Cugino Forno Pizzeria Winston Salem — Restaurant in Winston-Salem

Hands down the best pizza we've had in NC (yes the whole state, lived here 25yrs now). We don't live near WS but anytime we are traveling thru we try to plan a stop. Been to both locations and there is 0 difference in quality or experience other than ambiance/locale (downtown vs renovated mill).

It's amazing how fast the food comes out after placing your order at the counter. You basically get your number, find a table, pop the top on your drink, take a pull or two and things are coming out to the table. That's thanks to the staff that is singularly focused on cranking out consistent food...and the pizza ovens that cook pizza in about 3 mins.

The pizza menu has a half a dozen or so specialty pies of which we've had three different types and each one was outstanding in its own right including the mushroom white pie ('pizza' for non-western NY folk). I think you could probably put together your own custom order but we've always just gotten what's on the menu.

The salads are fantastic and again not a huge variety but the offerings have everything you want. Crisp fresh and plentiful. Definitely shareable.

Which also brings us to the size of the pizzas. If you have less than four people you're probably bringing some home. We look a little gluttonous getting two larges for just 2 people, But the goal for us is to have leftovers for the next couple nights. It reheats very well.

We're always too full to try the gelato but we did try the coconut cake one time (after we got home) which was delicious. Gelato looks fresh and tasty so "next time" as we always say.

If you are nearby, got to try.

UPDATE: they also have a Greensboro location and just opened up one in Durham! Guess we'll be heading to the Bull City...

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with artisanal wood-fired pizzas, meticulously handcrafted with love and passion. From the crispy crust to the mouthwatering toppings, every bite is a journey into authentic Italian cuisine. Cugino Forno has established itself as one of the cornerstones of Winston-Salem. Everyone has at least heard of Cugino Forno, and most people have already visited them to try their famous Neapolitan pizzas, which is a type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. This style of pizza is prepared with simple and fresh ingredients: a basic dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil.

In just 90 seconds, Cugino Forno works its magic, cooking pizza to perfection inside a 1000-degree oven imported from Naples, Italy, crafted from the stone of Mount Vesuvius. The result? A taste that transports you to the heart of Italy itself.

Diners can choose to dine at long, family-style tables inside, enjoy their meal at picnic tables outdoors, take their order to go, or use a third-party delivery service. Beer and wine are available, and you're welcome to bring your pets along for the meal.

Cugino Forno invites you to savor a culinary adventure that's both delicious and genuinely Italian. Buon appetito!

WHAT WE ORDERED:

Bianca Pizza - Fior di Latte, Ricotta, Bufala Mozzarella, Basil, Garlic (No Sauce)

Americano Pizza - Pepperoni, San Marzano Tomato, Bufala Mozzarella, Basil, Garlic

Margerita D.O.P. Pizza - San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Bufala Mozzarella, Basil, Garlic

Lecce Salad - Fresh Spring Mix, Cherry Tomatoes, Bufala Mozzarella, Chick Peas, Carrots, Homemade Ranch Sauce

Italian Gelato

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It's really more like 2.5 stars. This place was new when we went and the line was out the door. Truth be told, I'm not totally sure why. It is clear that the ingredients are fairly fresh for the pizza and they make it right there so that you can see - so that is nice. It is not bad pizza, but it's not great either. There is very little flavor. The menu is limited and does not feel very creative. Super basic ingredients. We had two different pizzas while there and even the one with all the toppings just didn't taste like much.

They work hard and get the pizza out fast, especially for the number of people who come through and stand in line on a weekend. The atmosphere tends to be pretty lively when it's that crowded, but the place is kind of like a cafeteria. Seating is uncomfortable. It's nice to be able to bring beer over from the brewery next door. It is also nice to be able to sit outside in the courtyard. The new warehouse building is cool and there is a lot of potential - they did a real nice job with the bathrooms. A lactation space and plenty of space to deal with kiddos was a nice touch. In fact, given the lack of sophistication, flavor and all - it might just be the perfect place to take kids and be able to chill with a beer. Although the brewery does not offer non alcoholic drinks, so that is problematic.

I think there is still potential here and it could be a nice place to hang out if they fix a few things. Location couldn't be better. But I will wait a while before trying again. There are just too many better options for good...