Il Forno opened on 116th Street a couple of years ago but a Bespoke reader mentioned that it appears that the pizzeria has closed its doors. This brick-oven eatery mainly had a takeout counter with a couple of small tables for diners and one of the most fantastic ovens to be found in the city. The bustling FDB corridor and the Lenox Avenue historic districts are close by so we expect more changes to come in the future for 116th Street but unfortunately Il Forno was one of the early pioneers that did not seem to make it.
I was surprised to see the gate down during the day on Monday. I thought they had a decent pie with reasonable prices.
ReplyDeleteI ordered from them just a week ago and they were open... this must have been very recent if it's confirmed. Great slices will be missed.
ReplyDeleteThat location is tough. It would seem like it would make perfect sense. But, 116th is largely touch and go and that particular block is pretty much food businesses that cater to the new African immigrant population right there.
ReplyDeleteyeah, but they deliver so they needn’t rely on foot traffic. . .
DeleteI ordered from them once a week. Excellent pizza and nice people. So sad to see it go.
ReplyDeleteOne wonders if this is an issue with the landlord. This is the 3rd business in that area to close this year. The other two left because the landlord increased their rents beyond what they were able to pay. They were both good businesses doing a pretty good business but not nearly enough to satisfy the landlord. So I'm wondering if all those shops on that side of West 116th are owned by the same landlord. This is what happened with Home Sweet Harlem on West 135th St. She was the first to go then a few others followed, all rented from the same landlord.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Home Sweet Harlem is back and better than ever on Amsterdam Ave., near CCNY
So sad to see them go. I went--dare i say--often! loved the pizza
ReplyDeleteInteresting comments- I absolutely love pizza and wanted this place to do well, but I didn't really like the pizza and I found the help to be kind of slow and unresponsive. The pizza and salad idea would be great- i just think they didn't do it very well.
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