Abu Dhabi, UAE — Il Forno has added another milestone to its 26-year journey in the UAE after being named Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant at the What’s On Awards. The recognition was determined through public voting, giving the award particular significance for a restaurant brand whose growth has been closely connected with its diners.
Il Forno’s story in the UAE began in 2000, when it opened its first restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Over the years, the brand has expanded its presence to more than 30 locations across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
Its menu continues to focus on approachable Italian favourites, including handcrafted pizzas, freshly prepared pasta, starters and desserts. The restaurant designed to provide a relaxed dining environment for families, friends and groups.
Keeping Italian Traditions at the Centre
Despite its expansion, Il Forno says its approach to food has remained grounded in familiar Italian traditions. Traditional recipes, carefully selected ingredients, generous portions and welcoming service continue to influence the brand’s everyday operations.
Consistency is another important part of that approach. Whether someone is visiting for the first time or has been dining with the brand for years, the goal is to provide a dependable experience across its different locations.
Adapting to Changing Dining Habits
The restaurant industry has changed considerably since Il Forno opened its doors. Customers now have more ways to discover restaurants, place orders and interact with brands.
Il Forno has responded by developing its menu, introducing seasonal offerings, updating restaurant concepts and expanding its digital ordering and delivery capabilities. The company has also explored new customer engagement initiatives and data-led marketing to better understand changing dining preferences.
While technology has become increasingly important, the brand maintains that hospitality remains central to the restaurant experience.
Customer Feedback as a Source of Growth
Customer opinions continue to play an important role in how Il Forno evaluates its performance. Feedback from restaurant visitors and delivery customers provides insight into what is working well and where improvements may be needed.
Positive reviews offer encouragement to restaurant teams, while constructive feedback can highlight opportunities to improve food, service and the overall guest experience.
For a growing restaurant network, maintaining this connection with customers can also help ensure that expansion does not come at the expense of consistency.
Using Technology Without Losing the Personal Touch
Digital tools have become part of Il Forno’s wider strategy. The brand has invested in online ordering, delivery optimisation, digital marketing, customer engagement initiatives, AI-assisted creative work and data-driven marketing.
These technologies can help improve operational efficiency and provide greater insight into customer behaviour. They can also make the ordering process more convenient for diners.
However, Il Forno views technology as a supporting tool rather than a replacement for personal hospitality. The company continues to place emphasis on the human interaction that forms part of the dining experience.
What Comes Next for Il Forno
Following the What’s On Awards recognition, Il Forno plans to continue developing its offering while maintaining the principles that have shaped the business since 2000.
Future plans include new menu ideas, seasonal dishes, improvements to the dining experience, enhanced digital services and further locations. Continued attention to food quality and service will also remain part of the brand’s development.
For Il Forno, expansion is not simply about opening more restaurants. Each new location is expected to maintain the standards and welcoming atmosphere associated with the brand.
A Recognition Chosen by Diners
The What’s On Award carries particular importance for Il Forno because the winner was selected through public voting.
The result represents more than an industry accolade; it reflects the support of customers who chose to vote for the brand. It also recognises the work of the chefs, restaurant teams and support staff working across its locations.
For the company, the award provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress made over the past 26 years while looking ahead to the next stage of its development.
Il Forno Leadership on Authenticity and Innovation
Members of Il Forno’s leadership team highlighted the importance of authenticity, consistency and customer relationships when discussing the brand’s journey.
What Distinguishes Il Forno in the UAE’s Italian Dining Market?
The brand’s approach combines traditional Italian recipes with quality ingredients, generous portions and attentive hospitality. Maintaining consistency across locations is equally important, ensuring that customers can expect familiar standards regardless of which restaurant they visit.
How Does Customer Feedback Influence the Business?
Feedback provides a direct way to understand customer expectations. Reviews from restaurants and delivery platforms help the team identify popular aspects of the experience as well as areas that could be improved.
What Role Does Technology Play in the Company’s Development?
Technology supports several areas of the business, from online ordering and delivery operations to digital marketing, customer engagement and data analysis. AI-assisted creative content is also being explored as part of the company’s modern marketing approach.
The objective is to make the customer journey more convenient while preserving the personal interaction associated with hospitality.
What Can Customers Expect in the Future?
Il Forno intends to introduce new dishes, improve dining experiences, develop digital services and expand its presence while continuing to focus on food quality and service.
The broader objective is to grow while retaining the character and values that have shaped the brand since its first Abu Dhabi restaurant.
A New Chapter in a 26-Year Journey
Being named Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant at the What’s On Awards represents a significant moment in Il Forno’s history.
From one Abu Dhabi restaurant in 2000 to a network of more than 30 locations across the UAE, the brand’s journey has been shaped by its customers, employees, partners and continued focus on Italian dining.
The latest recognition gives Il Forno another reason to celebrate while reinforcing its commitment to developing its food, service and guest experience in the years ahead.
About Il Forno
Il Forno opened its first restaurant in Abu Dhabi in 2000. Today, the brand operates more than 30 locations across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. Its menu includes handcrafted pizzas, freshly prepared pasta, signature starters and desserts, served in casual dining environments designed for families, friends and groups.
