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Il Fornaio - Palo AltoReservations
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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Il Fornaio - Palo Alto Reviews List
Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Il Fornaio means "The Baker" in Italian. This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique dining experience. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; housemade pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and housemade soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2007.
See more Il Fornaio - Palo Alto details
243 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 243 reviews
5 stars
(73)
4 stars
(120)
3 stars
(38)
2 stars
(9)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(94)
- special occasion(78)
- fit for foodies(77)
- neighborhood gem(74)
- great for lunch(71)
- great for outdoor dining(49)
Il Fornaio - Palo Alto Reviews List
Review 1 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
DISCONTINUED GREAT BREAD!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I don't know why they discontinued their traditional crunchy bread, but it is a major error. I'm not sure I'll return without that bread."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 2 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious Food; Fantastic Service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love this restaurant! They are always so accommodating to my vegan lifestyle. Their vegan soups are absolutely delicious, and they always allow me to alter my pasta dish, holding the cheese and adding olives and spiciness. I ended up with a superb dish from a creative chef.
Our waiter was a sweetheart. I told him how much i loved the soup, and he gave me a small amount to take home with him.
This place is a treasure, and my favorite seating is on the back patio!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great atmosphere and location
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"locate center of palo alto, sits in a great hotel. food comes with great presentation, the quality of outstanding."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
il forneaio, a treat
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Il Fornaio is a dependable restaurant. They offer wonderful dishes on their regular menu, what is a special treat is the regional offerings once a month, it is a wonderful trip to Italy through the palate. We make it a point to dine every month for that special regional delight and more often because of the regular menu choises..."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Loved the creative menu ( celebrating food from Puglia) and wine pairings; the most imaginative presentation I've seen in a very long time!!!
We can always count on Il Fornaio for a great meal in a vibrant, lovely setting. Appreciated the warm welcome from hostess & host, as well the great service from our knowledgeable and attentive waitress ( didn't get her name, though we were there on Monday night, the 13th). Thanks for a lovely evening!!"
We can always count on Il Fornaio for a great meal in a vibrant, lovely setting. Appreciated the warm welcome from hostess & host, as well the great service from our knowledgeable and attentive waitress ( didn't get her name, though we were there on Monday night, the 13th). Thanks for a lovely evening!!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect Mother's Day Brunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very relaxed brunch on the patio. Our waiter was very helpful and attentive. The food was delicious. We'll be back!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love the Il Fornio in Palo Alto. They do fish perfectly. The food is alway good and the prices are very reasonable. We come every month for the Italian Regional Passport - a special menu specifically for a different region of Italy and they give you a gift (i.e, olive oil, white truffle oil, peppers, fresh Italian seasoning . So far, hands down, the Tuscany region is my favorite."
Dined on 4/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Lovely Evening at Il Fornaio
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had a delicious spring salad "Burrata di Andria" with fresh vine-ripened sliced tomatoes with oregano, baby arugula and a round of soft, delicious Burrata cheese in dressing and "Zucchine alla Parmigiana," a small casserole of zucchini strips, layered with melted mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and basil - it was really good!
My husband enjoyed his entree' of "Spiedini di Carne alla Pugliese!" Which is a skewer of grilled Italian sausage, juicy beef tenderloin, chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, herbs on a bed of sauteed dandelion greens.
We both loved our desserts - mine of "Gelati Misti" - one scoop of Dark Chocolate, one of Vanilla Bean Gelato and one of Raspberry Sorbet and his of "Spumone Gelato."
We will be back as always!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for early breakfast...open at 7 a.m.!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
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Review 10 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service for our family gather
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic service for a family brunch celebrating our daughter's 19th birthday. We had a table on the outdoor patio. Perfect for us. Food was good and the staff were simply fantastic, even though it was a very busy day at the restaurant."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 11 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great family experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place did a great job both time we chose to dine there. This the reason for the second visit. They were prompt and the food was great. Price is great for the quality of food. For good Italian, its a great spot. Will return again and again."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 12 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We eat here once a month and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We eat here once a month and our experience has been consistently very good. Our waiter, Antonio, was very very personable and professional. We were celebrating a birthday and very much appreciated the tiramisu with candle to finish off our lovely evening."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was very disappointing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was very disappointing."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Minestrone soup was tasty
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Minestrone soup was tasty but not hearty--no beans or pasta. My friend's omelet looked like the ingredients were jammed into it in big stuck-together pieces rather than placed in a way where each bite would have a combination of flavors."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
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Review 15 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We enjoyed our meal there.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our meal there. We were lucky enough to get the Honor table - I guess they give one away each night. We got some free treats to go with our pizza and salad. My husband and I had our first date there years ago and this was the second year I've celebrated a friends' birthday there. Great place!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing food - bland
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was disappointed by the food we had at Il Fornaio. I had the special homemade chestnut pasta with sausage ragu and it was bland. The polenta appetizer was soupy. I wouldn't go back or recommend it."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2007
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Review 17 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Reliable but boring
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's a good, reliable, if somewhat boring, restaurant. Great bread, though."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 18 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Another excellent dinner at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Another excellent dinner at Il Fornaio Palo Alto, where we always enjoy the monthly Italian regional menu."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Spring at Il Fornaio
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was a cool Spring but every table was taken at Il Fornaio filled with happy people and in the heated lamp garden.
The warm rolls and bread were delicious dipped into fragrant olive oil!
My entree' of "Mezzelune Cacio e Pere" was so good! Ravioli with slivers of grilled pears, mozzarella and Grana Padano with a sauce of asparagus crescenza cream and scattered toasted walnuts. You can close your eyes and savor it!
My dessert of "Gelati Misti" was so good - of a scoop of "Deep Dark Chocolate" and one of "Vanilla Bean" Gelato and a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet - richly flavored!
My husband loved his chicken dish "Pollo al Mattone alla Diavola" which included a salad and roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes - very good! Also his "Spumone"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Galore, Good enough Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had a party of 5 for a business dinner. Thru OpenTable I asked for a quiet table so we could talk and asked again on arrival. But 3 parties of 12-18 people were there that night. They placed us at a table between all three. The noise was incredible and we were almost shouting at the person next to us. There was other seating available but they put us in the WORST possible spot. Service was good considering the three parties surrounding us.
The food is somewhat better than Il Fornaio in San Jose. Avoid the Canneloni and Lasagna in both places -- its like microwaved frozen Stouffers. Most everything else is a good value but not foodies stuff."
The food is somewhat better than Il Fornaio in San Jose. Avoid the Canneloni and Lasagna in both places -- its like microwaved frozen Stouffers. Most everything else is a good value but not foodies stuff."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2006
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 21 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Been here a few times - this
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Been here a few times - this was among the best..."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2003
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Review 22 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A pleasant restaurant, though
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A pleasant restaurant, though the food is never very good - not nearly as good as it should be."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2009
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Review 23 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Easter breakfast at Il Fornaio
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have eaten here many times, breakfast mostly, often with our family group of 8-14 people usually. Kid friendly by the way. Excellent wait-staff. Dinner and lunch rate very good to excellent. However, our breakfast on Easter was not as good. No more excellent bread basket, just a basket of good (but limited) toast. Menu limited; plates/portions on the small side without the extras like a bit of fruit or some other treat. Sauce for their version of eggs benedict had little flavor, thank goodness I ordered it on the side. OJ was very tasty tho.
Would probably skip this restaurant for breakfast."
Would probably skip this restaurant for breakfast."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic
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Review 24 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Go for the food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Predictably good food but also predictably mediocre service. The food keeps us going back but the indifferent service almost always disappoints."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2006
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Review 25 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
preferential outdoor seating-
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A nice place for the food except its dark, noisy and hot in the main dining area. The outdoor
patio dining area looks bright and lovely, but only a select few seem to be entitled to dine
outside."
patio dining area looks bright and lovely, but only a select few seem to be entitled to dine
outside."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 26 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Open early for breakfast but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Open early for breakfast but the service is terrible. Been going for years--I always get the same server, I don't know he still has a job."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2008
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Review 27 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
This once favorite restaurant
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This once favorite restaurant is in sharp decline. They apparently sold their bakery! I thought that was their core competence. On a recent visit, they did not have fresh bread for breakfast. Unless they can manage to get great service from the people who bought their bakery, I won't return."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2006
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Review 28 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
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Review 29 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love the Soup!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Regional soups are always delicious AND vegan. Yay!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My family and I made a last
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My family and I made a last minute reservation and were able to get in. Unfortunately, because there was a very large group our food was not delivered in a timely manner. Both the manager and our server did apologize to us and the manager comped our bill. Aside from our meals coming out late, our server did provide us with great service which earned him a 25% tip based on the original amount."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 31 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Been coming here for years.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Been coming here for years. Great ambience. Calabrian special, including wine, was excellent."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Left a lot to be desired
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All the food tasted the same. We had a tasting menu. The soup, pasta and fish were all bland."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 33 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were meeting folks from
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were meeting folks from out of state there for an early dinner and even though they were late in arriving, we were seated as soon as they arrived - 45 minutes after our reservations were set for.
Everyone, the food, the ambiance were perfect. Our out of town guests (who travel a lot) really enjoyed it all and commented, "We love the "old world" / "classic" feel of the whole restaurant. The service was good also.
We each ordered something different and all were very pleased."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 34 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Il Fornaio Palo Alto is always
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Il Fornaio Palo Alto is always a "safe" choice for dinner. Rarely any surprises, and the regional menus have interesting foods from less-known areas of Italy. We go once a month to sample them."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch
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Review 35 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good ambiance, great food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good ambiance, great food, and wonderful service. The manager and chef went out of their way to insure that my daughter who has multiple food allergies had a delicious meal."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 36 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Il Fornaio Still Going Strong
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Calabrese regional menu of the month was fun and we met some new dishes. The pasta with tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and anchovies was too salty but perhaps that's intentional and authentic. We'll imitate it at home with fewer anchovies. They fell all over themselves compensating for the late discovery that they were out of our ordered entree, improvising a fine substitution and comp'ing us a dessert that we didn't really need....but it was delicious, a highlight of the meal! We've been dining here and at their San Jose location since they opened (about 20 years ago as I recall - I was working around the corner then) and they really do a fine job. Good place for business meals, too."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 37 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was a disappointment: 1-
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was a disappointment:
1- Salad was much too acidic
2- Pasta main course, a chef' special, was much too spicy. No mention of spiciness was noted on the menu.
Waiter was friendly but on the arrogant side"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
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Review 38 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful! Great Atmosphere!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great time at Il Fornaio with another couple. Even though the restaurant was very full and seemed very busy, it wasn't outrageous that we couldn't hear each other speak. The food was a 10+ and our waiter was great, attentive and funny. Yes, we will go back and I'll recommend to all my friends."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 39 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Spring Evening at Il Fornaio
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was cold and windy,but Il Forniao was warm and full of life. All the tables were booked.The new warm herb rolls were delicious with fragrant Virgin olive oil!
There was really nothing by the way of an entree'for me to eat without wine, pork,fish or seafood. So I chose a Pizza Margherita. Good! We both liked it! My husband had to have some. He enjoyed a Carni Arrustute - lamb with spinach and mushrooms with baked potatoes. But I want pasta! Hopefully next month there will be ravioli with a wonderful cheese or cream sauce or even tomato! That would be so delicious!
The dessert of Budinu e Ricotto was different! But I will go back to my two gelato flavors of Deep Dark Chocolate,Vanilla Bean & one sorbet of Raspberry! I miss the"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 40 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Because of horrid service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Because of horrid service more than 10 years ago, I have avoided Il Fornaio. However, I was pleased to have a very tasty breakfast there. The service was fine, although a bit slow except in bringing back the check for the signature on the credit card slip -- that was lightening fast!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2006
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Review 41 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love the tasting menu which
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the tasting menu which varies monthly, covering a different region of Italy with their classic dishes and ingrediants. Always well done with attentive but not pushy service."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 42 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, outstanding service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, outstanding service for our group of 13. Thank you!!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 43 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were seated quickly and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were seated quickly and my request for a quiet table (romantic birthday celebration) was fulfilled. Chris, our waiter, was attentive. cordial and very helpful. The restaurant provided a complimentary desert for the birthday girl. Alll-in-all, a delightful experience."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 44 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place for business lunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place for business lunch and efficient/friendly wait staff."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2005
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 45 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took three out of state guests to dinner; they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the superb food. We were seated on the lovely patio which added to the special ambiance of our dinner. Some of the outstanding things we had were grilled pear salad, seafood pasta and the amazing berry dessert with Bellini sorbet."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
service was very slow - drink
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"service was very slow - drink orders took a long time coming and waiter just wasn't around"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 47 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent menu selection and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent menu selection and quality / value. More "energetic" noise level that I remembered from a previous visit."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2005
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Review 48 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I missed this last reservation
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I missed this last reservation but when I lived in the area, I ate at Il Fornaio often when I lived in Los Altos. I always found it to be at the top of the list as a fine restaurant that was affordable and comfortable. I have not been to the Palo Alto location for about 5 years ago as I moved to Walnut Creek and have eaten at the one in Walnut Creek often after shopping at Broadway Plaza. I think of it as a little noisier than say, Scott's, which is another favorite of mine, and on a whole I find Il Fornaio offers a casual, comfortable, delicious dining experience.
Audrey Joyce"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 49 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
All of the entrees in our
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All of the entrees in our party thought the food was average and nothing to write home about."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 50 for Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Il Forniao is consistently
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Il Forniao is consistently good and a great value for the price. The service is always excellent. They go out of their way to ensure that you're happy with the meal. It's also quiet enough that you don't have to scream to your dinner companions."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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