Forno Santo, a new Italian restaurant in Tulsa's Santa Fe Square, is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. The restaurant's name, which translates to 'holy oven', is a fitting description for the centerpiece of the establishment: a hand-tiled Marra Forni pizza oven imported from Italy. This oven reaches temperatures of over 700 degrees, allowing Neapolitan-style pizzas to cook in just minutes. Personally, I think this is a fascinating feature that sets Forno Santo apart from other restaurants in the area. What makes this particularly fascinating is the combination of traditional Italian cooking methods with modern twists. The oven is not just a display piece; it's an integral part of the dining experience. The restaurant's menu extends well beyond pizza, offering a range of Italian favorites with modern twists. Appetizers include whipped ricotta, prosciutto and melon, and sausage with polenta, while lunch options include sandwiches such as the mortadella sandwich and Italian sub. Dinner offerings include chicken parmesan, bolognese, lasagna, and spaghetti and meatballs made with wagyu beef. One thing that immediately stands out is the attention to detail in the menu, which showcases the best of Italian cuisine with a modern flair. From my perspective, Forno Santo is a welcome addition to Tulsa's dining scene, offering a unique and exciting dining experience. The restaurant's design features red leather booths, detailed tile work, and a prominent central bar, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Forno Santo also offers multiple service styles, including full-service dining and a counter for quicker lunch options during the week. This flexibility allows guests to choose the dining experience that best suits their needs. What many people don't realize is that Forno Santo is not just a restaurant; it's a gathering place for visitors to Santa Fe Square, including the weekly Midweek Market held on Wednesdays at the plaza throughout the fall. The restaurant's central location and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a meal and explore the surrounding area. In my opinion, Forno Santo is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and exciting dining experience in Tulsa. The combination of traditional Italian cuisine with modern twists, along with the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and central location, makes it a standout in the area's dining scene. If you take a step back and think about it, Forno Santo represents a new wave of Italian dining in Tulsa, offering a fresh and exciting take on a classic cuisine. This raises a deeper question: how will Forno Santo's success influence the future of Italian dining in the area? One thing is certain: Forno Santo is a shining example of what can be achieved when traditional cuisine is combined with modern innovation and a welcoming atmosphere. A detail that I find especially interesting is the restaurant's focus on local ingredients, such as the wild mushrooms used in the mushroom pizza. This commitment to sourcing local ingredients not only supports the community but also ensures that the food is fresh and flavorful. In conclusion, Forno Santo is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and exciting dining experience in Tulsa. The restaurant's combination of traditional Italian cuisine with modern twists, along with its welcoming atmosphere and central location, makes it a standout in the area's dining scene. Personally, I think Forno Santo is a shining example of what can be achieved when a restaurant embraces innovation and a commitment to quality, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this exciting new establishment.
