Embark on a gastronomic adventure with Fornino, where the art of pizza reaches new heights, reminiscent of the perfect harmony found in the pairing of coffee and wine. Picture this: a culinary symphony that transforms every moment into a celebration of flavors. Let me take you back to my pizza initiation—a peculiar encounter with a lackluster triangle perched on a paper plate at Fornino. Paired with an unlikely duo of water, the soggy spectacle failed to entice, not only due to its watery accompaniment but also my lack of pizza finesse.

To say my initial foray into the world of pizza was less than triumphant would be an understatement. Clouded by my ignorance of the art of pizza consumption and the knack for distinguishing exceptional slices, I was far from a connoisseur. However, fast forward to the present, and the mere unveiling of a cardboard box reveals a treasure trove of six flawless slices. Alternatively, the slow-motion approach of the waitstaff with a perfectly round pie creates an exhilarating sense of anticipation, showcasing the transformation of my pizza journey into a truly refined experience.f with a perfectly round pie creates an exhilarating sense of anticipation.

Embark on a culinary odyssey where the heartbeat of Fornino is the star of the show, weaving an atmosphere that transcends the ordinary dining experience. As the spotlight gracefully shifts to the culinary stage, we, the eager audience, find ourselves immersed in a carefully curated ambiance sculpted by captivating artwork, exquisite lighting, and thoughtfully designed space. Fornino isn’t just a place to dine; it’s a sensory extravaganza that whispers comfort, intimacy, and a hint of romance. Brace yourself for more than a mere meal—anticipate a gastronomic voyage that defies expectations and leaves an indelible mark on memory, lingering long after the final delectable bite.

Fornino

A mere few days ago, I stepped into what felt like the epitome of a culinary haven. Fornino, situated in the vibrant heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, revealed itself to be more than just a pizza joint. It was an immersive experience meticulously crafted by Chef Michael Ayoub since 2004. Upon entering, the ambiance enveloped me in a subtle, intimate glow from the low lighting, enhanced by sporadic yet delightful artwork that whispered of creativity. The music, perfectly tuned in volume, set a mood that resonated with the very essence of the space. Raw and adorned with exposed brick, warmed by the allure of a beautiful tin ceiling.

My gaze was captivated by the fiery intensity of the wood-burning oven, and a warm welcome from Mitchell set the tone for what promised to be a remarkable evening. Seated in the back, I had the privilege of absorbing the entirety of the space and its eclectic audience. With my dinner companion running behind schedule, I embraced the opportunity to people-watch, soaking in the vibrant tapestry of personalities that filled Fornino.

As I delved into the menu, it became abundantly clear that Fornino was no ordinary pizza spot. It was a culinary sanctuary offering a spectrum of traditional and innovative gluten-free Italian-style pizzas. My choice for the evening? A glass of Prosecco to accompany my observations. What piqued my interest even further was the pre-pizza ritual. Many patrons indulged in crowd-favorite salads like the Caesar, Kale, Arugula, and Gem & Endvine. Fornino, it seemed, was a jubilant celebration of flavors that elevated the pizza experience beyond the ordinary.

Some of the pizza orders were:

Fig & Prosciutto [Fig, prosciutto, gorgonzola, mozzarella, arugula],
Copa E Kale [spicy Copa, stracciatella, truffle honey, pecorino],
Spinach [spinach, pine nuts, mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino, white truffle oil, parmesan],
Margherita Classica [tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, parmesan],
Calabrese [sopressata piccante, tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano],
Lombardi [prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, shaved parmesan, lemon]
And the Melanzane [eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, ricotta, basil, parmesan].

My Experience

Moments before the arrival of my dining companion, I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of Fornino—a true culinary haven nestled in the heart of Brooklyn. The air buzzed with undeniable energy, and as conversations unfolded, I encountered a delightful mix of both regulars and newcomers, all sharing in the pure joy that Fornino’s pizza experience brings. To-go boxes were a rare sight, a testament to the irresistible allure of the dining experience.

Amidst the symphony of satisfied murmurs, Fornino garnered praise echoing through the room —”scrumptious pizza,” “outstanding service,” and a unanimous declaration of the “best pizza in Brooklyn.” The atmosphere was lovely, with accolades extending beyond the pizza realm. A Southern belle in town for a wedding declared it the “best gash darn thing” she’d ever tasted, savoring a moment of culinary bliss.

What We Ordered at Fornino

As we settled into our seats, our culinary journey commenced with the eggplant parmesan—a true masterpiece. Thinly sliced eggplant adorned with buffalo mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan created a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate. Light, luscious, and undeniably exquisite, it marked a moment of culinary privilege that lingered in my memory long after the last bite.

At Fornino, the stage was set for a culinary symphony, and my taste buds embarked on a flavorful journey with the Al Roker, a choice lauded by both patrons and the ever-helpful Mitchell. Across the table, my guest opted for the classic Margherita Doc. Each bite revealed a chewy, soft, and pillowy delight—the Al Roker’s zesty kick satisfied my spice cravings, while the Margherita, though boasting basic ingredients, delivered a truly unique taste.

For the grand finale, we shared the classic “Tiramisu,” and it was nothing short of a melt-in-your-mouth revelation. The velvety texture of the cake elevated this dessert into a sensational treat, leaving an indelible mark on our palates.

Wrapping It Up!

Wrapping up the experience, in a Brooklyn landscape brimming with pizza options, Fornino effortlessly claims its spot in my top two for the best pizza in the borough. The well-curated menu, complemented by an excellent wine selection, adds a layer of sophistication to the dining experience. The attentive and kind service, paired with a warm atmosphere, ensures that every visit to Fornino is not just a meal but a memorable occasion.

Whether you are a slice folder, a two-handed holder, a napkin dabber, or a grease enthusiast, Fornino is a “MUST VISIT” for both the pizza connoisseur and those seeking a remarkable dining experience. To me, pizza is an art form, a fusion of quality ingredients, and a nod to historical traditions. Paired with a glass of red wine or a refreshing Pepsi, I savor each bite using a knife and fork, adding my unique spice symphony to the pie. And though I may skip the crust, Fornino’s soulful pizzas have earned a coveted spot on my “must-visit again soon” list, beckoning me for another round of their delectable creations, crafted just the way I like it.

Full disclosure: This visit was complimentary. However, the thoughts and opinions shared are 100% mine.