Forno Leytonstone is a vibrant Italian bakery, café, and deli tucked beneath the railway arches on Church Lane in East London. Just a short walk from Leytonstone Underground station, this stylish neighbourhood spot brings an authentic slice of Italy to the local community, offering a warm, laid-back setting that blends industrial character with contemporary charm.
Inside, exposed brickwork, bright orange flooring, and chrome-edged seating create a modern, inviting space, while the upstairs mezzanine provides a cosy perch overlooking the street below. The all-day menu celebrates traditional Italian baking and seasonal ingredients. Mornings begin with fresh pastries, including pillowy maritozzi filled with cream, pistachio croissants, and flaky sfogliatelle.
A standout feature is the rotating selection of focaccia sandwiches and savoury tarts, alongside signature sausage rolls infused with nduja. Pizza by the slice showcases elevated toppings like spring onion cream with leeks and lamb’s lettuce or stracciatella with heritage tomatoes and Parma ham, served alongside comforting classics like margherita. Forno also operates as a pastificio, offering handmade pasta and risotto rice to take home, as well as a curated range of Italian pantry staples and baked sourdough loaves.
Coffee is central to the experience, with beans sourced from Scenery and expertly brewed into everything from smooth cortados to rich long blacks. A hand-picked selection of natural wines rounds out the offering. Located in Leytonstone’s emerging food and drink scene, Forno attracts a loyal following with its commitment to craft, quality, and community. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick espresso and pastry or picking up ingredients for dinner, it’s a local gem that captures the soul of Italian café culture in a distinctly East London setting.