Zomato Reviewer: meatballsandbeefcheeks
“Under new management, chef/owner Bryan Lennox and his wife Savonne have breathed new life into this lovely pizzeria. They’ve revamped the menu and lowered prices, while retaining (and possibly improving on) the wonderful quality and taste that has been the hallmark of Il Forno for years.
We began our evening with the Pecorino Pizza Bread, which was so simple, yet so delicious. They begin with the chef’s own dough recipe (all their dough is made with imported Italian flour) and roll out a pizza base with high sides. Next, they add several large ice cubes to the dough and bake it in a wood fired oven. The ice melts, leaving a well of water, to which the chef adds generous handfuls of pecorino cheese and seasons with salt and pepper. The water, cheese, salt and pepper combine to deliver a sharp, rich flavor. The end result is absolutely fantastic and rates 4.5 out of 5.
Next came the Spinachi e’ Ricotta (Spinach & Ricotta) Pizza, a beautiful blend of tomato, spinach, parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, roasted garlic, fresh cherry tomatoes and olive oil atop a thin and delicious dough. The pizza was heavy with toppings and there was so much cheese that I was in seventh heaven! The flavors and textures were perfect and I quickly declared this the best pizza I’ve eaten in many, many months. I could find no fault with this pizza (except perhaps that it was gone too soon), which rates 5 out of 5.
We rounded out our main meal with a Caprese Salad (3.5/5) and a Margherita Pizza (4/5). Both dishes utilized tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella and fresh basil, and were quite enjoyable.
Lastly, we enjoyed the chef’s recommendation of Panna Cotta and were talked into an Warm Apple Crumble with Vanilla Gelato. The Panna Cotta was perfect…so smooth and rich…quite literally the best I’ve ever had and rated 5 out of 5. I’m generally not a fan of dessert pizzas, but the Apple Crumble was heavenly and rated 4.5 out of 5. I wouldn’t hesitate to order both dishes again.
We were also quite impressed by the impressive beer selection, including more Italian imports than I’ve ever come across in Queensland. I enjoyed a Birra Moretti and a Birra Di Sardegna (where else do you find Sardinian Beer?) and noted that they stock five different varieties of Peroni. If you are a lover of Italian beer, this is where you need to be.
Not only have Bryan and Savonne lowered prices, they have also introduced a happy hour from 5-6 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. By taking advantage of happy hour you can save up to $5 off per pizza on dine in or takeaway. Even better, they’ve extended Tuesday’s happy hour all night! Want more savings? Download the Il Forno Pizzeria app and start collecting points towards a free pizza!
The Meatballs Family dined as guests of Bryan and Savonne, but our opinions remain our own – Il Forno Pizzeria absolutely knocked it out of the park!
I would not hesitate to travel from South Brisbane up to Sandgate to enjoy another amazing meal at Il Forno and am very jealous of my friends who live next door. Well done, Bryan and Savonne!”