Reviews for Cugini in Berkeley, CA
I personally haven't been able to sit in the restaurant since Covid started, but this is still one of my favorite... restaurants. Before March 2020, when I wanted a truly nice hight out and craved Italian, Cugjni is where I went. During thepandemic, the same. Cugini is where I got my Italian take-out when I needed a treat of delicious normalcy. I haven't sat down intheir restaurant since early 2020, but I truly look forward to doing so very soon. They create my favorite pizza (and that issaying something because I absolutely adore Cheese Board!) Cugini is one of my 'night out can't fail' destinations. Pleasesupport this treasure and experience it yourself! Read more
Marvelous gem! I had a very traditional Fruitti de Mare type dish over linguini, magnifico! Good service, even the bus boys were... excellent. Come for the food and service... Read more
Awesome Ravioli and Penne Pasta. Garlic Bread is out of this world. They are welcoming and the atmosphere is relaxing. Good... place for Vegetarians. Read more
Great Italian place! Friendly service, great food. -
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 thousandrestaurants, I am sadly, or on the other hand joyfully, just now discovering Italian cuisine. Cugini, has an incredible menu ofHouse made pastas, calzones, and of course, wood fired pizza. I ordered the Sicilian, with mozzarella and sopressata, andwatched it sizzle next to the open fire, while I drank a glass of delicious white wine, recommended by my server, a Berkeleylocal who was super cool and informative and new her way around the menu. I generally have to be careful when I eat in the EastBay 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 talkingthan eating, which kind of gets in the way of my restaurant enjoyment, which is why I don't really eat very close to where Ilive that much anymore. However the place was thinning out, I was there last customer, and in the end had this beautiful placeall to myself, with a delicious wood fired pizza, and ended my night with a cannoli, and a cappuccino. There are a lot ofdifferent kinds of pizza, and several different levels of quality when it comes to Wood-Fired pizzas, and this place is toptier. The ingredients all tasted super fresh, the atmosphere was great, and I intend to go back again. Highly recommended forpeople who want delicious, almost exotic tasting food, without so much spice, or without always depending on the local Asianrestaurants which are incredible in their own right. The Italian thing is just a completely different vibe, and I'm glad Ifinally discovered this spot on Solano which until recently was a secret to me. Five stars. Read more
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. Read more
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 personalpepperoni pizza for $8. Service was great, will def be back if in the area. Read more
I have been a consistent Cugini customer for over 10 years. I generally make a large purchase and tip their staff 25%-30%. The... food is great and they have always treated me well....until last night, November 18th, 2022. I walked in solo around 6:00 p.m.There were a total of 5 available tables and I requested the one smaller table against the wall (I have sat there many times bymyself). However, I was informed that parties of 1 need to sit at the bar. Wait, what? The bar? I can understand if arestaurant is busy and a customer is given the option of sitting at the bar or waiting for a table, but I wasn't given thisoption. I was told that the bar was the ONLY option for me despite ample available seating. I have always felt uncomfortabledining by myself as a single woman at a restaurant bar. What about newly divorcees or widows/widowers? Should we be "punished"this way because we want to support their business as a single diner? I don't understand why they changed their policy, but Iwill say that was an extremely demeaning and embarrassing interaction. They have not only lost my business, but also thebusiness of the many friends who I've introduced to their restaurant over the years. Read more