Al Forno Lebanese Grill - UTC — Restaurant in Sarasota

Title: A Heavenly Mediterranean Delight!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review:

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Al Forno Mediterranean Restaurant, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warmth and a delightful aroma that instantly awakened my taste buds. Al Forno truly exceeded my expectations in every way possible.

Let's start with the star of the show: the Beef Shawarma. Oh my, where do I even begin? The tender, succulent slices of marinated beef were perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavors that danced on my palate. Each bite was a harmonious symphony of spices, and I found myself savoring every single morsel. It was evident that the chefs at Al Forno pay incredible attention to detail, ensuring that every ingredient was of the highest quality.

And let's not forget about the Forno Fries! These crispy golden beauties took the humble french fry to a whole new level. Cooked to perfection, they were seasoned with a tantalizing blend of spices that elevated their taste to heavenly heights. The fries were served piping hot and remained delightfully crispy on the outside while maintaining a fluffy interior. I couldn't help but devour them all, as they were the ideal complement to the shawarma.

Beyond the food, the ambiance of Al Forno added to the overall experience. The restaurant's Mediterranean-inspired decor, with its warm colors and inviting atmosphere, created a cozy and relaxing environment. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and displayed a genuine passion for their craft. They were more than happy to recommend dishes and ensure that I had an exceptional dining experience.

In conclusion, Al Forno Mediterranean Restaurant is an absolute gem. The Beef Shawarma is a must-try for any meat lover, and the Forno Fries are a true delight. The combination of delectable flavors and impeccable service make this restaurant a standout in the culinary world. Whether you're looking for a memorable meal or simply want to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at its finest, Al Forno should be at the top of your list. I cannot wait to return and explore more of their enticing...

Al Forno delivers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience, distinguished by its impeccable quality and vibrant flavors. As a discerning falafel enthusiast, I often find myself underwhelmed—roughly 80% of my falafel encounters fall short. Yet, Al Forno’s falafel was a revelation: impeccably crafted, with a golden, crisp exterior yielding to a moist, flavorful interior that defied the dryness so common elsewhere. This alone sets the restaurant apart. My selection, the dinner tawook plate, was a masterclass in balance and execution. Comprising succulent chicken skewers, fragrant rice, two appetizers, and a sauce, the dish showcased culinary finesse. The chicken, grilled to perfection, was tender, juicy, and bursting with robust, well-seasoned flavor—a testament to Al Forno’s commitment to using only fresh, never-frozen meat. The accompanying rice was a harmonious foundation, neither dry nor overpowering, allowing the other components to shine. The hummus was a standout, rich with nuanced flavors, while the garlic sauce was nothing short of sublime—its bold, creamy profile compelled me to order an extra portion to savor at home. Note that my photo captures the plate after I began indulging, a testament to my enthusiasm for the meal. To conclude, the baklava was a triumph of texture and taste, delivering a delicate crunch and just the right touch of sweetness to round out the meal. Al Forno is a gem, offering a healthful yet indulgent dining experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. I will undoubtedly return to explore more of their...

I only ever leave honest reviews so take this as you please. First of all I want to say the customer service in there is amazing. Friendly and knowledgeable so thank you. Secondly I tried quite a bit of everything and did takeout so results could have been due to food sitting in box. Knefa - I am Lebanese and that is not knefa it was not good at all I was actually disappointed Chicken shawarma - excellent it was flavorful and moist only criticism I would say is there wasn’t Lebanese pickles in there like advertised those are American pickles but the toom (garlic paste) hit perfectly in the sandwich (I would add the option of putting fries in the sandwich the traditional Lebanese way) and bonus points for toasting the sandwich. Tabouleh was mid nothing crazy Hummus was good Fries were good but soggy and greasy again maybe because it was take out but the seasoning and flavor was A1 Falafel was trash Overall I would only have the shawarma again and on there shawarma deal day because the prices for what you get is crazy overpriced. I paid $42 for everything which is again way over priced but the $18 tip i paid was well deserved to the cashier i hope she got the tip and it isn’t like split because that was for her excellent customer service. If you made it this far and I hope you did al forno is definitely in the top 5 shawarma places i have had in the united states but again this is just if i was purely judging the shawarma come give this place a try they can definitely do...