When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen
Why Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a vibrant dining destination perfect for a casual meet-up with friends. This restaurant is renowned for serving authentic New York-style pizzas alongside a variety of beloved Italian pasta dishes. Located on Hillsborough Street, Bussin offers a warm and inviting ambiance, including a nearly completed outdoor patio that enhances the dining experience, especially for groups looking to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features classic flavors crafted with quality ingredients, appealing to both pizza aficionados and pasta lovers alike. Bussin also offers convenient options for pickup and delivery, making it easy to enjoy their dishes wherever you prefer. Their dedication to a great food experience combined with a lively setting makes this a top choice for social gatherings and casual meals in Raleigh.
Here's what people think of Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen
As of recent, Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen holds a 4.6-star rating based on 691 reviews.
User reviews portray Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen as a popular spot with a strong average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from nearly 700 reviews, highlighting its reputation among locals and visitors. Positive feedback frequently mentions the delicious New York-style pizzas and the generous pasta portions, with many customers appreciating the restaurant's flavorful take on Italian classics. The ambiance is also praised, with the outdoor patio space being a notable highlight that adds to the overall enjoyable dining environment. Reviewers also note the friendly service and the convenient availability of online ordering for pickup and delivery. On the downside, some reviews point out that certain dishes can be underspiced, suggesting the flavors may not always meet everyone’s expectations. Despite this, most customers express satisfaction with their overall experience at Bussin. In conclusion, the reviews underscore Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen as a lively and approachable eatery that offers tasty Italian comfort food and a great atmosphere for friends to gather, with only minor critiques about seasoning that do not significantly detract from its appeal.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
R S
Today was my first time visiting. I saw a lot of disappointments in other reviews specifically regarding the pizza, and another claiming it's subpar to be considered Italian. I can't speak for the pizza (maybe another time), but I say this with my whole chest.. I'm side eyeing a lot of so called authentic restaurants after what I had today. I got the Pasta Fagioli soup, Bruschetta, and Pasta Rustico. All three items 10/10 and I stand ten toes down on that. I wasn't left lacking or desiring something missed. The soup is authentic. I've been to plenty of restaurants that aren't making it like them. Nice pancetta, great stock, just all around flavor Olive Garden could never. The bruschetta was just money! I'm not a big bread person, but I wanted to give it a shot and see what they create here. I'm beyond impressed. The ratio of tomatoes, onions and cheese was perfection! The pasta was incredible, flavor was on point, nice generous portion too. I'm just not finding this at other places I've eaten. Atmosphere is good, I just think it's a little small for my liking. It's got a little theme and it's clean. I strongly suggest actually stopping by instead of ordering online, especially first timers. That's a general rule I have for myself anyway. Talk to the chef and have clarification for your orders moving forward. They were very friendly and any questions I had were explained to help me enjoy my experience even better. Shout out to the chef, everything was made for quality and I appreciate that đź’Ż
Bre Foster
AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! My kids absolutely loved the huge pizza and made this our new pizza spot!!! David and Casanova had amazing customer service and made our dine in great!!!
Alejandra MĂ©ndez-Dill
Bussin Pizza & Pasta really surprised me in the best way. The pizza was fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor — you could tell they care about their ingredients. I tried the pasta too and it was rich, comforting, and honestly just delicious.
Charles Hands
The front register person was extremely kind and helpful. The two cheese slices and Caesar salad I ordered came out fairly quickly and was tasty. I asked for extra Caesar dressing and didn’t have any issues with that. The atmosphere was simple but nice.
Remy San Luis
Wednesday special $9.99 XXL pizza 🍕 cash only! My new favorite Wednesday spot!
How to reach Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen
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Why Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen with your friends?
If you’re searching for the ideal spot to gather with friends or family, Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen in Raleigh, NC, stands out as a premier choice. Boasting a solid 4.6-star rating from nearly 700 reviews, this restaurant earns accolades not only for its delicious food but also for the vibrant atmosphere that makes socializing effortless. The charm of Bussin Pizza lies in its perfect blend of comforting New York-style pizza classics and Italian kitchen favorites, presenting a crowd-pleasing menu that satisfies diverse tastes. Whether you and your group are craving shared pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, or crisp, fresh salads, Bussin delivers with quality and consistency.
Moreover, the location on Hillsborough Street puts it in the heart of a lively area, perfect for pre- or post-dinner strolling or additional recreational activities. The ambiance itself is described as incredible — a lively, welcoming space that encourages conversation and laughter, crucial ingredients for a memorable outing. Pair this with occasional deals and discounts, especially for local students, and you have a destination that’s affordable, fun, and designed for group enjoyment. The presence of popular beverages like Corona as highlights adds to the festive vibe. All these factors combine to make Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen a natural rallying point for your next hangout or celebration with friends.
What kind of food and drinks can you enjoy at Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen?
At Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen, the menu is a vibrant showcase of Italian-American favorites guaranteed to appeal to groups with varied appetites. The hallmark offering is their New York-style pizzas, known for their thin, foldable crusts loaded with generous toppings — perfect for sharing. This style of pizza balances crispy edges with a chewy center, making every bite enjoyable and ideal for communal dining. Beyond pizza, the kitchen also serves up classic pasta dishes that are hearty and full of flavor, although some diners have noted that some pasta dishes could be more aggressively seasoned, suggesting the kitchen’s focus is often on fresh, balanced flavors rather than overpowering spices.
Salads provide a refreshing complement to the heavier dishes, ideal for balancing the feast. On the drinks front, Bussin Pizza also garners praise for its choice of beverages, especially bottles of Corona beer that many patrons highlight as a pairing highlight. Whether your group enjoys beer, soft drinks, or other refreshments, the selection caters well to round out a social meal. Additionally, the restaurant offers convenient online ordering for pickup or delivery, so you can plan group meals easily, whether dining in or enjoying your feast elsewhere.
How does Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen accommodate group activities and meetups?
The layout and service style at Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen make it especially suited for group occasions. The restaurant’s ambiance lends itself to lively, engaging gatherings where conversation flows easily without being drowned out by noise. This is essential for groups looking to catch up or celebrate special moments together. The spacious dining area allows for medium to large groups to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, an important consideration when planning meetups with several friends or family members.
The restaurant’s approach to food also encourages a communal style of eating. Sharing large pizzas and multiple pasta dishes supports a relaxed atmosphere where everyone gets to try a bit of everything. This sharing-friendly menu fosters a sense of togetherness and fun. Bussin also occasionally offers promotional deals that appeal to groups on budget-conscious outings, such as discounts with student IDs. These deals make it easier to host larger parties without breaking the bank, inviting more frequent meetups. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual game night, or simply catching up, Bussin’s atmosphere and menu promote extended socializing and enjoyment.
What nearby activities complement a meetup at Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen?
Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen’s location on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh adds layers of convenience and entertainment options nearby, enhancing its appeal as a meetup spot. After enjoying your meal, groups can take advantage of the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere, which includes walking to local shops, cafés, or bars for further socializing. This walkable setting means you can extend your outing into a full-day adventure without needing transportation.
Close proximity to North Carolina State University and various entertainment hubs also means that live music, casual bars, or coffee shops are just a short stroll away, providing multiple options to tailor your group’s experience. Seasonal events and street fairs occasionally take place along Hillsborough Street, making Bussin a great starting point for joining community happenings. The blend of great food and easy access to local attractions ensures your meetup doesn’t have to end at the restaurant, turning a simple dinner into a memorable social day.
Why is Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen considered a favorite among locals and students?
Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen has carved a niche as a beloved gathering spot, especially among locals and the student crowd from NC State University. The 4.6-star rating from hundreds of reviews attests to its consistent popularity and quality. Its friendly, vibrant ambiance resonates with young adults and families alike, providing a relaxed yet spirited atmosphere that feels welcoming every time. Many students appreciate the generous 30% discount offered Monday through Thursday with a valid student ID, making it an affordable choice for everyday dining and celebrations.
Patrons often praise the staff for being attentive and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. The restaurant’s reputation for dependable, tasty food coupled with a community vibe positions it as not just a place to eat but a hub for social connection. Over time, Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen has become synonymous with casual outings filled with laughter, great flavor, and friendly service — all key elements that keep locals and visitors coming back for group meetups and special occasions alike.
How does the online ordering and delivery service support group gatherings at Bussin?
In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility is key when planning group meals, and Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen has embraced this with a robust online ordering and delivery system. For groups that may want to enjoy the restaurant’s flavors without all gathering at the physical location, Bussin offers seamless pickup and delivery options through their website and popular platforms like Grubhub.
This service allows you to order family-style meals or individual preferences ahead of time, ensuring timely service and minimal wait, ideal for busy schedules or casual gatherings at home. Whether it’s a movie night, a casual party, or an office lunch, these options allow groups to enjoy Bussin’s signature New York-style pizzas and Italian dishes from the comfort of their preferred environment. The online ordering system adds convenience without compromising the quality of the food, supporting more flexible meetups and enhancing the overall experience.
How does Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen’s atmosphere enhance group experiences?
The atmosphere at Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen plays a pivotal role in cementing its status as a group-friendly venue. The interior features a warm, inviting design with lighting and seating arrangements that foster connection. The vibe is energetic without being overwhelming — just enough buzz to keep conversations lively and guests engaged.
The setting encourages lingering over meals rather than rushing through, which is crucial for meetups where socializing is the main event. Regular customers mention that the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between casual and festive, suitable for birthdays, small celebrations, or simply catching up after a long week. Background music complements but does not overpower conversations. This harmony of environment and service quality creates a space where groups feel comfortable to relax, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories.
What makes Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen a great value for group meetups?
Besides the undeniable quality and atmosphere, Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen offers excellent value that makes hosting group meetups financially sensible. The combination of hearty portions, especially with their large pizzas and generous pasta servings, means you get plenty of food to share, reducing the need for individual orders and thus lowering overall costs.
Frequent promotions, like discounted prices for students and weekday deals, provide additional savings opportunities. The option to order online with no delivery fees on certain orders or pickup promotions also means groups can enjoy a fuss-free dining experience without hidden costs. Many reviews highlight the friendly pricing relative to portion size and quality, making Bussin a cost-effective option for group outings. When you consider the balance of atmosphere, menu selection, and price point, Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen presents itself as a smart choice for both casual and special group gatherings.