Il Forno, one of the UAE’s leading Italian restaurant brands, has been honoured with the prestigious Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant award at the WhatsOn Awards Abu Dhabi 2026, held on 30 June 2026. The award recognises Il Forno’s unwavering commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, exceptional hospitality, and consistently delivering memorable dining experiences that have earned the trust and loyalty of customers across the UAE.
As Il Forno celebrates this remarkable achievement, the award comes at a particularly significant milestone in the company’s journey. In 2026, the brand proudly marks 26 years of bringing authentic Italian flavours to diners, having established itself as one of the country’s most recognised and respected Italian restaurant in dubai chains. From its humble beginnings in 2000, Il Forno has grown into a network of 30 branches across the UAE, serving thousands of guests every day while remaining true to the traditions of Italian cuisine.
The WhatsOn Awards are among the hospitality industry’s most respected recognitions, celebrating restaurants that consistently deliver outstanding food, service, atmosphere, and overall customer experience. Being named Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant reflects the confidence and appreciation of diners who have continued to support Il Forno throughout its 26-year journey.
For Il Forno, the award represents far more than industry recognition. It is a celebration of the relationships built with customers over more than two decades and a reflection of the company’s commitment to delivering authentic Italian dining experiences every day. The continued loyalty of guests has played a vital role in shaping the brand into what it is today.
Authenticity has always been at the heart of Il Forno’s philosophy. Every dish begins with carefully selected premium ingredients, many of which are imported directly from Italy to preserve the traditional flavours that define genuine Italian cuisine. From authentic Italian tomatoes and premium extra virgin olive oil to carefully selected cheeses, herbs, and specialty ingredients, Il Forno remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality without compromise.
Over the past 26 years, Il Forno has continued to evolve while remaining true to its roots. The company regularly introduces new menu creations inspired by different regions of Italy, seasonal ingredients, and changing customer preferences. This balance between innovation and tradition has allowed the brand to remain relevant while preserving the authentic dining experience that customers have come to expect.
Hospitality continues to be one of the company’s defining strengths. Every Il Forno restaurant is designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere where families, friends, and colleagues can enjoy quality time together over authentic Italian cuisine. Combined with attentive service and generous portions, this customer-first approach has helped establish Il Forno Uae as one of the most trusted casual Italian dining destinations in the UAE.
Speaking about the award, Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan, Founder and CEO of Il Forno, expressed his appreciation for the recognition and the people who made it possible.
“Winning the WhatsOn Award for Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Il Forno. As we celebrate 26 years of serving authentic Italian cuisine, this recognition reflects the passion, dedication, and commitment of our entire team, as well as the continued trust and support of our loyal customers. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey.”
Celebrating 26 years of excellence and operating 30 branches across the UAE, Il Forno continues to strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading Italian restaurant brands. Winning the Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant title at the WhatsOn Awards Abu Dhabi 2026 marks another important milestone in the company’s journey and reaffirms its dedication to delivering the authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and memorable experiences that have made Il Forno a favourite among generations of diners.
