Venue Image

Hours

Closed Sun.-Mon.
Tue.-Fri. 5-10PM
Sat. 4-10PM

Cross Street

Wickenden Street

Parking

Free lot

Pricing

High ($$$)

Alforno Restaurant   

577 S Main St
Providence, RI, 2903
401-273-9760
www.alforno.com

Rating: 3 out of 5  (22 Ratings)   Read Reviews (22)    Rate and Write a Review

One of the restaurants that emerged during Providence's late-1990s renaissance, Al Forno is a must-visit place for both tourists and natives. Be prepared to wait for a table, as this popular spot takes no reservations. Thankfully, there are two bars -- one on an outdoor patio -- where you can quench your thirst while you wait. The menu changes with the weather; you'll find light, lemony risottos in the summer and hearty pumpkin gnocchi in the winter. Herb-encrusted chicken is cooked beneath a brick and savory lamb chops are roasted over an open fire. But the stars of the Al Forno culinary lineup are the thin pizzas, cooked to a crisp in the wood-burning oven. Best topped with hot oil and tons of cilantro, this pizza may ruin you for all others. Finish your experience with a warm, crumbly fruit tart, but make sure to order it with your meal. -- Kristina Arvanitis

User Ratings and Reviews Rate and Write a Review

22 Ratings and Reviews

Order by: Oldest | Newest
user image
Review rating 5 out of 5
Alforno
By kstamour on 12/13/2007
Unquestionably the very best informal Italian restuarant in the northeast. A little tough getting a table, but well worth the wait.
user image
Review rating 5 out of 5
Great for any Occassion
By wjanikies on 02/22/2007
The Food is always great. The margarittas are the best. Alforno can be upscale or it can be casual, depending on your mood.
user image
Review rating 2 out of 5
Simply average...
By rolexkosmo on 03/27/2005
Not great, not terrible. I took my wife here for her birthday, and maybe based on other reviews I expected it to be a fantastic experience. The appetizers were ok, but overpriced. They refused to cook my steak medium, stating that in their 25 years they have never cooked a steak past medium rare. My steak was closer to rare than medium rare. There was an impressive dessert list, and the pineapple upside down cake was very good and made to order. The double chocolate cake was seemed pre-made and not made to order, as it was cold and sliced from what appeared to be a a bundt cake. The description sounded more appealing than what it was, a basic flourless chocolate cake...been there done that before. The decor was average, the service was reasonable but I've had better. I guess I walked away feeling that there are far better restaurants for the same amount of money or a bit more. In the end I wish I had taken my wife someplace else for her birthday. I really can't imagine where the other reviewers normally eat that they were so impressed.
jfj52
Review rating 5 out of 5
Bartenders are great!
By jfj52 on 02/23/2005
Don't wait to be seated in the dining room! Sidle up to the bar, where the barkeeps are helpful and courteous. Try to sit at Carol's bar, upstairs or down. She is bright, witty and very knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. A budding concierge!