Al Forno (New Malden)

I'm always ambivalent about writing reviews for restaurants I really like as it gets harder and harder to get a table, however, it would be unfair of me to keep quiet. We've been eating here for years. Its consistently very good indeed. The steaks have always been exceptional but I've eaten my way backwards and forwards through the menu and never been disappointed.
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Les Hatton
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 19, 2013

Great Italian food in an atmosphere that could almost be home! A family run business that shows the dedication and attention to detail that Max and Mina have put in since they opened. Typical of the Al Forno style in layout and decor they bring that something extra both in their food and wine that you might not find elsewhere in this small chain. You are always welcome, the staff are friendly and attentive and the food is excellent value for money. Ask Max for his wine recommendation I would be very surprised if you were not delighted as he has wines that he has selected to compliment their cuisine perfectly.
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Chris Hine
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, November 19, 2012

I had not been to Al Forno New Malden for some time as it had lost its welcoming atmosphere, so was very surprised to note the difference in the service now in place. The new owners have clearly set about making a visit a welcoming experience and not only that are slowly, and thoughtfully, tweaking the menu where you now have a very attractive meal at the price. I have eaten here now both at lunch time and in the evening and have been looked after very well indeed, service and food excellent. For those that may be interested the wines, whilst not extensive offer a very good return for the money spent. Most would be happy to pay 50% more and still be satisfied. An altogether much improved experience particularly for those remembering how to treat serving staff, with respect.
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Kris Dolinski
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Friday, November 09, 2012

We went to Al Forno for our wedding anniversary meal, and had a great time. There was a warm welcome and a lovely table, and the food was excellent; delicious, freshly cooked and plentiful, and the service was spot on. The new owners introduced themselves and it was clear to us that nothing was too much trouble. When we weren't sure which wine to choose, we were offered a sip of both contenders. There was a relaxed atmosphere with a nice addition in the live music (traditional Italian songs from a singer and a guitarist) which was at the right volume (often too loud in restaurants). One song was even dedicated to us for a happy anniversary. We had an excellent night and we look forward to going back. Would recommend to anyone!
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Max Freeway - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Just had our second visit to Al Forno in New Maldne since new owners took over, my first visit was outstanding I had the seafood linguine which was excellent, the new owners are Italian and have an amazing passion for their food, the even brought me more bread so I could soak up all the amazing sauce.

Last night I was taken there as a surprise, again amazing food, had the king prawns with chilli oiled they were HUGE and the sea bass with muscles Great service and again outstanding food. It is now my favourite resturant, far more superior than when it was part of the chain.

Must try the specials, and I am going to work my way through their menu.
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Allan
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, July 28, 2012

My husband is Italian, and we have tried almost every 'Italian' restaurant we could find - but none has quite measured up to Al Forno in New Malden.

We arrived to a very warm environment, smiling helpful personnel, and a lovely table situated on the upper deck of the restaurant. My husband and I were both very surprised when we opened the menu, to see such a wide variety of Italian favourites available.

We both ordered an aperitif - I had a Bellini (something I grew very fond of, whilst visiting Italian family) and my husband had a Aperol Spritzer. We also ordered an Antipasto Misto, which in my humble opinion was a fantastic size to share.

One thing I loved, was that our son (3 years of age) was really looked after as much as we were. And that is something I hold dear to my heart in the Italian community, is a sense of family.

With all the delicious dishes drifting passed us, we finally decided on a small margherita pizza for our son. I ordered the Pollo alla Loggia and my husband had the Bistecca Diana. I was surprised at how quickly our food arrived and how fantastic everything tasted.

During our starters, we met the new owner (the restaurant has changed management) - who was so welcoming and kind to us. I really felt like I was in a relatives restaurant in Italy, opposed to a compete stranger.

And to end off our amazing meal, we had espresso al vetro, with tozzetti.

The bill was very reasonable, and we had the best night out in a very long time!

I cannot wait for our next meal at Al Forno, New Malden. Definitely my new favourite restaurant.
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Kalli Pasqualucci
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 31, 2012

On Saturday the 26th November my partner, a couple of friends and I decided to go to Al forno's in New Malden for the first time to try it out. We are regulars at both the Kingston and Wimbledon Branch but have recently moved to Worcester Park.

On arrive they were very warm and friendly. However we sat down to order drinks and I ordered a White Wine Spritzer (I'm 35 weeks pregnant). When the waitress (Rosabella) then brought out our drinks and kept trying to give my drink to everyone else I was a bit confused. After clarifying with her that is was mine she looked at my stomach as if to say but you cant drink... then she proceeded to go to the lady working behind the bar to tell her and I caught them both looking at me in disgust. A short while after she was doing something else near our table and she just would not stop looking at my stomach.

It was a very uncomfortable feeling and I felt like I was being judged on the fact that I was having one drink - its not as if I ordered a bottle of wine or doing shots of tequila. I just feel it was VERY unprofessional of her and for that one reason it has made me HESITANT to return.
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Lisa Piagesti
7 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 9
Monday, November 28, 2011

Having lived in New Malden for a long time, I have been to Al Forno scores of times since it's opening. I think the food has always been good, except when they are having personnel issues like they did last night.

Credit where credit is due, the starters were very good, we had garlic mushrooms, seafood, the winner was the salmon stuffed with prawns. However, the service was poor, the waitress had a very loose grasp of English and her male colleague even worse so. Took a long time to take our orders but then again that doesn't bother me that much since we were talking and have a nice time.

The problems really came along with the main courses. Myself and my brother ordered the Steak Gorgonzola - I have had a good few times before and it is excellent when it is done right. The steaks arrived and they were well done, grey meat no blood at all - we had ordered them to be medium-rare. So we sent these straight back.. The steaks came back and this time they had been cooked perfectly for medium-rare, however the sucker punch was, the sauce they put on the second steaks did not have any gorgonzola in it. It was the base cheese sauce which they use for every cheese pasta dish they sell. It was bland and nothing like the usual excellent sauce. I did complain about this as well, but I wasn't going to send it back again as I was too hungry!

The service was bad throughout, the waitress gave us the dessert menus and then stole 2 of them back off us to give to another party.

We told the manager it was my brothers birthday - usually the birthday person gets a slice of chocolate cake and some ice cream, and my brother was going to order a piece of cake off the menu. However they rang the bell and sang happy birthday and brought out a solitary scoop of ice cream! Although this is a nice thing for them to do, he did actually want a slice of cake as well!

Al Forno won't be seeing us for a while unless they get back the decent chef, the one who wears a bandana and makes lovely pizzas, and some waiting staff who know what they are doing.

If you want a decent Italian meal with decent service, go to iL Camino near Tescos. They are far superior, if a bit more expensive.
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Adam S
5 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Wednesday, August 04, 2010