Al Forno
2a Kings Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8QN
0208 540 5710
Tube: Wimbledon
The scene: This is a fast ticket to Italy. Open the door and the energy hits like the Mediterranean heat off the plane from London. Pizza chefs toss dough by the open oven, diners are cheerful, the place is loud, and all within a rustic little venue just off Wimbledon’s main drag. Remember, you’re in Italy, so be open-minded about the service. Good-looking girls will get the best seats.
The grub: Can’t fault it. It’s fine, flavoursome food dished up the way Italians intended. Al Forno’s thin-crusted pizzas, spread across rectangular wooden boards are eternally popular. But a simple linguine with clams, cherry tomatoes and parsley tossed in olive oil is rapturous simplicity. Conversely, a grilled chicken breast with a mushroom and peppercorn sauce makes the tastebuds dance.
Bill please: A starter, two mains and a bottle of wine came to £40.
Verdict: Bring a gang here for good food and a loud time.
4/5
– Rebecca Kent
