Duration
1-2 hours (longer during busy weekend dinners)
Best For
Families wanting hearty Italian comfort food • Couples looking for casual date night dining • Groups celebrating special occasions
Pro Tip
Call ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner reservations, especially during peak tourist season - the wait can stretch to over an hour without one.
About Bocelli's Italian Eatery
Bocelli's Italian Eatery stands as a Waynesville favorite for hearty Italian-American fare, serving generous portions in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. Located in downtown Waynesville, this family-friendly Italian restaurant delivers consistent comfort food that keeps locals coming back and makes tourists feel right at home.
The menu focuses on familiar Italian-American classics, with standout dishes including their chicken alfredo and baked ziti. Each pasta dish comes with enough to satisfy hungry diners and usually provide next-day leftovers. Expect American-style Italian comfort food rather than traditional regional Italian cuisine - think garlic knots, robust pasta dishes, and local trout preparations that give the menu a mountain town twist.
Pricing remains reasonable for the portion sizes, with most pasta entrees ranging from $15-22. The restaurant features both a full bar and outdoor patio seating, perfect for mild-weather dining. The central downtown location makes Bocelli's Italian Eatery an ideal choice before or after exploring Waynesville's Main Street shops.
Weekend evenings, especially during peak tourist season and fall leaf-peeping months, draw substantial crowds. Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights. The attentive service staff handles busy periods well, maintaining friendly and efficient service even during peak hours.
For the best experience, visit during weekday evenings when the atmosphere is more relaxed. If you're planning a weekend visit, consider early dinner (before 6 pm) or later seating to avoid the busiest times. The combination of generous portions, reasonable prices, and convenient downtown location makes Bocelli's a reliable choice for casual Italian dining in Waynesville.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Chicken Alfredo
Their signature dish that keeps locals coming back. Generous portions of tender chicken over fettuccine with rich, creamy alfredo sauce that's made fresh daily.
Trout Bocelli
A unique mountain twist on Italian cuisine featuring local trout prepared with Italian seasonings and sauces. It's become a local favorite that combines the best of both worlds.
Garlic Knots
Warm, buttery garlic knots that arrive at your table fresh from the oven. They're addictive and the portion size makes them great for sharing as an appetizer.
Baked Ziti
Comfort food at its finest with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese baked until bubbly. The portions are huge and perfect for taking leftovers home.
Downtown Location
Right in the heart of Waynesville's historic downtown district. You can easily walk to shops and galleries before or after dinner, making it a great anchor for your evening out.
Family Atmosphere
The casual, welcoming vibe makes everyone feel at home. Staff genuinely care about your experience and many regulars are greeted by name when they walk in.
Know Before You Go
- Street parking downtown can fill up quickly during dinner rush - arrive 15 minutes early
- Casual mountain town attire is fine - no dress code required
- They accept cards but calling ahead for large parties is smart
- Mountain evenings get chilly year-round so bring a jacket
- No dedicated gluten-free menu - speak with servers about dietary restrictions
Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Bocelli's Italian Eatery
For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Bocelli's Italian Eatery?
They're typically open Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9:30pm, and often closed Sundays. Hours can change seasonally, so we always recommend calling ahead to confirm same-day hours.
How much does Bocelli's Italian Eatery cost?
Appetizers run $7-12, pasta entrees are usually $15-22, and seafood dishes like their trout Bocelli are in the low-mid $20s. Pizza ranges $14-20 depending on size and toppings.
Do I need reservations for Bocelli's Italian Eatery?
Reservations aren't required but we highly recommend calling ahead for Friday and Saturday dinners, especially during busy tourist seasons. Weekday lunches and early dinners are usually fine for walk-ins.
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