Al Forno

About Al Forno

Al Forno is a classic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant situated in the heart of Takapuna, Auckland. Embracing the rich history and culinary legacy of Italy, the restaurant delivers an authentic dining experience defined by traditional recipes prepared with a modern twist. Dishes are crafted using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring quality across their extensive selection of pizzas, handmade pastas, and regional specialties.

The dining room offers a warm, comfortable, and casual atmosphere where guests can settle in for meaningful conversation alongside honest Italian hospitality. Complementing the kitchen is a curated beverage menu featuring regional Italian reds and whites, champagnes, and selections from across New Zealand and Australia. Al Forno also provides convenient takeaway pickup and delivery options for dining at home.

Al Forno: Authentic Italian and Mediterranean Dining in Takapuna

Located along Anzac Street on Auckland's North Shore, Al Forno brings the timeless culinary traditions of Italy and the Mediterranean to Takapuna. The restaurant is built upon a deep passion for the heritage of Italian cuisine, where respectful preparation of recipes meets fresh, locally sourced New Zealand ingredients. The result is an approachable, comforting dining experience that feels genuine from the moment you take a seat.

The kitchen strikes a natural balance between time-tested standards and a modern dining sensibility. Every dish is grounded in the foundational elements of Italian cooking—bright tomatoes, fragrant olive oils, aromatic herbs, and balanced seasoning. Whether visiting for a casual weeknight meal or celebrating a milestone with friends, Al Forno provides a hospitable setting that prioritises generous meals and unhurried dining.

Classic Pizzas and Handcrafted Pasta

Central to Al Forno’s offerings are its oven-baked pizzas and expansive pasta selection. The pizza menu highlights authentic styles ranging from the classic Margherita and rich Prosciutto to savory creations like the Diavola, Puttanesca, and signature Al Forno pizza. Each pizza showcases a crisp crust finished with balanced layers of melted cheese and savory toppings.

For pasta lovers, the kitchen delivers hearty plates that range from slow-cooked comforts to light seafood preparations. Highlights include the traditional baked Lasagna, delicate Spaghetti alle Vongole with tender clams, and Linguine Marinara featuring mixed seafood. Heartier plates like Fettuccine Alfredo, Carbonara, and Tortellini di Pollo provide satisfying options for any craving.

Hearty Mains and Mediterranean Hospitality

Beyond pizzas and pasta bowls, Al Forno serves an extensive variety of Mediterranean main courses and starters. Guests can begin their evening with fresh steamed Cozze, crispy Calamari, garlic-kissed Gamberoni, or toasted Bruschetta. For mains, the kitchen prepares dishes such as the tender Rib Eye steak, savory Filetto Aglio, succulent Pesce, and slow-stirred Risotto Pollo Funghi.

To complement the dining room, Al Forno operates a fully licensed bar boasting a comprehensive beverage program. The drinks list features regional red and white wines sourced directly from celebrated producing areas across Italy, alongside bottles from Australia and New Zealand. Diners can also enjoy sparkling wines, champagnes, ciders, and cold beers.

Relaxed Atmosphere and Dining Options

The ambiance at Al Forno is designed to be relaxed, casual, and accommodating for groups of all sizes. The dining room welcomes regular evening guests from Tuesday through Sunday, while opening specifically for large lunch bookings upon request. In addition to dine-in service, takeaway collection and Uber Eats delivery make it easy to enjoy traditional Italian dining anywhere on the Shore.

Signature items

• Lasagna
• Linguine Marinara
• Margherita Pizza
• Spaghetti alle Vongole
• Risotto Pollo Funghi
• Al Forno Pizza

Menu

Pasta

• Lasagna — Traditional oven-baked layered pasta dish with meat sauce and melted cheese.
• Linguine Marinara — Linguine tossed with a mixed seafood medley in classic Italian sauce.
• Linguine Al Forno — Signature house linguine dish cooked with traditional seasonings.
• Fettuccine Alfredo — Ribbon pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese and cream sauce.
• Spaghetti alle Vongole — Classic spaghetti pasta prepared with tender clams.
• Tortellini di Pollo — Stuffed pasta pockets filled with chicken and served in delicate sauce.
• Carbonara — Classic pasta prepared with cured pork and rich egg-cheese emulsion.
• Bolognese — Slow-simmered rich meat ragù served over tender pasta.
• Penne Vegetariane — Penne pasta tossed with garden vegetables and Italian seasonings.

Pizzas

• Margherita Pizza — Classic Italian pizza base topped with traditional sauce and melted cheese.
• Pollo Pizza — Traditional Italian-style pizza featuring tender seasoned chicken.
• Prosciutto Pizza — Savory pizza topped with cured Italian prosciutto.
• Diavola Pizza — Italian pizza featuring spicy and flavorful cured meats.
• Puttanesca Pizza — Savory Mediterranean-style pizza inspired by classic puttanesca seasonings.
• Vegetariane Pizza — Fresh vegetable pizza made with a mix of garden toppings.
• Riviera Pizza — Coastal-inspired specialty pizza with balanced toppings.
• Autunno Pizza — Seasonally inspired pizza layered with rich savory flavors.
• Al Forno Pizza — House specialty pizza baked directly from the stone oven.
• Caorino Pizza — Rustic Italian specialty pizza topped with authentic regional ingredients.

Mains & Risotto

• Risotto Pollo Funghi — Creamy Arborio rice slowly cooked with chicken and savory mushrooms.
• Pesce — Fresh fish prepared in traditional Mediterranean style.
• Pollo Albicocca — Tender chicken cooked with sweet and savory apricot notes.
• Filetto Aglio — Tender beef fillet prepared with fragrant garlic seasonings.
• Rib Eye — Seared rib eye steak prepared cooked to order.

Starters & Antipasti

• Bruschetta — Toasted bread topped with seasoned Mediterranean ingredients.
• Calamari — Tender calamari served crisp in traditional style.
• Gamberoni — Succulent prawns prepared with savory Mediterranean herbs and garlic.
• Cozze — Steamed fresh mussels seasoned with garlic, herbs, and broth.
• Funghi — Sautéed mushrooms prepared with Italian herbs.
• Saporita — Savory starter dish seasoned with Italian herbs.

Frequently asked questions

What style of food does Al Forno serve?

Al Forno serves traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes including pizzas, pastas, seafood, steaks, risottos, and antipasti.

Is Al Forno open for lunch?

Lunch service is open on request only for large group bookings from Tuesday to Sunday.

Can I order takeaways or delivery from Al Forno?

Yes, Al Forno offers online ordering for scheduled takeaway pickup and home delivery via Uber Eats.

Is the restaurant fully licensed?

Yes, Al Forno is fully licensed and offers a curated list of Italian, New Zealand, and Australian wines, beers, and spirits.

Do you offer a dedicated children's menu?

Yes, Al Forno has a dedicated Kid's Menu available for younger diners.

Can Al Forno accommodate large groups or private functions?

Yes, they provide dedicated Group Menus and can host large bookings for lunch or dinner by arrangement.

Tips

• {"body":"The restaurant opens for lunch exclusively for large pre-booked group events between Tuesday and Sunday.","title":"Book Ahead for Group Lunches"}
• {"body":"Take advantage of the extensive wine list featuring authentic Italian red and white varietals alongside local New Zealand selections.","title":"Pair with Regional Italian Wine"}
• {"body":"Use their online ordering platform to select and schedule a pickup slot in advance for convenient dinner service.","title":"Plan Takeaway Pickups Online"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Dedicated kid's menu available for family dining.","dietary":"Vegetarian pizza and pasta selections available on the menu.","payments":"Accepts standard payments, gift vouchers, and online ordering checkout."}