Ashland has a new culinary gem, and it's called IL Forno Bar & Grill. Officially opened on July 16, 2024 in Ashland Town Center, this restaurant is the creation of Giuseppe Giambanco, affectionately known as "G," and his wife, Nadia. Rooted in a rich family tradition and inspired by Giuseppe’s childhood memories of his father’s bustling kitchen, IL Forno promises a dining experience like no other.
Growing up, Giuseppe was immersed in the world of Italian cuisine, learning the ropes from his father, a renowned restaurateur since 1976. "My dad's kitchen was my playground," Giuseppe fondly recalls. "Those early lessons in traditional Italian cooking have shaped my approach to food today." Now, Giuseppe and Nadia bring these cherished recipes to life at IL Forno, blending tradition with modern flair to offer what they proudly describe as a "Taste of Italy & A World of Flavor."
But what inspired Giuseppe to open IL Forno in Ashland? "First and foremost, Ashland has an incredibly supportive community," Giuseppe explains. "The people here have a genuine appreciation for local businesses and a vibrant spirit of togetherness. This supportive atmosphere is essential for any new venture, especially a restaurant that thrives on repeat customers and word-of-mouth recommendations." He continues, "Moreover, Ashland's dining scene doesn't have anything quite like IL Forno. Our restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional and innovative culinary experiences, centered around authentic, brick oven gourmet pizzas, pastas, steak, and seafood, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients."
At IL Forno, every dish is crafted with care, ensuring that each bite is a testament to Giuseppe’s dedication to quality and flavor. The menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering options, including the Steak Bruschetta, Crab Portobello Shrimp, Shrimp & Lobster Linguini, The Goat Pizza, and the Surf & Turf Burger. These dishes are not only delicious but also embody the essence of Giuseppe's culinary journey.
For those looking to unwind, IL Forno offers fantastic Happy Hour specials from Tuesday to Friday, 3:00-6:00 PM, with $2.00 off all cocktails, wine, and beer. Additionally, there’s a generous 10% discount for Randolph Macon students and first responders. Giuseppe is especially excited about their loyalty program, designed to reward repeat customers for their patronage.
So, what makes IL Forno truly special? "We aren't your typical Italian restaurant," Giuseppe proudly states. "We offer a variety of different entrees that you can't get anywhere else close to Ashland! We have a beautiful, full, huge bar, and we make 90% of everything fresh in-house. There's nothing like our business in this town." This commitment to freshness and uniqueness sets IL Forno apart, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Looking ahead, Giuseppe and Nadia have big dreams for IL Forno. "We want IL Forno to be a staple in this community and support the town of Ashland," Giuseppe shares. "We envision our restaurant as a place where all the locals come in and make our restaurant their home. We are very family-oriented, and our home is your home!"
IL Forno Bar & Grill invites you to pull up a seat and become part of their family. Experience the flavors they’ve been perfecting since 1976 and savor the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Giuseppe and Nadia have lovingly created. Welcome to IL Forno—where every meal is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and community.