Imagine biting into a pizza so authentic that it tastes exactly like the pies served in Naples, Italy.
That’s what happens when you visit Cugino Forno in Greensboro’s historic Revolution Mill.
This wood-fired pizzeria has become the go-to spot for locals craving real Neapolitan pizza made with imported Italian ingredients.
Each pie bakes to perfection in just 90 seconds inside ovens containing actual stone from Mount Vesuvius.
How Cugino Forno won locals’ hearts
When three Turkish cousins opened Cugino Forno in March 2017, they brought something revolutionary to Greensboro.
Adam Aksoy, Yilmaz Guver, and Joseph Ozbey spent years researching pizza-making techniques in Naples before returning to share their passion.
Their dedication to authenticity shows in every detail: 80% of their ingredients are imported directly from Italy.
The special Mozzarella di Bufala arrives fresh each week from the small town of Campania.
The ovens themselves were handcrafted in Naples and shipped across the ocean.
But what truly captured hearts was their vision of creating a community gathering space where families could connect around long, European-style communal tables.
Locals quickly discovered this wasn’t just another pizza joint.
It was an affordable trip to Italy without the plane ticket.
The restaurant became one of the first anchor tenants at the newly renovated Revolution Mill complex, a historic 800,000-square-foot former flannel mill built in 1898.
As word spread about the exceptional quality and reasonable prices, Cugino Forno evolved from a hidden gem into a must-visit destination.
People started driving from surrounding cities just to experience pizza that customers say has a crust just like Sorbillo in Naples.
The combination of authentic Italian technique, quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere created the perfect recipe for winning over the Greensboro community.
Food Highlights
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Margherita D.O.P: A classic pizza with San Marzano tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, fresh basil, and garlic. It reflects the colors of the Italian flag and is loved for its simple, high-quality flavors.
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Napoletana: A hearty pizza topped with Italian sausage, sweet red peppers, cipollini onions, and both fior di latte and bufala mozzarella over San Marzano sauce. Bold, rich, and full of fresh Italian flavors.
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Calabrese: Perfect for spice lovers, this pizza features spicy Italian salami, Calabrian peppers, and bufala mozzarella. It balances heat and creaminess for a satisfying bite 🌶️
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Verdure (Veggie Pizza): A vegetarian favorite with cherry Vesuvian tomatoes, bufala mozzarella, mushrooms, onions, basil, and garlic. Flavorful and well-loved, with a crust that stands out.
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Funghi: Finished with white truffle oil, this pizza combines mushrooms, cipollini onions, and bufala mozzarella. Earthy, rich, and slightly luxurious 🍄
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Prosciutto: Made with prosciutto di Parma, arugula, shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, and bufala mozzarella over fior di latte. A mix of salty, savory, and fresh flavors.
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Imported Italian Gelato: The only frozen item on the menu. Authentic gelato in various flavors, imported from Italy, for a sweet finish.
Atmosphere
Step into Cugino Forno and you’ll immediately notice the stunning natural light streaming through towering 12-foot windows that once illuminated mill workers over a century ago.
The space features long wooden communal tables that encourage a very European dining experience where strangers become friends over shared pizzas.
The industrial-chic setting inside the historic Revolution Mill building creates a unique blend of old-world charm and modern casualness, while the open kitchen lets you watch your pizza being crafted and fired in those famous Neapolitan ovens.
Bottom Line
You should visit Cugino Forno for authentic Neapolitan pizza made with 80% Italian-imported ingredients, baked in genuine Naples ovens with Mount Vesuvius stone.
The exceptional crust rivals pizzerias in Italy at very reasonable prices, and the beautiful communal atmosphere inside historic Revolution Mill makes every visit feel special.
Address: 1160 Revolution Mill Dr, Greensboro, NC 27405
📞 (336) 840-1878
🕔 Open daily, 11 AM–9 PM