Welcome to Il Forno, a restaurant that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy. Nestled in the vibrant suburb of Hampton, Victoria, Il Forno is a family-owned establishment that seeks to bring the authentic tastes of Italy to Australian shores. Our name, Il Forno, translates to 'the oven' in Italian, and it is a symbolic representation of our goal to create a warm and inviting space where people can come together to enjoy the simple pleasure of great food.
Il Forno is the culmination of a lifelong passion for food and culture, brought to life by owners Nazzareno and Kristina Cugliari. Both of Nazzareno's parents hail from Italy, with his father coming from Sicily and his mother from Calabria. They brought with them a wealth of knowledge and tradition, passed down through generations, that has been the foundation for the recipes and techniques used at Il Forno.
Nazzareno's recent visit to Italy was an incredible journey of discovery, immersing himself in the flavours and traditions of his heritage. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of Rome, the vibrant colours and rich aromas of Italy inspired Nazzareno's culinary vision, creating a menu that is both modern and traditional, taking you on a journey through Italy's rich culinary history.
Our Menu
At Il Forno, we pride ourselves on our commitment to using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Southern Italian cuisine, incorporating both classic favourites and innovative seasonal dishes. Our menu is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different aspect of Italian cooking.
Our Antipasti section offers a variety of delicious options, from the classic bruschetta to our irresistible veal and chicken meatballs. Our Insalate section is full of fresh, vibrant salads, perfect for a light lunch or as a starter. Our Pasta section features a range of homemade pasta dishes, made fresh in-house daily. From our traditional Southern Italian style lasagna to our rich pork belly ragu, our pasta dishes are the heart of our menu.
Our Pizze section features a range of delicious pizzas, made with organic wheat and milled in-house, giving our pizzas a unique, earthy flavour. Our dough is hand-worked and shoveled into our imported Moretti stone oven, cooked to perfection for a flavour and texture that is truly outstanding. We also offer a range of exciting dishes that change monthly, offering something new and exciting for our regular visitors.
Functions and Catering
Il Forno is the perfect venue for your next event or celebration. From birthday parties to corporate events, wine club meets and anniversaries, we cater for all types of functions. We have a variety of menus and prices available, depending on your specific needs and requirements. We can even open the restaurant for lunchtime functions, offering a range of options that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Wine and Dine
Il Forno offers an extensive wine list, featuring a variety of Australian and Italian wines, carefully selected to complement our menu. Our commitment to quality extends to our beverage selection, ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is truly exceptional. Whether you're looking for a crisp, refreshing white or a bold, full-bodied red, our wine list has something for every palate.
In conclusion, Il Forno is more than just a restaurant. It's a celebration of family, food, and culture. We invite you to join us on a journey through Italy, experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavours of this incredible country. From our family to yours, we look forward to sharing our passion for Italy and great food with you.
Overall Experience
Diners have praised Il Forno for its great service, atmosphere, and quality food. Many have commended the restaurant for its authentic Italian dishes, generous serves, and good value for money.
Food Quality
The pizza has received rave reviews, with some considering it the best in Hampton. The dough has been described as incredible, and the pasta dishes have been praised for their authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.
Staff and Service
The staff have been described as friendly, and the service has been commended for being attentive and efficient. The restaurant has also been praised for its family-friendly atmosphere and ability to accommodate large groups.
Room for Improvement
Some diners have noted that the pizza base can be a little heavy, and one reviewer had a disappointing experience with mixed drinks that lacked sufficient alcohol content.
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