Menu

Mothers & Sons

Mothers & Sons, 107 W Chapel Hill St, Durham

4.6
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.6 out of 5 (166 Ratings)
Powered By Opentable
0.4 miles Durham Performing Arts Center
About Mothers & Sons
The Spotlight on Mothers & Sons

Handcrafted Pasta & Cozy Vibes in the Heart of Durham

Mothers & Sons is a warm, modern Italian trattoria tucked into downtown Durham, just a short walk from some of the city's most popular music venues. Known for its house-made pasta and rustic charm, this spot brings a touch of Italy to the Bull City with a menu that’s both classic and creative. The ambiance is inviting yet upscale, making it an ideal place to unwind before the show.

Why Concert-goers love it

Located less than a 10-minute stroll from Durham’s biggest concert halls, Mothers & Sons is a favorite for music fans who want a quality meal without the rush. The kitchen is known for its efficient service, meaning you can enjoy a handmade pasta dish and still make it to your seat on time. The dining room strikes a great balance—comfortable enough for conversation without being too noisy, even on busy nights.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends enjoying a night out
  • Solo travelers seeking a satisfying, sit-down meal
  • Couples looking to elevate their concert evening with a romantic dinner
  • Fans who want a lively but not overwhelming pre-show vibe
  • Budget-conscious foodies looking for value in quality ingredients

What People Say

Diners on TripAdvisor and OpenTable rave about the freshness of the pasta, the attentive staff, and the thoughtfully curated wine list. The atmosphere is praised as “intimate without being stuffy,” and many highlight the restaurant as a “go-to spot before a show.” Visitors love the seasonal menu, with favorites like the tagliatelle and gnocchi frequently mentioned. One reviewer summed it up as “a true gem in downtown Durham.”

Areas for Improvement

Some guests have noted that the interior can feel a bit tight during peak hours, so reservations are highly recommended. While the menu is top-notch, portions can lean on the smaller side for heartier appetites—though many agree the quality more than makes up for it.

The Bottom Line

For concert-goers craving authentic Italian fare in a convenient, cozy setting, Mothers & Sons delivers a pre-show dining experience that hits all the right notes.

Average Price
$31 to $50
Cuisine
Italian
Opening Hours
Brunch
Sat 9:00 am-2:30 pm
Lunch
Mon-Fri 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu 5:00 pm-9:30 pm
Fri, Sat 5:00 pm-10:00 pm

Mothers & Sons Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of Mothers & Sons?

Write a review

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Mothers and Sons Trattoria is #43 of 877 things to do in Durham

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Angela B
Thu 26 Jun, 2025
l We celebrated a family birthday with our grown children and had a party of 7. Emailed ahead as you can only make a reservation for up to 6. Received a gracious reply that they could accommodate us...

Read Full Review
5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Gajk125, Georgia
Tue 13 May, 2025
l 5 Star meal ! Fantastic bartender, wines, homemade pasta meals & handmade desserts. Great authentic Italian meal with a cute atmosphere

Read Full Review
5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Rosemaria P
Fri 8 Nov, 2024
l My son was visiting from the West Coast, and we decided to check out Durham. As we walked around, we found Mother's and Son and decided to stop there for lunch. The food was very good. I loved the...

Read Full Review