Al Forno

Our gratitude goes to the team for an exceptional dining experience we had at the restaurant tonight. We decided to try our luck without a reservation, and despite the restaurant being packed, the lovely server offered us a table outside under the heaters, which we gratefully accepted. They even offered blankets!!!! Despite how busy it was, our orders were taken within five minutes, and our food was served within 20 minutes. The pizza was superb, the chicken was tender, and the kids' portions were generous. We discovered Al Forno by chance, but we'll definitely be back the next chance we get—this time with a reservation!

What an absolute treasure this place is. This was my final night in Auckland before flying back to Sydney the next evening .My friend whom I was staying with, made a dinner reservation for 7:30pm on the Friday evening in early May 2025. But, when we got there they never had a booking for us. We were a bit upset but they were so lovely and suggested we might like to sit on an outside table and see if a table came up soon....we did have a fab heater above us and they gave us the warmest blankets for our legs! It is the start of winter in NZ at that time of the year. Well, about half an hour...ish later they said there was a table inside but the 3 of us were so busy chatting and drinking, wrapped in our toasty blankets that we were very happy to sit outside. It was actually quite noisy inside. I hadn't seen one of my friends for many years so we were chatting for ages before we actually ordered, but our waitress was super friendly and never hassled us. Now the pizzas....they were absolutely magic!! The crust was so delicious and even the sides of the pizza were so soft and chewy. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of our fab food, only a location shot. Definitely another visit is on the cards when I go back to Takapuna, fab service and fab food and ambience.

Excellent experience! We took gnocchi which were 10/10, taste and texture. We also took a prosciutto pizza which was so good that we had to come back again. Staff was attentive and kind and answered all our requests.

It's been a while since I left a place and instantly said that we should go back! We went for dinner with friends who booked through FirstTable so our reservation was 5pm and it was quiet but it soon filled up and I can fully understand why! The service was amazing, the food was delicious and good portion sizes, the drinks were great and getting them refilled was not an issue. All our food came out together which is such a rarity these days. And even though we over stayed our booking time (because we were enjoying ourselves so much and having a good time we didn't realise) they were polite in telling us and it didn't dampen the experience at all. One of our party is allergic to peanuts and they went above and beyond by checking something on the dessert menu and letting us know that because they don't make it on site, they would suggest not getting it. Most places would be too worried about admitting they buy something in, but honestly, we loved that they did because it meant that we could trust them. Over all LOVED our experience here and we will definitely be back with other people. But %100 suggest booking because they're that good they are busy!!

First time visitors; my wife surprised me with what turned out to be a wonderful dining experience. We both love Italian and from the moment we arrived - we were a little early, but the polite staff lead us to our table, which was right next to a long row of previously enjoyed wine bottles. This just ‘felt’ quintessentially Italian. We skipped a starter and any breads, I’m usually determined to go for dessert, so wanted to leave some room at the finale for something divine, which I knew it would be. The carbonara was superb, not overly creamy as some can be. The flavours were exceptional and I wanted more, not in terms of portion size - which was just right - but no, I wanted another! My wife’s fish, of which I had a sample, was outstanding and the presentation of both dishes, superb. The Veneto Valpolicella was bursting with red fruit and I made it last, savouring every drop. Wonderful accompaniment to the meal. Tiramisu turned out to be my choice for the final chapter and it’s one of the best I’ve tried. Light alcohol, not too dominant and beautiful creamy texture that I was tasting after leaving and when we were on our way. Oh and of course, the limoncello. I was kindly offered a second glass, but I was the driver. Next time. Thank you Al Forno, we’ll see you again…

Really disappointed with a takeaway order I received last night. I ordered the Gamberoni, and unfortunately, it was practically inedible. The dish was full of rock-hard peppercorns—a key ingredient that wasn’t mentioned anywhere on the menu, and made the meal really unpleasant. I had driven all the way from West Auckland to Takapuna so It was really frustrating and disappointing experience especially considering the distance I traveled and the expectations I had based on your usually high standards. I believe if there is something that is a seemingly key ingredient it should most definitely be mentioned. I also tried to leave feedback on your website and on your contact us option but i was unable to. I hope this feedback is taken onboard, as it was a real letdown.

Food was amazing and in generous portion! Friendly and welcoming service. Can’t wait to come back and try other dishes. Would defo recommend dinning here:)