Hello dear
Welcome To Al Forno Restaurant
Al Forno Restaurant, nestled in Kingston upon Thames, is a cherished gem that embodies authentic Italian cuisine. With its rustic decor featuring exposed bricks and wooden beams, the ambiance is warm and inviting, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Guests rave about the delightful Risotto Ai Funghi Di Bosco and the exceptional pizzas, crafted with high-quality ingredients. The friendly staff enhances the experience, ensuring attentive service throughout your visit. Whether you opt for takeaway or dine in their charming setting, Al Forno guarantees a memorable culinary journey that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
About
Al Forno Restaurant
Located at the picturesque Kingston upon Thames, Al Forno Restaurant offers a delightful escape for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the serene river, this charming eatery boasts a rustic atmosphere characterized by exposed brick walls and wooden beams, providing a warm and inviting ambiance for its guests. With separate dining areas linked by a quaint corridor, the restaurant exudes a cozy, intimate feel, perfect for both romantic dinners and gatherings with friends and family.
One of the highlights of Al Forno is its exquisite menu, which features a range of expertly crafted dishes. From the creamy and flavorful Risotto Ai Funghi Di Bosco to refreshing salads like the Insalata Di Pollo E Avocado and Insalata Italiana, there’s something to tantalize everyone's taste buds. For meat lovers, the Pollo Nduja and Pollo Al Pepe E Funghi are standout options, each showcasing the skillful culinary techniques of the chefs and the high-quality ingredients used in preparation.
What sets Al Forno apart is not just the food; it’s the exceptional service that accompanies each meal. Customers have consistently praised the friendly and attentive staff, who ensure that every dining experience is memorable. As noted by Neil Broadhurst, the combination of a thoughtful menu and excellent service makes for a truly delightful evening. This sentiment resonates with many visitors, including Louise Barrett, who describes Al Forno as the best Italian restaurant she's ever experienced.
Regular patrons, like Jackie Smit, affirm that Al Forno remains a reliable gem within the neighborhood. The recent refurbishment has only further enhanced its charm, while the traditional Italian flavors remain unwavering. Notably, dishes like pizza and Lamb Ragu Gnocchi receive special mentions for their authenticity and robust flavors, drawing guests back time and time again.
For those who prefer to enjoy Al Forno’s offerings in the comfort of their homes, the restaurant also provides takeaway options, allowing patrons to savor their delicious dishes wherever they may be. As Creation Age highlighted, the pizza—available in half-and-half varieties—is acclaimed for its thin crust and superior ingredients, making it ideal for both delivery and dining in.
In summary, Al Forno Restaurant stands as a testament to true Italian dining, bringing the heart of Italy to Kingston upon Thames. Whether you're drawn in by the tantalizing menu, the inviting decor, or the exceptional service, a visit here promises an authentic culinary journey that is simply not to be missed.
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“ This is a lovely restaurant a short distance from the river Thames. Indoors it comprises of two separate areas linked by a very short corridor. There is also a covered outside area. The decor is quite dark and rustic with exposed bricks on the walls and wooden beams on the ceiling. There are also paintings on the walls. I was part of a party of eight and we were all impressed with the selection of food and wines available which coupled with the good service made for a very pleasant evening. Recommended. ”
“ I This is the best Italian restaurant, I have ever been to. Not only for Service but also for food. The atmosphere is amazing and the staff are so kind. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough.! Lou xx ”
“ Update 20/04/2025: First time back since moving to the countryside and out of Kingston. Pleased to say that not only has the restaurant had a touch-up inside, but everything that was great about this neighborhood institution is still fully intact. The food is fantastic, service is convivial and the atmosphere is as welcoming as I remember it. Definitely worth the 80 mile drive back to my old stomping grounds. ****** Regular for many years and this place remains a consistently reliable and enjoyable neighborhood gem. Food is delicious (especially the pizzas and Lamb Ragu Gnocchi) and the service is always friendly and attentive. ”
“ We order the large pizza, you can half and half of different types. We had it to take away, but you can order and get delivered or dine in. Really noce and authentic Italian pizza. The dough was thin and ingredients were great quality. The place looked clean and service was very kind. Hopefully next time we'll be dining in. Highly recommend the pizza. ”
“ This place is the most italian and authentic than anywhere we’ve ever been to in London . We traveled 40 miles especially to come and enjoy the fantastic service and the lovely food that they serve. Thank you very much for your hospitality and warm welcome. ”
“ Highly recommend, love their food and customer service was so excellent. We enjoyed their dinner,you can enjoy Italian food and you feel like you are in Italy. If I have to go again in future I would like to visit again and again. Thank you Al Forno Restaurant you guys made our day on our Anniversary ”
“ Absolutely 10/10! By far, the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever experienced in the UK. We were invited by Italian friends for dinner, which added an authentic touch to our evening. The restaurant is beautifully located by the river, which adds a picturesque charm to the entire dining experience. For starters, my husband and I ordered the *Frito di Calamari*. The dish was mind-blowing — perfectly fried calamari and zucchini served with a delicious tartare sauce. The squid rings were tender, not chewy, which made it a standout dish. For our mains, we opted for the *Al Forno Pizza* and the *Spaghettoni al Cartoccio*. The pizza was split into two halves, one featuring smoked mozzarella with turnip greens and sausage, and the other half being tomato-based with ham and mozzarella. Both halves were undeniably delicious and full of rich, authentic flavors. To finish, we were persuaded by our friends to try their handmade gelatos, and I must say, they were the best I’ve ever had. We tried the pistachio and chocolate flavors, and while I’m usually not a fan of chocolate ice cream, this one was exceptional. It had a smooth texture, wasn’t overly sweet, and was simply irresistible. The service was fantastic, with friendly and helpful servers who made the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, a 10/10 dining experience! Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic Italian food in a lovely setting. ”
“ Had a lovely meal here last night. We were about to go to zizzi but spotted this place and thought we would give it a try. So glad we did! Amazing authentic home cooked Italian food served by Italian staff with real pride. Reasonable prices and very clean. Would 100% go back. The pics were taken after a few mouthfuls as it looked too nice and we were so hungry! ”