The bridge between traditional and progressive dining in Providence, and the spiritual heart of its culinary world, is Al Forno, a farm-to-table Italian redoubt that opened in 1980. Four decades after the wife-and-husband team Johanne Killeen and George Germon accidentally invented their distinctive, now-trendy style of grilled pizza, Al Forno's two-story space just east of downtown remains comfortable and convivial, its food a study in depth and deliciousness. An evening spent beneath the trellises on the garden patio, washing down the pizza or the roasted stuffed rabbit with a good Umbrian red, may create the illusion that the river less than 100 yards away is not the Providence but the Tiber.

This waterfront institution is renowned for its grilled pizza, which makes sense, since the owners arguably invented it back in the ’80s. It also happens to be one of Ina Garten’s favorite restaurants, which for us, is reason enough to have a meal here. Unsurprisingly, Ina knows what she’s talking about: while any pizza on the menu is a good choice, go with the pepperoni-topped version that’s crispy, slightly charred, and also comes topped with scallions.

When it opened in 1980, Al Forno put Providence on the national dining map as the originator of its distinctive grilled pizza. Still consistently good, the restaurant retains a loyal following for its thin-crust pizza, handmade pastas, and wood-grilled or roasted entrées.

In Providence alone, some of the biggest names on the culinary scene have been women: Johanne Killeen of Al Forno, Deborah Norman of Rue de L’Espoir and CAV’s late owner Sylvia Moubayed, to name a few. Today’s women culinarians continue to make a name for Rhode Island on a bigger stage, including Gracie’s and Ellie’s proprietor, Ellen Slattery, and executive pastry chef Melissa Denmark, Lia Bellini, chef of Enoteca Umberto, Jennifer Backman, executive chef of the Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar, Lori Kettelle of PVDonuts, Jennifer Luxmoore of Sin, and Gina Pezza, executive chef of Vanda — who all happen to be Johnson and Wales University graduates. There’s also a fleet of women food business owners including Kaitlyn Roberts of Easy Entertaining, Siobhan Chavarria of Berri, Tiffany Ting and Rebecca Brady of Hometown Poke, Milena Pagán of Rebelle Artisan Bagels, Minnie Luong of Chi Kitchen and the list goes on.

For Italian tapas, fully organic entrees, or thin crust pizza -- all with fine-tuned wine pairings and river views -- head to Bacaro (262 S. Water St.; tel. 401/751-3700; www.bacarorestaurant.net; main courses $19-$30; Tues-Fri 5pm-10pm; Sat 4pm-10pm), headed by a former chef of Al Forno (577 South Main St.; tel. 401/273-9760; www.alforno.com; main courses $20;Tues-Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm), the foodie haven that started it all. For picnic supplies and Italian finger foods, from marinated buffalo mozzarella to pasta salads, go directly to Federal Hill (Providence's Little Italy -- one of the best in America, according to Mario Batali) and Venda Ravioli (265 Atwells Ave; tel. 401/421-9105; www.vendaravioli.com; deli foods by weight; Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm, Sun till 2pm). You can easily spark a debate with a local over who serves the city's best brunch.

Providence’s Al Forno restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike, famous for introducing the concept of grilled pizza to the world. Under the direction of chefs Johanne Killeen and George Germon, Al Forno has been consistently celebrated for its innovative Italian cuisine and exceptional grilled pizzas, which feature charred crusts topped with gourmet ingredients such as locally sourced mushrooms and house-made sausage. The seasonal menu captivates with dishes like the baked pasta with five cheeses, a meal that has visitors and critics alike waxing poetic about its comforting flavors and artisanal touch.

Just as Providence's long-forsaken downtown began transforming in the late 1970s, the groundbreaking restaurant Al Forno (577 S. Main St.; tel. 401/273-9760; www.alforno.com) opened in 1980 in a nearly 200-year-old iron warehouse on the fringes of downtown. Though Johanne Killeen and George Germon's casual-dining menu carried an Italian stamp, featuring wood-fired pizzas and open-grilled meats, it had so much more verve and sophistication than the traditional red-sauce restaurants of Federal Hill's immigrant Italian neighborhood, it touched off a dining revolution in a city spoiling for change.

The Capital City’s longtime culinary gem, Al Forno is a bonafide institution far beyond Rhode Island’s borders. Celebrated for its irresistible grilled pizza, the chef/owner husband/wife team of Johanne Killeen and the late George Germon put the restaurant on the map. While, Cucina Simpatica, their 1991 cookbook, is described as bringing home cooks “the luscious, lusty food of Al Forno.” Stretched thin and topped with farm-fresh ingredients, their best-known pizza is the margarita, made simply with pomodoro, two kinds of cheese, fresh herbs, and a dash of extra virgin olive oil.

The city impresses with its diverse dining options, from celebrated upscale establishments like Oberlin, Pickerel, and Al Forno, to a classic New England seafood shack near the waterfront, Dune Brothers. You can travel the world through the dining scene so be sure to explore Federal Hill for Italian food and the plentiful Portuguese bakeries around town. Depending on your cravings, Los Andes offers delicious Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine, while Aleppo Sweets, a Syrian bakery and café, serves the most outstanding baklava and mezze.

Al Forno, a riverfront mainstay, has been known to lure diners from as far as New York for its grilled pizzas, baked pastas, and made-to-order desserts. On the east side, Farmstead, a cheese shop and eatery, delights with hearty artisanal fare. (Its chef, Matt Jennings, was also a 2014 James Beard nominee.) And on the west side, the restaurant North is boldly reinterpreting Asian cuisine with such Momofuku-caliber dishes as dan dan noodles with goat, squid, and fermented chilies.

When Johanne Killeen and the late George Germon opened Al Forno in 1980, they helped put Providence on the map as a food destination. Now their rustic Italian spot is, in many eyes, the matriarch of the city’s modern restaurant scene—but the James Beard Award-winning couple’s menu won’t fall out of fashion anytime soon. On it, you’ll find expertly grilled meats, handmade pastas with seasonal flourishes, and buttery fruit tarts served in pools of crème anglaise.

I'm also an Al Forno fan, but I know dozens of people who can't stand the place. New Rivers is solid, as is Mills Tavern (as long as you get decent wait staff), and Neath's (fusion-y cuisine, but not so fusion that Vo Dihlundahs would leave in droves). And for a city with a huge Italian (and Italian restaurant) population, the Italian food is largely unremarkable save for homey joints like Angelos Civita Farnese on Atwells.

Upscale dining institution Al Forno is credited with inventing the grilled pizza. Developed by owners, chefs, and spouses Johanne Killeen and George Germon, the Providence restaurant’s trendsetting pie is served alongside a menu of coveted baked pastas and steaks. The pizza margarita starts with a high-gluten, quick-proofed dough lightly coated in oil and hand-pressed in preparation for the wrought-iron grill.

Al Forno Restaurant Description: High-end Italian spot with grilled pizza. This upscale ristorante adds local touches to grilled pizzas, pastas & wood-fired mains. Address: 577 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903, United States Phone Number: +1 401-273-9760 Website: http://www.alforno.com/ Store Hours: Sunday: Closed | Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 5-10PM | Wednesday: 5-10PM | Thursday: 5-10PM …

But you don’t have to go new or trendy at all to eat very well in Providence. For almost 45 years, the city’s most famous restaurant has been Al Forno, a great Italian spot where all the pastas are made fresh in-house daily. It has excellent food, including standout steaks for place that is not a steakhouse, incredible deserts and excellent service (increasingly rare, unfortunately).

If you’re an outsider who’s heard one thing about Providence food, you’ve probably heard of the grilled pizza, made famous by this old-timer (open since 1980!). Get the grilled pizza, sure—the simple margarita is a popular choice—but don’t stop there. Al Forno is known for its rustic Italy-meets-New-England cuisine, from wood-grilled ribeyes and pork chops to cheesy baked pasta.

Address: 577 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903Phone:+1 (401) 273-9760Website:alforno.comDetails: $$, Italian restaurant. Al Forno, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is an exceptional restaurant that offers a memorable dining experience. The friendly and attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of from the moment they step inside.

Al Forno Restaurant was opened in 1980 by Johanne Killeen and George Germon to use New England’s farms and waters to produce renditions of Italian food. Al Forno means “from the oven” and they use wood burning ovens and open flame grills to incorporate that concept into their dishes. It is where the concept of grilled pizza was first used, which is served as an appetizer.

Al Forno, on South Main Street in Providence, is No. 31 on the list for its margherita pizza, moving up one spot from last year. The website said the restaurant “offers quintessential Italian dining for those who can’t afford the flight.” It also noted that the passing of Al Forno co-owner George Germon last year, calling him one of the “pizza greats.

This is probably the best Italian restaurant that you can go to outside of Federal Hill. Located in the heart of Fox Point (right by Brown), this popular chef-owned location has been charming everyone who visits the city since the 1980s with authentic Italian cuisine. This isn’t like any of the normal Italian restaurants you’ve been to, though.

1980: George Germon and Johanne Killeen open Al Forno on Steeple Street, serving regional Italian food with simplicity and style and Germon's wood-grilled pizza.. In 1989, Al Forno relocates to South Main Street., They will go on to win virtually every restaurant honor, including James Beard Foundation Best Chef Northeast in 1993.

Anytime we want to go we do the early bird circuit and show up there at 4 PM on a Saturday—and it’s usually already packed. For fresh, multifaceted Italian food, this is the best Italian restaurant I’ve been to outside of NYC. Their waitstaff is also very knowledgable and professional, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations.

Al Forno Restaurant offers uncomplicated Italian food with New England style. Some of the most popular choices are the fire-grilled pizzas, handmade pasta such as short rib ravioli, and clams Al Forno. Don’t limit yourself to only entrées and starters at Al Forno, or you’re missing out on some of its finest culinary delights.

Al Forno has been delighting diners in Providence for four decades, famous for its grilled pizza and spicy Clams Al Forno. If you can, request a table upstairs where it is a little quieter. As at Bacaro (since the owner of Bacaro started off working at Al Forno), you have to try one of the wood-grilled pizzas.

Al Forno , on South Main Street, is legendary for having inventing (so they say) the grilled pizza. One fan simply calls this standout Providence restaurant "the mothership" of Providence dining. People rave about the calamari pizza, the avocado beet salad, dirty steak, and the beef short rib ravioli.

Al Forno is a staple of the Providence food scene, presenting food inspired by various regions of Italy, crafted with a respect for ingredients and techniques. Opened in 1980, the restaurant gave birth to the grilled pizza. Be sure to order the calamari pizza topped with a spicy arrabbiata.

577 S Water StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401) 273-9760 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Established in 1980, Al Forno transports the delightful dishes of Italy to Providence. This restaurant serves various baked pasta dishes, pizza, and even hand-churned ice cream.

Al Forno – If you’re in the mood for pizza, then this is the spot for you. It’s considered one of the best pizza spots in the country – let alone Providence. Order one of their popular grilled pizzas with a unique blend of cheeses, and a perfectly charred crust.

In the evening, dine at the iconic Al Forno, renowned for its wood-fired cuisine. Afterward, experience the mystical side of Providence on a Ghosts, Phantoms, and Poltergeists Walking Tour. Learn about the city's haunted history and eerie legends.

– Rating: 4.0 / 5 (581 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza– Price: $$$$– Address: 577 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903-4319– Read more on Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (581 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, Pizza- Price: $$$$- Address: 577 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903-4319- Read more on Tripadvisor

The classic, up-scale Italian restaurant everyone from Providence has had at least once. If you’re searching for the perfect pasta or pizza dish, you’ll definitely find it here. Make sure to call in ahead, because the place can get busy.

This upscale ristorante has been a staple of the Providence food scene for decades. Every last thing on the menu is spot-on, but their wood-fired pizzas (which they claim to have popularized for all of America) are the big get.

577 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903Phone: 401-273-9760 Visit Website. A post shared by Charleen Badman (@veggiebadman). You’ll find Al Forno Restaurant along the Providence River, only 0.3 miles from Providence River Park.

There’s a reason Al Forno has been around since 1980: the incredible dishes!. They make their desserts from scratch (so order at the start!) – how could it not be good so fresh?. The grilled pizza is a must-try.

Al Forno: A Providence institution with a great vibe and always consistent food. Their grilled pizzas are the best and everything else is seasonal and delicious. They also make the best cosmos in the city!.

If your into freshly made gourmet pizzas, and who isn't, Al Forno Restaurant is the place for you. They serve a variety of pizzas all of which will leave you wanting more.

Al Forno: A local institution renowned for its wood-grilled pizza and homemade pasta dishes, providing an authentic taste of Italy.