Neapolitan-style pizza, a historic power-plant setting, and a loyal local following have turned Cugino Forno Pizzeria Winston-Salem into a city favorite.
Locals love that the pies arrive with chewy, lightly blistered crusts and simple, high-quality toppings.
The casual, order-at-the-counter setup keeps things relaxed, fast, and easy for families and groups.
All of that together makes this spot feel less like a one-time stop and more like a weekly pizza ritual. 🍕
How Cugino Forno Pizzeria won locals’ hearts
Cugino Forno won locals over by focusing on classic Neapolitan pizza with carefully sourced ingredients and a proper wood-fired bake.
People talk about the dough first: it is soft in the middle, crisp at the edges, and just charred enough to give every bite a little smokiness.
The tomato sauce tastes bright and clean, and the mozzarella actually adds flavor instead of just weight, which makes even a simple Margherita feel special.
Guests appreciate that the menu keeps things straightforward, so each pizza highlights a few well-chosen toppings instead of overloading the crust.
Regulars say they can taste the consistency, noting that pies come out reliably good on repeat visits, not just on a lucky night.
The location inside the revitalized Bailey Power Plant in the Innovation Quarter helps too, giving diners a memorable backdrop of brick, steel, and open space.
Families, students, and office workers can all find their place here, from quick lunches to lingering evenings on the plaza with kids and friends.
People also like that they can watch their pizza being made and fired, which adds a bit of live-show energy without feeling gimmicky.
Friendly, efficient staff keep the line moving, yet still manage to answer questions and help first-timers pick a pie that fits their taste.
Over time, all of this has turned Cugino Forno into the default answer when someone asks, “Who has the best pizza in Winston-Salem?”
Food Highlights
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Margherita D.O.P Pizza: San Marzano tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. A must-try first pie because it shows off the dough, sauce, and cheese with pure, balanced flavors. 🍅
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Bianca Pizza: Fior di latte, ricotta, bufala mozzarella, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Loved by cheese fans for its creamy, garlicky richness that still feels light and easy to keep eating.
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Supremo Italiano Pizza: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, roasted ham, San Marzano tomato sauce, and buffalo mozzarella. Popular with meat lovers thanks to its savory trio of toppings on a thin, not-too-heavy crust.
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Napoletana Pizza: Italian sausage, sweet red pepper, cipollini onions, San Marzano tomato sauce, and buffalo mozzarella. A favorite for those who like sweet pepper and onion flavor balanced with rich sausage.
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Calabrese Pizza: Spicy Italian salami, Calabrian peppers, San Marzano tomato sauce, and bufala mozzarella. Go-to choice for spice seekers who enjoy slow-building heat without losing the bright tomato and creamy cheese notes. 🌶️
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Funghi Pizza: Cipollini onions, cremini mushrooms, bufala mozzarella, white truffle oil, and basil. Mushroom fans pick this because the earthy mushrooms and truffle aroma create a deep, savory “umami” bite. 🍄
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Marinara (Vegan) Pizza: San Marzano tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, basil, and olive oil. A simple, cheese-free option that proves how satisfying a minimalist, tomato-and-herb pie can be. 🌱
Atmosphere
The Winston-Salem location sits inside the historic Bailey Power Plant, blending industrial brick and tall ceilings with a relaxed, modern pizzeria feel.
Long tables and trays of pizza make it easy for families, students, and groups to spread out and share.
Inside feels lively and casual, while the surrounding plaza area offers extra room to hang out and turn a quick pizza stop into a low-key evening. 🍻
Bottom Line
Visit for authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, a memorable historic setting, and consistently solid pies that keep locals coming back.
It is an easy choice for family dinners, casual date nights, or showing out-of-town guests a great slice of Winston-Salem. 🍕
Address: 486 N Patterson Ave Ste 115, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
📞 (336) 701-1883
🕔 Sun–Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM