Unearth The Voyage
Ready to chase the aroma of blistered crust and bubbling mozzarella in Wilmington? Cugino Forno Wilmington brings wood-fired magic to 1020 Princess St, turning simple ingredients into craveable, charry bites. With a 4.9-star crowd cheering and prices that feel friendly, this spot makes every slice a small victory. Come hungry, because once the doors open at 11 AM, you will want to try more than one pie.
1. Signature Wood-Fired Crust
The crust at Cugino Forno Wilmington lands with a delicate crunch, then gives way to airy chew. You can taste the kiss of real flame, with char speckles that add a smoky edge. It is the kind of base that makes every topping brighter and every bite feel intentional.
Watch the pizzaiolo launch the dough into the roaring oven and you will understand the craft. Heat races across the stone, blisters rise, and the rim puffs beautifully. Grab a slice while it is still steaming and you will catch that wheat sweetness balanced by savory smoke.
2. Margherita That Sets the Standard
Simple never means plain at Cugino Forno Wilmington, and the Margherita proves it. San Marzano tomatoes bring gentle acidity, fresh mozzarella melts into silky puddles, and basil pops with herbal perfume. Together they ride the smoky crust like a greatest hits album.
Order it first to calibrate your taste buds, then build from there. The balance of salt, fat, acid, and heat makes each bite focused and bright. You will finish the last slice and still think about the first one.
3. Smoky Pepperoni Heat Wave
If you crave a little fire, the pepperoni pie answers fast. Cupped edges crisp in the heat, trapping savory juices that sizzle as the pizza emerges. A hint of chili oil adds warmth without drowning out the cheese and sauce.
The charred rim carries gentle smoke, so each bite stacks layers of spice and umami. You get that satisfying pepperoni snap against a soft-centered slice. It is bold, balanced, and easy to share, though you may not want to.
4. Bianca Elegance
For a sauce-free moment, the Bianca is a creamy dream. Ricotta dollops, mozzarella stretch, and a drizzle of olive oil create a velvety canvas. Garlic whispers through the steam while the crust adds smoky contrast.
It is savory without feeling heavy. Add arugula on top for a peppery snap that keeps each slice lively. This pie shows how restraint can feel luxurious when the oven does the talking.
5. Fresh Caprese Starter
Kick off your meal with a Caprese that tastes like sunshine. Thick slices of tomato meet cool mozzarella, basil leaves, and a balanced drizzle of balsamic. A pinch of flaky salt brings the whole plate into focus.
It is refreshing and sets the stage for richer flavors to come. Pair it with a fizzy drink and you will be ready for pizza round two. Simple ingredients shine when treated with care, and this plate proves it.
6. Garlic Knots to Share
These knots arrive glistening with butter and garlic, ready to pull apart. The dough is fluffy at the core with crisp edges from the oven. A side of marinara adds bright acidity for dipping.
They are perfect while you wait for pizzas to bake. The portion hits the sweet spot for sharing without spoiling your appetite. Consider them the warm handshake that welcomes you to the meal.
7. Lunch at 11 AM
Planning ahead is easy here because doors open at 11 AM daily. That means you can slide in for an early lunch and beat the crowd. The oven is already roaring, so your pizza moves fast from peel to plate.
Whether it is Monday or Saturday, the schedule stays steady. Knowing the rhythm helps you plan a quick bite between errands. Call (910) 399-1536 if you want to check timing for a larger group.
8. Price Friendly Indulgence
Quality this high at $10 to $20 feels like a small miracle. You can grab a pie, share a starter, and still keep the bill friendly. It makes casual weeknight dinners or spontaneous lunches an easy yes.
With value like that, you will want to explore the menu without worry. Try a classic and a seasonal special side by side. The smoky oven magic delivers every time without stretching your wallet.
9. Website and Easy Ordering
When it is time to plan a visit, the website guides you smoothly. Head to https://cuginoforno.com/ for menu highlights and updates. You can scan photos, confirm hours, and set expectations for your next slice.
If you prefer to coordinate by phone, the staff stays friendly. A quick call to (910) 399-1536 answers questions about availability. Convenience meets craftsmanship, which is exactly what you want from a neighborhood favorite.
10. 9 Stars and Glowing Buzz
With 1,507 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, the praise speaks loudly. Guests rave about the smoky crust, fresh toppings, and consistent service. That kind of love only happens when details stay sharp.
Use the ratings as your green light to dive in. It is hard to argue with that much happy chatter. You will likely leave wanting to add your own five-star note.
11. Neighborhood Feel on Princess St
The location at 1020 Princess St gives the restaurant charm and convenience. It is easy to swing by, park, and stroll in without fuss. Inside, the vibe is warm, with the oven glow pulling every eye.
That glow is both show and signal. You can feel anticipation lift as pies rotate near the flame. By the time you sit, you will be ready to feast.
12. Vegetarian Friendly Choices
Sticking to veggies is effortless here. From Margherita to Bianca to arugula topped specials, the menu keeps things vibrant. You get variety without sacrificing the char-kissed flavor the oven brings.
Ask for extra basil or mushrooms if you want more depth. The staff understands how to balance moisture on that delicate crust. You will feel taken care of with every custom tweak.
13. Perfect Cheese Pulls
Few joys beat a clean cheese pull over smoky crust. The fresh mozzarella melts into ribbons that stretch and snap. It lands creamy on the tongue while the tomato brightens the finish.
Let the slice cool a breath or two for ideal texture. Then lift, stretch, and enjoy that picture worthy moment. It is comfort and craft braided into one bite.
14. Balanced Sweet Heat Sauces
The sauce here leans vibrant with gentle sweetness from ripe tomatoes. If you like a kick, ask for chili oil or crushed red pepper on the side. That way you can tune each slice to your sweet heat preference.
The oven smoke threads through the sauce, giving depth without bitterness. Combined with the crust, it creates a clean, focused finish. You taste tomato, then char, then the lingering warmth you asked for.
15. Consistent Every Day Schedule
Seven days a week, the team serves from 11 AM to 9 PM. That predictability makes planning easy for lunch, dinner, or a late afternoon craving. You do not have to guess or check multiple listings.
If you are coordinating friends, share the window and meet in the middle. The oven does not take a day off, and neither does your appetite. Expect the same pace and quality Monday through Sunday.
16. Map It and Go
If you are navigating by coordinates, plug in 34.2373154, -77.9357617. That will drop a pin right at the door for a smooth arrival. The sooner you get there, the sooner the first slice lands in hand.
Keep the address handy too: 1020 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401. With the oven blazing, your pizza will not keep you waiting long. Consider this your cue to start the adventure.
