Il Fornaio

We have eaten here a number of times and the food can vary in quality. The specialty is roasted chicken, and it is very good. The pasta can sometimes be drowning in whatever sauce accompanies it. The single best meal we had was the Sunday brunch w ... more

We have eaten here a number of times and the food can vary in quality. The specialty is roasted chicken, and it is very good. The pasta can sometimes be drowning in whatever sauce accompanies it. The single best meal we had was the Sunday brunch with the italian version of eggs benedict. I don't consider this a "destination restaurant", but is a very nice choice. less

This is the original Il Fornaio. The family still wholly owns this location. The food here is certainly much better than other Il Fornaio locations that I've visited. I've eaten here a dozen times. Food has ranged from good to excellent. ... more

This is the original Il Fornaio. The family still wholly owns this location. The food here is certainly much better than other Il Fornaio locations that I've visited. I've eaten here a dozen times. Food has ranged from good to excellent. Service has ranged from arrogant-terrible to excellent. The menu often has monthly "region-specific" specialties. These can be interesting dishes that you don't often see elsewhere. If you have an adventerous palate, they may be worth a try. Now my criticism - The suggested wine pairings never work! I have always found that the suggested wines clash and brualize the food and my tastebuds. I do not know who is recommending these tannic, unsatisfying wines - But (s)he needs to stop! Find this person a new career. The dining room hs several sections. The fireplace is cozy. They put the good looking older couples there. The patio is usually filled with the larger party functions. Friday, Saturday nights can be crowded & excessively noisy. Reservations mandatory on "date nights". Prices reasonable for the food quality and presentation. A couple having cocktails, three course meals, a bottle of vino, coffee will spend $100 plus tip. less

The hostess or owner (not sure which) at the front is not nice - in fact rude. The air of snobby behavior from her doesn't work. She needs to develope a memory for people like us that frequent the place. The servers are actually very nice and the ... more

The hostess or owner (not sure which) at the front is not nice - in fact rude. The air of snobby behavior from her doesn't work. She needs to develope a memory for people like us that frequent the place. The servers are actually very nice and the food consistant. Some of the items are pretty good but certainly not original. The "hostess" finally turned us off when she refused to seat us on an early Friday eve insisting the restaurant was booked. There in fact was one couple dinning at the time. Oh she generously offered the bar as if it were Spago. As if...We haven't bothered to go back. Their loss not ours. less

Chain above average. We actually use to really like this place since we are from LA and it was a name we recognized. The waiters are really nice and take good care of you but the hostess is rude and snobby. Food is always good but they clearly don ... more

Chain above average. We actually use to really like this place since we are from LA and it was a name we recognized. The waiters are really nice and take good care of you but the hostess is rude and snobby. Food is always good but they clearly don't recognize their regular patrons at the front so we stopped going. This place is expensive when all is said and done. Try other places where they treat you well and want your business. (We were eating here two times a week at first $80.00 a pop) less

Pricey food, but a quiet and pleasant atmothsphere make IlFornaio a typical yet comfortable place. The service is friendly and fun, and if they seat you on the "patio" you can see the stars on a clear night. A little cold even with the heat lamp, ... more

Pricey food, but a quiet and pleasant atmothsphere make IlFornaio a typical yet comfortable place. The service is friendly and fun, and if they seat you on the "patio" you can see the stars on a clear night. A little cold even with the heat lamp, but they tried. less