Fornello: User Reviews

The experience began when I called to place an order for delivery and they made me feel like I was inconveniencing them by wanting to order a pizza. I ordered two pizzas- one arrived in an hour, and they forgot the other one. They questioned that I even ordered a second pizza. I was told it would be at my apartment in 15 minutes. An hour later the second pizza arrived, and it wasn't even good!!! To sum it all up, not only did they charge me for the pizza, they tacked on another delivery charge!!! Keeping all of this in mind, I literally live down the street from this place. The service sucks and the pizza isn't much better. There are MANY better pizza options in Chicago.

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The people who wrote the bad reviews are crazy. The food is awesome and the service was great! Everyone at Fornello's is very friendly and you can tell they are trying to make sure your experience is enjoyable.
They have some very unique dishes to choose from--my personal favorite are the handmade pasta shells stuffed with lobster. The sauce is AMAZING!
The prices aren't bad either. It's nice because it's not in a congested area so it never gets too crowded.
Highly recommend!

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I am not a tough critic but this place is not good. My girlfriend and I were ignored as we sat at the bar waiting, and tables were sat ahead of us as they walked in (we were told "no reservations" when we called ahead). Once we were finally seated, the service continued to be unattentaive and thoughtless. Wood fire oven was a facade/ joke - not really used to make pizzas. The pizza was made with powdery dough - did not resemble any type of Italian crust/ bread I have ever tasted - worse than a saltine cracker. The pizza sauce and cheese were good, but overshadowed by the laim crust. The bread was super bad - dry & crumby and appeared to be left over from other table's baskets. The olive oil was of poor quality. The Parmesan cheese was not Reggiano or anything of the like - tasted like powdered milk. The artichoke ravioli did not taste homemade and had the same crappy Parmesan (imitation?) baked onto the top of it. The house wines (Primitivo & Chianti) were soso. I did not expect anything great for $7.95/ glass. I went there expecting an average neighborhood meal, but was delivered a well below average experience. $90 for two people with tip - not worth it. I don't typically dine at chain restaurants, but would suggest spending your $90 at Olive Garden - much better value.

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We ordered our pizza on a Wednesday night and it took over 2 HOURS for our 'cold' pizza to be delivered. Thin crust was borderline pan. Overall it was a huge disappointment.

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We were skeptical of the place at first but when we tried the food we loved it! The food is delicous and every server we get always greets us. We bring our daughter in there and they couldn't be more friendlier to her. We are now regulars!

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I should have been suspicious with an Italian restaurant producing every type of food possible including ribs. I expect some tenderness so they almost fall of the bone. I tore so hard at one point that it flew out of my hand. The meat was tough and the sauce was bland.

The salad was only lettuce and the blue chees dressing which of course was extra, was the worst dressing I think I've ever had.

The delivery was very fast though.

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Some time ago, I saw an episode of Rachael Ray’s TV show on which she reviewed Fornello, and said the pizza simply was ‘the best.’ Our family loves Italian food and naturally pizza. After our dinner at Fornello we agree with Rachael Ray, it is the best pizza any of us had ever had.

While there, I got something of a pizza-making education. They bake the pizzas in an open “Fornello” fireplace. While I awaited our table, we sat at the bar in front of the fireplace and watched the pizzas being made. Over a wonderful glass of red wine (Mara – ask for it!), I learned that the pizza chef, Pasquale, is a master of the fornello oven and was born and raised in Italy where he learned the art of baking pizza on a fornello fireplace. I had the simple 'Pizza Margherita', which was absolutely incredible. It was the best pizza that I have had.

My wife had one of the daily specials, Tilapia Pizzaiola, which was perfectly prepared with just the right amount of spice, and my son ordered Pollo Vesuvio, which was served with incredible roast potato wedges. Both dishes were generous in size and very nicely presented.

Although I’ve lived in the neighborhood for years, somehow I overlooked this place. I definitely will not make that mistake in the future!

The restaurant was pleasant with a charming Italian motif. Our waiter, Aldo (also from Italy), was courteous and handled our table with all the courtesies of a 5-star restaurant. He helped us select a great bottle of wine that was perfect for our dinner. During our meal, the owner, Otavio (also, born and raised in Italy), visited the dining room and introduced himself to our table. When we complimented him on our food, he told us that the head chef, Nic, (need I say it?) was born and raised in Italy and was one of the finest Italian chefs in the business.

We agree with him, and with Rachael Ray. Don’t miss this place, it will redefine great Italian dining (and pizza) for you. We had an incredible time, and will go back often.

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I took my boyfriend to Fornello last night for his birthday, and it was perfect. We both loved our food (pasta romantica for him, rigatoni verdura for me, mussels in white sauce for the appetizer). Our waitress, Marcy, was just great. She poured tastes of our selected wine for both of us, not just the man, which was refreshing. After finding out it was my boyfriend's birthday, she brought us a huge slice of tiramisu for dessert. Then, the bartender (who was also the owner's son) gave us both free drinks because it was our first time visiting Fornello. As if that wasn't nice enough, he also gave us each a free glass of limencello to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Amazing service. I'm just mad that I've been living in Wrigleyville for so long and didn't try this place sooner. We'll definitely be going back.

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I've been coming here for about 6 years. Fornello has it all. Simple flavorful recipes. Friendly service. Nice homey atmosphere. The food is always great, and there's never a hint of snootiness. To really experience Fornello, order spaghetti and meat sauce. It's not on the menu, but they'll do it for you and it's outstanding.

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I'm an Uptown resident, and my wife and I always order delivery from Fornello. They have become a neighborhood staple for us. Their delivery is ALWAYS fast and hot and their service on the phone is always so polite and easy (I hate rude phone service at a lot of other carry out places). But on top of all that, their food is really great... we've never had a bad meal. From the pizza to fried chicken to dinner and appetizers... you won't be disappointed by Fornello. We've dined in a few times as well, and aside from a little shabby decor, they do a fine job with what they have. Support this neighborhood gem!

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