Chelsea’s restaurant scene just gained a new taste of Italy with the arrival of Forno D’Oro, a Roman-inspired restaurant rooted in family tradition.
Located on the corner of 20th and 8th Avenue, the restaurant aims to transport diners through homestyle Italian cuisine and an atmosphere that pairs modernity with heritage.
At the center of it all is Master Pizzaiolo Salvatore Olivella, who helms the kitchen alongside his three nephews. Olivella comes from a multigenerational line of Neapolitan pizza makers who adhere to old-world culinary tradition. For them, quality ingredients and technical precision are non-negotiable. That lineage serves as the foundation for both the menu and the restaurant’s philosophy.
(Photo by Forno D’Oro)
With hospitality being a cornerstone of Mediterranean culture, Olivella cuts no corners when it comes to guest experience. He reportedly works seven days a week, personally tasting every ingredient in pursuit of absolute perfection. He remains deeply committed to the values passed down through generations, such as using only premium ingredients, flawless technique and execution, and maintaining authenticity, including a firm no-pineapple-on-pizza policy.
That sense of heritage extends well beyond the food. Forno D’Oro aims to deliver immersive dining experiences that stimulate the senses and capture the richness of Italian culture. To achieve this, Forno D’Oro blends modern design, inventive cocktails, and elevated cuisine for an experience that delivers Italian tradition in a Chelsea-chic package. The space strikes a balance between contemporary polish and homey Italian charm, anchored by an open pizza kitchen and a gleaming gold oven at its center.
The menu highlights Roman-style pizza alongside a variety of Italian staples reworked for New York’s unique food scene. From classic margherita pies and Bucatini Cacio E Pepe (which guests can opt to have made tableside in a flaming pecorino wheel), to lighter fare like summery watermelon salad and tuna tartare, Forno D’Oro’s menu has something for every occasion.
(Photo by Forno D’Oro)
To formally introduce themselves to the neighborhood, the restaurant hosted a grand-opening celebration on June 11. The celebration gave a taste of everything that makes Forno D’Oro special: high-quality food, uniquely crafted cocktails, and community experience. Throughout the evening, pizzas and antipasti circulated as guests sampled Aperol Spritz tasters and handcrafted cocktails.
The open-concept kitchen let attendees witness the restaurant’s masterful technique firsthand, watching each bite travel directly from oven to table. With handcrafted cocktails flowing, the atmosphere captured both a celebratory energy and the intimate appeal of a neighborhood spot.
Though Chelsea has no shortage of dining options, Forno D’Oro’s clear point of view makes it a stand-out option. The unyielding loyalty to delivering family tradition, quality, and Mediterranean hospitality will surely keep diners hungry for more.
Forno D’Oro is now open for lunch and dinner at 196 8th Avenue in Chelsea. To see the full menu, make a reservation, or book an event, follow this link to their website.
