5 things you didn’t know about IL Forno, the Italian gem at Hyatt Centric

In Italy, an antipasti board is not complete without generous helpings of prosciutto, salumi, and cured pork cuts. But at IL Forno, the team has thoughtfully reimagined this experience to cater to local tastes—without compromising on flavour. Instead of pork, diners are treated to beef bresaola, beef prosciutto, and other halal-friendly cold cuts that mirror the rich, savoury depth of traditional Italian charcuterie.

And if you are looking to level up your sharing game, don’t miss the metre-long antipasti board—a feast for the senses and the table. It comes piled high with a generous burrata salad, tomato and basil bruschetta, roasted nuts, house-pickled vegetables, marinated olives, dried apricots, a curated cheese selection, and their signature warm pizza bread, which is less ‘bread’ and more like a cloud kissed by fire—light, fluffy, and still warm from the oven. It is a spread that brings together the best of Southern Italy, reinterpreted with thoughtfulness, creativity, and serious flair. All the indulgence, none of the restrictions.

At IL Forno, every detail has been obsessively considered, right down to the very boards your food is served on. From the cutlery and tableware to the custom-crafted wooden platters, nothing is left to chance. It is all part of Chef Enzo’s vision to create an immersive dining experience where form meets function—beautifully.

Take the metre-long antipasti board, for instance. It is not just a serving piece—it is a feat of design, handcrafted to perfectly fit the vibrant medley of burrata, bruschetta, olives, marinated vegetables, cold cuts, cheese, and pillowy-soft pizza bread. The choice of wood was just as intentional—lighter, spacious, and smooth, designed specifically for the convivial nature of a shared starter. Now, contrast that with the metre-long pizza board, which was custom-built from a denser, sturdier wood that can handle the weight of a fully loaded pie without warping or tipping. Chef Enzo personally oversaw every aspect of its design, ensuring it could hold heat, balance the pizza perfectly, and still look sleek on the table. Even the olive oil and vinegar bottles are carefully handpicked by him!

From the first drizzle to the final crust, everything you taste, touch, or see is chosen with purpose—all to preserve the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship. These fine details may be subtle, but it matters—the kind of thoughtful touch that reflects IL Forno’s ethos: design, flavour, and experience, all in perfect balance.

At IL Forno, the name “IL Forno” translates to “The Oven” in Italian, highlighting the central role this culinary powerhouse plays in the restaurant’s identity. Chef Enzo was deeply involved in selecting and customising the oven to ensure it delivered the highest quality results. Imported directly from Naples, Italy—the birthplace of pizza—this oven is handcrafted from volcanic stones, bringing an authentic, fire-powered pizza experience to the heart of KL.

This extraordinary oven reaches a blazing 450°C, allowing pizzas to cook in just 90 seconds. Once your order is placed, expect your pizza to arrive at your table in under five minutes. The result? A blistered, perfectly charred crust paired with a soft, melting interior—all thanks to the precision of the oven and Chef Enzo’s unwavering attention to detail.

Read more: Where to eat in Petaling Jaya: The ultimate brunch and bakery guide

IL Forno is not your average Italian trattoria. With a sprawling layout divided into distinct zones, the space feels more like a curated experience than a single restaurant. There is the buzzing main dining hall, a lounge-like indoor area, two separate outdoor patios (one with KL skyline views), and a New York-style bar that oozes cool. One room even transforms into a private dining area on request. And the décor? Think industrial-chic with a story—featuring graffiti art by a Portuguese artist that pays homage to Malaysia’s street art culture, reinterpreting it as an expression of art, not vandalism.

When it comes to desserts, prepare for a grand finale that will leave you swooning. Imagine a tiramisu so soft it practically melts on your tongue, scooped straight from the tray with a delicate creaminess that lingers. Then there is the silky panna cotta, with its perfect wobble and a texture that’s as smooth as velvet. The house-made pistachio gelato? It is decadence in every scoop, packed with rich, nutty flavour that dances across your taste buds. And let’s not forget the profiteroles—golden and pillowy, oozing with a creamy filling that’s indulgence perfected. At IL Forno, dessert isn’t just the end of your meal; it’s the unforgettable crescendo that will keep you coming back for more.

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