Al Forno — Restaurant in London

As a seasoned connoisseur of fine dining, I recently embarked on a delightful culinary expedition to Al Forno, an Italian gem nestled in the heart of New Malden. Eager to explore the vibrant culinary landscape of this renowned establishment, I was left awestruck by the marriage of tradition and innovation that permeated every aspect of my dining experience.

Upon stepping through the doors of Al Forno, I was instantly transported to the warm embrace of Italy. The elegant ambiance, adorned with rustic accents and soft lighting, exuded a welcoming charm that set the stage for an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The attentive staff, their passion for hospitality evident in their every gesture, guided me through an evening of unrivaled delight.

The menu, a symphony of authentic Italian flavors, captivated my senses and left me spoilt for choice. The selection boasted a perfect balance of classic favorites and creative interpretations, showcasing the skillful craftsmanship of Al Forno's culinary team. From the very first bite, it was clear that the ingredients were meticulously sourced, ensuring a commitment to freshness and quality.

To embark on my culinary odyssey, I started with the Antipasto Misto, a stunning array of cured meats, marinated vegetables, and artisan cheeses that danced harmoniously on my palate. The bold, distinctive flavors instantly transported me to the sun-soaked landscapes of Italy, evoking memories of a picturesque countryside.

For the primo piatto, I indulged in the homemade Ravioli al Tartufo. The silky pasta envelopes, generously filled with a heavenly truffle-infused ricotta, elicited sighs of pure contentment with each bite. The delicate balance of flavors was a testament to the chef's exceptional mastery of the art of pasta-making, elevating this dish to ethereal heights.

The pièce de résistance, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, proved to be a carnivorous delight. The perfectly grilled, prime-cut T-bone steak, sourced from the finest Italian cattle, showcased a charred exterior giving way to a tender and juicy center. Accompanied by a medley of roasted vegetables and a rich Barolo reduction, this dish was an embodiment of culinary prowess.

As the grand finale, I surrendered to the enchanting temptation of the Torta della Nonna. The velvety smooth custard filling, delicately perfumed with hints of vanilla, nestled within a flaky pastry shell. Each bite was a blissful symphony of textures and flavors, culminating in a harmonious conclusion to this extraordinary culinary voyage.

Al Forno's commitment to excellence extended beyond the culinary artistry. The wine list boasted an impressive selection of Italian wines, expertly curated to complement the diverse range

In summary, Al Forno in New Malden is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines Italian tradition with contemporary innovation. The restaurant's dedication to sourcing exceptional ingredients, coupled with the chef's extraordinary skill, result in a culinary experience that is bound to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning palates. Whether you are a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or a culinary adventurer seeking new heights, Al Forno promises an overwhelming gastronomic journey that is not...

What a horrible experience we had since our last visit in 2021. We have been regular customers for years, and we were really looking forward to come back after since the pandemic. First, service was the worst. We were rushed and not attended enough throughout the evening. We try to order something, and midway through the order, the waitress decides to just leave the table leaving us with outstanding requests. This kept happening during the whole dinner. Second, the tagliolini with truffle were so tasteless and bland, I had to keep adding salt, pepper, chilli olive oil just to get some taste out of it so I can finish my plate. And I am usually not a fussy eater. The pasta itself was undercooked and very doughy/chewy, too. We ordered extra pepperoni on our pizza, and in our opinion, there was no visible difference to the amount of salami put on it. What came out to us is what it would normally would've come out with. Thirdly, I ordered a tiramisu which I was really looking forward to, given all the experinece so far, that this will wash all the bad away. How wrong was I... The tiramisu was nothing short of a small whiskey size glass stuffed with layer of lady fingers and a layer of mascarpone with just a shy amount of sprinkled cocoa on top. Upon looking closely at the so-called tiramisu dessert, I noticed that the lady fingers were so dry and not soaked in coffee at all. I decided that I won't be having this and wished to return it. When we received the bill and after we paid for everything we had but the tiramisu, we were asked by our waiter how our food was. So we though, oh, someone actually cares and wants to know, how nice. Little did we know that no one actually cared, and the only reason we were asked this was so that we can be told by the Manager how wrong we are, how we have no right to complain about the food or the service, how as a goodwill gesture we weren't charged 2 pounds for the extra pepperoni (which on the contrary was on the bill, and we paid for with no objections), how the Manager is sick of customers telling them how Italian food should or should not be, how we have no right to object or say anything negatively about their precious chef's dishes, how we don't understand nothing, etc. In conclusion, and after reading through previous reviews too, I can confidently say that this seems to not have been nor will be the first or last case. There seems to be a clear pattern and common complaints about same thing, but that no one will ever take that constructive feedback away and try to improve. Needless to say after years of supporting this local business, we will no longer be returning. Not just for the terrible food experience, but more so for the horrible customer service we received from...

I had the pleasure of dining at Al Forno for lunch, and I must say it was a delightful culinary experience that left a lasting impression. From the moment we entered the establishment, we were greeted with warm hospitality, setting the stage for an enjoyable meal.

First and foremost, the menu at Al Forno offered a wide array of delectable options that catered to a variety of palates. The pricing was remarkably reasonable, making it accessible to a broad range of diners. It certainly left me eager to return and sample more of their enticing dishes.

The meal commenced with a pleasant start as we were presented with an appetizer of garlic oil that was nothing short of remarkable. The infusion of garlic into the oil provided a delightful burst of flavor that was both aromatic and delicious. It was a memorable beginning to our culinary journey.

Moving on to the beverages, I must emphasize that the coffee at Al Forno was an absolute standout. Its rich and robust flavor profile was a testament to the care and quality put into each cup. It served as a perfect complement to the forthcoming courses.

Now, onto the main course, the pizza we ordered was a true testament to the art of pizza-making. The crust was perfectly crisp, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. What truly elevated this pizza to excellence was the outstanding tomato sauce. Its balance of acidity, sweetness, and depth of flavor was simply exceptional. It showcased a level of culinary craftsmanship that is rare to find.

Another highlight of the meal was the calamari. Cooked to perfection, it was tender and crispy, served with a delectable dipping sauce that enhanced its overall appeal. It was a testament to the kitchen's dedication to maintaining high-quality standards.

However, as with any dining experience, there were minor areas of improvement to be noted. One such aspect was the volume of the music in the restaurant. While a vibrant atmosphere can add to the overall experience, the music was at times excessively loud, making conversation a bit challenging.

In conclusion, our lunch at Al Forno was a delightful culinary journey filled with memorable flavors and impeccable service. The reasonable pricing, exceptional garlic oil, outstanding coffee, and remarkable tomato sauce on the pizza all contributed to an enjoyable dining experience. Although minor adjustments in music volume could enhance the overall ambiance, it is clear that Al Forno has a lot to offer to both local diners and those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. I eagerly look forward to returning to this establishment to explore more of their...