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Ugo
Master Critic Review
Ugo
7.8
Established VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria since 2002, serving traditional pasta and house-made gelato. The travertine marble and dark wood interior creates Italian charm, though service can be inconsistent during peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Fettuccine Bolognese, Pistachio Gelato
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: One of only 94 US restaurants with VPN certification for authentic Neapolitan pizza
Who should go: Pizza purists and gelato lovers seeking patio dining
When to visit: Weekday dinner to avoid crowds, or weekend brunch
What to order: Any VPN-certified pizza, pasta al forno, gelato flight
Insider tip: Happy hour Monday-Thursday 4-7pm offers better value and smaller crowds
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour street parking usually available before 6pm; paid lot ($8) two blocks east on Washington. Valet Friday-Saturday nights $15.
Dress code: Smart casual works - dark jeans and a nice top perfect for dates, no shorts or flip-flops
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on patio - can have intimate conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, book ahead
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins welcome, typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 8+ options including Margherita VPN pizza, pasta primavera, eggplant parmigiana
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza (no cheese), pasta pomodoro, ask about dairy-free gelato
Gluten-free options: No - VPN certification requires specific flour, cannot accommodate celiac safely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially patio tables - romantic lighting, not too loud, shareable pizzas break the ice. Book 7:30pm for peak ambiance. Avoid weekend peak hours when service gets rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/early dinner (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend dinner risky - they hold some bar seating for walk-ins but expect 60+ min waits. Monday-Thursday 4-7pm happy hour is your best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Weekend brunch yes - high chairs available, kids love the pizza. Dinner is more date-focused and gets loud when crowded. Under 8 welcome but no kids menu; expect $12-15 per child for pizza.
How long does dinner take here? Budget 90 minutes for full experience - pizzas arrive in 10-15 min after ordering, but service slows during Friday-Saturday rush. Weeknight dinner moves faster (60-75 minutes).
Is the VPN certification actually noticeable? Absolutely - the crust is legitimately different (charred leopard-spotting, proper chew). If you've only had American pizza, you'll taste why they're certified. Worth trying the Margherita first to appreciate it.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza executed properly, gelato quality rivals standalone gelaterias, reliable patio dining year-round, weekday happy hour value ($8-10 pizzas)
Skip if: You need quick service (go Pitfire), want gluten-free options (try Gjelina), prefer modern Italian over traditional, or dining solo on weekend nights (too couple-focused)