Al Forno Restaurant
Main info
£12 - £40
/
Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian options
Townsend Parade 1-2-3a, High St, Kingston upon Thames
Opening hours
12PM-11PM
- Sunday 12PM-10PM
- Monday 12PM-3PM & 5:30PM-10PM
- Tuesday 12PM-3PM & 5:30PM-10:30PM
- Wednesday 12PM-3PM & 5:30PM-10:30PM
- Thursday 12PM-3PM & 5:30PM-10:30PM
- Friday 12PM-11PM
- Saturday 12PM-11PM
Italian Delight: Fresh Flavors and Warmth
At first glance, Al Forno might appear to be another charming Italian eatery nestled by the glistening Thames, but upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a vibrant tapestry woven with more charisma than most. The atmosphere here is a masterclass in orchestrating warmth—a familial embrace that quells any pretense of formal dining. What they lack in valet parking they certainly make up for in genuine Italian ciao energy, which, believe me, is quite the currency in the languid city of Kingston. Stepping inside feels akin to entering a bustling Neapolitan piazza where charismatic Fabio strides about, transforming the mundane into an invigorating trattoria experience.The menu is a cavalcade of robust flavors, embracing both the traditional and the audaciously new. "Pasta allo scoglio"—a bustling haven of seafood flavors—demanded attention like an ardent Neapolitan serenade, while the tantalizing tartufo spoke in hushed tones of rich pistachio. Though service may occasionally teeter on the edge of nonchalance for some, one might argue it's all part of the culinary narrative Al Forno is telling: unhurried, relaxed—an earnest rebellion against the metro quickstep outside. Pair this with their unwavering dedication to soggy-bottom-free pizzas sizzling straight from a veritable handmade oven, and you've got yourself a recipe for return visits aplenty. All told, Al Forno exudes an irresistible charm that sways even the cynical heart—that is, if the pizza doesn't do it first. — Penelope Savory
How to get there
Townsend Parade 1-2-3a, High St, Kingston upon Thames
Heathrow Airport — 7.68 mi
