dry and not overwhelming

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  30. TJanney

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious; we loved the Arancinis. The service was excellent. We had a great meal and will definitely come back.

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always a wonderful dining experience. Get the pasta special! It’s always a winner.

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  32. PaulR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We dined indoors and arrived early at 5:30 pm. Restaurant was about 1/3 full and pretty quiet. Food, service, everything was great.

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  33. Elizabeth

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Our reservation included a $50 cancellation fee which we felt was extreme but complied. However, we were not seated until 9:30 even though we had a 9pm reservation. We asked if we could sit at the bar while we waited, but there was no one serving drinks and when an employee finally walked by she was extremely rude and reluctantly provided our beverages. The service was slow and when our food arrived, my veal had the texture of cardboard. Clearly disappointed by what we thought was going to be an amazing dinner, the owner approached our table with attitude and took zero responsibility for the terrible overall experience. I have never written a bad review but felt this one was necessary due to the lack of accountability and poor customer service exhibited by the owner himself. We will not be returning.

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  34. Nanna

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Continues to be one of the best restaurants in Wilmington.

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  35. Carley

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tarantelli's has a wonderful ambiance. The food was absolutely delicious. The service was phenomenal.

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  36. MischaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was good- Appetizers were amazing! A little irritating that we had a reservation and didn’t get seated until 20 minutes after our reservation time. But our Server (Nicole) was the best!

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  37. MichaelD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent; 4th time there. Diet Coke’s in small bottles did not taste right.

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  38. Marty

    Wilmington

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had the beefsteak gremolata and it was outstanding as usual. We were a little disappointed in the house salad. We have eaten here numerous times and this was the first time the lettuce was wilted and it obviously had been pre-prepared and spent some time in the refrigerator.

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  39. EveP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    First time at Tarantelli's, the food and cocktails were amazing. Can not wait to go back.

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  40. RobertG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The food was delicious, but cold when we were served. A little pricey, but the ombience is great.

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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 4.6 stars by 2260 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 19 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
  • 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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