Cugino Forno Durham

Cugino Forno Durham is a pizza place in Durham, NC, located at 800 Taylor St. It specializes in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, prepared in a traditional wood-burning oven. The menu features specific pies such as the Margherita D.O.P with San Marzano tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, and basil, as well as the Americano, Bianca, and Supremo Italiano. Beyond pizza, the establishment offers salads like the Caprese and Verona, pastries including cannoli and tiramisu, and a selection of soft drinks, beer, and wine. The business also provides hands-on pizza classes where customers can learn to stretch dough and build flavor combinations. Cugino Forno holds a rating of 4.60 based on customer reviews, with patrons noting the authentic taste and fresh preparation of the food.

The restaurant is part of a family-owned group founded by three cousins from Turkey who spent months in Naples learning from expert pizzaiolos. The first location opened in Greensboro in 2017, followed by sites in Winston-Salem and Clemmons. The Durham location is the newest addition to this expanding network. The kitchen operates with an open design, allowing guests to watch the dough rise and bake. Ingredients are imported from Italy to maintain the traditional flavor profile. The business emphasizes the cultural importance of food preparation and sharing, treating pizza as an art form rather than just a meal.

The location sits on Taylor Street, about a quarter mile from North Elizabeth Street and Holloway Street. It is also close to Fayetteville Road and the R M Jones neighborhood. Edgemont Park is located about a third of a mile away. The area is defined by these local roads and the nearby green space, placing the restaurant within a convenient urban setting.

Cugino Forno Durham stands out for its dedication to Neapolitan techniques and the use of imported Italian ingredients. The positive rating reflects the satisfaction of customers who have experienced the wood-fired pizzas and pastries. The business brings a specific culinary tradition to Durham, offering a distinct dining and learning experience rooted in Italian heritage.