Il Forno Pizzeria - Gaithersburg

This review isn't about their pizza, but rather the Indian cuisine offered under the name Metro Dhaba. I've noticed this chain for years but never ventured inside since I wasn't particularly fond of their pizza. However, a friend mentioned that they serve Indian food at that location and that it's exceptional. To my surprise, they've been serving some of the best Indian food in the area for the past 30 years, right in front of me. Their dishes are very affordable but absolutely delicious.

This restaurant was a delightful surprise in many ways. First, it's a unique combination of a pizza place and an Indian restaurant, which is perfect for when the kids crave pizza and the adults prefer Indian cuisine. There's truly something for everyone. Second, the pizza was quite good, featuring double the amount of cheese compared to most places, and we didn’t even request extra. The restaurant also offers some really fun pizza toppings, such as capers! Lastly, they took classic Italian-American appetizers, like fried mushrooms, and elevated them.

Typically, I order just two items there: the G5 Pizza (a white pizza topped with basil oil) and Lamb Saag (tender lamb cubes in a spinach curry sauce). I enjoy them together, creating a delicious combination of lamb, spinach, and cheese. And I can’t resist getting a mango lassi every time! Most of the patrons seem to prefer takeout, but over the years I've spent here, I've always chosen to dine in, often with a large group of friends or occasionally on a date. One of the best things about introducing people to this restaurant is that they often return, bringing friends, family, or coworkers along, and they tell me they had a wonderful experience too. One quirky aspect of this family-run Indian restaurant is that they’ve started producing their own frozen food line, which is sold from freezer cases at the front. I assumed this targets those who buy fresh food but I could be wrong. I would be interested in trying them, but given how close I live, I’m not particularly motivated to purchase frozen Indian meals. If they made frozen pizzas with lamb saag, I’d definitely have to give that a try! Sometimes I feel that review pages attract negative feedback from those intent on criticizing places. Consequently, many of the quirky and interesting restaurants are unfairly rated. This restaurant is certainly unique, and I personally love it. If you enjoy great food and distinctive, quirky eateries, you absolutely should give this place a visit!

The butter chicken, parathas, and rice are all excellent.

The samosas are fantastic—two for a dollar is an unbeatable deal. However, I wouldn't choose to eat there because the ambiance is lacking and it feels a bit strange to have pizza at an Indian restaurant. That said, the samosas are consistently hot and fresh. It's a good idea to call ahead for your order, and they’re perfect for potlucks!