About Us

Our story in Cambodia began in Siem Reap in June 2011, a city that quickly became close to our hearts. As our journey went on, friends and familiar faces moved to Phnom Penh. With their support, we chose to grow. In August 2015, we opened in the capital. We wanted to share our love for Italian comfort food. We also aimed to build a community based on warmth, quality, and connection.

We keep our food philosophy simple: traditional, unpretentious Italian dishes, just like Nonna made. We don’t chase trends or decorate plates with unnecessary flourishes. Instead, we focus on what truly matters: honest ingredients prepared with care and respect for tradition. Every dish pays tribute to the flavors we grew up with—comforting, authentic, and made to be shared.

This summer is special for us. We are excited to celebrate our 14th wonderful year in Siem Reap and our 10th great year in Phnom Penh. Thank you to our community and guests for joining us! Over these years, we’ve had the joy of sharing countless meals, stories, and celebrations with locals and travelers alike. It’s been an incredible journey. We’ve grown, made friends, and created memories. Il Forno is more than a restaurant; it’s a real family gathering spot. We truly appreciate all your support and love. We look forward to cooking, sharing, and growing with you for many more years!

What has kept us going strong all these years is simple — we’re real. We remain true to our roots, continuing to deliver honest, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere year after year. There are no flashy gimmicks or shortcuts, just consistency and genuine love for what we do. That’s what keeps our friends coming back again and again.

Ed is not only passionate about food but also about giving back to the community that has welcomed him and his family with open arms.

Every year, Il Forno hosts a blowout charity dinner to raise money for its favorite organization in town, the Angkor Hospital for Children.

Here, he talks about his journey and how the inspiration for Il Forno transpired.

What is your background in the restaurant business?

“My journey in food and hospitality began early — at the age of 14, delivering pizzas in my hometown in Italy,” he explains. “From those humble beginnings, a lifelong passion was born. I grew up in a loving kitchen. My grandmother and mother showed me that cooking is more than just ingredients. It’s about sharing joy with others. Whether it was for family or a table full of friends, they showed me the beauty of gathering around food — a lesson that continues to inspire everything I do today.”

What inspired you to open Il Forno?

“I’ve always had a deep passion for Italian food — the kind that nourishes not just the body but also the soul, he says. “My goal is to share the beauty of simple, authentic flavors that convey tradition, warmth, and care. For those far from home, I hope to offer more than a meal: a sense of belonging, familiarity, and comfort. A place where each dish evokes the feeling of being home, even when you’re miles away.

What brings you the most joy in seeing something you love come to fruition?

One of the greatest joys in this work is witnessing the smiles at the end of a meal — the quiet satisfaction that lingers long after the last bite,” he explains. “It’s even more meaningful when guests who arrive as strangers return as friends, time and time again. These lasting connections are the true reward of what we do.”

Do you have any more aspirations for the business going forward?

Looking ahead, I hope to see this brand grow into a franchise — one that carries the same passion, warmth, and dedication to authentic Italian comfort food worldwide,” he says. “While our roots are proudly planted in Cambodia, our vision is international. We aspire to share our philosophy and flavors globally, creating spaces where people everywhere can feel the same sense of home and connection that inspired this journey.”

Why is working with the Angkor Hospital for Children so important to you?

This journey is also a way of giving back to a country that has given us so much. “Cambodia has welcomed us with open arms, and we feel a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility,” he acknowledges with heartfelt emotion. “While many of the needs here often go unseen, we believe that even a small gesture can have a significant impact.” That’s why we are proud to support causes close to our hearts, including the Angkor Hospital for Children, whose work makes a profound difference in the lives of so many. For us, giving back is not just an expression of thanks — it’s a core value of who we are.”

Below is a heartwarming, candid picture of Ed and his family and their happy life in Cambodia.