Il Fornaio

Doesn't Recommend

kalyson

Joined 6 years ago

Disappointed. The salad and bread were fine. The wine list very good. But the butternut squash-stuffed ravioli was marginal at best. Very oily, pasta inferior -- thick, heavy. Inedible. The waiter did not come by to ask if we liked it. He took the full plate of food away and did not even bother to ask if we would have preferred something else. We will not be going back.

Recommends

misscbrown

Joined 5 years ago

Best Private Dinning Room. Best value for private dinning in area- NO ROOM CHARGE!

The event manager could not have been more fexible with all of my special requests.

I will go back for more work and personal functions. I think this is the last place downtown

with free and easy parking onsite.

Thanks to Gretchen and staff - Bravo!

Doesn't Recommend

missamyq

Joined 6 years ago

Gross. This was terrible Italian food. Never have I ever been disgusted by pasta, but this place did it. I went here for my prom, and maybe it was because we were on the "banquet" meal. It was just disgusting. The lasagna, ravioli, and whatever other dishes had no flavor, it was like chef boyardee quality. I absolutely would never return to this restaurant, even if it is a beautiful setting. The food is terrible (this should already be a warning....food is the MAIN thing of what your paying for) and the waiters/waitresses are rude and non-informative about the food also.

Doesn't Recommend

astra800

Joined 6 years ago

Many complaints. It's because of how overrated this restaurant is, is why I became a member here. It was that bad. People should know what I and two friends experienced tonight. The good: The service was quick.

All three of us agreed on what we didn't like. We each tried different dishes. So here's the bad:

1) Waiter was snotty and acted like was doing us a favor by waiting on us. We are 99% of the time big tippers but this guy got 5% plus a few pennies from us at the end.

2) The food was greatly over-priced and none of us liked what we had. The portions were small, and not nearly enough sauce on anything to give it needed flavor. My pasta ravioli was undercooked and chewy. It wasn't close to being al dente. My friend who had the spaghetti complained about the lack of taste and sauce on her pasta.

3) The place was noisy. We couldn't hear each other speak from across the table and it wasn't even that crowded for a Friday night. No way would I think of this place as romantic as someone else commented.

I wouldn't return. This is probably the worst dining experience I've had in many years. And I go out to eat often. Very much over-rated.

Recommends

bk81

Joined 6 years ago

Great Valentine's Day evening!. Went there this past Valentine's Day with my girlfriend and I have to say it was an excellent evening. The server was very informative about explaining wine pairings and some special promotion regarding different regions of Italy they were featuring. We ordered the lamb polenta, insalata fornaio (I think that's what it was called), roast duck ravioli (for me), and she had the seafood linguine. All the food was brought out with impeccable timing and he didn't rush us at all. The ambiance was nice especially the high ceilings (gives it that grand look). Topped the night off with a nice port and some creme brulee like dessert. A great evening, great food...check this place out!!

Recommends

creativebutterfly

Joined 7 years ago

Great food!. Although the food was pricey for the amount you get, it was amazing! I had the gnocchi and it was the best I've tasted! I went for my birthday with 3 other friends. We all had room for dessert since the meals were smaller portions, and I got my dessert for free! You can park in the garage until 11pm and have your ticket valadated! This would be a great place for a nice date too.

Recommends

brott

Joined 8 years ago

Great food, wine, ambiance and service. Normally eat at the Walnut Creek Il Fornaio, however my wife and I met our daughter for dinnner this evening.

Everything was top notch and the service from Scott was professional with a friendly touch.

Also appreicated the close covered parking with easy access to the restaurant.

Highly recommended.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Little Italy is done with large elegance at this West Coast chain where the beautiful people link up with rustic flavors.. The Scene
Soaring ceilings, gilt-framed pictures and a sinuous marble bar create an airy atmosphere where sleek, young professional types mix and match. This is a fun place for a cocktail or two after work with friends, but it's also a great lunch and dinner spot. Bring the boss or a first date you're trying to impress.

The Food
Robust, wood-fired rotisserie chicken; first-rate, oven-roasted pizza; truly classic Italian pastas; and superb desserts.

What to Order
Try the conchiglie al pollo--shell pasta with chicken breast, broccoli, sundried tomatoes and roasted garlic. Or the simple, utterly refreshing spaghettini al pomodoro.

What to Skip
The ravioli fatti, too fish-infused. The tagliatelle alla bolognese, too tart and missing needed sweetness or creaminess.

Recommends

Ceniza

Joined 7 years ago

Great Unique Italian Food. I have been to many Italian restaurants in the area and absolutely love this one. It isn't your typical spaghetti & meatball Italian restaurant. I had the butternut squash & walnut ravioli and absolutely loved it! I had a bite of my fiance's braised short ribs and that was fantastic as well!

Doesn't Recommend

bjlynn23

Joined 8 years ago

Great Food - Lousy Service - Prices High. Although the food is consistantly great, the hostesses and bartenders are rude. Ambiance is wonderful but the food is pricier than necessary. Overall we visit when a craving arises but dont expect much from the staff.