Review Cugini - Albany

Looking for a bite to eat a little later in the evening than usual, I got a craving for pizza, and decided to finally stop by this place that I have slept on for decades. True. Even after closing in on 6 million views, and having reviewed over a thousand restaurants, I am sadly, or on the other hand joyfully, just now discovering Italian cuisine. Cugini, has an incredible menu of House made pastas, calzones, and of course, wood fired pizza. I ordered the Sicilian, with mozzarella and sopressata, and watched it sizzle next to the open fire, while I drank a glass of delicious white wine, recommended by my server, a Berkeley local who was super cool and informative and new her way around the menu. I generally have to be careful when I eat in the East Bay since it is a rare occasion when I do not run into 10 people that I know, and I usually end up spending more time talking than eating, which kind of gets in the way of my restaurant enjoyment, which is why I don't really eat very close to where I live that much anymore. However the place was thinning out, I was there last customer, and in the end had this beautiful place all to myself, with a delicious wood fired pizza, and ended my night with a cannoli, and a cappuccino. There are a lot of different kinds of pizza, and several different levels of quality when it comes to Wood-Fired pizzas, and this place is top tier. The ingredients all tasted super fresh, the atmosphere was great, and I intend to go back again. Highly recommended for people who want delicious, almost exotic tasting food, without so much spice, or without always depending on the local Asian restaurants which are incredible in their own right. The Italian thing is just a completely different vibe, and I'm glad I finally discovered this spot on Solano which until recently was a secret to me. Five stars.

Wonderful lunch. Their bread is fresh and soft. Best Ive ever had. The waitress was absolutely amazing and very helpful. Definitely will return. Try the ravioli and the spaghetti!! The fresh fruit tart was ok, but the crust wasn’t completely cooked.

The food is great but service is horrible. Today was the 4th time I went and the last for me. Each time I went I was served by a heavy set male. He was rude and impolite. I love Italian food and I always leave a good tip, pleasant and not demanding. I don't know why he was so rude to me and my companion. We had to ask for bread and small plates so we could share the salad. He was very rude. I looked around today and noticed all the customers were white and we were the only oriental. It's normal because the neighborhood is predominantly white. I don't want to believe it is racial But why??? I hope management would respond to this.

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.

I started with the calamari. It was fried well but way too salty the Caesar salad was okay. A bit bland. The chicken parmigiana was accompanied with a side of pasta with butter and garlic. The chicken parm. didn't have the crispiness but the sauce and pasta made up for it The service was friendly.

Looking forward to trying more dishes and specials from this restaurant, lots of Italian favorites and mainstays with a touch of Californian slow food. Good place for a group or even as a solo dinner with a book. Outdoor seating areas.

Pricey but tasty. Happy hour menu has some good offerings but we ordered off the regular menu. Pizza was very good pesto raviolis were a hit risotto was delicious.

Yummy and great quantity. These pictures are of takeout at my home during Covid sheltering in place. In person it is even better.

Great food and delicious homemade bread! A fav! Nice atmosphere and entres and desserts. A place to go for an informal pizza or an elaborate meal celebration!

Loved this place! Family friendly! Great food and service! Delicious drinks!! Will be back!

Authentic Italian cuisine with a Family atmosphere the food and service is outstanding �

Great atmosphere , service and most of all great food . We will be back

My Medical office is just down the street (Solano Ave. )....Cuginis is our "go to" place for culinary R&R...in a crowded Berkeley foodie field, " Cousins " runs with the best. Adam Duhan, M.D.

❤️👍 Only five blocks away so it is our neighborhood destination restaurant! NomNomNommy!!! 👍❤️

Always good food and pleasant atmosphere!! We go there a lot!!

The food and drinks are really good! I would go back soon.

Excellent service and delicious pizza! Our waiter was super :)

My family loves this place. We lived in Berkeley 2007-2008, and often came here to eat their delicious food. We can't wait to visit again on our next stay in Berkeley the coming winter ☺

Excellent food, homey atmosphere. Great service!

I'd love to go back next time I'm in town! Great food and warm friendly service.

Great food, great service!