Il Forno Manali is the kind of place that turns a normal Manali trip into a cosy, cinematic mountain holiday. This wood‑fired pizza restaurant sits in a beautiful old cottage surrounded by apple orchards, with big Himalayan views and the smell of fresh dough in the air.
In this guide, you will find everything about Il Forno Manali, the best time to visit for snowfall, and how far Manali is from Spiti Valley and Sissu so you can plan the perfect 2026 Himachal itinerary around one delicious pizza stop.
Why Il Forno Manali is so famous
Il Forno Manali is tucked near the Hadimba Temple side of town, away from the chaos of Mall Road, which instantly gives it a relaxed, old‑world vibe. The restaurant is housed in a traditional cottage with wooden interiors and outdoor seating that looks straight onto orchards and mountains.
What makes Il Forno Manali really stand out is its wood‑fired oven. Pizzas and calzones come out with perfectly crisp bases, soft centres and that slightly smoky flavour you only get from a real brick oven. The menu keeps things simple: classic Italian pizzas, pasta, lasagne and a few mains, with fresh herbs and vegetables often sourced from their own garden.
If you are travelling with friends, family or a partner, Il Forno Manali works for everyone: candle‑lit corners for couples, big tables for groups, and a cosy, kid‑friendly outdoor area in good weather.
Best things to try at Il Forno Manali
If you are visiting Il Forno Manali for the first time, focus on the wood‑fired section of the menu. That is where the restaurant truly shines.
- Classic margherita or veggie‑loaded pizzas for vegetarians
- Meat‑topped pizzas and calzones for non‑vegetarians
- Baked pasta like lasagne for a heavier, winter‑friendly meal
- Hot chocolate, masala tea or coffee to warm up after a cold day out
Prices at Il Forno Manali are slightly higher than small cafés, but the ambience, quality and portion sizes make it feel worth it for most travellers. If you are travelling in peak season or around New Year, reach early in the evening or be ready for a short wait – it is one of the most recommended restaurants in Manali.
Manali snowfall prediction 2026: when to go
If you are dreaming of eating at Il Forno Manali while snowflakes fall outside, timing your trip is crucial. Most recent weather data for Manali shows that the main snowfall season usually runs from late December to February, with the highest chances of fresh snow around late December and early January.
Daytime temperatures in January often hover just a few degrees above freezing, while nights can drop well below zero, giving Manali that proper winter‑wonderland feel. Travel guides for 2026 suggest planning your Manali snowfall trip between Christmas and the end of January for the best probability of seeing snow in and around town, especially towards Solang and higher viewpoints.
So, if your plan is “snow + Il Forno Manali + short road trips,” aim roughly for late December 2025 to early February 2026, keeping a buffer of a few days in case of road closures or delayed snowfall.
Manali to Spiti Valley distance (via Kaza)
Many travellers now use Manali as a base, enjoy a day or two of café‑hopping (with Il Forno high on the list), and then continue on a longer road trip to Spiti Valley. The usual route from Manali to Spiti is via Kaza, the main town in the valley.
- Manali to Kaza distance: around 202 km by road.
- Manali to Tabo distance: about 249 km if you go beyond Kaza towards Tabo village and monastery.
On paper, 202 km does not look like much, but this is a tough, high‑altitude mountain drive with narrow sections, water crossings and passes like Kunzum. Expect the journey from Manali to Kaza to easily take 9–12 hours depending on conditions, stops and your vehicle.
A smart plan is to:
- Arrive in Manali, rest and get used to the altitude.
- Spend a day exploring – Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, riverside walks – and eat at Il Forno Manali in the evening.
- Start early next morning for the Manali to Spiti Valley drive so you cover the rough sections in daylight.
Manali to Sissu distance: the easiest snow day trip
Sissu has become one of the most popular quick trips from Manali after the opening of the Atal Tunnel. It offers a dramatic change of landscape, with wide valleys, waterfalls and chances of snow in winter, while still being close enough for a same‑day return.
- Manali to Sissu distance: roughly 25–40 km by road, depending on where you start in Manali and the exact route.
- Travel time: usually about 1 to 1.5 hours each way in good conditions, thanks to the Atal Tunnel cutting out the old climb to Rohtang Pass.
For a perfect one‑day plan:
- Start from Manali after breakfast.
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel and reach Sissu by late morning.
- Explore the waterfall, take a walk around the village and enjoy snow if it is the right season.
- Return to Manali by evening.
- End the day with a hot pizza and dessert at Il Forno Manali.
This Manali to Sissu loop works especially well for people who want to “touch” Lahaul without committing to a full Spiti Valley circuit.
How to fit Il Forno Manali into your 2026 itinerary
Because of its location and cosy vibe, Il Forno Manali can become a fixed anchor point in your Himachal plan. Here are some easy ways to structure your days around it:
- Snowfall trip: Sightseeing and snow play around Solang or Atal Tunnel in the day, Il Forno Manali dinner at night.
- Spiti road trip: One relaxed pre‑Spiti evening in Manali with sunset views and wood‑fired pizzas.
- Sissu day trip: Morning drive to Sissu, back by evening, then finish with a warm meal at Il Forno.
If you are visiting Manali in the 2026 winter season, booking your stay near Old Manali or Hadimba side makes it easier to walk or take a short drive to the restaurant, especially when roads get busy or icy. Enjoy the snow, the drives to Spiti and Sissu, and make sure at least one slow evening in Manali is reserved for Il Forno.