In recent years, Il Forno has continued to invest in innovation by enhancing its digital ordering platforms, strengthening its delivery services, introducing engaging marketing initiatives, and expanding its menu while preserving the authenticity of its Italian heritage. These efforts have enabled the brand to continue exceeding customer expectations while adapting to the evolving needs of today’s diners.
Looking ahead, Il Forno remains committed to continuous growth and innovation. The company will continue enhancing the customer experience through new menu creations, exciting promotions, strategic partnerships, and expansion into new locations, while maintaining the quality, authenticity, and hospitality that have become synonymous with the Il Forno name.
Winning the Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant title at the What’s On Awards marks another significant milestone in Il Forno’s journey and reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional Italian dining experiences across the UAE.
Il Forno extends its heartfelt appreciation to its loyal customers, dedicated employees, valued partners, and everyone who supported the brand throughout this journey. This recognition serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a motivation to continue raising the standard of Italian casual dining in the UAE. Il Forno UAE.
Founder, Chairman & CEO of Il Forno
WHAT’S ON AWARDS EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW
In an exclusive interview, Il Forno’s leadership team reflects on winning the What’s On Award, the brand’s journey since 2000, its commitment to authentic Italian dining, and the innovation shaping its future across the UAE.
Established in 2000, Il Forno is one of the UAE’s leading Italian restaurant brands, with more than 30 locations across the country. Inspired by authentic Italian traditions, Il Forno offers handcrafted pizzas, freshly prepared pasta, signature appetizers, desserts, and a warm, family-friendly dining experience that has made it a favourite destination for guests across the UAE.
What does receiving the What’s On Award mean for Il Forno?
Receiving the What’s On Award is a tremendous honour for everyone at Il Forno. It is especially meaningful because the winners are chosen by the public, making it a true reflection of our guests’ trust and loyalty. This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering authentic Italian cuisine, exceptional service, and memorable dining experiences. We sincerely thank our customers for their continued support and our dedicated team for making this achievement possible.
How has Il Forno evolved over the years to remain a favourite dining destination?
Since opening our first restaurant in 2000, we have continuously evolved to meet our customers’ changing expectations. We have expanded our menu, introduced new seasonal offerings, enhanced our restaurant designs, invested in digital ordering platforms, and strengthened our delivery services. At the same time, we have remained true to our Italian heritage, which is what our guests value most.
What do you believe sets Il Forno apart from other Italian restaurants in the UAE?
At Il Forno, authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. We combine traditional Italian recipes with high-quality ingredients, generous portions, and genuine hospitality to create an experience that feels welcoming for every guest. Our focus has always been on consistency, ensuring that whether someone visits us for the first time or the hundredth, they receive the same quality, taste, and service. How important is customer feedback in shaping Il Forno’s success?
Customer feedback is one of our most valuable assets. We closely monitor reviews across all our restaurants and delivery platforms to understand what we are doing well and where we can improve. Every compliment motivates us, and every piece of constructive feedback helps us raise our standards. Listening to our customers has played a significant role in our continued growth and success.
How is Il Forno embracing innovation and technology?
Innovation is becoming increasingly important in the restaurant industry. At Il Forno, we have invested in online ordering, delivery platform optimization, customer engagement campaigns, digital marketing, Al-assisted creative content, and data-driven marketing strategies. These technologies allow us to better understand our customers, improve operational efficiency, and deliver a more seamless dining experience while maintaining the personal hospitality that defines our brand.:
What can customers expect from Il Forno in the future?
Our goal is to continue growing while staying true to the values that have made Il Forno successful. Customers can look forward to exciting new menu innovations, enhanced dining experiences, greater convenience through digital platforms, new restaurant locations, and continued investment in quality and service. Above all, we remain committed to creating memorable moments through authentic Italian cuisine and exceptional hospitality.
What has been one of Il Forno’s biggest achievements in recent years?
Winning the What’s On Award is undoubtedly one of our proudest achievements because it reflects the trust and appreciation of our customers. Alongside this recognition, we have continued expanding our presence across the UAE, strengthening our partnerships, and investing in new concepts, marketing initiatives, and customer experiences that ensure Il Forno remains one of the country’s leading Italian restaurant brands.
An exclusive interview with Il Forno’s leadership team explores its award-winning journey, authentic Italian roots, customer-first philosophy, and vision for the future of dining in the UAE.
Il Forno Wins Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant at the What’s On Awards
Abu Dhabi, UAE — Il Forno is proud to announce that it has been awarded Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant at the prestigious
What’s On Awards, one of the UAE’s most respected hospitality awards. This remarkable achievement reflects the trust, loyalty, and continued support of thousands of guests who voted for Il Forno, making this recognition especially meaningful for the entire team.
For more than two decades, Il Forno has remained committed to delivering authentic Italian cuisine, exceptional hospitality, and memorable dining experiences to families, friends, and food lovers across the UAE. Winning this award is a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2000, Il Forno has grown from a single restaurant into one of the UAE’s leading Italian dining brands, operating more than 30 branches across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Throughout its journey, the brand has stayed true to its mission of bringing the authentic taste of Italy to every table through handcrafted pizzas, freshly prepared pasta, signature appetizers, indulgent desserts, and warm Italian hospitality.
Unlike many industry awards, the What’s On Awards are determined by public votes, making this recognition a direct reflection of customer appreciation and loyalty. Every vote represents a memorable dining experience shared with family and friends and reinforces Il Forno’s position as one of the UAE’s favourite casual Italian dining destinations.
This achievement reflects the dedication of Il Forno•s chefs, restaurant teams, and support staff, whose passion and commitment ensure every guest enjoys the highest standards of food quality and service. From carefully selected ingredients and traditional recipes to welcoming hospitality and family-friendly surroundings, every aspect of the Il Forno experience is designed with the customer in mind.
