Italian restaurants

IL Forno Italian Kitchen

4.2 94 reviews 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM 402 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27710, United States

Discover this place

At IL Forno Italian Kitchen, located in the heart of Durham, NC, diners can immerse themselves in a vibrant college atmosphere while indulging in authentic Italian cuisine. The standout feature of this eatery is undoubtedly its delicious pizzas, which have garnered rave reviews from patrons like Melissa T, who praised them as ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.

For those craving a heartier dish, Val Gal describes a delightful experience with the Parma Rosa pasta, noting the fresh preparation and generous portions, complemented by a warm garlic breadstick. The on-site ambiance might feel a bit chaotic, especially during busy hours, but it adds to the excitement of dining on a bustling campus.

Customer service also shines at IL Forno, as exemplified by Samantha Steiner's glowing endorsement of her server, MaeMae, who enhanced the dining experience with her attentive nature and reliable recommendations. Guests can expect not just good food but also a welcoming atmosphere, making IL Forno Italian Kitchen a must-visit spot on campus. Overall, IL Forno offers quality Italian fare, friendly service, and a lively environment, making it a delightful choice for students and visitors alike.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Takeout
Dine-in

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Lunch
Dinner
Dessert

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with IL Forno Italian Kitchen before visiting.

Reviews for IL Forno Italian Kitchen

4.2

94 reviews

100%

28%

17%

15%

Review highlights

Based on 94 reviews

IL Forno Italian Kitchen in Durham is widely appreciated for its flavorful pizzas and solid pasta offerings, making it a popular spot for quick, satisfying Italian meals. Reviewers often highlight the friendly and attentive service, which enhances the overall dining experience. While the restaurant operates in a casual, on-campus setting rather than a fine dining environment, it successfully delivers quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. Some feedback notes slight wait times due to the made-to-order preparation style, but this is generally accepted given the freshness of the dishes. Overall, IL Forno Italian Kitchen is recognized for its combination of tasty menu options and commendable customer service, appealing especially to those seeking a convenient and enjoyable meal.

Melissa T

Oct 10, 2025

Their pizzas are delicious! Great place for a quick bite especially if you are in the mood for a yummy pizza.

Val Gal

Sep 22, 2025

Despite a few mediocre reviews, I risked it and I'm so glad I did! It was quite busy, but the 2 guys taking the pasta orders seemed friendly enough and up for the challenge. I ordered the Parma Rosa and the prepared sauce was mixed with cubed chicken then scooped into a pan and set on a gas burner to heat up. That does take a few minutes, but they move them around the burners in order so yours is up and ready to go over your chosen pasta by the time you get to the cashier. It even came with a garlic breadstick, which on this evening was really a generous piece of flatbread. It was all delicious! Granted, eating in the Brodhead Center when it's busy can be a bit chaotic, but it's a college atmosphere! I loved the food + the experience from beginning to end and will definitely go back whenever I'm on campus.

Samantha Steiner

Sep 01, 2025

Our experience was made by our amazing server MaeMae! We ordered what was recommended and was not disappointed! Our server went above and beyond! Definitely will be going back and requesting for Mae!

Uli Schäfer

Aug 11, 2025

Very good service! Pizza and pasta dishes are good. It‘s an on-campus restaurant, don‘t expect something fancy.