Perched on Level 19 of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, IL Forno is an Italian pizzeria that balances authenticity with a relaxed atmosphere. The name translates to “The Oven”, a fitting title for a kitchen centered entirely around its traditional cooking methods.
Step inside IL Forno and you will find a space designed with distinct moods. The experience begins at the chic bar, which anchors the entrance with a modern, polished energy.
Colorful graffiti on the brick walls gives the bar area a New York vibe. It creates an approachable atmosphere that makes you want to pull up a stool and stay for a few drinks.
Next to the bar, a dedicated wine cellar houses a curated collection of labels sourced from around the globe.
The next section of the restaurant shifts to a relaxed atmosphere, offering the warmth of an English-style living room.
This area is ideal for casual gatherings and long conversations, encouraging guests to settle in and stay a while.
The final section is a family-friendly space located next to the open kitchen. This is the heart of IL Forno, where you can see the culinary team in action.
The setting works well for everything from romantic dinners and family celebrations to midweek meals with coworkers.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Kuala Lumpur skyline, offering a front-row seat to the city’s glowing skyscrapers as evening falls.
The Stone-Baked Heart
The pizza kitchen adheres to the standards of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), a Naples-based organization that defines the benchmark for authentic Neapolitan pizza. Their requirements are rigorous, covering everything from specific ingredients and dough preparation to the type of oven used.
Before baking, the dough undergoes a slow 36-hour maturation process, ensuring the crust develops a light, airy texture once it hits the heat.
Caputo flour is the gold standard for Neapolitan pizza. This specific grain allows the dough to ferment properly, resulting in the characteristic chewy texture that defines an authentic Neapolitan crust.
In addition, the use of premium ingredients like Fior di Latte mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes ensures every pizza remains faithful to its Italian roots.
The pizza oven is the foundation of IL Forno. Hand-crafted from volcanic stone, it reaches a scorching temperature of 430°C and can bake a pizza in a mere 90 seconds!
Instead of using a traditional pizza wheel, the kitchen uses scissors to cut each pizza. This method prevents the crust from being compressed, preserving the air pockets within the dough.
Baked to order, the crust develops a spotted char on the exterior. Meanwhile, the center remains thin and the edges maintain an airy crumb.
The Gamberi e Rucola pizza relies on a balance of contrasting flavors. The sweetness of the prawns, quickly seared by the high oven heat, sits against the acidity of the San Marzano tomatoes. Fresh rucola adds a peppery bitterness that rounds out the flavor.
This Neapolitan pizza relies on a layering of flavors. The smoky richness of ingredients transformed by the fire meets the fresh texture of toppings added after the bake.
The Siciliana is unapologetic in its simplicity. A layer of ricotta forms a milky base for the other toppings, with each slice delivering a concentrated, savory flavor. It offers a sense of familiarity that mirrors the best kind of elevated comfort food.
The beef salami retains its delicate texture as its spiced oils meld with the warm cheese. On top, fried aubergine softens under the oven heat into a buttery, silky finish.
Giro Pizza
The pizza menu at IL Forno spans both red sauce bases (including Margherita, Capricciosa, and Napoli) and white sauce varieties (such as Siciliana, Catamarano, and Quattro Formaggi). Every Wednesday, the restaurant hosts the Giro Pizza promotion, featuring one pizza from each category. Guests can enjoy unlimited servings throughout the evening—the only limit is your appetite!
The Giro Pizza offer also includes unlimited Carlsberg beer throughout the evening. Crisp draft beer paired with hot pizza against the backdrop of the city skyline—it is a Wednesday experience that is too good to refuse!
Beyond Pizzas
Tradition dictates that every Italian meal begins with a basket of rustic filone.
The bread is best enjoyed when dipped in aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil.
Should you prefer to order from the à la carte menu, the Burrata d’Andria is a standout choice. The burrata, made from a blend of mozzarella and cream, features a distinct “stretch and tear” consistency. It is served with a medley of tomatoes, including heirloom varieties with lineage tracing back to Italy.
Served by the scoop in the authentic Italian fashion, the Tiramisu at IL Forno features espresso-soaked Savoiardi biscuits folded into mascarpone cream. A dusting of fine cocoa powder covers the top layer. The result is light and airy, providing a balanced finish to the evening.
If you are celebrating your birthday at IL Forno, the restaurant serves your tiramisu in a shared pot rather than a standard individual scoop. Advanced reservation is required to enjoy this complimentary upgrade.
Come Hungry • Leave Happy
Wednesday nights in Kuala Lumpur just got a whole lot better! Grab your friends and head to IL Forno to enjoy freshly baked Neapolitan pizzas and bottomless beer—all for only RM85+ per person. Secure your table via WhatsApp or TableCheck now!
If you need more information about Food and Travel Lover = Foodveler, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foodveler on WhatsApp. You can also email us at jack@foodveler.com.
Directions to IL Forno, Hyatt Centric
