The first Il Forno Ristorante Italiano open in Cabo San Lucas six years ago. With great pizza and increasing demand Chef Luigi Cavanna opened a larger location in November 2019 in Medano only to close due the COVID pandemic at the end of March 2020. Two weeks ago, a new location was opened in the Art District in San Jose del Cabo. We had seen the grand opening announcements and then neighbors from Zacatitos – Karen Herr and Tom Montgomery – went and just raved about it. So we knew we had to go. With Hurricane Kay on the way, we decided to go on Monday night (September 5th, 2022).

Il Forno took over half of the space previously occupied by Mi Casa on Alvaro Obregon between Morelos and Guerrero. The first sign that they were serious was the sign outside the door offering valet parking. Anyone who has visited the Art District in San Jose del Cabo knows that it is virtually impossible to find someplace to park. Entering the building, we saw how seriously Chef Luigi had taken the design and renovation of the space. To the left of the entrance is a well-stocked bar and to the right is a private wine cellar dining room. Looking all the way to the back, there is an expansive outdoor dining area that is surrounded by interesting mural artwork on the walls. Several large trees adorn the back of the outdoor dining area and string lights and other dome lights make the restaurant seem festive. Just after the bar is another serving area and a small lounge with a low seating where people could comfortably enjoy an appetizer and a cocktail. As you enter the outdoor dining area the kitchen is to the right and in front of it is a large wood-burning pizza oven. The kitchen is large with multiple rooms and several stations. The fresh meats and vegetables are displayed in a glass cooler on the edge of the kitchen. On the left side is a long stone wall, there is a built-in fire pit to provide even more atmosphere as the sun goes down. The design of the restaurant was so striking that I just had to take a walk around and look at all of the design elements. Our server explained to us that they had taken down some of the globe lamp shades because of the upcoming storm.

The menu at Il Forno follows the original location and is Italian all the way. A great choice of starters is offered – bruschetta, garlic bread, beef and octopus carpaccio, several salads and some seafood dishes. For an entrée, you can select from a dozen specialty pastas, over a dozen pizzas, chicken and beef dishes and catch of the day specials.

We want to try several different dishes. We decided to share a Caesar Salad (with the fresh parmesan on the side at Beth’s request). I also order the Beef Carpaccio as a starter. The Caesar Salad had a fresh dressing, small croutons and there were large slices of fresh parmesan cheese. The platter of carpaccio was large with arugula, cherry tomatoes, walnuts and sliced parmesan and olive oil. Both were delicious as was the basket of fresh breads that was provided with the appetizers. Of course, it was all enjoyed with a glass (or two) of Round Hill Chardonnay.