Forno Osteria+Bar

Italian restaurant · Mount Lookout

Forno Osteria+Bar

Italian restaurant · Mount Lookout

1

3514 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208

Photos

Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null
Forno Osteria+Bar by null

Highlights

Rustic Italian entrees, pizza, wine & craft cocktails with amazing flavor  

Placeholder
Placeholder

3514 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208 Get directions

fornoosteriabar.com
@fornoosteriabar

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

3514 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208 Get directions

+1 513 818 8720
fornoosteriabar.com
@fornoosteriabar

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Aug 27, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@postcardnews

Chef Cristian Pietoso’s neighborhood osteria leans into wood‑fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a savvy Italian wine list. Cincinnati Magazine highlighted its convivial energy and refined cooking.

https://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/dining-reviews/forno-osteria-bar-amps-up-east-hyde-park/
Italian Restaurants in Cincinnati (2025)
View Postcard for Forno Osteria+Bar

Jaquee K

Google
We walked into Forno on a Monday night, and the place was packed. We grabbed two seats at the bar not planned, but perfect. The kitchen was in full swing, and we had front-row seats. We started with the octopus appetizer, and it didn’t just look good it delivered. Charred just enough to form that crisp edge, but tender inside with no hint of chewiness. That’s not luck that’s timing. It was paired with golden potatoes and a warm pasta style sauce underneath not your usual combo, but it worked beautifully. Nothing tried to outshine the octopus; everything was there to support it. We also had the pasta trio, a fun little bonus from the evening’s specials. It offered three different shapes, sauces, and textures to explore, making it a relaxed way to share and try a few things. But the octopus? That was the star. The kind of dish where you pause after the first bite, look at your friend, and say, “This is really good.”

James Clinkenbeard

Google
Hitting the "F" on our Alphabetical Couples Dinner list. Recommended by my son. Came in from the rear entrance where we found a few parking spaces. All staff very friendly. Had reservations. Greeted by manager who stopped by the table later. Mattie was an excellent server who provided answers to all questions on the menu. Appetizers and entrees were exceptional. Prosciutto and melon and the cauliflower were great choices. The veal meatballs are a must to add on the pasta dishes. The pizza was special and so fresh. We were told the chef makes about eighty per night. Packed on a Saturday evening as well as outdoor front seating. Will be returning soon.

Matt Esche

Google
Truly an outstanding meal. - Goat cheese and honey to start, was tasty - braised short rib was outstanding and the potatoes that came with, tasty! - spinach infused lasagna is worth the travel, not to heavy at all - the wine was paired perfectly - the Tiramasu was something, no words can describe. I've never had better. - Hurradura Anejo tequila Old Fashioned is meant to be enjoyed, well worth it. - Vanessa our server was knowledgeable, entertaining, and honest One hell of a meal! (Reservations though, I would highly recommend)

Kuda Tshililiwa

Google
I had an amazing time here. It was a wonderful time for my pallet. The food and the ambiance intertwined was an amazing experience. The tables are set up in an intimate way and my wife and I even made new friends. Additionally, the staff are warm, friendly, and attentive. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Sherry M

Google
From the appetizers to the main course everything was magnifico!!!! We started with the Forno Veal Meatballs and Burrata with fresh from the brick oven foccocia. The main courses were Spaghettini Arrabiatta, Cavatelli Al Tartufo, Rosemary Pappardelle Cinghiale and Basil Genovese Pesto Agnolotti. Amazing!!! And we added a side of Roman Style Artichokes. We complimented the meal with Moscato and and Aperol Spritz. But don't forget dessert! Vanilla Bean Brulee with fruit, Tiramisu and a Raspberry Gelato. The atmosphere and open bar where the brick oven is located had an Old World charm with the brown and tan hues. Not a large place, so HIGHLY RECOMMEND making a reservation! Kari was our server and she was top notch. Definitely one of our top 3 Italian restaurants in Cincy ♥️

Taraneh Amoozegar

Google
Forno absolutely blew us away. From the moment we walked in, the service was above and beyond:warm, genuine, and truly made us feel at home. Rob, our waiter, was hands-down the best—attentive, friendly, and made us feel like VIPs the entire night. You can tell the whole team takes pride in not just the food, but the entire experience. Every staff member went out of their way to make us feel appreciated, and it honestly felt like we were being welcomed into someone’s home rather than a restaurant. And the food? Unreal. Every bite was packed with flavor, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. You could taste the care and skill in every dish. The combination of incredible service and absolutely insane food made this one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.

Severin Espinosa

Google
I finally found a place in Cincinnati that meets European pizza standards! This is the best pizza in the city, and trust me, I've tried many. The crust isn't greasy, they use real cheese, and the pizzas are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven with quality flour. If you're craving that authentic Italian or French pizza experience, this place is a must-visit! The food prices are fair, and they have a great wine selection. Desserts are delicious but a bit pricey, and on the smaller side, that's my only complaint.

Holland Howe

Google
We came here for Christmas Eve dinner last night and were absolutely blown away! We were worried about sitting at the bar because we were unable to get a table, but it turned out to be so fun watching the chefs and seeing how they cook such amazing dishes. The restaurant is so cute and cozy and perfect for the winter time, especially if you sit at the bar and have the pizza oven so close by! The food was AMAZING!! We tried a few appetizers to begin with(unpictured) including the veal meatballs, burrata, and bakery bread basket, all of which were so delicious and gone within 10 minutes. The burrata was hands down the favorite, very soft and pairs nicely with the house focaccia. For our entrees, we tried two of the sausage and caramelized onion pizzas, the cavatelli cooked in truffle and parmesan cream, and atlantic cod (unpictured). For the amount of food we ordered, we left with only a few slices of pizza. Everything tasted amazing and was cooked to perfection!! We were all in heaven! The service was also great, especially for how crowded they were on christmas eve!! The staff was very friendly and welcoming! Overall, we were all so pleased and will definitely be coming back soon!!!
google avatar

Nhi T.

Yelp
Ordered: Bolognese (Bolo Tuesday) Parking: limited parking spaces in front or street parking We went for Bolo Tuesday which was a $15, dine in only special. The special came with a salad, bread and bolognese. The salad was refreshing to start the meal. The bolognese portion was surprisingly large enough to either share/have leftover for lunch. We sat at the bar so it was fun to watch them prep and add freshly grated Parmesan on top. The bolognese sauce was chunkier than most places but still very well seasoned. The service was wonderful- our server constantly checked in on us! For that price, it was a great quality meal, you can't beat it!
google avatar

Sandra F.

Yelp
I've been wanting to dine here for the longest time. I'm a sucker for Italian food. Finally on a Saturday night my Mr and I got lucky and was seated at the bar. Happen to have an open seat. Great timing. FYI, reservations for both the bar or table is recommended because they get super busy. Even to go orders were slamming. The inside is small but I love the ambiance and very laid back. Love the simple rustic decor in this restaurant. Menu is simple. Appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts and of course their specialty (best seller) is their pizza. They do have beers on tap, bottle, specialty cocktails and wine. I loved that we sat at the bar. I love watching how they prepare the food. Especially the pizzas in the brick oven. We ordered: Drinks: Vigneti Del Sole Montepulciano (red wine) D'Abruzzo rosso (Red wine) Peroni draft Dinner: Prosciutto cotto e Mais pizza Asparagus gnudi Cacio e Pepe It wasn't long. We got our food in 15 minutes. Loved the pizza. The crust was super fresh and ingredients went well together. My meal was amazing. I wish that I could have more. Our server was Alexis. She was super friendly and attentive. We even got to chat with the manager, Paul. Very down to earth. We are definitely fans and I can't wait to come back and try other items on the menu. Plus it's hard to pass up Italian food.
google avatar

Ed P.

Yelp
I have no idea why it took me so long to give Forno Osteria & Bar a try. I guess I don't get down to East Hyde Park very often, even though it's only barely over a mile from home. It will definitely not be long before a return visit. Be sure to book an online reservation before going. We did and were treated to an outdoor table of our choice. To start my wife and I split the arugula salad with golden raisins, capers, shaved cauliflower, pistachios, citronette dressing, and parmigiano reggiano ($13). The serving was very generous and the salad was full of flavor. I loved the crunch of the pistachios and cauliflower. I ordered the basil and ricotta tortelloni served with pomodoro sauce, parigiano reggiano, and basil oil ($25). The freshly made pasta is stuffed full and cooked perfectly. The sauce was rich to complement the subtle flavor of ricotta. My wife ordered the asparagus gnudi "Cacio e Pepe" ($21). Gnudi is similar to gnocchi, but the dumplings are made of ricotta cheese and semolina instead of potato flour. These were very light and served in a Vermont butter sauce with asparagus. It was a very flavorful dish, despite the simple presentation. I think I enjoyed the tortelloni better, but both are worthy of ordering again on a future visit.
google avatar

Glenn C.

Yelp
Very good food. The restaurant has a limited menu due to the small size of the kitchen. The restaurant is small and the tables are close together. Service was very good. Their specialty is wood fired pizza at 900 degrees. The alternative is one of several Northern Italy meals. My son and I each had the Veal Scaloppini with lemon. It was very good and came with roasted broccolini. My wife ordered the Swordfish. It was a smaller piece and an interesting accompaniment that I can't describe except that it had small round objects. I would have liked a pasta dish with the main entrée. My wife and I shared a pasta dish with some beef and veal. It was OK at best. My son ordered a pasta dish that he liked. I have pictures of all. Starting off our meal we had veal/beef meatballs in a nice sauce and a basket of bread. Unusual to have to buy bread and it was hard and filling. The Caesar salad was large and very good. For dessert the tiramisu was unusual and served in a cup. It had too much cream. We also order the biscotti crushed cookies with white chocolate and ice cream It was pretty good. They have cocktail options. I ordered a glass of wine. It was a short pour in a giant glass. Definitely disappointing. Wine bottles are 3x cost in a store which is a little steep.
google avatar

Josh W.

Yelp
My lady had been wanting to come here for a while, and since they participated in Cincinnati Pizza Week, we had a perfect excuse to do so. Their offerings for the week both looked great, especially the prosciutto cotto e mais pizza, which really caught my eye as a must-try. Definitely glad we did too! We stopped by on a Saturday evening and the place was pretty busy. We lucked up and scored two seats at the bar but we'll certainly make reservations next time. The decor is rustic and very laid back. The kitchen area is very open, especially around the brick oven, where they cook all their delicious pizzas and more. The menu is loaded with lots of authentic Italian goodness. Their libations menu has lots to offer as well with lots of wine options, specialty mixed drinks, and a beer selection. The staff are all super friendly and attentive. Our server, Alexis, was fantastic. My lady and I started out with a glass of rosso and a glass of Peroni on draft. Of course, we had to try the prosciutto cotto e mais pizza. We also ordered the asparagus gnudi cacio e pepe. Even though they were very busy, we didn't wait long at all before everything was ready, and it was all amazing. Plus it was cool to watch all the pizzas being made while we sat there at the bar. I'd recommend anyone going there for the first time to request a spot there to watch the magic happen. I think we'll try to sit there again next time and there WILL be a next time. Truly a great Italian spot and one we'll absolutely visit again. Maybe next time, we'll remember to save room for dessert, because their dessert menu looked great too.
google avatar

Holland H.

Yelp
We came here for Christmas Eve dinner last night and were absolutely blown away! We were worried about sitting at the bar because we were unable to get a table, but it turned out to be so fun watching the chefs and seeing how they cook such amazing dishes. The restaurant is so cute and cozy and perfect for the winter time, especially if you sit at the bar and have the pizza oven so close by! The food was AMAZING!! We tried a few appetizers to begin with(unpictured) including the veal meatballs, burrata, and bakery bread basket, all of which were so delicious and gone within 10 minutes. The burrata was hands down the favorite, very soft and pairs nicely with the house focaccia. For our entrees, we tried two of the sausage and caramelized onion pizzas, the cavatelli cooked in truffle and parmesan cream, and atlantic cod (unpictured). For the amount of food we ordered, we left with only a few slices of pizza. Everything tasted amazing and was cooked to perfection!! We were all in heaven! The service was also great, especially for how crowded they were on christmas eve!! The staff was very friendly and welcoming! Overall, we were all so pleased and will definitely be coming back soon!!!
google avatar

Erin F.

Yelp
I chose Forno to visit for my birthday dinner and it was a great choice! I love pasta and their Italian food is very flavorful and accessible. The menu was adaptable (could sub GF pasta, etc) but the vegetarian options were a bit more limited than other places, most dishes had at least 1 meat in them, and there were only 2 vegetarian pastas (red sauce and Cacio e Pepe) so I was hoping for a more robust option there. However, we ended up ordering some dishes that I wouldn't have been drawn to at first glance and they were delicious!! We had the zucchini blossom appetizer that was unique and so satisfying. I'd recommend it. The other fried items on the plate were just ok (cauliflower and onion rings) but the stuffed zucchini blossoms were so good that it made the whole dish! We liked them so much that we ordered the zucchini blossom pizza. Again, it was unlike anything I've ordered elsewhere and very delicious! We also split the risotto entree and it was very satisfying as a vegetarian option with straticella and basil pesto on top. We also got the Allez bread basket which was very enjoyable! My husband remarked that he felt more full than usual after this meal and we took leftovers. We didn't order dessert because we were full but while we were paying the check, our waitress brought us complimentary tiramisu to go for my birthday! It was so sweet and she was enthusiastic and so helpful the whole time. The tiramisu was delicious when I had it later, better than a typical tiramisu and I don't even love that dessert to start! I was impressed and would order it again- another thing I didn't expect! Overall, I already want to go back and try more because everything surprised me in a positive way.
google avatar

Kim S.

Yelp
What a pleasant evening out! This place has the feel of a neighborhood spot, but without that feeling that if you're not a regular, you don't fit in. It has a comfortable, warm vibe. For a smaller place, I half expected it to get really loud but it didn't and the tables were spaced far enough apart that you didn't feel like you were part of your neighbors conversation. Our server was attentive but also gave us our space. When I was ordering a cocktail, I asked if the Tequila Honey Bee was sweet because I like my drinks on the sweeter side. She said not necessarily but she could just ask the bartender to make it a little sweeter. Later my husband ordered the same drink but asked for it not to be as sweet. I thought that was very accommodating and now wonder why other places don't do that? We ordered two appetizers for the table: the Goat Cheese and Honey Bruschetta, which was simple but good and the Burrata with Housemade Focaccia, which was very tasty as well. Our group of four got three pasta dishes (TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE, GARGANELLI AL TARTUFO, and AGNOLOTTI BUTTERNUT SQUASH) and an entree (BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB). We all enjoyed our meals greatly, but agreed that the short ribs were the winner of the night.
google avatar

Whitney V.

Yelp
This restaurant was a good place for date night. They had really good food and mostly had the seating ready for tables of 2 or 4. There were a few tables with bigger groups but I didn't think it was too noisy. I had a really flavorful glass of wine with the pork chop. It wasn't the recommended wine to go with it, but was really good nonetheless. To finish dinner we shared the crème brûlée which had amazing cream but the sugar on top was slightly over burned. The berries were an amazing addition. The waiter came at all the right times where he wasn't too pushy or not around at all. He was super pleasant. I appreciated the service and attention as everyone was nice.
google avatar

Noah C.

Yelp
Doesn't get talked about enough as one of the best Italian spots in the city. Love the atmosphere of this location and the food always delivers. Highly recommend the arancini as an appetizer and bolognese for entree.
google avatar

Liz F.

Yelp
Went here on a cold wintry Friday night. It was so nice and cozy inside!! We had some nice little cocktails first. I had a Negroni which was good if you like Negronis. My husband had a Manhattan which he loved. My gnocchi was to die for. And the eggplant parm was also SO GOOD. We had a good Chianti as well. That always reminds me of college lol. The tirimasu was divine. I'll be back!!
google avatar

Scott N.

Yelp
This was our first time at Forno Osteria + Bar. We'd never been to any previous permutations so I'm not able to make comparisons. That said, the place had a comfortable, upscale feel. The only issue I noticed was the music was a bit loud. Our waitress was pleasant and helpful. She did everything we needed and never hovered. Mark and I were there with my aunt and uncle. I think everyone enjoyed their meals, but I can say with certainty I enjoyed mine. I made a meal of one of the appetizers and some soup. I started with the Octopus, which is something I always order when I find it on a menu. The octopus at Forno is quite good. The additional ingredients, fingerling potatoes, arugula pesto and Calabrian vinaigrette, added up to delicious bites, every one. Keep in mind this was my 'diner' and.. it was so good when others at the table asked for a taste I simply said, "No!" I'm not really selfish, but I was NOT sharing this dish. It was ALL mine! I'd order it again in a heartbeat. I also ordered the Fresh Artichoke Soup, which again was out of this world. Dessert, Basil Pannacotta with blueberry compote, was beautiful and delicious! The Forno gang also found someone to take a picture of the four of us outside the restaurant. We felt special and the food was fantastic. We should definitely go back.
google avatar

ben s.

Yelp
I love this place. It's got a great vibe. Food is on point. Its always busy, but never packed. The staff is always willing to please. Go for a swanky date night. Or go low key and grab a pizza. During the summer months there is a great front patio that begs you to drink bottles of wine on it. I recommend to make reservations if you are 4 or more. Parties of 2-3 can usually find a spot at the bar. Go, you'll love it!
google avatar

Kaitlyn S.

Yelp
I just ate here last night and I already want to go back and get more! The Margherita pizza was fantastic, as well as the cocktails. I got the Strawberry basil Sangria and the Limencello Spritz - both very good and refreshing. We sat at the pizza bar which was perfect for two people. The inside is cute and cozy and it has an overall nice vibe to it. Lastly, our service was great. They were quick and friendly... definitely can't wait to go back.
google avatar

Paige G.

Yelp
Valentines Day dinner... they offered a selected menu. We both had arugula salads & beef short ribs. Food was delicious, service was amazing & the vibe was vibing! We will be back
google avatar

Brian S.

Yelp
Glad to finally update this review. We had a pizza and salad at the bar and it was amazing. Because it was pizza week, we tried the prosciutto pizza that had corn on it. Never would have tried it on a regular night but so glad we did! So delicious and the bar by the pizza oven was a great experience. We will be back!
google avatar

S.S.

Yelp
Come here so often because they have the best bolognese in the city! Wine selection is pretty nice too
google avatar

Kudakwashe T.

Yelp
I had an absolutely wonderful time. I felt like I was in Tuscany. It was not just an amazing experience for my pallet, but a cultural experience. The food and the ambience intertwined was an amazing experience I can't compare to another. The tables are set up in an intimate way and my wife and I even made new friends. Additionally, the staff were warm, friendly, and attentive. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
google avatar

Anthony W.

Yelp
This was a tough rating and a somewhat disappointing end result. The service and hosts are fantastic. The flavors wonderful. The cocktails well made and the price point reasonable. My issue was everything came out of the kitchen a little off. If you're producing this level of quality then there's no reason for the meatball appetizer to be room temperature, the risotto crunchy and clearly not cooked through, and the veal covered in so much flour it was gummy. It's as it everything was made and just be served not to order but when ordered. The eggplant parm was the only item that came out hot and hit all the notes. Wonderful place and maybe an off night in the kitchen. Would love to rank higher but the inconsistency in production is unacceptable.
google avatar

Dan S.

Yelp
Great meal in a relaxed feeling place. The atmosphere was fun and lively, you just feel like a regular from stepping in the door 'til leaving. They have a nice wine selection and interesting mescal cocktail which is surprising for an Italian place. We had a couple appetizers and everything was very tasty. Now we want to try the other location but will absolutely be back to this location of Forno as well!

Derek H.

Yelp
Great food and service. Highly recommend. All food options were very good. Perfect local option for Italian
google avatar

Trang L.

Yelp
It's pretty rare that I give 5 stars, but this really deserved it. My husband and I came here for dinner for our anniversary via reservation and we have a fantastic time. The vibe was really chill and they played nice 90s throwback which I love. The service was great and our server was amazing! Here is what we ordered... Octopus - This was REALLY good, especially for those who enjoy seafood. The octopus was tender and cooked perfectly and it was paired very well with the potatoes with the perfect combination of the pesto and Calabrian vinaigrette. Spaghettini Arrabbiata w/ Meatball - This was so good and super saucy which I LOVE. The portion for this dish was quite massive to be honest lol, but no complaints here. The marinara was fresh and very citrus-ee - it was refreshing! Gnocchi - This dish here was very rich in flavor. I was actually very surprised how rich this was, but it was so good! The leek-parmigiano fondue was so good and paired very well with the speck. Wild Mushroom & Mascarpone Risotto- This was a side dish we ordered that I wanted to try out because I love mushroom and risotto. And this dish DID NOT disappoint - literally this dish was so divine. This was probably my favorite - literally SO GOOD and I feel like I could have ordered another one lol. Lastly - We were celebrating our anniversary and our server gave us not one but two complimentary dessert which was amazing! We honestly didn't expect this given the "times" ya know, but they was so sweet of the restaurant. Definitely will be coming back here for sure because it was just a perfect experience.
google avatar

Sandra P.

Yelp
Our party of four had a reservation for 6:15 on a Friday night on the patio. It was a gorgeous evening and their patio was comfortable (not too big; maybe 6 tables). Our server was attentive and took good care of us. We ordered the bruschetta sampler, which was very good. I ordered the margarita pizza and wished it was a bit more done; it was kind of soggy in the middle, but the flavor was good. Our friends ordered the pasta bolognese and said it was very good. Ordered tiramisu for dessert. It was on the small side, and tasted okay. Overall I think the atmosphere is great, the service attentive, and the food is good. Maybe a bit on the pricy side.
google avatar

Ashley F.

Yelp
Came here for a team dinner and was happy to learn there were gluten free pasta options avaialble! It's a beautiful restaurant and has a neighborly vibe. I chose the pesto pasta, which was bright in color but lacked the basil punch I love. I also got to try the octopus, eggplant parm, and tiramisu. Everything I tried was delicious. Service was phenomenal, although we were at a long table and the wait staff sat a couple right beside us on the end... we made new friends so it wasnt so bad! Delicious italian. The end.

Lauren P.

Yelp
Wonderful food, great ambience! We sat at the pizza bar so we got to watch the food being made. Both pasta dishes were phenomenal, as well as the burrata appetizer and tiramisu. Hope to be back soon!

Bob R.

Yelp
We love Forno's! BUT...at last night's dinner (4/24/25) the waiter opened our bottle of wine then proceeded to put the cork under his nose, smelled it, then placed it on our table! Not exactly wine cork etiquette! Now I could really care less about smelling the cork. But if someone is going to smell it it should be the customer. It was rather gross!
google avatar

Shruthi S.

Yelp
Finally snagged reservations here! Tons of people but that just made the atmosphere even better! That said you definitely need reservations here especially if it's a party of 4 or more. For starters we opted for the Arancini - deep fried risotto balls coated with a crispy coating on a bed of sauce. The flavor of the Arancini on its own was pretty good - though the the inside temperature was kind of luke warm and cheese wasn't fully melted despite the outside being piping hot. The Prosciutto e Funghi was good - light sauce, crispy crust. But not as impressive as the Tagliatelle Bolognese. The sauce was so delicious and the homemade pasta perfect. If I were to come back this is what it will be reason. Everyone talks highly of the pizza but the pasta was the real highlight of the night!
google avatar

Eileen B.

Yelp
Went here for dinner with some grade school friends It was awesome. We had such a good time catching up they made us move tables we were there for so long. Now let's talk about the food. We got Aracini balls that were cheesy and delicious. I ordered the parmigiana pizza which is like a destructed eggplant Parmesan my favorite. Also ordered gnocchi and margarita pizza and artichokes which is now my favorite. It was a great atmosphere to talk catch up and eat amazing food
google avatar

Elle M.

Yelp
Recently tried Forno for the first time with some girlfriends - we made a reservation for bolognese Tuesday, and thank goodness we did because it was packed!! They do have a gluten free menu!! I upgraded to the carpaccio salad + the traditional bolognese. Salad was delicious; gluten free pasta was just ok, but the beef and veal meat sauce was very good. My friends enjoyed their gnocchi and cod dishes as well. Food came out a little slower since they were so busy, but our server was lovely and kept the wine flowing while we waited! Warning: parking is very limited... be prepared to circle a few times and/ or walk a block or two.
google avatar

Tyler B.

Yelp
If you are in the mood for Italian, say hello to your new favorite spot. Every time I come here I leave satisfied. The pizzas are perfect, the bolognese is bussin, the gnocchi is great. Can't complain about the cocktails either. The staff is always friendly. It can get crowded here especially on Bolognese Tuesday - $15 for a plate, a salad, and a piece of bread. For a Middle-Tier Italian Restaurant this place has average portions for a slightly elevated price but the food is well worth it. I'll be back

Terri W.

Yelp
Had dinner last night at the bar. Ordered the burrata, it was delicious except the focaccia was so salty you couldn't eat it. I ordered the bolognese, there were puddles of oil in my dish, horrible. Not creamy as usual. My husbands Cavatelli Al Tartufo was perfect. Our server told us the chef was new so keep this in mind. Disappointing.

Heathet J.

Yelp
Oh wow..... Forno never disappoints. Wine was perfect, swordfish was perfect and service was perfect.

Eric N.

Yelp
Forno is the best Pizza, and so much more, artichoke, Octopussy and new pasta handmade unbelievable. Waiters are so on the spot, need training though about not cutting conversation, and be polite to wait, particularly when it is about talking about their life! Great though but be respectful!

Rico I.

Yelp
Simply fantastic food and great service.....Staff is friendly and fun. Don't miss this spot as you won't be disappointed.....
google avatar

Susan L.

Yelp
First time visiting Forno in Cincinnati. Restaurant was extremely busy and our server was overwhelmed which is the only reason for 4 stars vs. 5 stars. All meals were well presented and everyone in our party was happy with their choices. Ordered a side of Fettuccine Alfredo and was given a side of Alfredo sauce. By the time the correction was made, we were mostly finished with dinner, but we weren't charged for the side. Would definitely consider coming back.
google avatar

Matt S.

Yelp
I have never had a bad meal here. The service is always friendly, the food is fresh and delicious, and the restaurant is intimate with tables close together around the pizza bar. Whether it's date night or a night out with friends, forno does not disappoint. Highly recommend: -The breads -The Bone-In Pork Chop -The two specialty pizzas (both are amazing) Parmigiana and Salsiccia -The Bolognese Helpful to know: There is a special for the Bolognese on Tuesdays (salad, bolognese, and fresh bread). The wine list is well rounded.

Angela Y.

Yelp
We sat the bar. Service was great! Will go again for sure:) so many good items on the menu to try.
google avatar

Megan C.

Yelp
I will be dreaming about this meal! This was one of the best Italian meals I have had and I cannot wait to return. I started out with an aperol spritz and a Caesar salad. I split the salad and they brought it out on two plates for easy splitting. Both the drink and the salad were great. For my entree I ordered the bolognese- and it was the star of the show! I'm not normally someone who would ever order bolognese but seeing the Yelp reviews and the recommendations of my friends who I came with I decided to try it. I am so glad I ordered this dish! The pasta was excellent and the meat and sauce were full of delicious flavor. We added a meatball to the dish and the meatball was a little small but sooo good. We also got a sausage pizza and it was so so good too. The service and food were both a 10/10- highly recommend.
google avatar

Kari D.

Yelp
Love this spot! Small, intimate space, but it works for the location. Pizza, Caesar salad, meatballs, espressos, pastas, legit everything is great. I'd suggest making a reservation on weekends but you can always try to get lucky with a seat at the bar during the week. Parking is also luck of the draw. Expect street parking with a short walk.
google avatar

Peg R.

Yelp
For many years this was my neighborhood spot, great food and service. However, in the past year I have noticed a change in the attitude, reservations required for the bar, and even when calling ahead, on the way, no flexibility . Not the "Christian" (owner) Italian Nicolas kind of experience any longer. Too bad. We ordered carry out weekly during the pandemic and always tip the terrific servers well and in cash.

Earl G.

Yelp
A hidden gem located in Hyde Park. Excellent service as always. Food is delicious and meticulously crafted. Good ambiance especially if it's a beautiful day and dine on patio.
google avatar

Dawn D.

Yelp
Had an excellent family dinner here last night. Things started off shaky as our toddler son knocked wine glasses off the table . The staff handled the incident with grace and in a stroke of genius gave our 2 year old son some dough to play with. After that things returned to normal and we savored the Tagliatelle Bolognese, Asparagus Gnudi "Cacio e Pepe" and other dishes choosing to share the dishes family style so we could all sample everything. I loved the Eggplant Parm and Bolognese dishes but everything was delicious. Maybe a little more cheese on the Margarita pizza but no other suggestions. Highly recommend.

Donna D.

Yelp
One time visit was enough for me. Was looking forward to the bread as the reviews all raved about the bread. First they charge for a small basket of bread, only serve with olive oil with no seasoning and had to ask for butter. On top of it, the outside of the bread was burnt therefore half of it was wasted. Asked for water - received room temperature tap water. Didn't realize you would have to ask for ice. Menu had very few vegetarian options. The pasta I ordered was chewy. Took 4 bites and was finished. The couple we went with previously enjoyed their first visit. They ordered the bolognese special. Indicated it didn't have much flavor as their previous visit. She said she would not order again. Not a place I would ever return.
google avatar

Torrie S.

Yelp
This was our first experience at Forno and we had Julia as our server. We made a reservation for my boyfriend's birthday, and upon being seated Julia welcomed us warmly, and offered us on the house birthday prosecco (which was very good)! From there she inquired whether we had been to Forno before and explained the menu as well as the Tuesday night special. My boyfriend went with the gnocchi and I did the bolo special with the bread appetizer. The starter, salad, and meals were all timed perfectly. The bread was amazing, the garden salad was admittedly a little underwhelming but still good, and the entrees were EXCELLENT. Julia checked on us numerous times to be sure everything was to our liking, then asked if we would like a free birthday dessert. Of course we said yes, and received a basil-blueberry pannacotta which was heavy on the basil but still very good (from someone who loves basil, that is...my boyfriend wasn't super impressed as someone who doesn't care for it). Overall we really enjoyed our first experience here! My only complaint is that the seating is very, very intimate. You're basically knocking elbows with the tables on either side of you, and it didn't feel as if we could have a personal conversation since we were seated so close to everyone else. Otherwise I am a big fan of this place and will return despite the seating arrangements. Additionally I will be requesting Julia again as she did a great job and was very kind and patient while we debated our choices. :)

Michael Z.

Yelp
Solid food and very nice atmosphere. Personally think there are better Italian places around town but you could def do worse
google avatar

Gretchen T.

Yelp
We had a fantastic meal at Forno. Our server was lovely and offered great wine suggestions. We were able to try multiple dishes thanks to the half and half pasta ordering. Prices were very fair considering the high quality of food and service that we experienced. We will definitely return.

Tonia O.

Yelp
Food was ok and it was a bit overpriced. The bolognese was great. The pork chop had too much breading. We also ordered bruschetta which was way overpriced for 4 tiny slices of bread. The Margherita pizza which was soggy on the bottom. The restaurant is on the smaller side. We had a party of 5 but was seated at a table that was meant for 4 people where an extra chair was added to the end of the table to make it fit 5 people. We were so close to other diners, no extra room at all.
google avatar

Shervani P.

Yelp
This place is amazing! The interior feels very Italy and is really cute. They are practicing social distancing with dividers between tables with Italian photos on them, which is a nice touch. The food was delish. We ordered a bread basket with olive oil to start. The bread was good, but I wish the olive oil had some seasoning in it. We also ordered a half carafe of their house red wine, which was good and for a good price. For dinner we split the gnocchi and a half and half pizza with the sausage and onion pizza on one half and the eggplant pizza on the other. The gnocchi was my fave! I was a little disappointed how quickly the pizza became soggy, but it was still tasty. Next time I'll definitely have to order a dessert! Definitely recommend trying this place out if you're looking for good Italian food!

Pamela L.

Yelp
Everything about this restaurant was fabulous! Our server-Ellen let us take as much time as we needed, it was our first time there. She gave us good suggestions & didn't rush us . All of our food choices were excellent-we enjoyed everything thoroughly. Looking forward to going back!