In the heart of Cincinnati, behind old brick walls and the scent of smoke greeting you at the entrance, lies a place where Italy speaks all the languages of the senses — Forno Osteria and Bar. This is not just a restaurant — it's a gastronomic confession of love for traditional Italian cuisine, infused with a modern vision, sincerity, and the warmth of a true Italian table.
The name of the restaurant speaks for itself: forno — is an oven, and it is the heart of this Osteria. The wood-fired oven is not merely a decor element or a cooking technology. It is a ritual, an aroma that fills the space, and a fire that gives the dishes a special character. It dictates the pace and philosophy of the kitchen: slow, sincere, attentive to every ingredient.
Menu at Forno Osteria is a journey from the harsh Alps to hot Naples, where each dish is a living story told through flavor.
Hits that will captivate you from the first bite:
Margherita D.O.P. — a thin, almost transparent base, delicate mozzarella di bufala, San Marzano tomatoes, a basil leaf, and a crispy wood-fired crust. Like a piece of Naples sealed in dough.
Pappardelle alla Bolognese — pasta that melts in your mouth, with a meat ragù simmered for hours, absorbing the aroma of tomatoes, wine, and spices.
Grilled Octopus — octopus, lightly smoked, with a crispy crust and tender inside. It balances maritime freshness and smoky depth.
Porchetta — roasted pork with herbs, crispy on the outside and juicy inside, served with creamy polenta and seasonal vegetables.
Eggplant Parmigiana — when modest eggplant transforms into a luxurious, almost dessert-like texture with tomatoes, cheese, and a crispy crust.
And on weekends — a special pleasure: Italian brunch, where traditional breakfast ideas are given a new life with Apennine accents.
What is an Italian dinner without a glass of wine? At Forno, the wine list is a tribute to taste, balance, and refinement. Classic Italy and a selection of fine Californian wines complement the dishes and highlight every note on the plate.
And also — a dazzling selection of aperitifs and digestifs:
spicy Negroni,
classic Aperol Spritz,
sunny Limoncello.
And, of course, signature cocktails — fresh, with citrus notes, herbal infusions, and Mediterranean lightness.
The interior of Forno Osteria is a cozy space that’s easy to breathe in. Open brick walls, wooden details, soft lighting, muted tones, and the open oven in the center of the hall — all create an atmosphere of Italian countryside, transplanted into an American metropolis.
This is a place where you want to dine slowly, talk for a long time, raise glasses, and feel that time has stopped.
Forno Osteria and Bar is a place where food becomes emotion. Where each dish has its soul, each glass its story, and every evening its mood. It’s not just an Italian restaurant in Cincinnati. It’s a window into another culture, where happiness is a plate of pasta, a glass of wine, and a fire that never goes out.
Current information:
Address: 3514 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208, United States
Phone: +1 (513)-818-8720
Hours:
Tue-Sat 16:00–22:00 (4:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
