Forno Kitchen + Bar

- 721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

For residents of Ohio, especially those in the bustling city of Columbus, the search for a dining experience that combines exceptional food, a lively atmosphere, and attentive service often leads to the highly acclaimed Forno Kitchen + Bar. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Short North Arts District, Forno is more than just an American restaurant; it's a culinary destination known for its unique stone-fired approach to New American cuisine, creating dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Forno Kitchen + Bar has quickly established itself as a local favorite, drawing in diners with its inviting ambiance and a menu that caters to diverse palates. Whether you're planning a casual meal with friends, a romantic date night, a work gathering, or a celebratory brunch, Forno aims to provide a memorable experience. Their commitment to quality ingredients, innovative preparations, and a "VIBE" that truly sets the mood makes it a standout choice in Columbus's competitive dining scene.

Forno Kitchen + Bar is strategically located at 721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. This prime address places it directly within the popular Short North Arts District, a hub of culture, entertainment, and culinary excellence in Columbus. The Short North is easily accessible from various parts of the city, making Forno a convenient destination for both local residents and visitors alike.

Being in the Short North, Forno benefits from excellent public transport links and is within walking distance for many exploring the district's galleries, boutiques, and other attractions. While street parking can be competitive in the Short North, there are often nearby parking garages and lots available, ensuring that diners can find a spot with relative ease. The area itself is known for its energetic ambiance, contributing to the overall dining experience at Forno.

• Dine-In Service: Forno Kitchen + Bar offers a full-service dine-in experience for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The restaurant features a stylish interior with a prominent stone-fired oven at its center, providing a dynamic visual element to the dining atmosphere.

• Reservations: Given its popularity, especially during peak hours and on weekends, Forno strongly recommends making reservations. This can typically be done via phone or through popular online reservation platforms.

• Takeaway/Pick-Up: For those who prefer to enjoy Forno's delicious food at home or on the go, takeaway services are available. Orders can be placed for convenient pick-up.

• Delivery Services: Forno partners with various third-party delivery platforms, allowing customers to have their favorite dishes delivered directly to their doorstep within the applicable delivery zones.

• Happy Hour: Forno offers an unrivaled Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, typically from 4 PM to 6 PM. This includes special pricing on hand-crafted drinks, wine by the glass, Ohio drafts, signature pizzas, and shareable plates, making it an ideal spot for after-work gatherings or early evening meals.

• Brunch Service: A major highlight for locals, Forno hosts a fantastic brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The brunch menu features a mix of savory and sweet options, including unique items like breakfast pizza, chicken and waffles, and various egg dishes, along with brunch cocktails.

• Private Dining & Events: Forno can accommodate private dining requests and larger groups for special occasions. Their versatile space and attentive staff make it suitable for corporate events, celebrations, and other gatherings.

• Bar Service: The restaurant features a well-stocked bar offering an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails, a diverse wine list (including flights), and local Ohio draft beers. There's also a late-night happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 PM to 1 AM, focusing on pizzas and half-off bottles of wine and champagne.

• Speakeasy Lounge: Forno also features a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, which typically operates on Friday and Saturday evenings. Patrons can seek out a secret door that leads to this unique, Prohibition-era inspired bar experience.

• Stone-Fired Cuisine: At the heart of Forno's culinary identity is its impressive stone-fired oven. This oven is used to finish many of their dishes, imparting a distinctive flavor and texture, particularly to their acclaimed pizzas.

• Diverse Menu with American & Italian Influences: While categorized as an American restaurant, Forno's menu beautifully blends American dishes with Italian influences, offering a wide array of options from shareable plates like crispy rice with spicy ahi tuna and arancini, to various pizzas, pastas (such as the highly praised Pasta Forno with vodka sauce), and larger entrees like braised short rib.

• Exceptional Brunch Offerings: Forno's weekend brunch has garnered significant praise, featuring creative dishes like the breakfast pizza, perfectly balanced chicken and waffles, and delicious French toast variations.

• Hand-Crafted Cocktails and Extensive Beverage Program: The bar is a highlight, known for its inventive and well-crafted cocktails, an extensive wine list with options for every palate, and a selection of local Ohio craft beers. Their boozy strawberry shots for birthdays or celebrations are a fun, memorable touch.

• Vibrant and Inviting Atmosphere: Forno is consistently praised for its "VIBE"—a lively, upscale, yet comfortable atmosphere suitable for a variety of occasions. The modern design within a historic building creates a unique charm.

• Attentive and Personable Service: Customer reviews frequently highlight the friendly, helpful, and engaging staff who enhance the dining experience by being informative and attentive.

• Dietary Accommodations: The kitchen staff is noted for paying special attention to dietary restrictions and preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options upon request.

Address: 721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Phone: (614) 469-0053

For Ohioans, particularly those residing in or frequently visiting Columbus, Forno Kitchen + Bar stands out as a prime dining destination that perfectly encapsulates the modern American culinary scene. Its location in the bustling Short North Arts District makes it an accessible and vibrant spot, ideal for integrating a meal into a day or evening out exploring the local culture.

What truly makes Forno suitable for locals is its versatile appeal. Whether you're seeking an energetic spot for a Friday night out with friends, a sophisticated setting for a date, a casual yet high-quality brunch with family, or even a convenient place for a business lunch, Forno consistently delivers. The blend of classic American dishes with Italian influences, all expertly finished in their signature stone-fired oven, ensures there's something to satisfy every craving.

Beyond the food, the outstanding service, inviting atmosphere, and impressive beverage program—including a noted Happy Hour and a unique speakeasy—create a holistic and highly enjoyable dining experience. Forno Kitchen + Bar isn't just a restaurant; it's a community fixture where quality, ambiance, and attentive care come together to create repeat customers and cherished memories for the people of Ohio.

Forno Kitchen + Bar

721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA