Bufalina Due — Restaurant in Austin

Some of the best pizza I've ever eaten and I've eaten a lot of Pizza in my day and many many countries so much appreciate the good service and the great food. This is not our first, 2nd, or 3rd time at Bufalina Due, and its always super tasty. They have a great wine list, including some "orange" wines. We had some olives and nuts for snacks, a delicious Caesars Salad and 3 pizzas. My little one likes cheese and bread so, she was happy. We loved the 4 cheese with Talegio. And the vodka arrabbiata is spicy and delicious. We finished every bite of their Neapolitan crusts. This is such a great place and the staff is always wonderful and accommodating. Bring the kids, had all 4 of my Knuckleheads tonight and they were all very happy and in typical craY form. Thanks for having us! Adding some lines to make this review one of my Worth it Winner's...man this pizza is so good. The best dough/crust maybe just maybe Ever!!! It's so light but joyously perfect. Crunchy and chewy...never over sauced or heavy with cheese...but always solid on quality ingredients. The less is more philosophy guides the Chefs choices. Order everything, yes try it all...over order you'll be surprised how much of this pizza one can eat. This was the first time my Love got to enjoy the magic of Bufalina Due. We sat at the bar and had some red wine. Started with the lemon forward roasted cauliflower and broccoli it rich and bright. Then the 'Red' pizza with pepperoni. It's a simple classic with double garlic and double pepperoni. It's perfect. Cooked in less than 3 minutes in an 800 degree oven just feet away. What an experience. My loves face at first bite was so perfect. Wide eyes of joy and subtle moans of pizza pleasure. We love pizza, it's apart of our vows...I will love you as much as I love pizza...lol. thank you for being my pizza lover for life....I love you more than all the pizza in the world...your forever...

We’ve become big fans of Bufalina Due in recent years and have been there many times now for their happy hour. I figured I was overdue for a review. Suffice to say, our most recent happy hour visit was very good!

The happy hour at Bufalina Due is better than average. Two for one pizzas and ½ off a bottle of wine - provided it’s listed at under $100. This is a darn good deal for two reasons: the pizza is excellent to begin with and the wine list is vast and excellent!

We typically get a salad to start and our last visit was no exception. This time the caesar salad. Hits all the right buttons for a caesar salad with fresh, crisp romaine lettuce and the usual dressing and a nice dose of parm on top. The menu says that it includes pecorino. See my photo. I can only guess that is the slices of cheese on the top of the salad.

Pizzas this time were good, as usual. This time we chose the vodka arrabbiata and added the sausage. A bit spicy, and excellent. We also got a mushroom pizza (with mozzarella, caramelized onion, pantaleo, fontina). Pantaleo is a goat's milk cheese from Sardinia. Also excellent.

As noted, the wine list is extensive. And they have some bottles that are way above the happy hour deal. But, we stick to the under $100 to enjoy the discount. This time we chose the I Tre Borri. This is a Tuscan wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. Perfect for our pizza choices. On past visits, we have enjoyed the Albe Barolo from the G.D. Vajra winery. Where else are you gonna go for this kinda wine with your pizza… unless you’re making it home.

Bufalina Due can get busy fast. And, as a consequence, it can be a little loud at times. We’ve also learned that they probably have the AC set on freezing (because of the big wood burning oven and the expected crowd to come) but dress accordingly or bring something to pull over. Granted, I’m writing this in the spring instead...

I live in the neighborhood and have been here a few times over the years, however it’s no longer an option for me unless I dine in (unless they’re adding mandatory gratuity - I tip according to service quality)

It’s a quaint establishment with a soft amber ambiance at night. It’s great for dates. I prefer to sit at the bar for faster service and not feel as crowded as the tables can feel too close sometimes. Food and bar service are great.

However, the reason I don’t care for the service overall is due to a few things. I once ordered online and paid an online service fee and a recently added fixed 20% gratuity included on takeout orders online.

To avoid this the next time, I called and when I picked it up tipped accordingly.

Two Sundays ago I attempted to call and the phone was off the hook. I didn’t want to pay the online fees so I drove and ordered in person…and was met with a 20% gratuity included. I was not told about this. While I received my pizza within a few minutes bc it was a slow night, I see no reason to tip 20% on an already expensive pizza when I had to do all of the work to facilitate the order. The staff (of which there were more than patrons) went back to socializing without offering a drink while I waited. They weren’t rude at all, just lacked in hospitality.

That said, while the pizzas are small (as most Neapolitan are) they are absolutely amazing and worth the price. I always get the Fresca.

I will dine in if I have a say in gratuity, but sadly I will no longer order takeout. I can’t justify 20% mandatory tip on something I’m picking up, let alone having to drive in because the phone was off the hook. Margins are already crazy on pizza so I hope management can pay living wages and keep prices the same to avoid these fees and...