Cugini first opened its doors in 1996 thanks to a family collaboration between cousins, and hence the Italian translation: cugini. Today, Cugini remains authentic to its roots; serving only family recipes accompanied by chefs specials. Cugini prides itself on crafting the most delicious pizzas and calzones in its unique wood-fired oven.
The wood-fired oven heats up to 700 degrees and burns evenly thanks to the oak and almond wood. The ingredients are the best, featuring seasonal vegetables and handmade sausages; the dough is house-made and allowed to rise slowly over the course of the day. Customers from all over the Bay Area come for the pizzas alone and swear that these pies are the closest thing to pizza a la Italy.
The wood-fired oven heats up to 700 degrees and burns evenly thanks to the oak and almond wood. The ingredients are the best, featuring seasonal vegetables and handmade sausages; the dough is house-made and allowed to rise slowly over the course of the day. Customers from all over the Bay Area come for the pizzas alone and swear that these pies are the closest thing to pizza a la Italy.
Reviews (22)
Sheila S.
Jan 08, 2022
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My fur baby and I were strolling along when I spotted this place. This is a very charming establishment. The staff are super friendly and pleasant. Get the hibiski whiskey! Super flavorful without drowning out the whiskey it's a beautiful delicious blend. I got the margarita pizza to go which was good but I'd like to try their ribeye next time. I'll be back to dine soon with friends. Definitely worth my time.
Abigail J. M. M.
Dec 06, 2021
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One star, if that. Our server gave me the wrong dish. Not really a big deal. Mistakes happen. So I said that I didn't want it. She said that it would be thrown out, so we may as well keep it. No one touched the dish, and we were charged for it. My dish arrived later. It was so garlicky and on fire with no other flavor but garlic. It was actually sickening. Everyone else was done with their meal, so I didn't want to send it back at that point. It's as though they hurried up and made the most putrid garlic meal on purpose. I really enjoy garlic when cooked properly. This
Amanda C.
Dec 06, 2021
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I haven't even eaten our food yet, so this is just a customer service review. I know it's hard time for restaurant workers. With that in mind, it is still not ok to rudely hang up on your costumer. We called to let them know we had the wrong order, hoping they would switch the order or refund us. My husband politely let them know it was not our order, and the person on the other line said call DoorDash and hung up on him. My husband called back and asked if they hung op on him, and then was hung up on again.
Again, I know it's hard times, but that is deal breaking behavior from
Again, I know it's hard times, but that is deal breaking behavior from
Gabriela T.
Oct 19, 2021
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Monika A.
Sep 09, 2021
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Nice location in Berkeley. We went there late on a weeknight, when most restaurants in the city were either closed. Small place but very clean and airy, as sliding doors were open. We ordered vegetarian pesto pasta with broccoli, margarita pizza, and eggplant parmigiana. The pizza and pasta were very flavorful, but eggplant parmigiana was not crispy so I could not finish. We also ordered New York cheese cake, as it was my kid's birthday. The server was nice and put a candle on top, but the cheese cake was not tasty. The crust was thin and cheese cake was flavorless. The complimentary bread
Katherine Hansen
Aug 24, 2021
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Nadia I.
Aug 19, 2021
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Friday date night. Called ahead and the chipper staff noted our name and party size. We initially requested to sit in the alley alongside the restaurant where we've enjoyed dinner at Cugini before however it was a little too busy in the alley for us so we opted to sit at one of the three tables along the sidewalk. The sidewalk seating was a little chilly/windy but manageable. It also got quite busy in the front with folks waiting for and picking up take out orders. Just FYI another available option is inside the restaurant which has very large windows that remains open to allow for air flow
Belize Pierre
Aug 11, 2021
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Svenja Wiechert
Jul 27, 2021
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Danielle Baker Dannie
Jul 25, 2021
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Tori H.
Jul 19, 2021
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OK . BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW
Now I have to say I'm a little bit taken back I'm just now finding this gem, but I'm happy I did.
Solid 5 stars for service and 3 for my food options so I'm going with a average of 4.
We ordered :
House bread: 5/5which is like my Italian grandmother would make
Salmon Plate- 3.5/5 Ordered the temperature medium rare and it came out well. The flavor of everything in the plate was pretty good so I would order again
Ceasar Salad-5/5 Must order every time
Bruchetta- 1/5 Was not well made or the traditional style. Salted olives over powered the
Now I have to say I'm a little bit taken back I'm just now finding this gem, but I'm happy I did.
Solid 5 stars for service and 3 for my food options so I'm going with a average of 4.
We ordered :
House bread: 5/5which is like my Italian grandmother would make
Salmon Plate- 3.5/5 Ordered the temperature medium rare and it came out well. The flavor of everything in the plate was pretty good so I would order again
Ceasar Salad-5/5 Must order every time
Bruchetta- 1/5 Was not well made or the traditional style. Salted olives over powered the
Wendy W.
Jul 12, 2021
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Mindy S.
Jun 20, 2021
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Gibran L.
Jun 16, 2021
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Went on a busy Saturday afternoon with a group of my friends. They managed to fit us in. The atmosphere is like no other! Very good feelings and such a clean place. From the atmosphere and nice employees, this is the place to go to for Dates, friend groups and even business. You will be very taken care off. We had a variety of different plates but my favorite was the Lasagna! Gosh it was delicious! I've been to every Italian restaurant in Albany and Berkeley. Nothing gets more Italian than their delicious food! You even feel like you're in Italy from the setting of the restaurant. I plan
Brett C.
May 29, 2021
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New chef/owner! Delicious food. No, it is flavorful food which is why you go out to eat. I don't know the guy personally but hopefully will as I plan on returning often.
Now my mountain top for Italian food was a small restaurant, Michelin rated, in the Old Town area of Munich. Munich you may ask? Well Germany and Italy are neighbors, plenty of northern Italians moved into southern Germany (Munich). Impossible to get a reservation at the place so would walk in and sit at small bar near the kitchen. Chef/owner would simply ask how many courses and he'd work his magic. Never ever saw
Now my mountain top for Italian food was a small restaurant, Michelin rated, in the Old Town area of Munich. Munich you may ask? Well Germany and Italy are neighbors, plenty of northern Italians moved into southern Germany (Munich). Impossible to get a reservation at the place so would walk in and sit at small bar near the kitchen. Chef/owner would simply ask how many courses and he'd work his magic. Never ever saw
Beve H.
Apr 29, 2021
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A friend recommended this place as very good Italian food.
Came here on a Saturday lunchtime.
We both had the squash soup that was yummy. Then I ordered the lasagna off the dinner menu it was huge and tasty. My phone friend ordered the crab cakes, she said they were delicious. We had to ask for bread But it was really good they make it daily. I recommend you try this place out its great.
Came here on a Saturday lunchtime.
We both had the squash soup that was yummy. Then I ordered the lasagna off the dinner menu it was huge and tasty. My phone friend ordered the crab cakes, she said they were delicious. We had to ask for bread But it was really good they make it daily. I recommend you try this place out its great.
Tracy D.
Apr 25, 2021
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Krista C.
Apr 23, 2021
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Stopped in for a quick lunch and was not disappointed. The Chicken & Avocado Club was delicious. The ciabatta bread was soft and perfectly dressed, the chicken moist, a there was a generous serving of fresh Avocado. I paired it with fries which were perfection. Looking forward to trying more of the menu.
Ashley Dias
Apr 12, 2021
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Just dropped in for a quick bite with the niece after a long day of hiking. It hit the spot. Chicken Limone was delicious especially the mushroom caper sauce. Have a reasonable kids menu, where my niece was able to enjoy a nice sized personal pepperoni pizza for $8. Service was great, will def be back if in the area.
Laura Driussi
Sep 09, 2020
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Joan C.
Aug 09, 2019
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Cugini draws a fun crowd! We were the only table not drinking a bottle at midday on a Sunday. It really made me question my choices for the day.
The restaurant had a cute atmosphere and had the window open so that even though we were seated inside it felt like we were outdoors. To top it off, the day was sunny and breezy!
Margherita pizza: 5/5
- Thin, crispy crust, stretchy cheese with each bite, and basil. What more do you need in life??
Rigatoni alla calabrese: 3/5
- sauce was a bit sweet. Felt like something that was made in our own cucina.
Fried calamari: 2/5 for me, 5/5 for my SO
The restaurant had a cute atmosphere and had the window open so that even though we were seated inside it felt like we were outdoors. To top it off, the day was sunny and breezy!
Margherita pizza: 5/5
- Thin, crispy crust, stretchy cheese with each bite, and basil. What more do you need in life??
Rigatoni alla calabrese: 3/5
- sauce was a bit sweet. Felt like something that was made in our own cucina.
Fried calamari: 2/5 for me, 5/5 for my SO
J. Esparza
Oct 16, 2018
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