This upscale spot in downtown Providence serves delightful grilled pizzas, fresh pasta, and wood-fired specialties, all with a local twist and stunning river views.
"Perhaps no Rhode Island restaurant is as beloved as Al Forno, opened by chef Johanne Killeen and her late husband chef George Germon in 1980. From the menu to the decor, it’s a study in rustic Italian elegance. You can’t go wrong with the grilled pizza, which the couple is widely credited with inventing (it helped earn them a James Beard Award in 1993), though the bubbly baked pasta with tomato, cream, and five cheeses is also worth an order. For something sweet try the made-to-order fruit tarts. Since the pandemic, takeout and reservations for parties under six people have become available." - Erika Adams, Jenna Pelletier
"Upscale dining institution Al Forno is credited with inventing the grilled pizza. Developed by owners, chefs, and spouses Johanne Killeen and George Germon, the Providence restaurant’s trendsetting pie is served alongside a menu of coveted baked pastas and steaks. The pizza margarita starts with a high-gluten, quick-proofed dough lightly coated in oil and hand-pressed in preparation for the wrought-iron grill. After the raw dough is pre-grilled, it’s topped with a three-cheese blend, San Marzano tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil in a cooking process that takes only a few minutes. Once off the heat, the asymmetrical pizza is finished with fresh herbs — basil, parsley, and Al Forno’s signature thin strips of scallion." - Adam H. Callaghan
"Al Forno is a restaurant in Providence known for its dish of roasted clams with white wine and bold arrabbiata sauce and is famously known as Providence’s inventor of grilled pizza." - Adam H. Callaghan
"This waterfront institution is renowned for its grilled pizza, which makes sense, since the owners arguably invented it back in the ’80s. It also happens to be one of Ina Garten’s favorite restaurants, which for us, is reason enough to have a meal here. Unsurprisingly, Ina knows what she’s talking about: while any pizza on the menu is a good choice, go with the pepperoni-topped version that’s crispy, slightly charred, and also comes topped with scallions. Sip a glass of red, and try not to get any sauce on the white tablecloths." - grace kelly
"This waterfront institution is renowned for its grilled pizza, which makes sense, since the owners arguably invented it back in the ’80s. It also happens to be one of Ina Garten’s favorite restaurants, which for us is reason enough to have a meal here. Unsurprisingly, Ina knows what she’s talking about: while any pizza on the menu is a good choice, go with the pepperoni-topped version that’s crispy, slightly charred, and also comes topped with scallions. Order a side of grilled bruschetta with buffalo mozzarella, a glass of red, and try not to get any sauce on the white tablecloths." - Grace Kelly
