One of Liverpool’s best loved Italian restaurants – Il Forno – is to relaunch under a different brand, its family owners reveal. Tony McDonough reports
For more than two decades Il Forno has been one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Liverpool.
However, the Cillo family that owns the Duke Street venue is to embark on a new chapter, removing the Il Forno name and launching a new eatery at the premises in February called Botanico.
It is the end of an era for the restaurant which opened as Il Forno in 2005 and quickly became a favourite with diners in the city.
Botanico is another Italian food brand launched by the Cillos in Woolton Village in October 2023. This means that although a well-loved name is disappearing, the commitment to high quality Italian food will remain.
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Donato Cillo, Owner of Botanico, said: “Our decision to evolve Il Forno into Botanico is about listening to our guests and the city we love. Botanico allows us to honour our Italian roots while creating a more dynamic space.
“This is onne where guests can enjoy exceptional coffee in the morning, relaxed brunches, business lunches, and memorable evening meals, all under one roof.
“Our valued guests can expect the same commitment to authenticity, quality ingredients and warm hospitality, now paired with a contemporary vision and accessible pricing designed to welcome everyone.”
Marking the next phase of the Cillo family’s growth, this transition will allow the venue to broaden its offering with a fresh concept.
Il Forno has been synonymous with traditional Italian dining, whereas Botanico is an all day eatery, serving guests for morning coffee, fresh croissants and pastries, breakfast and brunch, afternoon tea and lunch, through to its evening bistro menu.