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Al Forno Restaurant

577 S. Main St. (Wickenden St.) Send to Phone
ProvidenceRI 02903
401-273-9760 | Menu
alforno.com
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Al Forno’s food is rooted in the regional cuisines of Italy and Southern France, re-crafted with the products of New England. Al Forno Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013 Hot 10 Providence Restaurants | Top 10 Providence Food Rating Restaurants |

Cuisine

Open

Dinner Tues.-Sat.

Features

Wine

Great Wine List

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Al Forno Restaurant Restaurant Review

: Since opening their doors in 1980, chefs-owners Johanne Killeen and George Germon have earned untouchable status for their artfully simple and cerebral renditions of food rooted in the various regional cuisines of Italy and Southern France, re-crafted to integrate the products of New England farms and waters. Diners weather a sometimes-brutal wait (the restaurant has a no-reserving policy) to sample food that is austere in conception, pure in taste and admirable in its preservation of culinary roots. Pissalidière is a classic Provençal tart marrying onions, olives and black anchovies; here it's grilled (the kitchen's signature technique) to cracker-crunchiness. Sausages are roasted, Tuscan-style, and trattoria-hearty with grapes and mashed potatoes. Al-dente rigatoni serve as generous vessels for veal Bolognese, with Parmigiano-Reggiano pushing the flavor of diced vegetables to the background. Grilled pizzas are a highlight, their crusts faintly sweet, their toppings fresh and well seasoned. (Want to skip the wait? Order one at the bar --- where the full menu is served --- with a glass of wine.) Choose your desserts first --- all are made to order. The apple crisp tart is heavenly. What we respect most about Al Forno is the attention to detail. Dining here feels casual, but comes with all the perks of the Big Picture: a great wine list, well-schooled servers and a menu without weakness.

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RESTAURANT AWARDS 2013

Check out the 2013 edition of GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Issue, which features the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S., Rising Chefs and more.