Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving New York–style pizza and classic Italian-American pasta in Atlanta, Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta is one of the local names you’re likely to come across. This guide walks you through what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s international food scene, and how to decide if it matches what you’re looking for.

Where Il Forno Fits in Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

Atlanta has a wide range of international cuisine, including Italian, Mediterranean, Latin American, and Asian spots throughout neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and the Westside.

Within that mix, Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta fits into a specific niche:

• Cuisine type: Italian-American, with an emphasis on New York–style pizza and familiar pasta dishes.
• Typical atmosphere: Casual, sit-down dining with takeout and delivery options common.
• Use cases:
  • Weeknight dinner or pizza night
  • Group meals with mixed tastes (pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches)
  • Quick, filling lunch near home, work, or a hotel

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting, Il Forno is the kind of place many people use as a reliable neighborhood option rather than a special-occasion fine-dining spot.

What “New York–Style Pizza” Means in Atlanta

When a place advertises New York–style pizza in Atlanta, that usually signals:

• Large, foldable slices with a thin but not cracker-thin crust
• Crisp on the bottom, chewy inside
• A focus on simple toppings done well (cheese, pepperoni, sausage, veggie)
• Whole pies often in 16" or 18" sizes good for sharing

Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta generally aims to offer:

• Classic cheese and pepperoni pies
• Specialty pizzas with common favorites like meat lovers, veggie, or white pies
• Options to build your own pizza with typical toppings (onions, peppers, olives, mushrooms, etc.)

For Atlanta residents used to chain pizza or Southern-style pan pizzas, New York–style spots like Il Forno provide a different texture and slice experience—lighter than heavy pan pizza, but still substantial enough for a quick lunch.

Pasta and Other Italian-American Dishes

Beyond pizza, Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta typically focuses on familiar Italian-American comfort food, such as:

• Pasta classics:
  • Spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce
  • Fettuccine Alfredo
  • Baked ziti or lasagna
• Baked dishes:
  • Baked pastas with cheese and tomato sauce
  • Chicken or eggplant-style dishes served with pasta
• Starters and sides:
  • Garlic knots or garlic bread
  • Salads (house, Greek-style, Caesar)
• Sandwiches/subs:
  • Meatball subs
  • Chicken parm sandwiches
  • Italian cold-cut–style subs

In Atlanta, this style of menu can work well when you’re feeding a family or a group: some people order pizza, others go for a pasta entrée, and you can fill out the table with salads and bread.

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery in Atlanta

Most Il Forno–style pizza and pasta restaurants in Atlanta support multiple ways to order, which matters if you’re juggling traffic, work, or kids’ schedules. You’re likely to find:

Dine-In

• Casual tables, often family-friendly
• No strict dress code—common for people to come in casual clothes after work or errands
• Good option if you prefer pizza fresh from the oven rather than traveling in a box

Takeout

• You can usually call ahead or order in person
• Takeout is popular with Atlanta residents who want to avoid delivery fees but still keep dinner easy
• Consider calling during off-peak times (not right at 6–7 p.m.) if you’re in a hurry

Delivery

In many parts of metro Atlanta, New York–style pizza places often partner with phone-in orders and third-party platforms. When planning delivery:

• Check your exact address (midtown high-rises, Decatur homes, and outer suburbs can be in different delivery zones).
• Ask for an estimate on delivery timing, especially during rainy evenings or major sporting events when traffic and demand increase.

Typical Price Range and Portions

Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta sits in the casual, mid-range category for Atlanta:

• Whole pizzas: Usually priced per size and topping count
• By-the-slice options: Often available at lunchtime or for quick solo meals
• Pasta entrées: Typically come with bread; some locations may offer salads or upgrades for an added cost
• Portions: Italian-American portions in Atlanta tend to be generous, often enough for leftovers, especially with pasta and baked dishes

If you’re budgeting:

• A single person might spend enough for an entrée and a drink.
• A family or small group can often share one or two large pizzas plus a salad or appetizer.

Prices can vary by exact location and time, so use this as a general expectation, not a fixed list.

How Il Forno Compares to Other Italian and International Options in Atlanta

Atlanta has many ways to satisfy a craving for Italian or international cuisine. Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta usually lands in this part of the landscape:

This makes Il Forno a match when you want:

• Comfort food more than a food “experience”
• A familiar menu that’s easy for kids and adults
• A straightforward place to eat before or after events, classes, or errands

Tips for Locals and Visitors in Atlanta

Whether you live in Atlanta or are just in town for a few days, these practical tips can help:

1. Time Your Visit Around Traffic

Atlanta traffic can be heavy around rush hours (roughly 4–7 p.m.) and around big events near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead. If you’re planning to dine at Il Forno:

• Aim for early dinner (around 5 p.m.) or later evening to avoid traffic and crowds.
• If you’re staying in a hotel, consider delivery or walking when possible instead of driving during peak times.

2. Ask About Customization

If you have preferences or dietary needs, many pizza and pasta kitchens can:

• Leave off certain toppings or ingredients
• Offer sauce on the side for some dishes
• Modify spice levels for certain sauces

Options like gluten-free crusts, dairy changes, or special ingredients are not guaranteed, so it’s best to ask directly when ordering.

3. Plan for Group Meals

For birthday gatherings, watch parties, or casual office events in Atlanta, Il Forno–style spots can often:

• Prepare multiple large pies with mixed toppings
• Offer big salads and trays of pasta for groups
• Help you estimate how many pizzas or pans you’ll need based on group size

Calling ahead is helpful if you’re ordering for larger groups, especially during busy nights or weekends.

How to Find the Nearest Il Forno in Metro Atlanta

If you’re trying to locate Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta from within Atlanta:

• Note your neighborhood or area (e.g., Downtown, Midtown, West Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, East Atlanta, or near major corridors like Peachtree Street or I‑285).
• Use your preferred maps or search tool and search for “Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta” + “Atlanta GA” or your neighborhood name.
• Confirm:
  • Exact address and cross streets
  • Hours of operation (lunch vs. dinner)
  • Whether they offer dine-in, takeout, and/or delivery

If you rely on MARTA, you may want to look for Il Forno locations near MARTA rail stations or major bus routes, so you’re not restricted to driving.

When Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta Might Be a Good Choice

In the context of Atlanta’s restaurant scene, Il Forno New York Pizza and Pasta is usually a good fit if you:

• Want New York–style pizza without traveling to a specialty pizzeria across town
• Prefer casual, familiar Italian-American dishes over fine dining
• Need a spot that can comfortably handle families, groups, and mixed tastes
• Are staying in or near an area where Il Forno is convenient for pickup or delivery

For Atlanta residents, it can function as a go-to neighborhood pizza and pasta spot. For visitors, it offers a straightforward, recognizable style of food when you’ve had your fill of Southern and barbecue options and want something simple and satisfying.