IL Forno - Authentic Italian Restaurant in Manali

Manali, Himachal PradeshRESTAURANT

Authentic Italian restaurant in a rustic Himachali house setting, famous for its wood-fired pizzas and mountain views near Hadimba Temple.

iHighlights

Info

RESTAURANT

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

IL Forno is an Italian restaurant located on the way to Hadimba Temple, set within a traditional Himachali-style house surrounded by apple orchards. It offers a quiet alternative to the busy eateries on Mall Road. The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, particularly its thin-crust pizzas baked in a large wood-fired oven that is a centerpiece of the outdoor area. The ambiance is rustic and relaxed, with options for both indoor and outdoor seating. The garden seating area provides excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a great spot for a leisurely lunch or a peaceful dinner. The menu includes a variety of pizzas, calzones, pastas, and desserts. The combination of authentic food, a cozy setting, and natural surroundings makes it a popular choice for both tourists and locals looking for a quality dining experience.

Contact Information

Phone: -9816076121

Why This Place is Special

• Authentic wood-fired pizzas
• Rustic ambiance in a traditional Himachali cottage
• Al fresco dining with views of mountains and apple orchards
• Homemade pasta and calzones
• A quiet and relaxed atmosphere away from Mall Road
• Use of fresh, local produce in Italian recipes
• Tiramisu and Panna Cotta desserts

Ideal For

CouplesFamiliesGroupsSolo travelersPhotographers

Facilities & Amenities

• Restrooms
• Seating areas
• Limited parking

Visitor Tips

• Visit during the late afternoon to enjoy the beautiful sunset views from the garden.
• Book a table in advance, especially during peak tourist season (May-June and Dec-Jan), as it gets crowded.
• Request an outdoor table for the best views and dining experience, weather permitting.
• The approach road is narrow and steep
• consider taking an auto-rickshaw or walking the last stretch from the main road.
• Carry cash, as mobile network and card machine connectivity can be unreliable in the hills.
• Combine your meal with a visit to the nearby Hadimba Devi Temple, which is just a short walk away.
• Evenings can get chilly, even in summer, so carry a light jacket or shawl if you plan to sit outside.

Rules & Restrictions

• No outside food and beverages allowed
• Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas

Safety Information

• The road leading to the restaurant is narrow and steep. Be cautious if you are driving your own vehicle.
• In the evening, the path can be poorly lit, so carry a torch or use your phone's flashlight if walking back.
• Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded outdoor seating areas.
• Confirm your booking before heading out to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season.
• Mobile networks can be weak. It's a good idea to carry some cash for payment.
• Wear comfortable footwear as the terrain is uneven and involves some uphill walking.

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Location & Address

Hadimba Temple Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, Near Hadimba Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the outdoor seating. Spring and autumn offer clear skies and fantastic mountain views. Avoid the monsoon months of July and August due to heavy rainfall. Winter (December to February) is also a good time if you enjoy the cold and snow, but outdoor seating might be limited.
Peak Crowd: May-July, December-January, and long weekends, especially during evenings.
Moderate Crowd: March-April, September-November during weekdays.
Low Crowd: July-August (monsoon season) and weekday afternoons.

How to Reach

Air

Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU) in Bhuntar is the nearest airport, located about 52 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to Manali, which takes around 1.5-2 hours.

Train

The nearest major railway station is Chandigarh (310 km) or Kalka (275 km). From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to Manali, which is a 7-9 hour journey.

Road

Manali is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi (approx. 550 km) and Chandigarh (approx. 310 km) via NH3. Overnight government and private buses run regularly.

Local Transport

From Manali's Mall Road, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a local taxi to reach IL Forno. It is a short 1.5 km uphill ride. Some visitors also choose to walk from the main town.