Columbus food lovers found Forno Kitchen + Bar right in the heart of the Short North, and it quickly became a go-to comfort spot for pizza, brunch, and cocktails.
The warm glow of the stone-fired oven, the open view of the bar, and an easy-going crowd make it feel like a place where you can drop in any day and still feel welcome.
Locals talk about how happy hour deals, shareable plates, and solid drinks make it easy to gather friends without overthinking the plan.
Add in weekend brunch, late-night energy, and a menu that leans into familiar flavors with a playful touch, and you get a spot that genuinely feels like “your neighborhood pizza bar” on High Street.
How Forno Kitchen + Bar won locals’ hearts
Forno won locals over with its stone-fired pizzas that come out hot, crisp, and deeply satisfying, giving Columbus diners a reliable place for comfort food any day of the week.
People love that they can watch the pizzas being baked in the oven while chatting with friends, which makes the experience feel more personal and relaxed.
Its Short North location on N High St puts it in the middle of one of Columbus’s most walkable and lively neighborhoods, so it naturally fits into a night out or a casual meet-up.
The happy hour quickly became a big draw, thanks to approachable prices on drinks and pizzas that make after-work gatherings feel easy and low-pressure.
Brunch fans were hooked by familiar favorites like chicken and waffles, which give the menu a cozy, comfort-forward vibe that pairs perfectly with daytime cocktails.
Locals appreciate that Forno keeps the menu approachable and flavor-focused, so even first-time visitors can spot something they’ll enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.
The bar program adds another layer of appeal, with cocktails and wine that match the food’s easygoing style, making it a natural hangout for both casual sippers and weekend regulars.
A speakeasy-style space tucked inside has helped Forno become a favorite for private events, birthdays, and special nights, adding a bit of fun mystery to the experience.
Students, young professionals, and neighborhood residents all gravitated toward Forno because it feels like a place where you can dress up a little or show up casual and still fit in.
Reviews often mention friendly service and a lively but comfortable energy, which helps guests relax, linger over another slice, and come back with new friends.
Over time, that mix of consistent food, good value, and a fun, social atmosphere turned Forno into a place people recommend without hesitation.
It is the kind of spot locals point to when someone asks where to get great pizza, a solid drink, and a good time in Columbus, and that word of mouth is a big part of why it sits firmly in their hearts.
Food Highlights
-
Prosciutto Pizza: This pizza leans into salty, savory prosciutto laid over a stone-fired crust, giving each bite a mix of crisp base and rich meat. Diners love it because it feels both comforting and a little elevated, perfect for sharing with the table or pairing with a glass of wine.
-
Meatball Pizza: A hearty option built for true comfort-food cravings, the meatball pizza layers tender meatballs over melted cheese and a nicely charred crust. It is popular with guests who want a filling, flavorful pie that feels like a full meal and not just a light snack.
-
Margherita Pizza: The Margherita keeps things simple with tomato, cheese, and herbs, which really lets the quality of the dough and the heat of the stone oven shine. People choose it when they want a classic, clean-flavored pizza that showcases the basics done right. 🍕
-
Pepperoni Pizza: A staple for many pizza lovers, Forno’s pepperoni pizza delivers that familiar mix of crispy edges, melted cheese, and just enough grease to feel indulgent. Locals call it a must-order for sharing, especially during happy hour when a simple, crowd-pleasing pie hits the spot.
-
Chicken and Waffles: A brunch favorite, this plate pairs crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, giving you that sweet-salty combo that feels like comfort on a plate. Guests rave about it as a brunch must-try, especially with coffee, mimosas, or a daytime cocktail on the side. 🧇
-
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: This dish leans into rich garlic and parmesan flavor, with shrimp served in a way that makes it easy to share at the table. People love ordering it as a starter to snack on while they wait for pizzas, praising both the flavor and the portion.
-
Boozy Strawberry Shot: A playful dessert option, the boozy strawberry shot mixes sweetness and a little kick, giving guests a fun way to finish their meal. It is a social-media-ready treat that keeps the mood light and adds a memorable final note to a night of pizza and drinks. 🍓🍸
Atmosphere
Forno’s atmosphere feels like comfort food for your mood, with dim lighting, a glowing stone oven, and a bar that hums with easy conversation.
The High Street views and Short North foot traffic keep the room feeling lively, giving guests plenty to look at even between bites and sips.
On busy nights and weekend brunches, the energy leans upbeat and social, yet it still feels relaxed enough to enjoy a slow meal with friends or a date.
It is the kind of space that makes you want to order one more drink, one more slice, and stay just a little longer.
Bottom Line
Visit Forno for stone-fired pizzas, a cozy Short North vibe, and a happy hour that makes comfort food and drinks feel wonderfully accessible.
If you are craving reliable comfort dishes, fun cocktails, and an easygoing hangout, this is a Columbus spot that truly earns its place on your must-try list.
Address: 721 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
📞 (614) 469-0053
🕔 Open Mon 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Tue-Thu 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Fri 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Sat 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Sun 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM