Al Forno Ferruzza
Local, organic ingredients on sizzling Sicilian pies, waiting for you nearby
Al Forno Ferruzza
OVERVIEW
Authentic Italian food made with local, organic ingredients that make its wood-fired Sicilian pizza a favorite with locals. Delivery available.
CONACT
mapleaqua.com | 503-622-1212
ADDRESS
73285 East Highway 26
Rhododendron, OR 97049
11 minutes from Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet
FIELD NOTES + INSIDER TIPS
You’d never expect to find a slice of Italy sitting on Highway 26 in Rhododendron, but al Forno Ferruzza is just that — an unexpected treat.
Owner, Stephen Ferruzza opened the roadside joint in 2013 as a follow up to his popular Portland eatery that operated on Alberta Street for seven years. He bases his success on an authentic rustic-style dough recipe and fresh tomato sauce, both of which he perfected in collaboration with his Father Francesco Ferruzza. The name probably gave it away but Francesco was born in Castellana Sicula Sicily, so you can taste the culinary tradition passed down from his mother’s home style cooking.
Sicilian Flavor with A Northwest Ethos
Today, Stephen brings his own philosophy and experimentation to cooking. Ferruzza likes to play with flavor profiles by using ingredients like pesto, feta cheese and morel mushrooms. All of his food puts a focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients because he believes it affects how you feel when you eat it. His crew builds relationships with local farmers for meats and veggies to help lift the community up alongside the restaurant.
They claim to make food that nourishes mind, body and soul, so you can imagine there’s an earthy ethos here. In fact, they even feature their side project MapleAqua on the menu, which is a wild-crafted, naturally sweet and bubbly beverage made with maple sap, CBD and chaga. If your curiosity is piqued, go learn more about their own chaga extraction process and the medicinal benefits of these amazing mushrooms.
A Slice of Artisanal Pizza Perfection
The pizza tradition here actually began at a camp in the Adirondack Mountains, where Stephen’s father taught his two sons and daughters how to cook in a wood fired oven. Carrying this technique forward, al Forno pizzas are cooked in an 800-degree stone hearth oven.
The heat pipes out chewy crusts with golden crispy bubbles that personify the rustic, wood-fired char of old world Sicily. They top off this amazing base with just the right proportions of flavorful, high-quality, organic ingredients.
For the kids, we always do a classic Margherita, which highlights the signature red sauce. Our favorite pies are the Funghi and Puttanesca. The former features delicious mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, fresh garlic, ricotta and sumptuous truffle oil. Our other fave pairs tangy hot peppers with ricotta and house-made elk and wild boar sausage — the definition of savory.
Both are great on their own but even better with a side of their house-made ranch dressing. Not a traditional pairing by any means, but we think it could make even a few Italians smile with delight. You can also use any of their amazing ingredients to create your own pie, including vegan and gluten free options. Want to try even more? You can mix things up with their half-and-half option.
Delectable, Old-World Italian Dining
Indulge in fresh salads, sumptuous pastas, and mouthwatering calzones, each dish a testament to the restaurant's dedication to quality and flavor. Vegan and gluten-free options abound, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in their menu offerings.
While their pizza takes center stage (literally), al Forno Ferruzza offers an array of Italian culinary delights to satisfy every craving. We get a salad with every order, and they always arrive fresh and perfectly dressed. Our current go-to is the Roasted Beet Salad with Crumbled Feta, especially because it comes with their own wood fired maple dressing.
al Forno’s other offerings include indulgent pastas, calzones and strombolis that get equally rave reviews. Also make sure to ask if they have any seasonal specials before you order. You might just get surprised with morel mushrooms, fiddleheads and other local treasures. Pair whatever your order with one of their classic Chiantis or other popular local varietals that make up the hand-picked wine list.
Al Forno is also happy to deliver every bit of this goodness to the Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet for $7. You might think it’s a bit pricey, but the portions are big so it’s worth the quality and quantity.
An Artisan’s Pizza Cabin in the Woods
The ambiance at al Forno Ferruzza is as inviting as its menu. Walking in, you’ll feel the same warmth as a cabin in the woods, but you’ll also notice the special touches of an artisan at work.
As you approach the door, there are two beautiful benches with carved wooden mushrooms. Live edge tables, intricate woodwork, and whimsical art create a charming backdrop for unforgettable meals.
Crew members buzz around the massive, wood-fired pizza oven sitting conspicuously behind the bar. As they tend to the flames and pies, friendly banter fills the space and invites you in. Occasionally, local musicians set up in the corner to entertain guests with live music.
During the summer, you can grab a seat on the back patio to get away from the hot oven and take in the forest views. You’ll find all the necessary comforts, including umbrellas and misters going on the hottest days and heaters during the winter.
Embrace the Charm of al Forno Ferruzza
Whether you’re seeking a slice of Italy in the heart of Mount Hood or craving it at your doorstep, al Forno Ferruzza will deliver. With its commitment to quality, community and authenticity, this unassuming spot is ready to delight your senses and nourish your soul.
