Our restaurant was founded in 1970 by Gerry Forte, who wanted to introduce the flavours and ambience of Italian food to Swanage. Gerry's legacy has been taken up by his son, with his wife Anna, continuing this truly family enterprise, together with our loyal staff, many of whom have been with us for a long time.
In Forte family tradition, nothing gives us greater pleasure than welcoming customers, old and new. Our aim is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving simple, tasty dishes with fresh ingredients, which we source locally as far as possible. All are prepared and cooked on the premises. Why not show a special person in your life what they mean to you with the gift of authentic Italian food, with our gift vouchers.
In Forte family tradition, nothing gives us greater pleasure than welcoming customers, old and new. Our aim is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving simple, tasty dishes with fresh ingredients, which we source locally as far as possible. All are prepared and cooked on the premises. Why not show a special person in your life what they mean to you with the gift of authentic Italian food, with our gift vouchers.
Services
Gerry Forte was born in a tiny village half way up a mountain in Italy -North of Naples and South of Rome! Throughout his childhood he was indulged with the most delicious meals known to man, for his Mother, Adelina, and Aunts, Elena and Irene were exquisite cooks in the old tradition, where attention to the best ingredients and enjoyment in family gatherings were always paramount.
Reviews (15)
Andi H.
Dec 14, 2021
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Lee Reuter
Nov 28, 2021
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John Hensby
Oct 20, 2021
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What could you say to do this justice?
We came with our granddaughter and her boyfriend, who has to eat gluten free food & the staff couldn't have been more helpful.
Good selection of food, which we all enjoyed- really tasty! Service was attentive but relaxed & bookings were spaced out so nothing was rushed.
As good as it gets!
We came with our granddaughter and her boyfriend, who has to eat gluten free food & the staff couldn't have been more helpful.
Good selection of food, which we all enjoyed- really tasty! Service was attentive but relaxed & bookings were spaced out so nothing was rushed.
As good as it gets!
Villan Chris
Oct 19, 2021
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We visited here on a Saturday night and had pre booked which I would recommend as it's not very big inside and they were having to turn people away.
It's a family run business and is simple in its layout.
The staff were attentive during out visit with the food been hot and tasty.
There is plenty of choice on the menu all at an average price.
So if your visiting Swanage it's well worth a visit.
It's a family run business and is simple in its layout.
The staff were attentive during out visit with the food been hot and tasty.
There is plenty of choice on the menu all at an average price.
So if your visiting Swanage it's well worth a visit.
Nicki Lucas
Sep 27, 2021
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Rob Bellini
Sep 10, 2021
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Pendant Moon
Aug 14, 2021
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Charlotte Hammond
Aug 11, 2021
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Philip Wills
Jul 31, 2021
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Nicky Addrison
Oct 06, 2019
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A good pizza place. Have been eating here for years and find it to be a reliably good pizza in a nice atmosphere. A range of other good dishes too but you should just get pizza. The bread and butter pudding dessert is also great. Surprisingly busy even in the off season so consider booking. Reasonably priced.
Greg S.
Aug 10, 2019
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Had a wonderful dinner in this charming and cozy Italian restaurant last night.
My bride and I were checking out some of the Jurassic Coast and were near Swanage. She was feeling car sick but it was getting late and it was time to eat something. We decided on Italian as she wanted bianco (White) pizza (basically crust with cheese, kinda like a glorified open faced grill cheese sandwich) as this would be mild enough for her. We did not see this on the menu but knowing it would be easy enough to order Margherita..hold the sauce we came here.
What a pleasant surprise! They were packed and there
My bride and I were checking out some of the Jurassic Coast and were near Swanage. She was feeling car sick but it was getting late and it was time to eat something. We decided on Italian as she wanted bianco (White) pizza (basically crust with cheese, kinda like a glorified open faced grill cheese sandwich) as this would be mild enough for her. We did not see this on the menu but knowing it would be easy enough to order Margherita..hold the sauce we came here.
What a pleasant surprise! They were packed and there
Kristen M.
Jul 29, 2019
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Cute little Italian restaurant on the streets of Swanage. You can tell it's authentic and is family owned by the Forte family (according to their business card).
We stopped in on a Saturday night in July and of course it was busy. We didn't have to wait too long for a table but they do pick people in the place, so don't expect to have a ton of room to spread out.
The food was delicious and very filling! We ordered the cheese garlic bread as a starter, but I was a bit disappointed it came with the food all together. For meals, my husband had a pizza, I ordered carbonara and my
We stopped in on a Saturday night in July and of course it was busy. We didn't have to wait too long for a table but they do pick people in the place, so don't expect to have a ton of room to spread out.
The food was delicious and very filling! We ordered the cheese garlic bread as a starter, but I was a bit disappointed it came with the food all together. For meals, my husband had a pizza, I ordered carbonara and my
Gjon C.
Jul 30, 2018
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Lauren S.
Oct 04, 2014
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We arrived in sleepy little Swanage late on a Friday evening and this restaurant was recommended as one of the places to go that would still be open.
It was busy when we got there so we had a Kia Royale at the bar whilst waiting for our table.
As we were by the sea we both fancied fish.
We opted for king prawns and Italian cured meats to start, salmon and veg, spaghetti and scallops for mains.
The king prawns were very tasty, but we could have done with more than four.
I loved my spaghetti and scallops dish, it was just as nice as some dishes I've eaten in Italy.
I thought the salmon
It was busy when we got there so we had a Kia Royale at the bar whilst waiting for our table.
As we were by the sea we both fancied fish.
We opted for king prawns and Italian cured meats to start, salmon and veg, spaghetti and scallops for mains.
The king prawns were very tasty, but we could have done with more than four.
I loved my spaghetti and scallops dish, it was just as nice as some dishes I've eaten in Italy.
I thought the salmon
Linda H.
Aug 15, 2009
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