Forno Italia

Located on forty fifth street and Ditmars Blvd in Astoria there is a restaurant called Forno Italia. Forno Italia is a delicious Italian restaurant that is family owned consisting of a wait staff that consists mostly of family members. It makes you feel like you are eating dinner at someone’s home in Sicily. The restaurant was only established in 1993 and since has had a big impact on the neighborhood. It is well known for their food and hospitality. When you are seated you are given a basket of freshly baked bread directly out of their brick oven. It has that smoked, crispy texture and the fresh out of the oven warm goodness. The interior is a light brick wall with pictures of Italy, in the center of the restaurant is the huge brick oven that engulfs the restaurant with the smell of bread being baked. The wine that they serve is a house wine that is home made. When given the opportunity to drink homemade wine you always should, because every family has a different recipe. It gives you a taste of culture and makes you feel part of the family, because they are sharing a bit of their family heritage with you.


My friend and I ordered a bottle of their homemade red wine, and it was delicious. Not dry at all which is the impression red wine always gives me. For an appetizer we ordered Mozzarella Caprese which is sliced mozzarella and tomato. With the appetizer they give you an option of balsamic vinegar or olive oil to sprinkle on top of it. The Mozzarella Caprese was absolutely delicious and when I asked the waitress who was the owner of the restaurant where they get their mozzarella from she informed me that they make it themselves. I was impressed. This just further added to the family feel and appeal of the restaurant. For dinner my friend ordered Petto Di Pollo Parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, this consists of breaded chicken with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. I ordered Petto Di Pollo Francese, this is chicken coated with flour and egg and covered with a buttery lemon sauce. All meals come with a choice of vegetables, salad, or pasta. We both ordered the pasta and were completely happy and satisfied with our meals. Although the desert menu was extremely tempting, we just didn't have the room in our stomachs for it. I recommend that everyone checkout this restaurant, you will not be disappointed.