Hepcat and I stopped into Fornino last  Sunday night after the Fifth Avenue Fair. Suffice it to say the joint was packed and there was a 30-minute wait.

We decided to sit at the bar. The restaurant, owned by Michael Ayoub (pictured above with co-owner Christopher Walsh) is in the old Cucina location on Fifth Avenue between Carroll and Garfield Place, that then became Tempo. It’s a big space with a lovely bar and appealing wall colors, decor and lighting.

The bar has these hanging amber colored light bulbs, which I love. There’s also an interesting black and white glass sculpture hanging that I took to be a bouquet of balloons.

We ordered pizza because pizza is the thing to order and it was FANTASTIC! The bartender, who was friendly, helpful and attentive, gave us a few recommendations. He suggested the clam pizza or the black truffle (the priciest pizza for $45). “I’d actually like to have those combined,” he told us.

I was curious about the black truffle but thought it was a bit pricey so I went with the Vongole with clams, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, oregano and Hepcat had the Gorgonzola with fresh fig.

Omigod. The pizza was fantastic.

I can’t even describe the crust but it’s a crust revelation. So this is a rave for my first pizza at Fornino.  Oh and each pizza cost $14. and it was totally worth it and a delicious and FILLING entree for one. Fornino also has anti-pasta, salads, pasta dishes and MORE—a full menu—and a kid’s menu as if you didn’t know—and lots to choose from plus a great wine list.