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Il Fornaio - San JoseReservations
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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Il Fornaio - San Jose Reviews List
Il Fornaio - San Jose
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 - San Jose details
275 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 275 reviews
5 stars
(106)
4 stars
(117)
3 stars
(33)
2 stars
(12)
1 star
(7)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(127)
- good for groups(94)
- fit for foodies(93)
- romantic(54)
- neighborhood gem(51)
- notable wine list(41)
Il Fornaio - San Jose Reviews List
Review 1 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice atmosphere, food just OK
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food here is hit and miss. Last time I had the cannelloni, this time the chard filled ravioli--both were OK but nothing to rave about. One member in our group had a Caesar salad with chicken. She said it was awful--tested like it had no dressing on it."
Dined on 5/20/2013
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Review 2 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Timely pre-theater dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Even though we arrived 15 minutes late for our reservation and had only 45 minutes for dinner before our show, we still had a pleasant dinner and arrived at the California Theater on time. Staff was attentive to our time crunch and we were not the only diners who were attending the show. Much appreciated. We each had soup and salad. Minestrone was good, Burratta salad with grilled eggplant and zucchini was acceptable."
Dined on 5/20/2013
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Review 3 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food. Loved the local Puglia wines on the list."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 4 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Family Birthday Party
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was in town for a convention and took my son and his family to dinner. Two small children are sometimes a challenge in a nice restaurant but they were prepared with a high chair for the baby and crayons and paper for the 3 year old. The food was exceptional. My daughter-in-law is not a calamari fan but she ate her share of the appetizer and my very picky granddaughter ate a good portion of her mac and cheese. It was a wonderful way to celebrate my son's birthday and enjoy time with the whole family."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
You'll never be disappointed!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding service and cuisine! When I'm in San Jose on business, I always go here. Dined for lunch with a client on May 17th. The service was very professional and effective. My risotto with asparagus and sausage was incredible and my client's penne (I think with vodka sauce) was great. I always have had a great experience here. A perfect lunch at a perfect restaurant!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Prom spot!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought my group of friends here for our dinner for prom and it was a big hit! Everyone enjoyed their dish and the service was very timely for a sit down restaurant. We were still able to get to our event on time and admired the ambiance while we were at the restaurant. I would definitely recommend Il Fornaio and will be sure to be back!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Decent Italian in so-so San Jose
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Been here several times; it's terrific for groups. Decent Italian food to fit all palates and budgets, and entrees large enough to share. Dessert tray is a knockout, so save room. Service was perfunctory; we were seated in a private room, and had two waiters, but waited...and waited...for things like napkins, forks, the basics. Still, a great place to go if you are in town for a convention with a group; they'll even split the checks."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 8 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A bit overpriced
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While the ambiance, food and service were all very good, the buffet brunch for Mother's Day was a bit overpriced at $50 p/p.
And while the food WAS good, the variety did not warrant such cost, in my opinion."
And while the food WAS good, the variety did not warrant such cost, in my opinion."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 9 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Regional menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had the regional menu selections. This is a great deal for new and exciting dishes. This time, the seafood salad, mixed seafood spaghetti and the mixed grill were excellent. The wild cod was disappointing. Had the chocolate torte with caramel ice cream and some sort of dipping sauce. Would recommend that for the table to share."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 10 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love it.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very accommodating, fantastic food and wine as always!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day at Il Fornaio
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was surprised upon arrival that there was a Mother's Day Brunch that day, mainly because when I booked the reservation on Open Table no mention of this was there. However when I looked at the confirmation on my e-mail there was reference to that being the case. Although we enjoyed it thoroughly, I was not prepared to spend that much nor did we need to eat that much food. Next time I will era the information more carefully. It was delicious, anyway."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous Mother's Day Brunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were a party of 9 with 4 mother's who were celebrating. One mother was 85 and another was 87! Both of them raved about the great food and service. We also had two 9-year kids who are picky eaters and they also found plenty of food to their liking. Thanks to all for a great time."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 13 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Elegant Ambience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Set in the historic Sainte Claire Hotel in downtown San Jose', the ambience of the restaurant is elegant, without being intimidating. The food is good, the prices moderate, and the service is good. Their prix-fixe regional Italian menus are interesting and well chosen"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly
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Review 14 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is wonderful for many different occasions from date night to Mother's Day brunch. In the evenings, the ambiance is more romantic and quiet but in the mornings for brunch, it's bright, with its high ceilings and open feeling. Either way, the food was amazing for both our recent visits for date night and the Mother's Day brunch buffet. It's definitely a place you can take your sweetheart for a romantic evening OR the whole family for a special occasion."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fine for Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall had a lovely Mother's Day Brunch. Food was good and plentiful. The service was ok. We were seated right away, but the beverage service lacked. We would have appreciated if they came around more frequent to check on us. Other than that small issue it was an enjoyable experience."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 16 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good mother's day experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mother's Day brunch buffet. The best was the (large) shrimp cocktail. Carving station was a little bland. Waffles, eggs, and omelets were good. Dessert selection was good.
Service was disappointing. They were obviously busy, but the waiter spilled coffee on me, my dad, and brother. Wasn't apologetic about it at all. Made sure he didn't pour coffee near kids."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 17 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service were on par with a much more expensive restaurant. Outstanding."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 18 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner and a movie
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a very reliable restaurant. Consistently has very good food and freindly service. Good parking across the street."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 19 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
disappointed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've eaten at the restaurant in Palo Alto several times and I must say, that food was much better. I had the risotto which was fairly mediocre. Watery rice that was tasteless. Too bad as I did so want to have this be a go-to restaurant prior to the opera."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great time
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Five gals from a PTA convention went here on a Thursday. The food and wine were both great but the most notable thing was our waiter. He was so good and accommodating. We had a great experience."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 21 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistently Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of my favorite dining spots in downtown San Jose. Food is consistently good; service is consistently attentive; atmosphere always lovely. Getting a table near the windows makes things a little brighter if dining during daylight hours."
Dined on 2/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My girlfriend and I went there
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My girlfriend and I went there to celebrate our anniversary.. We enjoyed the whole experience. The ambience, the food, the wine and service.."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
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Review 23 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Disappointing service and food. Made a reservation for dinner at 7:30pm and arrived 30 minutes early. Told we'd need to wait until 7:30pm. No issue. Went to the bar then at 7:30pm started to notice that 7 or 8 parties were being seated but no one came to tell us our table was ready. We were 10 steps away from the maitre de yet totally forgotten. We went up to one maitre de who acted disinterested and pointed her finger at the other one. When we got his attention, he said he had given the table to another party who said they were our party. Finally got an available table but the service was average, the food mediocre. The only really good service was the bartender. We won't go back."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
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Review 24 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I have long been a fan of
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have long been a fan of Il Fornaio San Jose but last Friday's food/service really disappointed. Presentation was sloppy and taste only so-so. Granted, the restaurant was very busy with a couple of special occasions being catered in other rooms, but we were paying full retail price just like everybody else yet felt like second tier customers."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2004
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Review 25 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We came from Boston for a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We came from Boston for a wedding. We can't say ENOUGH on how KIND everyone was to us!!! How much we LOVED the food!!! Our waiter was a WONDERFUL person!!!! We will recommend your restaurant to everyone we know going to San Jose!!! THANK YOU from a Greatful Boston Crowd. It was just what we needed after the horrible week we experienced!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 26 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Definitely a place I'm considering
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Definitely a place I'm considering for my Wedding reception. The food should be the best part next to dancing."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Conventioneers wanting real food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Top notch service and very good fresh food. Terrific for business lunches being across the street from the convention center."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Regular customers.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"We always delight in Il Fornaio before going to the opera at the California Theater.
Keep up the good work. Your staff is pleasant and accommodating."
Keep up the good work. Your staff is pleasant and accommodating."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 29 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was another great dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was another great dining experience at Il Fornaio. Thank you!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The staff were very accommodating and helped me and my party celebrate my parents' birthdays last Sunday over brunch. Erik (the manager) was especially helpful and very nice. I give high marks on the service.
The ambience of the restaurant also gets high marks - a classic and classy place in an historic hotel in downtown San Jose.
The food is good - we ordered the family style brunch which had generous servings, but very heavy on the carbohydrates. The"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2002
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Review 31 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Where to go before the Opera
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Season tickets at SJ Opera - Always go here before. The food is reasonably good and priced. I really like the tall ceilings - the rest of the environment is nice - slightly older hotel ambiance. The last few times I have been here, there has been a wedding going on in the hotel. It adds a bit to the *busy-ness* but it hasnt been overwhelming. This last trip was a bit challenged on service, but I am willing to blame the wedding."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2005
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 32 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
delicious food (especially
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"delicious food (especially the seafood linguini) and great service"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 33 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
just a really nice, fun place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"just a really nice, fun place to go with friends - local, good parking"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2007
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Review 34 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The Bloody Mary I ordered
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Bloody Mary I ordered spicy, was sour and watery, not spicy at all. The Chicken Toscana, was completely dry, the chicken less than fresh. The steamed spinach was OK. My husband had a stuffed Canneloni, mostly just ricotta, it was supposed to have chicken as well. For the price, the food was extremely mediocre to poor, especially my chicken, which I should've sent back after the first bite."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2011
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Review 35 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Il Fornaio is such a treasure.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Il Fornaio is such a treasure. The food, service, and energy are consistently outstanding and it feels like a party each time we visit. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 36 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Classic Fine Italian Dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place is very consistent; I have never been disappointed. This is classic Fine Italian dinning with good portions that are priced appropriately."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2010
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 37 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everyone has a customer focused
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everyone has a customer focused attitude that felt genuine. The staff and management is doing a great job."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 38 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved the three course meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Loved the three course meal with wine pairing."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 39 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Another enjoyable meal. And
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Another enjoyable meal. And the waiter was most pleasant. We enjoy this restaurant."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2006
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 40 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I proposed marriage on the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I proposed marriage on the night I was in the restaurant. The waiter showed exquistite sensitivity to our special moment by decreasing yet still attentively serving. My pollo alla diavolo was a bit heavily spiced for my taste but, I do know from my memory, that it is that way in toscana. My now fiancee loved her cod dish. I chose Il Fornaio as my destination of proposal and I am glad that I did."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 41 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great special occasion meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I decided to go to Il Fornaio to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, and the staff at Il Fornaio did a wonderful job making the meal special for us. We were provided with a great window-side table, away from most of the restaurant noise, and greeted us with champagne. Our server was fantastic throughout the meal, and provided very attentive service and made sure we were happy. The food was well prepared and presented with generous portions, and both the Stracatto Di Manzo and the Tagliata Chianina were delicious. The mashed potatoes were a bit bland, though both the spinach and the broccolini were flavorful sides."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 42 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was not up to par.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was not up to par. I usually go to the Burlingame Il Fornaio which has great service."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2010
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Review 43 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Normally, I love Il Fornaio,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Normally, I love Il Fornaio, and it has been my "go to" restuarant downtown for years. Not sure because we had an late reservation (8:30 on Sunday), but did not feel that the experience was up to par. Food was "ok", but had expected better and service was so-so (eventhough our waiter was training another person).
I strike it up to a fluke."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2007
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Review 44 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Date night locale
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Festa Regionale menu is an excellent find.
Ryan, our waiter, did make an excellent suggestion when asked."
Ryan, our waiter, did make an excellent suggestion when asked."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 45 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing food - veal
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Disappointing food - veal was quite tough and service was not up to par this time"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
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Review 46 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pasta dishes were tasty but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pasta dishes were tasty but a little too salty."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 47 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I stopped going to Il Fornaio
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I stopped going to Il Fornaio several years ago because the food was bad to very mediocre. I thought I would give it another try as chiefs and menus change with time and its location is perfect when attending cultural events in downtown San Jose. Although the quality of the food is somewhat better than in the past, it is still mediocre. The service was very slow and the attention of the servers was inconsistent and usually much too late to be useful. One server reacted rather rudely to a simple request for more bread while we were waiting patiently for our entrees and then he brought a skimpy amount. Our waitress was very pleasant, just mainly absent. I do not plan to return to Il Fornaio."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 48 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We eat here more often than
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We eat here more often than anywhere else in downtown San Jose for one reason: pre-theater service. We have Rep season tickets and no matter what server we get they seem extremely well tuned to the need to get you out by 7:45."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
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Review 49 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed our Easter dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Enjoyed our Easter dinner for five people at 7:30PM. Everything was great, especially the service."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 50 for Il Fornaio - San Jose
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
It's so sad what's happened
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's so sad what's happened to Il Fornaio. This used to be easily my favorite breakfast place (yes, breakfast) and a great spot for dinner, but everything has gone bad. On Easter Sunday, of all days, they did not have any fresh bread.
Soak that in for a second... The name of the place translates to "The Baker". That's as if you had gone for a pancake house in a foreign country, on the day when most people go in for freshness, and all they had when you ordered bread is crackers. The quality of the coffee has changed, the sausage isn't old world Italian anymore (rolled vs linked), nothing redeeming about the meal, and it is so sad because it's in such a great location. This is a pass for us now."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2005
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