In the medieval heart of Civitavecchia, just steps from the port, Forma has quickly risen to prominence as one of the region’s most celebrated restaurants. With its modern-meets-historic ambiance and a cuisine rooted in Italian tradition yet reimagined through a creative lens, Forma has become both a local favorite and a destination for international travelers. Recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand, the restaurant delivers memorable dining without breaking the bank.

For travelers exploring the Lazio coast, Forma makes a natural complement to nearby winery visits—see our review of Tenuta di Mensanello and our Lazio travel notes for more culinary adventures.

History & Founding

Forma was founded by Chef Gianluca Formichella, whose vision was to create a restaurant that reflects both Civitavecchia’s coastal identity and the wider Italian culinary heritage. From the beginning, Forma emphasized fresh, high-quality ingredients, balanced with inventive presentation and a flair for contemporary flavors. The restaurant’s reputation has grown steadily, earning its place in the Michelin Guide and attracting discerning diners from across Lazio and beyond.

Chef Profile

Chef Gianluca Formichella draws on deep roots in Italian gastronomy, presenting a menu that celebrates tradition while embracing innovation. His ability to balance refinement with accessibility—whether crafting seafood-inspired amatriciana or playful amuse-bouches like the sea egg & pork belly—sets Forma apart from more conventional trattorie. His philosophy ensures every guest, including vegans and vegetarians, can enjoy a tailored dining experience.

Menu & Signature Dishes

Forma’s menu is a rotating showcase of culinary creativity, anchored in seasonal and local ingredients.

Highlights include:

• Sea Egg & Pork Belly amuse-bouche – whimsical and flavor-packed (NovaCircle).
  
• Spaghettoni ricci e paprika – an indulgent pairing of sea urchin and smoky paprika (NovaCircle).
  
• Linguina all’amatriciana di mare – a seafood spin on the Roman classic (NovaCircle).
  
• Slow-cooked ribs di maialino – glazed with mustard and honey for comforting richness.
  
• Vegan options – from tempura vegetables on potato foam to pumpkin risotto and truffle-foam bread (Wanderlog).
  

For those charting Italian culinary journeys, Forma resonates with the same creative flair we found at Cosimo – Florence and Cucina del Teatro – Rome.

Beverage Program

The wine list leans Italian, with a thoughtful mix of regional Lazio producers and broader selections across Tuscany and Piedmont. While some diners have noted occasional shortages in vintages, the staff are praised for offering smart pairing suggestions and guiding guests toward hidden gems.

For context on regional wine styles, see our reviews of Castellina in Chianti and Château des Bachelards to appreciate how Forma’s selections align with broader Italian and French traditions.

Dining Experience

Dining at Forma is both intimate and celebratory. Guests are welcomed with complimentary bites, homemade bread, and a sense of hospitality that feels genuinely personal. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the kitchen often surprises with palate-cleansing pre-desserts or creative amuse-bouches that elevate the experience.

The atmosphere blends historic charm with contemporary style, thanks to black parquet floors, soft lighting, and exposed industrial touches, making it equally suitable for a romantic evening, a special occasion, or an upscale stop during a cruise port visit.

Ambience

Forma’s space is compact yet elegant, balancing coziness with refinement. Warm tones, a minimalist yet inviting design, and soft background music create an environment where the food takes center stage without sacrificing comfort.

This blend of comfort and sophistication mirrors other Cork & Journey favorites like Le Comptoir de La Mère Germaine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where atmosphere is as central to the experience as the food itself.

Neighborhood Context

Located on Via Trieste 9, Forma sits in the heart of Civitavecchia’s medieval district, just a short walk from the cruise terminal. For travelers exploring Lazio, it offers an elevated dining option away from Rome’s bustle, making it a perfect stop before or after a Mediterranean voyage.

Closing

Forma is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that captures the spirit of Italian dining in a modern, accessible way. Whether you’re a local seeking culinary creativity or a traveler looking for a standout meal before embarking on a cruise, Forma delivers exceptional value and lasting memories. With its Bib Gourmand recognition, inventive menu, and warm hospitality, Forma has rightfully secured its place as a dining destination in Civitavecchia.