IL Forno

"iL Forno was a spot we had to check out while in Nashville. I love Italian food and I know Nashville isn’t by any chance known for this type of cuisine but the owners of this restaurant are. Chef Egi Franciosa was born in a sea side city just outside Naples. He brings his love of his home to their restaurant in Nashville. I mean how cool husband and wife business owners who went from sharing their love of Italian cuisine out of a food truck to a brick and mortar. I actually got to meet Chef Egi while we were dining for dinner. He was kind and thankful for us coming to spending our time in their restaurant. The restaurant was aesthetically appealing to the eye. A nice clean, simple style. The food was true to Chef Egi’s roots. We ordered: Espresso Martini (7/10) - this was made with real espresso which I greatly appreciated. It wasn’t my favorite way to enjoy an espresso martini and although I’m quite the fan favorite of them I’m not a purist. I like mine creamy. This flavor profile wasn’t creamy it was very espresso forward. I am certain an espresso martini purist would very much so enjoy this version. Margherita Pizza (10/10) - I want to start with other reviews that I read about the pizza and how wet it is/was. I’m not sure if people are aware that… it’s supposed to be that way. It’s googlelable. The first thing that comes up when googling it is “Unlike typical American pizza, a delicious pool of flavor forms in the middle of a Neapolitan pie during its short time in the oven making it what one might call wet or “soupy”.” So, I think it’s only fair to rate this pizza on the flavors and its traditional style. The flavors were robust. The cheese wasn’t overpowering, it blended well with the sauce. It wasn’t greasy and the crust was crispy. It was true to its roots. I can appreciate that. Rigatoni in cream sauce (10/10) - this wasn’t on the menu I inquired about just having a noodle in a cream sauce. It’s my favorite way to evaluate the quality of noodles. This did not disappoint. The noodles were made in house and cooked perfectly al dente. The cream sauce was thick and striking. Rigatoni (8.5/10) - the sauce was creamy with a pronounced truffle flavor. The noodles were made perfectly al dente."

"Felt like entering a haven of elegance; the clean and classy environment set the tone perfectly. The fried pizza was a revelation—crispy, with a unique mouthfeel that left my taste buds dancing. The mushroom risotto was a symphony of savory flavors. But the real star of the show was the lasagna—it surpassed any homemade version I've ever tasted, a true culinary masterpiece that made me nostalgic for an Italian grandma's touch. While the food was exceptional, the service was decent, ensuring our dining experience remained enjoyable. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, allowing us to savor every moment of our meal. Overall, this restaurant is a gastronomic delight, a place where every bite is an adventure and where the charm of the ambiance complements the excellence of the cuisine. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable Italian dining experience!"

"We had a great meal at Il Forno. Chef Egi and the staff provide an authentic, Italian meal in a casual, inviting atmosphere. Everything we ordered was delicious and we ate every bite. Make sure you save room for panna cotta and tiramisu for dessert!"

"AMAZING!!! Book this place for your next dinner now. The best, most authentic Italian food in Nashville! We visited Il Forno on a Saturday after a friend recommended it. We made reservations the day before. My friend said it was his Italian friend’s favorite Italian restaurant in Nashville. We were blown away. The food surpassed all expectations. Check out the drool worthy photos! We sat near the kitchen and met the owner, who is from Naples, Italy. We had an amazing experience!"