Il Forno is a popular Italian restaurant that serves authentic and tasty Italian dishes in a family-friendly setting. They are famous for their oven-baked specialties, including wood-fired pizza and hearty pasta — just like their name, which means “the oven.”
You can find Il Forno locations across the UAE, making it easy for Italian food lovers to enjoy their meals in different Emirates.
In this article, I will take you through the full Il Forno experience. We will look at their tempting menu, talk about prices, describe the restaurant’s atmosphere, share my personal experience, and give useful tips for your visit. You’ll see why many people love dining at Il Forno in the UAE.
A Short History of Il Forno
Il Forno began its journey with a simple goal: to bring the true taste of Italy to diners. They focused on traditional recipes and cooking methods, especially using a classic oven (il forno) to prepare their signature dishes. Over time, they grew and expanded, opening multiple locations across the UAE to share their love for Italian food with more people.
Ambiance and Dining Experience
Decor and Atmosphere:
Il Forno creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor includes comfortable seating and simple Italian touches, often featuring their signature oven. The lighting is soft, and the space feels relaxed and family-friendly. It’s a cozy place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Service Style:
The staff at Il Forno greet you warmly and provide friendly, quick service. They take your order without delay and serve your food efficiently, making sure you have what you need.
The Overall Feel:
Dining at Il Forno feels casual and comfortable. It’s like a neighborhood Italian restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a tasty meal in a nice, calm setting.
Il Forno Menu
Il Forno’s menu highlights classic Italian cooking. They serve a wide range of popular Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. You can enjoy comforting pasta, delicious wood-fired pizzas, seafood, chicken, and meat dishes. The menu also includes classic Italian starters and desserts.
With so many choices, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
| Category | Item | Description | Price (AED) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antipasti (Starters) | Bruschetta Classica | Toasted bread with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil | 28 | ~7.56 |
| Calamari Fritti | Fried calamari with marinara sauce | 35 | ~9.45 | |
| Caprese Salad | Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze | 32 | ~8.64 | |
| Insalata (Salads) | Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan, Caesar dressing | 30 | ~8.10 |
| Rocket and Parmesan Salad | Arugula, parmesan shavings, cherry tomatoes, balsamic dressing | 28 | ~7.56 | |
| Pizza | Margherita | Tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil | 45 | ~12.15 |
| Quattro Formaggi | Mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, provolone | 50 | ~13.50 | |
| Fajita Pizza (International Menu) | Caramelized onions, smoked bacon, fresh cream, garlic, mozzarella | 55 | ~14.85 | |
| German Pizza (International Menu) | Caramelized onions, smoked bacon, fresh cream, garlic, mozzarella | 55 | ~14.85 | |
| Pasta | Penne Al Peperoncino | Penne with spicy tomato sauce, chili flakes (best-seller) | 48 | ~12.96 |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Creamy Alfredo sauce with fettuccine (best-seller) | 50 | ~13.50 | |
| Spaghetti Carbonara | Classic carbonara with egg, pancetta, parmesan, black pepper (best-seller) | 52 | ~14.04 | |
| Lasagna Di Pollo | Chicken lasagna with béchamel and tomato sauce (best-seller) | 50 | ~13.50 | |
| Spaghetti Salsa Di Ostriche | Spaghetti with oyster sauce | 55 | ~14.85 | |
| Ravioli Al Peperoncino | Ravioli with spicy tomato sauce | 50 | ~13.50 | |
| La Mia Pasta | Creamy pasta with cheese sauce | 48 | ~12.96 | |
| Main Courses | Chicken Cordon Bleu (International) | Breaded chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, served with fries | 60 | ~16.20 |
| Grilled Salmon | Grilled salmon fillet with lemon herb sauce, vegetables | 65 | ~17.55 | |
| Mexican Rice with Chicken Tikka | Mexican red rice with tikka chicken, corn, green pepper, onions | 55 | ~14.85 | |
| Risotto | Saffron Risotto with Shrimp & Calamari | Arborio rice with herb-marinated shrimp, calamari, creamy saffron sauce | 60 | ~16.20 |
| Desserts | Tiramisu | Classic Italian tiramisu with mascarpone, coffee, and cocoa | 30 | ~8.10 |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm chocolate cake with molten center, served with vanilla ice cream | 35 | ~9.45 | |
| Beverages | Chocolate Milkshake | Cold, creamy, and chocolaty milkshake | 25 | ~6.75 |
| Fresh Orange Juice | Freshly squeezed orange juice | 20 | ~5.40 | |
| Italian Coffee | Espresso or cappuccino | 15 | ~4.05 | |
| Kids’ Menu | Mini Margherita Pizza | Small pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella | 25 | ~6.75 |
| Chicken Nuggets | Breaded chicken nuggets with fries | 22 | ~5.94 |
Il Forno often offers affordable lunch deals, making it a great choice for a midday meal. They have kid-friendly options and usually can handle special dietary needs like vegetarian requests. If you have allergies, make sure to tell your server.
Il Forno is a mid-range casual dining restaurant in the UAE. Their prices are reasonable and offer good value for the quality and portion sizes. Starters usually cost between AED 20 and AED 40. Pizzas and pasta dishes range from AED 40 to AED 70. Main courses with meat or seafood may cost a bit more, around AED 60 to AED 90 or higher. Desserts and drinks typically cost between AED 15 and AED 30. Overall, Il Forno lets you enjoy a tasty Italian meal without spending too much.
My Experience
I recently visited the Il Forno branch in Dubai Mall to enjoy some Italian classics. The moment I walked in, the cozy and inviting atmosphere made me feel right at home, with warm lighting, rustic wooden tables, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked pizza.
I started with the Bruschetta Classica and then ordered the Margherita Pizza and a portion of the Lasagna Di Pollo, both of which we talked about in the menu section.
The bruschetta was fresh and simple, with juicy diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil on perfectly toasted bread – a great start. The Margherita pizza had a wonderful crispy crust from the oven, and the mozzarella was perfectly melted, with just the right balance of tangy tomato sauce and fresh basil – it tasted just like a classic Italian pizza should. The lasagna was rich, cheesy, and comforting, with layers of tender chicken, creamy béchamel, and savory tomato sauce that felt like a warm hug in every bite. The portions were generous, and the food looked appealing, beautifully plated with vibrant colors.
The service was friendly and efficient throughout the meal. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, checking in to ensure everything was to our liking and offering recommendations when I asked about dessert options. What stood out most to me was the consistent quality and the comforting, homemade taste of the food, especially the pizza crust, which was perfectly crisp yet chewy. Given the delicious food and the friendly atmosphere, the prices felt very fair – around AED 28 for the bruschetta, AED 45 for the pizza, and AED 50 for the lasagna – offering great value for a casual Italian meal in the UAE.
My Top 4 Must-Try Picks
Based on my visit, here are my top recommendations you absolutely must try:
- Margherita Pizza: Choose your favorite topping, but the crust from their oven is key – it’s fantastic.
- Lasagna Di Pollo: Rich, cheesy, and truly comforting. A classic done well with tender chicken and creamy béchamel.
- Bruschetta Classica: A simple but fresh and flavorful way to start your meal.
- Tiramisu: A light and classic Italian dessert to finish on a sweet note, with creamy mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa.
Il Forno branches in UAE
| Location | Address | Operating Hours | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Mall | Food Court, Level 3, Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 644 7511 |
| Yas Mall | Yas Mall, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway, Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 563 7730 |
| Al Wahda Mall | Al Wahda Mall, Al Asalah St, Zone 1E19, Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Khalidiyah Mall | Level 2, Khalidiyah Mall, Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM–11:00 PM Fri–Sun: 9:00 AM–11:00 PM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Mushrif Mall | Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Al Reef Downtown | Al Reef Downtown, Liwa St, Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Bawabat Al Sharq Mall | Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas East, Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Capital Mall | Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Airport Road | Near Choueifat School, 15th Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi | 10:00 AM–2:00 AM (Daily) | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Manar Mall | Manar Mall, Al Muntasir St, Al Ain | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Bawadi Mall | Bawadi Mall, Al Ain | Mon–Thu: 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Fri–Sun: 10:00 AM–12:45 AM | +971 2 633 7730 |
| Dubai Festival City Mall | 9, Crescent Drive St, Dubai | 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) | +971 600 541 111 |
| Al Ghurair Centre | 3, Al Rigga Rd, Dubai | 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) | +971 600 541 111 |
| Dubai Hills Mall | 999, Umm Suqeim St, Dubai | 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) | +971 600 541 111 |
| Circle Mall (JVC) | The Circle Mall, 17/1, 5 St, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai | 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) | +971 600 541 111 |
| Silicon Central Mall (DSO) | Silicon Central Mall, 53, 92 St, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai | 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) | +971 600 541 111 |
| City Centre Al Zahia | City Centre Al Zahia Mall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Sharjah | 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) | +971 600 541 111 |
| City Centre Ajman | 13/3, Al Ittihad Rd, Ajman | 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) | +971 600 541 111 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions about visiting Il Forno in the UAE:
Do I need a reservation at Il Forno?
For small groups or weekdays, you usually don’t need a reservation because they accept walk-ins. But for larger groups or busy weekend evenings, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check if online booking is available.
Does Il Forno accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, they offer vegetarian options, especially with pasta and pizza dishes. Always tell your server if you have allergies or special dietary needs.
Is parking available?
Parking depends on the location. If Il Forno is inside a mall, you can use the mall parking. For street locations, you might need to find public parking nearby.
What is the dress code?
Il Forno has a casual dress code. Just come as you are!
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, Il Forno is very family-friendly. The relaxed setting and kid-friendly menu make it a great choice for families.
How much does a meal cost at Il Forno UAE?
Il Forno offers affordable prices for Italian food. Expect main dishes like pizzas and pastas to cost between AED 40 and AED 70. A meal for one person, including a main dish and a drink, usually costs around AED 70 to AED 120, giving you good value.
Final Thoughts
Il Forno stands out as a great choice for enjoying tasty and straightforward Italian food in the UAE. Their focus on classic dishes, comfortable atmosphere, friendly service, and especially their affordable menu prices make them a favorite for many.
It’s an ideal spot for a casual family dinner, a relaxed lunch with friends, or simply when you crave a comforting bowl of pasta or a perfectly baked pizza without spending a fortune.
I’m passionate about food and the rich culture of the UAE. I’ve spent years exploring authentic Emirati dishes and diverse cuisines from across the region. Through Habibi Menus, I want to make it easy for everyone to discover real restaurant menus, learn about traditional flavors, and enjoy the best food the UAE has to offer. I focus on sharing clear, simple, and helpful information so everyone can understand and enjoy the local food culture. When I’m not working on the site, I love visiting new restaurants and trying different dishes with my family and friends.