About
Welcome to Tarantelli's: a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Wilmington, North Carolina, where tradition meets flavor in every bite. Located at 102 S 2nd St, this enchanting eatery is renowned for its authentic Italian dishes, steeped in family recipes passed down through generations.
At Tarantelli's, the menu is a celebration of rich flavors and artistic presentation. One must-try dish is the Zuppa Pasta e Fagioli, a soul-warming bean and pasta soup crafted with fresh pork, garlic, vine-ripened tomatoes, and cannellini beans. Each spoonful is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to time-honored cooking techniques.
For pasta lovers, the Spaghetti e Polpette is an ode to comfort food, featuring Tarantelli's signature meatballs that are served over a bed of your favorite pasta, drizzled with a homemade marinara sauce simmered to perfection. The addition of sweet and spicy fennel Italian sausage elevates this dish, making it a perfect representation of Italian home-cooking.
When it comes to meat, the Sicilian Braciole is a highlight worth shouting about. This dish consists of thinly sliced flank steak rolled tightly with a delightful blend of sautéed onions, herbs, and gourmet cheeses, then slow-simmered in homemade marinara sauce. The tender textures and robust flavors create a dining experience that you won’t soon forget.
What truly sets Tarantelli's apart is not just the food, but the exceptional service that complements it. Customers rave about the attentive and knowledgeable staff who make every visit feel memorable. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual meal, the team at Tarantelli’s strives to deliver a fantastic dining experience. Take a cue from customer Lauren Garritano who couldn’t help but praise their waiter Sy for turning a birthday celebration into a heartwarming surprise. Or consider Christopher Pereira, who journeyed over an hour and found the experience more than worthwhile, admiring the fresh ingredients and exceptional flavors.
In summary, Tarantelli's is where culinary artistry meets hospitality. Each dish, from the vibrant soups to the hearty main courses, exemplifies a love for Italian cuisine and a deep respect for tradition. So, whether you’re a Wilmington local or just passing through, make sure to reserve your table at this beloved establishment—just remember to book in advance, especially for those bustling Saturday nights!
“ We visited last night for a much needed parents night out/birthday/anniversary dinner. Sy was our waiter and he was such a delight to have! He was knowledgeable in the menu, kind, responsive and attentive. I’ve been wanting to try this place for a while and am so happy this was how we were able to enjoy our night out since we get so few of them. The pistachio skirt steak was absolutely amazing, highly recommend! My dad called in since I live far from home to treat us for dinner and we didn’t even know if they received the call or not until Sy at the end treated it like a truly fun surprise and kind gesture. This was such a huge blessing as we tried the same last year at another “fine dining” restaurant in Wilmington and we ignored and had things added to the bill. They truly made this a wonderful night ”
“ One of my favorite places to eat in ILM! Amazing food every time! However it is hard to get a table reservation for a Saturday night, even when booked a week in advance, so this time, we reserved at the bar. Kerry was our bartender/server and she was fantastic and very accommodating. However, if you plan on getting many courses like we did, including the cheese wheel, the bar is not the place to sit. ”
“ Wow! The drinks and food were very good, and I’m always happy to be pleasantly surprised by portion size. But overwhelmingly the reason for this review was the excellent service we received from Gavin. He was attentive and knowledgeable and made the experience great. Would give more stars if I could. ”
“ Visiting with my son and his wife, this was our first visit to Tarantelli's. Food was out of this world, and Erica was amazing! Thank you for helping us make special memories celebrating! ”
“ During our week in Myrtle Beach, we made the hour and 20-minute drive to Tarantelli's after a friend's recommendation, and it was worth every minute! For our appetizer, we chose the wagyu bruschetta, which was nothing short of extraordinary—tender and bursting with flavor! For main courses, we had the penne alla vodka and the beef braciole, both were exceptional. You can really tell that everything is made from scratch and cooked to order. We ended our meal with the olive oil lemon cake, a delightful conclusion to a fantastic dining experience. The service was remarkable, and this restaurant truly exceeded our expectations! ”
“ Gavin was an amazing server! He had perfect prompt service and answered any questions we had about the menu. Him and Tyler, who had the section next to ours, were so personable! I would come here over and over again. Thank you both for a great time and great food. ”
“ Went during the week. Not crowded. Easy to have a conversation, not noisy. Food delicious! Staff friendly. ”
“ Great dinner with friends in town for business. We started off with a whiskey, old-fashioned and then ordered an appetizer. It was filet mignon bruschetta which was excellent. I had the pasta special. I don’t remember the name, but had pappardelle pasta and pancetta. We finished it off with some tiramisu, which was excellent. Great flavor and texture. ”