Il Forno

Name: Il Forno
Address: 154 N College St, Aurburn, AL, United States, 36830
Telephone: (334) 209-1419
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

172 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Escape to Italy without leaving Auburn! IL FORNO ("The Oven") offers a taste of authentic Italian cuisine using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Savor the flavors of Italy in our cozy, casual atmosphere located in the heart of downtown - just steps from Auburn University.

Indulge in classic pasta dishes like rich carbonara or specialty 13-layer lasagna. Try an exceptional entree featuring succulent beef, pork, seafood or chicken. Vegetarian and gluten-free options help accommodate all tastes.

Dessert? Absolutely. Have an affogato ("drowned") coffee with homemade ice cream and pour-over freshly ground (and brewed) espresso.

At IL FORNO, we bring people together over great food with good company. Join us to experience the warmth of an Italian family gathering as our staff provides exceptional service to make your visit memorable and delicious anytime.

Call to say hello, or make your reservation here, to visit the family at IL FORNO.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(334) 209-1419
Website
http://www.ILFORNOAUBURN.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
We can Cater - Please call for details 334-209-6420 ask for Linda
Private party facilities
We Can Host Special Events- Please Give us a call 334-209-6420 Ask for Linda

Location
154 N College St, Aurburn, AL 36830
Neighborhood
Auburn
Cross street
Between Tichenor Ave and E Magnolia
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 172 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.2Service
4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Alabama
Good for business meals
Alabama
Good for groups
Alabama
Neighborhood gem

172 Reviews

G
Garrison09
Alabama
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food was average. Truly authentic delicious Italian food should be simple..:there were too many ingredients in the gravy and it was overdone. Keep Italian food simple. The service by our waitress was absolutely fantastic!
Is this helpful?
J
John
Dallas
33 reviews
vip
3.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
Food had way too much salt. I love salt but OMG it was overwhelming.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Good pastas. Salty soups. Zucchini side is pathetically small, just a few (5-6?) peeled strips of lukewarm zucchini.
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AD
ADBurke
Alabama
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Good effort, most convenient location but we felt the food was good not great.
Is this helpful?
JY
JackY
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great jazz vibe, great wine, great people. I'll be coming back here again for sure.
1 person found this helpful
C
Cinderella
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The restaurant was open on Monday, as it was difficult to find a restaurant in downtown that day. So, thanks for being open. Easy to make a reservation. However, can only book up to 7 persons online so I had to book two tables and then call the restaurant to combine our tables. Every one of the staff was helpful both on the phone and in person.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant. Short wait time and quick service. Food was really good for brunch food and affordable pricing.
Il FornoResponded on November 13, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope you will be back soon!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Chicken parm was good, the chicken piccata my girlfriend got though didn’t have the wine cooked out quite enough, tasted so strongly of wine we were convinced she’d get tipsy
Il FornoResponded on November 13, 2023
Hi there! We are glad you liked our Chicken Parm but are sorry that you felt your chicken piccata was not cooked enough. We hope you will give us another chance in the future!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A lot of effort has been switched into flipping this restaurant. The food 10/10, service has greatly improved and the ambiance is everything you can ask for. I have been to this restaurant close to 5 times since it’s reopened and changed ownership! One of my new favorites in auburn!
Il FornoResponded on November 13, 2023
Hi there! We are so glad you love our food and the changes we have made! We hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
K
Kayla
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had my 25th birthday party here with 28 people and we all had a blast! Food was incredible, literally the best Italian we’ve ever had! The atmosphere was very peaceful and elegant. The waiter was very friendly and attentive. Olive Garden use to be my favorite Italian restaurant, but now, it’s Il Forno! Once you have eaten there, you won’t want to eat anywhere else! Pricing is very reasonable.
Il FornoResponded on November 13, 2023
Hi Kayla! We are so happy we were able to celebrate your birthday with you! Thank you for your kind words; we hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
w
wendyr
Charlotte
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Busy after football game but staff got us seated as soon as possible and made sure we had everything we needed. Enjoyable atmosphere and experience
Il FornoResponded on October 29, 2023
Thank you for your kind words and for understanding that we were trying our hardest during a busy time! We hope to see you again!
Is this helpful?
KS
KatelynS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first time eating at Il Forno for dinner and it was incredible! The lasagna was incredible and the Italian donuts were to die for! They even had live music - I would highly recommend! We will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant has brought me a back several times already. It’s a new favorite in Auburn. Great staff, incredible value, wonderful vibe. And the paintings change every so often. All the little touches are there and it’s great Italian food!
1 person found this helpful
KW
KWNC
Alabama
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
We had enjoyed Esposito’s, so wanted to try this. They are new, and it shows. Service was quick, but food was not hit enough. We had to ask for a wine list after being seated. Tip for owners: better to have no flowers on the table than dead ones. The lighting could be improved by dimming the overheads and having small lights on each table.
Il FornoResponded on October 26, 2023
We are so sorry that was your experience. Your satisfaction is extremely important to us, and we take your review seriously. We will continue to work hard to improve, and we hope you will give us another chance.
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NA
NassA
Dallas
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience4
Very good food. Painfully slow service. 1 hour to get our brunch after we ordered. I hope they can work through it - solid food and atmosphere
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
We are so sorry that this was your experience. It was our first weekend taking reservations for brunch, as brunch is a new offering we have at Il Forno. We were short-staffed and were not expecting to be nearly as busy as we were. We take complete responsibility, and if you are willing to give us another chance, we have a gift card waiting for you. We apologize again and hope you will give us a second chance in the future.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Waited over an hour and 15 minutes, never received our food. Terrible experience
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
We are so sorry that this was your experience. It was our first weekend taking reservations for brunch, as brunch is a new offering we have at Il Forno. We were short-staffed and were not expecting to be nearly as busy as we were. We take complete responsibility, and if you are willing to give us another chance, we have a gift card waiting for you. We apologize again and hope you will give us a second chance in the future.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience3
We had a 1015 reservation for brunch for just three people. When we showed up, we waited at the hostess stand for at least five minutes. We did not see a single server or employee during that five minutes. Finally someone seated us, and we proceeded to sit there for 10 minutes before anyone came to get our order. We were told by our waitress that They were short staffed. It took another 10 minutes to get our coffee and then another 10 minutes to get our water. We had to repeatedly ask for a coffee refill until it finally came. After being seated for an hour and 20 minutes our food finally arrived. The eggs were over cooked and it was underwhelming as a whole. We asked the waitress for our check twice and she never brought it. My husband had to go into the back to the computer and have someone pull up our bill so he could pay it as we needed to head to the airport. I understand people calling in sick and being short staffed but this was absolutely ridiculous.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
We are so sorry that this was your experience. It was our first weekend taking reservations for brunch, as brunch is a new offering we have at Il Forno. We were short-staffed and were not expecting to be nearly as busy as we were. We take complete responsibility, and if you are willing to give us another chance, we have a gift card waiting for you. We apologize again and hope you will give us a second chance in the future.
Is this helpful?
JE
JimmyE
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
Rough day. Sat at 9:55. Only 2 other tables filled at the time. Ordered coffee and water. It took 25 minutes to get the drinks. I had to get attention almost every time ask for refills and that was a lot dur to the hour and half wait for the meal. They were nice and brought around pastries to appease for the delays in the kitchen but it's hard to excuse having to chase down the waitress for the simple stuff.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
We are so sorry that this was your experience. It was our first weekend taking reservations for brunch, as brunch is a new offering we have at Il Forno. We were short-staffed and were not expecting to be nearly as busy as we were. We take complete responsibility, and if you are willing to give us another chance, we have a gift card waiting for you. We apologize again and hope you will give us a second chance in the future.
Is this helpful?
E
Ellie
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience2
The food was pretty good but the service just took a while. There was one server for the time we were there but there were only three tables. Our food took a while which isn't a big deal but the water that we asked for took us asking multiple times and finally having to go up to the bar to get it along with other things we asked for. Overall not bad
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
We are so sorry that this was your experience. It was our first weekend taking reservations for brunch, as brunch is a new offering we have at Il Forno. We were short-staffed and were not expecting to be nearly as busy as we were. We take complete responsibility, and if you are willing to give us another chance, we have a gift card waiting for you. We apologize again and hope you will give us a second chance in the future.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Alabama
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and ambiance were awesome! Apparently they’d had several call outs and were understaffed earlier but by the time I got there they’d already recovered. Servers went out of their way to be helpful and the chicken and waffles was the best!
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are glad you enjoyed your meal and hope you will be back!
1 person found this helpful
t
terryb
Alabama
51 reviews
vip
3.0
51 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
The Grits were watery. The eggs were not cooked as ordered. The cappuccino consisted of an expresso with creamer and sugar on the side. Don't think that's a cappuccino. One of the orders came out wrong. It took forever to get the meal., and ghete were only 3 tables of two. The table had not been cleaned properly and items from the night before were left on above shelf. New owner so maybe this will change.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
It was all very good! It did get very loud as the tables filled up. Will be returning.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
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E
Elese
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Il forno has great staff that went above and beyond to make sure my aunts birthday was a success. There was a great ambiance that felt very accepting and inviting. Our server was amazing and helped cater to my vegan sister. Timothy the assistant executive chef was amazing! We will be back soon!
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
SK
StephanieK
Louisville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice place. Loved having a place I could make a reservation and right here in the heart of Auburn. Food was excellent and affordable! Would recommend!
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
MH
MichelleH
Alabama
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience1
When this restaurant was Esposito‘s, we loved coming in here. The food the service everything was great now that it has changed names. The overall experience is not as good. We were seated in the bar area at one of the small booths and it appeared that several employees or friends of employees were seated at the bar. Several times during our meal and when we were leaving, several of them would get up and stand behind the barstools, almost blocking, the very narrow path between the bar, and the tables, which made it almost impossible to allow patrons and active servers to access the tables in the bar area. Overall the service was not good.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Hi Michelle, we are sorry that this was your experience. We are working hard to make sure all of the renovations and changes are completed as quickly as possible and are hoping that you will give us another chance in the future.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food. Seriously fabulous flavors. My teenagers said it was the best pasta they had ever had.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great experience. We met the new owner and she explained the renovations and vision. The new bar area has a great look and feel. All of the food and service were outstanding. We will be back soon.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
AR
AnthonyRosatti
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My family came to the US from Sicily about 70 years ago and settled in New Jersey. Growing up with Wedding Soup, the Meal of the Seven Fishes, and lots of Italian traditions—well, honestly, it made me not want to eat Italian much anymore. This restaurant changed that for me. Sorry mom, and grandmom, but this place has the best lemon orzo soup & wedding soup I’ve ever had. Don’t tell Uncle Tony—unless he’s coming to visit Auburn and wants some of the best Italian food I’ve had.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
JM
JillianM
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
New ownership & very excited where this restaurant is going to go! Food was fresh & well done. Great wine selection - Service was a little disorganized, but they were slammed with family weekend. Dessert was homemade & phenomenal. Highly recommend.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
K
Kk425
Detroit
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was fantastic! Service was very good also. Would definitely eat there again
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Food was decent/good. I’m an Italian from NY, so we will leave it at that. Service slow, but our waitress was very sweet and seemed to have the whole room on a Thursday night. No bussing of the table? Dirty plates still on table, after paid the bill and left. I think they are changing names to Il Forno, so I don’t know if new owners/change over of staff? I will definitely give it another try though. Decent and convenient to AU campus.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We re-opened as Il Forno last week and are hoping you will give us another chance! We are in the process of hiring more staff so we will be more prepared the next time you come in!
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RM
RobertM
Tallahassee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely the best kept secret in Auburn food was incredible service was impeccable. Sophia was the best!!!!! So much food!!!! True Value for the money!!!! We will be back
1 person found this helpful
WS
WilliamS
Raleigh
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
New ownership a major step down. Food quality and service was poor. We won’t be back.
Is this helpful?
MG
MaxG
Alabama
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
The restaurant is going through a change in ownership and rebranding. Diff menu, etc.,etc. All went well…food was still quite good!
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
DO
DaddyO
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience1
The pasta is one step up from the Olive Garden. The sauce is very, very watery. We had the bruschetta and the toast was burnt. It was one of the only places to take a reservation, but next time we’ll just wait in a line somewhere.
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WW
WilW
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
From the moment we walked in the hostess and waitress were extremely helpful. Food was good and came out in a timely manner, and they consistently checked up on us to make sure that everything was good.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Had a great experience, food was good but I’ve had better. Service was great and loved the ambiance. Could have had a bigger drink selection but the drinks we got were good. Would recommend this place to anyone.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
AC
AmyC
Charleston
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Staff was very nice but service was slow/unorganized and pasta dishes were bland. Good baratta salad.
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Hi Amy! We recently re-opened as Il Forno and are hoping you will give us a chance! We created a new and improved menu and made changes to dishes to make sure they are full of flavor!
Is this helpful?
RA
RebeccaA
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food is great and all the employees are friendly and attentive. It was very loud but it was just one rowdy table. Otherwise it was a great experience. Will definitely go again!
Il FornoResponded on October 24, 2023
Thank you for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!
1 person found this helpful
MH
MichelleH
Alabama
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were wonderful! We highly recommend Espositos for a night out or special occasion!!
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FAQs

Il Forno offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (334) 209-1419.

Il Forno is rated 4.2 stars by 172 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

154 N College St, Aurburn, AL 36830

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between Tichenor Ave and E Magnolia
Neighborhood
Auburn
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–1:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ILFORNOAUBURN.com/
Phone number
(334) 209-1419
Catering
We can Cater - Please call for details 334-209-6420 ask for Linda
Private party facilities
We Can Host Special Events- Please Give us a call 334-209-6420 Ask for Linda

Il Forno

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 172 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Il Forno offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Il Forno restaurant rated?

Is Il Forno currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information