Today, was my last day of work until September so I chose Al Forno to celebrate the beginning of my summer vacation. I also was excited to bring someone who had never been to your establishment. Since I have been to Al Forno numerous times in the past, I was really looking forward to the pizza and a lively atmosphere. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed in my dining experience. Because it was going to rain, I chose the 2nd floor bar—there was no background music and the seating was so close that we could barely move. The bartender attempted to be nice but I found him phony and condescending. We said we were there for dinner; he set up our cutlery and plates haphazardly and with no finesse—not even a napkin placemat. Then the food: The pizza came out cold; when I told the bartender it was cold, he asked me if I wanted to have it reheated. I said no, but he whisked it away anyway. It was taken back to us about 5 minutes later; needless to say, it was just “okay”. Although it was tasty, the clams appetizer included 8 little necks—the bowl looked empty… for the price and the size of the bowl, maybe a dozen would make more sense. We shared a dessert and it was good but not exceptional and again, not worth the price. We had a drink each and my glass sat empty most of the dinner; the bartender failed to even ask us if we wanted another drink nor did he ask if we wanted an after dinner drink. We asked for our check; it was brought promptly. We got up to leave and we didn’t even get a “thank you” nor “good evening”… like he couldn’t be bothered. How disappointing to start my summer off this way, to disappoint my companion, and how upset I was to have wasted $100. I will never return to this so called RI fixture and I’ll be sure to tell my friends and family not to visit.
Al Forno is amazing, but they don’t take reservations except for large parties, so it’s really hard to get a table. The best strategy I’ve heard of is to get there right when they open and sit at one of there 3 bars. Downstairs there are 2 bars, 1 inside and 1 kind of outside. Upstairs there’s 1 bar with about 8-10 seats.Haven’t ever ordered anything that’s been subpar (been about 4-5 times). Favorites: baked pasta, gnocchi (the ragu one), and grilled pizza.
In the Italian community, I've heard Al Forno spoken in such high regard. The menu is chef focused on dishes like grilled pizza and steak. I'm excited to experience the restaurant and it's offerings, let's get this review underway! Walking inside, the restaurant is rustic modern. Casual yet elegant. I walk inside and I'm early. I sit at the bar and order an Old Fashioned while my table is being prepped. I feel chatty and start talking with the bartender. I ask him to make a unique take on an old fashioned and tell me the ingredients being used. We agree and I have to say, that was the best Old Fashioned I had in a long time. My table is almost ready, up for another challenge. A dry Vodka Martini. Do you accept this challenge. Once again, nailed it! A grab my drink and I'm seated at a small table. I have my drink and I start with Spicy Clams Al Forno. A very popular starter for the restaurant. The clams were fresh and the spicy elements were welcomed. Just enough heat to make the dish interesting. If I came back I would order the same dish. My entree was an off the menu selection. I asked for the popular Dirty Steak, is it no longer being served? My waiter tells me it is being served and is his personal favorite. Let's get down and dirty! The steak was prepared in a tangy sauce that covered the plate. Each bite was a crescendo of deliciousness. The mashed potato with dirty sauce, the perfectly cooked steak, so tender. It was the perfect cut and I will order this dish again. Al Forno Restaurant, we've met and now I can say it's one of my top five meals. Bon Appetit!
This restaurant has been around for many years and never disappoints. Happy to say that these days they even take reservations. We usually have a starter (try Clams Al Forno) share an entree and have one of their amazing desserts. Excellent service and fine food. What’s not to like?
I've only been here twice in my lifetime. Each time I realize what incredible food really is. Endive salad is one of the top 3 best plates I've ever eaten in my lifetime. Sounds strange but true. Excellent service as to be expected and the ambiance is soothing. This place is perfection!
So wonderful to be back home dining (in situ) at Al Forno, after many delicious takeout meals throughout the pandemic. All of the classic dishes were fabulous: Spicy pizza, Caesar salad, clams, dirty steak, pasta in the pink, rigatoni bolognese… drinks (manhattan’s and cosmos) spot on! Dessert combo of apple tart and chocolate bread pudding was the perfect end to the meal. Service friendly and efficient. Reservations through Tock are a helpful new addition to the experience. Thank you Al Forno (Kyle & Marie upstairs) for another holiday highlight for our family!
Amazing food. Flatbread pizza will change your life. The 4-cheese pasta is impeccable. Many of the appetizers including bruschetta are delicious. Pre-order desert tarts are so good you’ll forget about any other desert food. Service is usually fantastic but the managers or supervisors (not sure exactly) can be rude, especially the woman manager (i think). Very cold inside so bring a sweater! But 100% recommend Al Forno!
Went out for a group dinner since it's my mother's favorite restaurant and she loves the dirty steak. We started with a Margherita pizza and bruschetta for the table which were both great. It should be noted the bruschetta is served as two large pieces versus several small ones. I had the duck confit which was excellent and the fat had been rendered down beautifully and there was a deliciously crispy skin. So many places get duck wrong, but this was fabulous. Ended with the cranberry cobbler and had a bite of my friends apple and cranberry pie. Both were delicious, but I'd probably choose the pie first if I go again. It's a nice place, but can definitely be a bit loud.
Was good. Very limited menu. Listed about 6 appetizers 6 are salads. Hopefully they return to their per covid menu. Also, had called to make reservations for 5pm was told booked solid. Hot call about 2 hrs later saying they had a cancellation. Took the 5 pm got there and the parking lot was empty till about 6:00/6:15.
Food was excellent! Be sure to get the spicy pizza!