Forno Kitchen + Bar, located at 721 N. High St. in Columbus, Ohio, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place with history, ambiance, and most importantly, fantastic food. Having revisited Forno recently for their brunch, it brought back a wave of nostalgia, as our first Columbus apartment was actually located in the same building, right above where Forno now delights diners. This personal connection made the experience even richer, allowing us to appreciate both the present culinary delights and the echoes of the past within its walls.
A Look Inside Forno High Street
Stepping into Forno is entering a spacious and thoughtfully designed environment. The restaurant cleverly utilizes its large footprint, dividing the space into distinct yet cohesive areas. The side of Forno facing Buttles Avenue is bathed in natural light thanks to expansive windows, creating a bright and airy dining atmosphere. In contrast, the opposite side of the restaurant offers a slightly moodier, more intimate setting, characterized by cooler blue lighting. Despite these differences, both sections are unified by striking design elements, most notably the oversized lampshades that run the length of the space, adding a touch of modern drama.
Adding to the unique character of Forno High Street is the building’s history. Before it was Forno, this location was a collection of smaller spaces, including a gallery, an office, a corner shop, and even a candle store. Remarkably, remnants of this past life still exist within Forno, most notably the old bank vault. This historical feature serves as a conversation starter and a reminder of the building’s long and varied history at this prime High Street location.
The seating at Forno is as diverse as its ambiance, offering options to suit different preferences and group sizes. From tall, communal-style tables perfect for casual gatherings to large, enveloping booths that offer a sense of privacy, there’s a spot for everyone. The slightly sunken chair experienced during our visit, while amusing, highlights the comfortable and relaxed approach to dining at Forno.
Brunch at Forno: A Culinary Experience
At the heart of Forno Kitchen + Bar, both literally and figuratively, is the “forno” itself – the oven. As the name suggests, pizza takes center stage on the menu, but Forno’s culinary offerings extend far beyond just pizza. Their menu is a diverse selection of Italian-inspired dishes, encompassing entrees, fresh salads, tempting desserts, and a particularly enticing brunch selection.
Drinks to Start: Bloody Mary and Craft Beer
No brunch is complete without the right beverages, and Forno delivers on this front. We started our meal with a robust and flavorful Bloody Mary, a classic brunch cocktail done right. For beer lovers, Forno offers a curated beer list, and on this occasion, we opted for a Jackie O’s Java the Stout, a rich and satisfying choice that complemented the brunch dishes perfectly.
Brunch Brasato: A Unique Start
Seeking something different from typical brunch fare, we chose the brunch brasato. This dish is a welcome departure from standard brunch menus and proved to be an intriguing and flavorful start to the meal. The brasato features tender beef braised in a tomato-based sauce, enhanced with parmesan and rosemary, and topped with a perfectly cooked egg nestled directly into the mixture. While the tomato sauce leaned slightly acidic, the beef was incredibly tender and the overall presentation was visually appealing and rustic. The dish is designed to be enjoyed by spooning the flavorful mixture onto slices of bread, creating a delightful and savory brunch bite.
Pear Necessities: A Sweet Cocktail
Moving on to the cocktail selection, the Pear Necessities offered a sweeter counterpoint to the savory dishes. This gin-based cocktail is skillfully crafted with poached pear syrup and ginger liqueur, resulting in a balanced and refreshing drink with a hint of spice and fruitiness.
Nutella French Toast: Sweet but Could Be Better
For the sweet tooth, the Nutella stuffed French toast was a tempting choice. Topped with bananas and hazelnuts, it certainly satisfied the craving for something sweet. However, while enjoyable, it fell slightly short of being truly memorable, primarily due to a need for a more generous filling of Nutella.
Brunch Pizza: The Highlight – Runny Eggs and Brussels Sprouts
The undeniable star of the brunch at Forno High Street was the Brunch Pizza. This dish alone is a compelling reason to return. Featuring a creative combination of eggs, fontina cheese, garlic, pancetta, and Brussels sprouts, it was a symphony of flavors and textures. The thin and crispy crust provided the perfect base for the toppings, with the Brussels sprouts cooked to tender perfection. The runny eggs added a luxurious richness, allowing for the delightful experience of dipping the pizza into its own yolk. This brunch pizza is a testament to Forno’s pizza expertise and their ability to innovate even within classic brunch dishes.
Final Thoughts on Forno High Street Brunch
Forno Kitchen + Bar in Columbus’ Short North offers a diverse and appealing weekend brunch menu. Beyond the exceptional pizzas, brunch-goers can also enjoy a range of appetizers, including calamari and arancini, alongside more traditional brunch options like biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, skillets, parfaits, and BLTs. With its combination of delicious food, unique ambiance, historical location on High Street, and a menu that caters to various tastes, Forno provides ample reasons to visit and explore their offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, classic brunch dishes, or inventive cocktails, Forno High Street is a destination worth discovering in Columbus.
