Forno Antico
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Pizza Napolitana, classic Italian pasta and entrees.
- BYO
- 416 E Main St Map it
- 610-454-1130
- Web site
Finally, a phoenix has arisen from the ashes of the former LaFontana Restaurant! Forno Antico, a trattoria and pizza kitchen has opened in the former La Fontana space behind Sabre’s Jewelry on Collegeville’s Main Street.
The owner and chef, Ciro Nuzzolese, grew up in Italy and learned to cook by working beside his grandfather. He brings with him authentic Italian methods of cooking and his family’s special recipes that you won’t find elsewhere.
“Everything I make is done the old Italian way, with no shortcuts. Customer will find that none of my dishes have been ‘Americanized,’” he explains. “When you eat at my restaurant it is just like being in Italy.” To prepare for Forno Antico’s opening, and the true taste of Italy, Ciro spent several months in the country having a special forno a legna—wood-fired round oven—constructed to replicate the original ovens used for centuries by Italian chefs. The oven produces surprisingly delicate pizzas, which are topped with tomato, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and other favorites.
“I use the finest and freshest ingredients, many at double the cost, because our customers can taste the difference. And I use very fine double zero flour to make my dough daily in small batches—it can’t be refrigerated,” he says. “My menu reflects true Italian cuisine, including Fede Mezza Luna—the highly popular combination calzone and margherita pizza, which was recently introduced in Italy and which can’t be found on American-Italian menus.”
Although Forno Antico is a BYOB, Ciro provides a complimentary glass of Italian red wine to every customer who requests it. The restaurant is a great place for families to eat at very affordable prices. There is indoor and outdoor seating.