In Downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District, Figulīna is a place where tradition meets a fresh perspective. At its heart is pasta—a craft rooted in Italian tradition but reimagined with the ingredients and influences of the South and beyond.

We have a passion for handmade pasta, each shape carefully formed and textured for that ideal bite and “sauceability”. Simple, fresh ingredients take the spotlight, but the flavors run deeper, with Southern influence and subtle nods to Chef David Ellis’s British heritage and culinary experiences woven throughout the menu. The result is something both comforting and unexpected, offering a dining experience that feels personal and full of care.

While Figulina was founded on handmade pasta, the menu also focuses on an array of inspired small plates. Our beverage program is inspired by Italian Aperitivo culture, with a sizable selection of aperitivi, digestivi, and amaro-forward cocktails that pair seamlessly with the menu. This is all complemented by a wine list curated by Italian wine expert and writer, Jeff Bramwell. Everything is selected to complement the menu and our stellar team loves to guide guests to their favorite pairings.

Join us for our Aperitivo Hour on weekday evenings (Tuesday-Thursday from 5:00-6:30), where snacks and drinks set the tone for a relaxed night out and can optionally fade right into dinner. Also, stop by for our NEW Sunday brunch, where British-inspired dishes meet a playful, creative approach to morning classics. Think fresh scones with house-made clotted cream + jam, Eggs Benedict on fresh crumpets, etc.

Chef David’s cooking reflects a journey through locally respected kitchens in the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, and the states, blending his love for honest, ingredient-driven food with an emphasis on sourcing locally as possible. At Figulina, his approach is no different.

Our open-view pasta room offers a peek at the hands-on care that goes into every dish, while the restaurant’s mix of industrial design and handcrafted touches makes it feel warm and welcoming.

We hope to welcome you soon, so you can experience the care, craft, and stories that make Figulina feel like home.

Provisions! (Take Figulīna home!)

Explore our provisions market in the corner of the dining room! You’ll find a curated selection of gifts, gourmet, merch, tinned fish, tableware, freshly extruded pasta, wine, and basically everything you need to keep the Figulina feeling going at home. We will be gradually expanding our offerings in this space and will be sure to keep you updated via social media and our newsletter (that you can join below).

Where does the name “Figulīna” come from?

The name Figulīna directly translates to "Potter’s workshop" and is derived from the Latin verb fingere, meaning "to shape, form, or mold." The name reflects a deep connection to craftsmanship, honoring both the artistry of hand-shaped pasta and the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, where Dave, our founder, grew up. Known as "The Potteries," Stoke-on-Trent is celebrated for its ceramics—a tradition of transforming raw materials into works of art. At Figulīna, we embrace this spirit by shaping dough and creating each piece of pasta with the same care and intention, bridging the legacy of pottery with the culinary artistry that defines our restaurant. You’ll find aesthetic nods to this connection throughout, from the handmade ceramic lights over the bar to the English pottery displayed, etc.

What’s with the “Noodle Fish” logo?

The imagery of two little fish slurping up a noodle towards each other (almost Lady and the Tramp style) began as a fun, lighthearted idea. Sam Taylor, the chef’s wife and an artist/illustrator from Beaufort, NC, is responsible for the branding and creative direction of Figulīna. The symbolism is simple: the noodle represents our passion for pasta, while the fish reflect our focus on hyper-locality in our ingredients and the thoughtfully sourced provisions we sell in our cozy market tucked into the corner of the dining room.

You’ll notice these little fish throughout our space—on our exterior signage, in the hand-illustrated menus, and, of course, in the mural behind the bar, where a Great Blue Heron has plucked them from the water and is flying away with them. The Heron is precise, graceful, creative, and has a deep respect for the process—values that closely align with our own. But ultimately, he just has great taste in pasta.