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Tarantelli’s, Wilmington, NC

Tarantelli’s

4.7
4.7
2895 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Select a time

Booked 24 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–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 2,895 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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Good for special occasions

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Wilmington

    Good for special occasions

  • Wilmington

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tarantelli's offers an exceptional dining experience with "flawlessly cooked steak," "delicious homemade pasta," and a "fun cheese wheel presentation." Praised for "excellent service," attentive staff like Nicole and Gavin enhance the meal. The lively atmosphere and extensive menu ensure a top-notch Italian experience that's "worth the drive."
2,895 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was superb. The food was beyond excellent. And the ambiance was great- some music, but it wasn’t loud. We saw families with children, retirees, and friend out having fun. We can’t wait to return to try new things!

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  2. Heidi

    VIP

    Wilmington

    59 reviews

    2.0

    59 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    We used to really enjoy Tarantelli’s, however it’s lost its luster. Between announcing the desire to sell and leave downtown, along with being closed for repairs for an extended time, it just isn’t a restaurant we will return to. The food was overpriced and undercooked pasta. Regrets

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  3. Adam

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome staff, atmosphere and food. We will be back very soon!

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  4. traci

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Been here many times . The food is always good, but at this point we don’t deviate from our favorites: Filet Mignon Bruschetta/ Fungi Pasta and Calamari. All superb. Good Martini and the Italian Margarita is excellent.

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  5. Karen

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve been going to Tarantelli’s since they opened. It’s our favorite restaurant in Wilmington. The food is always delicious and the wait staff is great.

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  6. Ria

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Veal marasala was delicious as was the vodka penne. Fun to watch them make the pasta in the cheese wheel tables idea. The wine our waiter suggested was perfect.

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  7. bob

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    excellent service provided by Nicole. Homemade pasta prepared perfectly. Large portions with nice balance of spices

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  8. Greg

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was perfect for our group of 6 from the recommended wine selection and menu descriptions from our server. Top notch all the way. Highly recommend the table-prepared cheese bowl and pasta as a meal or shared appetizer. Fantastic.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    For context, I’ve been in Wilmington since I graduated college in 1999. I’ve dined at Tarantelli’s enough times to give a responsible review. The restaurant is never as busy as it is to get a reservation. I’ve witnessed the hostess turn people away when there’s plenty of open space outside of regular reservations. The visit that I’m reviewing, I had a reservation for 7:45 on a Friday night for a high top table. We arrived and there was basically no one sitting at the bar which is where the high top tables are. The atmosphere left much to be desired, the place had little to no energy about it. The wine list is ok. When ordering a bottle of wine the waiter/waitress has never come back by to pour more glasses, it’s always something I have to do at the table. When you order a bottle, service should be stepped up. I had to ask for salt and pepper and the pepper was empty. The waiter did not ask if we wanted fresh cheese on our dish. As it gets later, the waiters are in the bar area checking their phones and texting. It’s not as professional as their prices, Owners/Managers would get a lot by traveling to New York or any other big city to experience how to service tables appropriately. The bathrooms need a major update too. I have never found Tarantelli’s to be what it’s made out to be. I’m happy to try again after some changes have been made. If not, I’m not likely to go back.

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  10. Andrea

    VIP

    Wilmington

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Four of us had dinner there and all enjoyed our food. We were disappointed to be seated at the bar as that had not been our intent, and it was a little awkward with four of us, but the two female bartenders were amazing. It ended up working out great. The service and the attention to detail were A+. Loved the brussels app and the caprese salad and we all enjoyed different pasta dishes - the homemade pasta was really tasty! Will definitely be back!

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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 2895 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

Select a time

Booked 24 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 Wed–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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