IL Forno Italiano — Restaurant in Newport

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Alia Badr, the wonderful owner of Ill Forno Italiano located at 372 Thames Street in Newport, Rhode Island. This charming establishment has been a staple in the community for five years now, and it's easy to see why.

Their menu boasts an array of delicious specialties, including the mouthwatering lobster pizza, lasagna pizza, mozzarella cheese pizza, mozzarella ground beef pizza, and their heavenly marinara sauce.

I decided to go for a large vegetarian pizza, and to top it off, I indulged in a slice of locally made cheesecake for dessert. To my delight, both surpassed all expectations—they were absolutely divine!

What makes the pizza here stand out is not just the toppings, but the unique dough and the brick-oven cooking method. It truly sets them apart from the rest. And if pizza isn't your thing, fear not—their 12-inch sandwiches, served with crispy French fries, are a crowd favorite. The pasta dishes are equally impressive, with generous portions and flavorful garlic bread on the side.

But let's talk about those meat bowls. Handmade with care and bursting with flavor, they can be enjoyed as a sandwich, with pasta, or as a side dish. And don't even get me started on the marinara sauce—it's so delicious, you'll find yourself craving it long after your meal is over.

And let's not forget about dessert! Ill Forno Italiano offers a tempting selection of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.

Beyond the exceptional food, the hospitality here is top-notch. Alia and her team go above and beyond to ensure every customer feels welcome and cared for. With pizzas available in various sizes to suit any appetite, this place truly has something for everyone.

If you're in the mood for authentic Italian pizza with a New England twist, look no further than Ill Forno Italiano. I can't recommend it...

(Note: I write these reviews in part for my own nationwide business clients, for travel and activity inspiration! I’m a financial planner - CFP®️practitioner - with a focus on retirement wealth strategies, primarily serving business women and LGBTQ individuals. #VirtualPlanningCraftedWithCare®️)

We visited today! On Christmas Day. They were open and will be delivering until 2am. We were greeted with a warm welcome by one of the workers. He was super friendly and attentive. We didn’t wait long to order or to get our food. Hubby got pizza. It was fresh, tasty, with a crispy crust. One downside is that there’s very little in terms of gluten free items. And I get it, the whole place is covered in flour without space for a designated area. So I got a salad with marinated chicken and it was just right! Not a very filling plate but a great lunch. All very fresh. Big selection of desserts too.

We went on a slow day. Plenty of seating and the place was clean and organized. If you have extra mobility needs, I think you’ll do ok here. I’d also say it a family friendly place and good for couples too. All appear to be welcome.

NOTE: THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS CASH ONLY. Go prepared. Prices were fair for the freshness of the food. And again, everyone was so friendly. If ever you’re in Newport and looking for excellent pizza (*not gf) then you’re time is well spent stopping here. Not too mention it’s in a hot spot in town with lots of shops on the street to check out. This is located right across from the armory and Smugglers bar...

We went to Il Forno on our first night in Newport after a long day of travel. It was recommended and conveniently located near our rental. We were told there would be a 10–15 minute wait at 9pm, but we ended up waiting about 40 minutes. When we got back to our rental, we discovered my son’s white pizza had ricotta on it—even though I specifically asked multiple times for it to be left off due to dietary preferences.

After our second full day, we were once again exhausted and decided to give them a second chance—this time for takeout. The kids were too tired for another sit-down meal, so I went in around 7pm and placed a fairly large order. I waited 45 minutes as they continued prioritizing Uber Eats and DoorDash orders over in-person customers. Eventually, they called out a man’s name and gave him multiple boxes. He returned a few minutes later and said it wasn’t his food—it was mine.

When I informed the staff, they took the boxes back with barely an apology. I asked for a refund. The manager—possibly the owner—was there both nights and showed zero customer service or concern. No apology, no effort to make things right.

The food was average, but the poor service both times ruined the experience. Disorganized, inattentive, and unapologetic. I would not return and don’t recommend it, especially if you have special requests or expect even basic...