Strong pizza
The pepperoni-and-mushroom pizza is praised for its crust, flavour and overall quality.
Il Forno, Silicon Central Mall (DSO)
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Il Forno is an Italian cafe in Dubai Silicon Oasis, serving pizza, pasta and other Italian favourites from the food court at Silicon Central Mall. Reviews especially point to its pizzas and generous pasta dishes, with delivery also receiving praise for careful packaging.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
610 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Generous portions
Several customers say the larger plates and portions can comfortably serve two people.
Fast service
One first-time visitor noted quick serving time alongside neat plating and well-seasoned food.
Pasta variety
Customers mention creamy Alfredo, carbonara, lasagna and well-sauced pasta among the stronger choices.
Delivery care
Delivery orders are described as arriving on time, warm and well packaged; a custom well-done pizza request was handled successfully.
Custom orders
A customer says the team happily customised a spinach lasagna, with perfectly cooked pasta and smooth sauce.
Family welcome
Reviews mention complimentary ice cream, a baby toy and colouring books, making the counter feel accommodating for families.
Tips for a Better Visit
Share plates. Consider sharing a main: one reviewer found a single Pollo al funghi portion too large for two diners to finish.
Customise delivery. If ordering pizza for delivery, ask for it well done and cooled before boxing; one customer received it exactly that way.
Let it cool. Covered cheese dishes arrive very hot, so wait before taking a first bite, especially with baked pasta.
Check crust options. If crust choice matters, check the ordering platform first: one reviewer could not select a crust on Careem.
Expect food court. Choose Il Forno for the food rather than a quiet restaurant atmosphere; the Silicon Central food court can be noisy.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai 86 Street (Nadd Hessa 1/2 Silicon Central Shopping Center
Nadd Hessa - Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
Pasta Al Forno Della Nonna
A customer’s personal favourite, described as a particularly satisfying pasta choice.
Pollo al funghi
This dish is mentioned as a notably large portion that two diners could not finish.
Penne Alfredo
A review describes the Alfredo as very creamy, with a noticeable mushroom flavour.
Mango tiramisu
The mango tiramisu receives praise for both its presentation and taste.
Penne pepperocino pasta
A regular customer called this pasta exceptionally delicious and a successful alternative to their usual baked farfalle.
Common Concerns
Noisy setting
The food court is small and can be loud, so this is not a quiet Italian dining atmosphere.
Uneven pasta
One visit found the penne and lasagna only average, with pasta that felt slightly undercooked.
Bolognese texture
A delivery review found the Bolognese meat paste-like, oddly spiced and unlike a traditional version.
Poor paella
The paella was reported as soggy, oily and mushy, with the reviewer calling it inedible.
Salad value
A shrimp Caesar salad costing 50 AED was criticised for being dry, lightly dressed and containing only three small shrimp.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
50 AED
shrimp Caesar salad
“I paid 50 AED for a shrimp Caesar salad and it was honestly a big disappointment”Google review · November 2025
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Il Forno is an Italian cafe in Dubai Silicon Oasis, located in the food court at Silicon Central Mall. It is a practical place to order pizza or pasta, whether you are eating at the mall or arranging delivery. Reviews most often favour the pizzas, generous portions and friendly service.
The pizza range includes pepperoni with mushrooms, seafood and salami; one reviewer said a medium salami pizza was enough for one adult and one child. Pasta also gets plenty of attention, from creamy Penne Alfredo and carbonara to lasagna and Pasta Al Forno Della Nonna. Spinach lasagna can reportedly be customised, and Pollo al funghi portions may be large enough to share.
Delivery has some useful strengths: a customer’s well-done, cooled pizza arrived exactly as requested, while another praised packaging that kept pasta warm. Staff are often described as attentive, with family-friendly touches such as colouring books and occasional complimentary ice cream. There are caveats.
The food-court setting can be noisy, and quality is not perfectly consistent: reviews mention undercooked pasta, disappointing Bolognese, soggy paella and a dry 50 AED shrimp Caesar salad. Check crust options on your ordering app, and let very hot baked dishes cool before eating.