Highly recommend Al Forno's for an absolutely great Italian experience in the heart of Providence. Over the decades that they have existed, they have won a plethora of James Beard awards! We couldn't get a reservation ahead of time, however, we went at 4:30pm on a Sat night and were able to take our pick of 3 different, classy bars in the restaurant to sit at. The restaurant is huge, so there is a bar outside, inside, and then on the top floor. We sat outside with an absolutely wonderful bar tender (all of the servers were!) and a fantastic breeze. The food was amazing and they had so many unique specials, with all fresh and local ingredients. We split the ravioli and the stuffed squash blossoms, grilled broccoli, and grilled shrimp with mushrooms and avocado. The desserts are fantastic and you order them when you order your meal, because they cook they to order. We ordered the fresh berry tart that was baked while we enjoyed our apps and meals. I will definitely be back the next time I'm in Providence. Really, really special place.
The best dining experience in the last several years. 'Nuff said! Don't miss the grilled pizza as an appetizer! Great service as well as the best Italian food ever!
i will always come here amazing pepole and great food especcaly that cheese pizza thanks to nick i found out about this a go to place in providence i would highly recommend this!!
This is one of the best, if not the best, restaurant in Providence! Tried to make a reservation 2 weeks in advance, and everything was booked out. Came on a Saturday right when the restaurant opens at 4pm, and managed to get a walk-in table. The ambiance is classy and elegant. The service is friendly. And the food is out of this world! We got: - mushroom pizza: delicious thin crust pizza and is flavored with a white sauce, mushroom, scallion, and olive oil. Absolutely delicious and one of the two best dishes tonight! - confit duck legs: the duck is cooked perfectly: the meat is juicy and the skin is crispy. The flavor is on pointe. The portion is also very generous. This is the other best dish tonight. - dirty steak: this is an off-menu item that can be requested. I thought it was cooked well with a flavorful sauce, but otherwise nothing too special but others love it. - grilled lamb chops: also cooked well and delicious - baked asparagus pasta: it's a daily special - rhubarb tart: the tartness of the rhubarb lakes well with the cream. Fyi the tarts need to be ordered with the entrees because they are made fresh per order. Will definitely come back!
After hearing how great this place was for so long I was finally able to try it out for my self. The pizza was delicious & unlike any pizza I've had before. It was light & refreshing & the opposite of doughy & greasy. That paired with a Caesar salad was a great start to the meal. The gnocchi was also well made but a little harder to eat than the regular fluffier style shapes. The wild boar sauce was perfect on it. The atmosphere was lively but also intimate & much busier than expected for a Tuesday. I'd highly recommend a reservation. The service was handled by a couple people but I found them all to be attentive & proactive with my needs & I appreciated the servers wine pairing suggestions.
We had the best lunch at Al Forno. We were lucky to get in before it got too busy. The service was excellent. Our server gave us many options and ideas.I ordered the apple cider special drink. It was so incredibly good, not too sweet with a delectable cinnamon rim. Our pizza was equally delicious. My daughter ordered the specialty dessert. I can't even remember the name of it, but man it was awesome! I love that Al Forno had a lot of seasonal items. It makes me want to return to try their winter and spring menus.
Elegant. Recommend reservations. Downstairs bar small. Drinks ok. Desert was phenomenal. Did not eat dinner. Next visit I will make reservations. Parking lot available.
Came here with my boyfriend's family and really enjoyed the experience! This is an upscale fancy Italian dinner spot that really hit the spot. Great with a lot of Italian classics, and very cute and traditional vibe. Also with a great window view. We had a wonderful time here, waitstaff very attentive, food delicious. Hard to get a table here though, had to call when they opened since we had not made reservations beforehand. When I chcked later for a different occasion, you have to make a deposit and if you cancel, you must pay, so a slight inconvenience if plans change last minute. However, would definitely recommend this place to go to with family for an upscale dinner. Would recommend their pastas! Big plus is that they have their own parking lot!
My parents have been coming to Al Forno since the 90s and they've been bringing us for as long as we can remember. We've never had a bad meal here! Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just having a casual date night, the food and service never disappoints! It's our favorite restaurant in providence, no question. We're creatures of habit and always get the same thing ever time. The grilled margarita pizza, baked pasta with tomato cream and five cheeses, and dirty steak. For dessert, we got the brownie ice cream sandwich and pear walnut tart which was amazing. We always make sure to leave room for dessert since everything is so fresh and delicious. We've never had a bad meal here and keep coming back for more! If it's a nice day, try to sit on the patio outside under the trees / vines. Beautiful