Al Forno
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 273-9767
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Tockwotton Street
- Hours:
- Tue-Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 4pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Al Forno – by Dawn Keable
The Scene
Culinary lore has it that Al Forno is the birthplace of grilled pizza. You probably won't find a patent hanging on the wall, but once you have a taste of the ultra-thin pizzas, rich with wood-grilled flavor, you'll be a believer too. From the moment you step into this two-story, ivy-covered building near the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, you'll be so distracted by the simply prepared, internationally recognized cuisine that you won't notice anything else.
The Food
The sky is falling? Who cares? You'll have your taste buds wrapped around Baked Pasta in the Pink, a signature dish of fresh herbs, cream and five cheeses. The dish to die for: Try the Sicilian ricotta tart for two.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitYou love the wood-burning ovens, so it makes sense to also find an open flame in the dining room. But just how close you get to the brick fireplace is matter of luck: Reservations aren't accepted.
User Reviews for Al Forno
05/30/2008 Posted by BestxTrollxEver
The rating posted on 09/06/2003 by mal054 really sums the place up. mal054 worked there, and manages to misspell the word "professional". He also reminds us that anyone who does not love the place is a "stuck up snob". That kind of love for the customer makes you really want to go there!
Pros: The Masochist will feel at home.
Cons: Long wait.
07/21/2007 Posted by aaronmc
Al Forno is a difficult place to review. The hype is so thick that you could almost eat it instead of the food. After reading others’ horror stories, and experiencing a little of it myself, I’m hesitant to give a good review, but since I can only go on myself, I must. It is one of Rhode Island’s best restaurants and certainly worthy of much hype. Julia Child ate here every time she was in the area, and I can certainly understand why she did so. The food is stellar. House specialties, such as Clams Al Forno and the grilled pizza margarita, are delectable. Dishes are served simple and perfectly cooked. Sometimes, too simple. The bruschetta costs a fair amount and is TRUE bruschetta, namely, toast. As far as I’m concerned, their baked pasta with five cheeses is the only dish you should ever get. But, if you must deviate, the oven roasted lemon chicken breast is a treat for the mouth. Delicate, tender, slightly tangy, it’s just ab-fab. Their specials are almost always brilliant and delicious (albeit sometimes pricey) and a real reason to come back. The wine list is a surprising disappointment. The dessert menu, on the other hand, is one of the best, filled with great, inventive desserts that can be had nowhere else. They cost a pretty penny, though, ranging from $9 to $18. The service I had was basically perfect. Water and wine flowed, frequent attention, and pleasant demeanor made us feel welcome. The wait was terrible, and some of the employees seemed not arrogant, but annoyed, as other reviews have said. The ceaseless flow of pretentious(!) customers could explain that. Still, it’s unacceptable. Whether you think the sometimes absurd wait is worth it or not is up to you. Frankly, I’ve never eaten somewhere worth a two-hour wait and Al Forno is no different. But a one-hour wait? Now we’re talking. Al Forno is perfection in what it does and, flaws or not, I love it and think everyone should try.
Pros: Excellent and inventive food combined with mouth-watering desserts.
Cons: Service can sometimes hate you, uninteresting wine list, some items are too expensive.
Users Like You Also Viewed
Vinny T's of Boston - Seekonk
353 Highland Ave
Seekonk, MA 02771
Cassarino's Restaurant
177 Atwells Ave
Providence, RI 02903-1645
