Fornaro is the newest restaurant in Coconut Grove

There is a new Italian restaurant called Fornaro off US1, behind Coral Bagels, at 2750 SW 26th Avenue. You'll know it when you see it, the front of the restaurant has a great feel with maroon awnings and pretty foliage. 

It almost looks out of place, like a movie set, or a scene out of Burn Notice; its setting is in an industrial-type area across from Burger King and backed up to Crook and Crook.  Lorenzo, the owner, from San Paolo, Brazil, has authentic Italian dishes with what he calls a "modern twist." Brazil has large Italian communities, and Lorenzo's relatives are from Italy so it's a mix of both. Fornaro is very comfortable, a place you will want to visit often. I have friends who have been back two and three times already in the short time they've been open.

The menu is large, there is something for everyone, calamari, pizzas and riggatoni are the most popular along with Polpettone, the house specialty ($12.50). Crafted with freshly ground filet mignon, it is delicious. Fornaro offers baked brick oven pizzas, their sauce is made daily. "Every bite at Fornaro will always be fresh and of the utmost quality," says Lorenzo. Polpettone is their recipe for filet mignon ground beef with mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce and parmesan cheese, in a sandwich.

Sandwiches include Milanese ($11.50), Italian Sausage ($12.50), Salmon ($14.50); pastas include Linguine provencal ($14.50), Spaghetti Pomodoro ($11.50) and Fettuccine Alfredo ($12.00) to name a few.

There are salads and soups and gourmet pizza starting at $10.00. Veal, chicken and seafood are part of the menu too and desserts including Tiramisu ($7.80), Petit Gateau ($7.80), Tropical Pineapple ($4.80) and Ice Cream Pop ($5.20).

The restaurant is casual, yet upscale in presentation and taste. You can tell a lot of work went into the creation of the place. And check out the sausage bread, a house specialty ($9.95).

"Our mission is to serve deliciously authentic Italian fare in a modern and welcoming environment," says Lorenzo.

Fornaro Italian Restaurant is located at 2750 SW 26 Avenue. Hours are: Tuesday thru Thursday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and then 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm; Saturday: 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm and Sunday: 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Closed Monday.

You can reach them at: 305-668-8888.

Photos via Fornaro's Facebook page and Tom Falco