In the heart of The District at Heliopolis' Wadi Degla Club, lies a portal to Italy that envokes the spirit of rustic Italian restaurant, aptly named Dal Forno.

All too often it is easy for new restaurants located in massive food courts to go unnoticed. However with gorgeous outdoor seating lining the entrance, Dal Forno is hard to miss, and even harder to avoid. “The inspiration for our restaurant is to replicate the flavour and comfort of eating authentic home-made Nonna style cooking,” explains Hossam Heiba, the owner.

The beautifully decorated restaurant is smartly laid out ensuring that no matter how packed the restaurant is, it never feels cramped. Outdoor, indoor or upstairs, anywhere you sit comes equipped with a relaxed and unique atmosphere with strategically placed TVs ensuring anyone can catch the action from any seat, when there's a match on.

With a menu that boasts all the traditional Italian classic alongside a slew of creative new dishes, like pepperoni pizza soup, everyone should be able to find a dish to love within its delightful ambiance. “We opened in May and have since been collecting as much feedback as possible to make the necessary adjustments for providing our patrons the best authentic experience around,” Heiba proudly explains. With an eye for detail and an ear for what the diners want, it comes as no surprise to find the restaurant packed with a mix of foodies and excited football fans who appreciate the unobstructed open space when watching High-Definition games.

Even with a packed house, the service proves to be exceptional, with waiters constantly monitoring tables and recommending signature drinks and dishes with a smile. Making a regular appearance in the dining area is the chef, who clearly cares about constantly making his food unique and, more importantly, delicious. “We want our customers to feel like they're eating at an Italian mother's kitchen, so we purposefully make sure that are flavours are spot on, while presenting dishes in a way that feels as comforting as home cooking,” explains Heiba.

Highlights on the menu include a variety of baked-to-perfection thin crust pizzas with finger licking tomato sauce, a charcoal grilled steak fillet, and their unique potato salad. By cooking their steaks on a charcoal grill, the meat remains tender while charcoal infuses a delicious smoked flavour.

“The feedback has been great, and we have many returning customers who love to explore the various dishes on our menu.” With the perfect trifecta of good service, food and atmosphere, Dal Forno is a pleasant sensory experience that will leave a lasting impression on diners, making it the only trip worth taking in The District.

Find out more about Dal Forno on their Facebook page here.