Convivio Restaurant

A wonderful spot for authentic Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it perfect for a family dinner. The pizzas we ordered were absolutely delicious, and Lucia, our server, was incredibly friendly and helpful. She recommended an excellent wine that paired perfectly with our meal. The restaurant is also personally overseen by its owner, Giuseppe, which adds a nice touch of hospitality. Highly recommended for anyone craving genuine Italian flavors!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

No need to book your flight to Italy.. the best part is here in Durham. The food inspired me to paint the Mona Lisa and carve David out of Marble. The gnocchi was so tender it melted in my mouth and I felt I became one with the gnocchi. The olive oil transported me to a field like Maximus from Gladiator. The flavor was so natural I can feel generations of Italian grandmothers touch my shoulder, smile and tell me you have arrived. They should have all the stars in the sky but we will settle for 5.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gnocchi

The food was superb and authentic and the service was incredible! Also, the cocktails and wine were excellent. We had the burrata and pane & olio to start, then we had the tagliatelle and gnocchi. All of which were so well seasoned and had us pausing our conversations to savor and enjoy and making constant moans and sounds of pleasure. Then we finished with a delicious affogato. The owner and staff were super sweet and very attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gnocchi

We went for dinner and got the chef's recommendation family style menu. Everything was enjoyable, and the wine pairing was delicious. Will definitely have to go back when we can. The fish and canellini bean dish was the standout winner, but everything was very good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband and I recently visited our family who have been living in America for many years. They took us to Convivio Restaurant for dinner, and we had an amazing meal—it felt just like being in Italy! The restaurant is beautiful, and the owner and staff made us feel incredibly welcome. It will definitely be our go-to spot every time we visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

If you're in Triangle Area and craving a genuine taste of Italy, look no further than Convivio Restaurant. This gem truly delivers on authentic Italian cuisine that delights the senses. From their perfectly risotto with truffle to the rich and flavorful porchetta, every dish feels like a trip to Italy.

As Italians, we know how important authentic flavor and hospitality are, and Convivio absolutely nails it. What sets them apart isn't just the food, but the incredible kindness and warmth of the owner Giuseppe and staff. Their genuine hospitality makes every visit feel special, as they go out of their way to ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time guest, you’ll be treated like family.

Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and authentic Italian meal in a welcoming atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A delightful, intimate dining experience. Service was attentive and warm, with plenty of personal appearances/touches from the chef. From explaining each wine in our flight, to regaling the origin/character of the individual cheese and meat selections of the charcuterie spread, they really made this a human/personal experience. Highly recommend for your next night out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Porchetta

An unforgettable experience, totally authentic, the food, variety of wines, music, the whole atmosphere makes you go to Italy without a plane ticket.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We celebrated a 46th wedding anniversary at Convivio this weekend. Our first time there - it will not be our last. Owner and server both very friendly. Everything reminded us of a meal we had at a Tuscan farmhouse last year. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients - cooked to perfection. The house wine ? perfect. Salad and burrata outstanding. Eggplant perfectly prepared, and the Porcheta reminiscent of the finest pork dishes in Italy. And try the Olive Oil cake with gelato. Never tasted a cake like that before.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Eggplant Lasagna, Porchetta

Incredible dinner! There’s something available for everyones taste and dietary restrictions, staff and owner were extremely welcoming and I will definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

If you are looking for an Authentic Italian Experience, you will be not able to find a better place 4,700 miles around!

We were at the Convivio Restaurant - Durham, NC on August 17 2024.

“We can’t express enough gratitude to Chef Giuseppe and his entire team for the incredible care and service they provided during a very sensitive time for our family. After a difficult funeral ceremony, they transformed a sorrowful day into a moment of warmth and togetherness. The meal they prepared was nothing short of exceptional—every dish was crafted with love, and the flavors brought comfort and joy when we needed it most. The ambiance, the attention to detail, and the kindness shown by everyone at the restaurant made us feel like we were in the best of hands. Thank you for helping us create a beautiful memory during a challenging time. We couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience.”

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have no idea how I managed to miss this restaurant for the first two years it has been in downtown Durham because it is a gem! Chef Guiseppe Cagnoni, who is also the owner, has done a spectacular job making you feel like you have stepped off the streets of Durham right into a cozy Italian bistro. Between us all, we tried many of the dishes - some simple, like the insalata di stagione (seasonal salad), and others deceptively simple - meaning how special can parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) be - but it was devine! In addition, we tried the tricolor pizza (a margherita pizza), the tagliere misto (a charcuterie board), the Baccala (Atlantic cod), mallureddu (a lamb ragu with pasta), and all the sides (mushrooms, pomodori tomatoes and warm cannellini beans). We were stuffed like Christmas geese - but still managed to fit in some lemon sorbet and panna cotta. We felt that the service was excellent - attentive and fun - matching the quality of the food. As for the wine, I liked the Musa the best by far. Run, don't walk, to Convivio - you won’t be disappointed!

Vegetarian options: The menu is relatively small - 21 options covering appetizers, pizzas, main dishes and sides - of these a dozen are vegetarian.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Charcuterie, Eggplant Lasagna

Best value (and perhaps only) chef’s selection menu in Durham! We had a wonderful time dining here- did the chef’s selection for two with wine pairing. Will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Truffle Risotto, Ravioli

Excellent food, prepared with care hsing quality ingredients. We go there regularly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bresaola, Prosciutto

When I moved in Durham from Italy, 12 years ago people were asking me what was the best Italian restaurant in the area. I didn’t have an answer, until I found Convivio. It’s hands down the most authentic Italian restaurant you can find in the area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5