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Il Fornaio - Walnut CreekReservations
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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek Reviews List
Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Il Fornaio means 'the baker' in Italian. This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian 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 - Walnut Creek details
277 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 277 reviews
5 stars
(86)
4 stars
(127)
3 stars
(44)
2 stars
(18)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(110)
- good for groups(103)
- fit for foodies(89)
- great for outdoor dining(89)
- great for lunch(88)
- neighborhood gem(61)
Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek Reviews List
Review 1 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Never IL Fornaio
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went here for the first time to celebrate my daughter's twenty-first birthday, what a mistake. The place wasn't that nice, the waitress was the worst ever. The food was tasteless, and seemed microwaved."
Dined on 5/14/2013
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Review 2 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great ambiance but mediocre food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love the ambiance and beautiful restaurant but the food remains mediocre. My spinach salad for $10.99 was so lightly dressed with only oil and very little else was almost tasteless. The chicken cannelloni was dry with very little sauce. I'm always surprised that they haven't improved their dishes but I guess they don't need to because people still go there because of the great location."
Dined on 5/13/2013
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Review 3 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I chose this place for my first Mother's Day brunch because I knew they had great food and a really nice patio for outside seating and it did not disappoint. We were a party of six and everyone enjoyed their meal. Their main patio was full due to it being a beautiful sunny Mother's Day but they were prepared for this and had nice tables and umbrellas set up on the side of the resterant which they did very elegantly, you did not feel like u were pushed out of the resterant. Our waitress was nice and helpful. I would definitely chose to done here again if my family was willing to make the 45 min drive again ;)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had late ( 7:45) reservations and still had to wait 10+ minutes (standing) We had a nice table w/ knowledgeable waiter. Food was yummy and hot. Daughter not sure she got what she ordered but enjoyed it anyway. Everyone had a good time including dessert!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had Mother's Day brunch there. Food was pretty good, a good change of pace to a straight-forward brunch, and a much better deal than the special brunches in the area which typically charge $30-40 per person. We got out of Il Fornaio for less than $30 a person and the food was much higher quality. Only disappointment was the lack of kids' menu items. A complete waste of food to buy a regular dish for a child. Our daughter loved her waffles and fruit but we wasted about 70% of it."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Happy Mother's Day~
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our Mother's Day lunch on Sunday and chose Il Fornaio as it has been a restaurant that we have frequented since our son *now 15 was about 2 years old. We were seated immediately upon arrival which was great. Our server *in the beginning* was very delightful and promptly took our drink order. I say the beginning because as it got busier she rushed us to get our orders although we weren't quite finished deciding.
The Ceasar salad we shared was delicious with nice shavings of parmesan. We each had a pasta dish and while my son and husband loved theirs I was a little disappointed in mine which was very bland.
Il Fornaio is a step up from other chains but does not have the unique and amazing quality of say, Cafe Sport in SF."
The Ceasar salad we shared was delicious with nice shavings of parmesan. We each had a pasta dish and while my son and husband loved theirs I was a little disappointed in mine which was very bland.
Il Fornaio is a step up from other chains but does not have the unique and amazing quality of say, Cafe Sport in SF."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A bit too kid friendly.
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perhaps we were seated in the kid zone but our area was noisy with kids. They were running around hitting our chairs throwing food on the floor. Not the ambiance I was after. Disappointing for Mother's Day."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Solid Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good variety on menu and nice wine list. Reaonable prices."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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Review 9 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Exceptional service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waitress, Paula, went the extra step to get my Vodka gimlet right. Her friendly service was greatly appreciated."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 10 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Most of time service is excellent but not this time waiter was too busy we barely saw him..."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 11 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Turn and Burn
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I realize the importance of a restaurant's ability to turn tables, but really? Halfway through our salads the entrees arrived for the 4 of us. The busser tried to pick up my half eaten salad just as I was taking another bite? Literally, there was no where to put the entrees, so we stacked things anywhere we could. The server was no help. I will not go back. Ridiculous!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 12 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server, Sherry, was outstanding. Very friendly and attentive. We gave her a nice tip, and she acutally followed us out the door to thank us. When does that happen? She was awesome!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 13 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience, great service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Can't believe it was our first time here. The food was great, bread was fresh. We will be back."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 14 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Il Fornaio, Walnut Creek
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant provides a consistently good dining experience, and is a favorite for Italian. The wine list is modest, but acceptably priced. A guaranteed enjoyable exeperience."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 15 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner with grandchildren
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Took my two granddaughters to Il Fornaio before a play at the Lesher Center. Our server-a grandfather of 8-was wonderful. Our food was served quickly, he was attentive and knew just how important prompt service was for a 7 and 4 year-old. At the end of our meal he brought us ice cream with a lit candle as it was my older granddaughter's birthday the next day. This was a special night made more so by our server and Il Fornaio."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 16 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Recommend this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Il Fornaio remains a favorite restaurant of ours for many years. Perhaps we've only had one meal that wasn't good.....a couple years ago."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 17 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Interesting menu and cocktails.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Interesting menu and cocktails. Good decor and suitable for a special occasion."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Amazing food, underwhelming service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was excellent, always is, while I don't need much from service, I do expect my water to be refilled regularly & bread to be replenished. We dined at 4pm on a Tuesday when the restaurant had few guests. The hostess wanted to sit us right next to the busboy station/patio egress, even though the room was full of empty tables and was annoyed when we asked to sit in the middle of the room. Mind you, no one else was seated in this room during out entire dining experience. Our waitress forgot about us frequently,including forgetting the lemon for our water, our only request. It was not busy and we were a simple table of 3.Other servers stepped in to help, they were very friendly and appeared to enjoy their job."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2011
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Review 19 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Yummy Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very tasty Italian food in downtown Walnut Creek. Good for couples, friends, family or groups. Yummy lasagne, squash ravioli. Can sit inside or outside (in good weather)."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our waitress/service was so
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waitress/service was so superior and the food was delicious! Thank you!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 21 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Restaurant Week
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A friend and I went here during WC Restaurant Week. I started with the Minestrone soup - had had it before and really enjoyed it. Then had the salmon for my main course - it had just the right amount of spice that didn't overpower the salmon and the veggies on the side were perfect (brocollini, carrots & fingerling potatoes). I ended with the chocolate mousse which was delectable. My friend had the bruschetta, butternut squash ravioli and a dessert with peach sorbet and fruit and custard (can't remember what it was called). She said everything was good, but that the ravioli was a bit to doughy."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent lunch. Good portion
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent lunch. Good portion size. Friendly service."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
VERY disappointed in food.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"VERY disappointed in food. Soup, Bruschetta, pressed chicken were tasteless...really tasteless.....no seasoning (the hot sauce with the chicken was excellent but the chicken!). All the food seemed like it had just come out from under a heat lamp. BTW, we both had the Restaurant Week specials...."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2005
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Review 24 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Quantity of food was a bit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Quantity of food was a bit overwhelming, but the quality was excellent."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 25 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service was great, and portions
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was great, and portions very generous. But all diners agreed that the flavor/spices needed tb be bumped up a few notches."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Gone to the Pots
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
"I have been going to this restaurant for years. Throughout the years, the quality of food and service has gone down the drain. The people in charge of seating guests at totally clueless and don't take the time to ask guests if they want a quiet area, outdoor seating, or seating in the kitchen area. This particular restaurant, just like many others, has increased the sodium content in their dishes to camouflage the lack of flavor. I don’t think I will be returning to restaurant unless the only thing I order is a César salad with an ice tea."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2004
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Review 27 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Waitress tried very hard,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Waitress tried very hard, food came out late and was less than avergage."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
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Review 28 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had an issue with the seating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had an issue with the seating - plenty of tables all over the restaurant and the hostess proceeded to try to seat the two of us in a booth far in the back. (One of us was using a cane and had noticeable mobility issues) After getting seating rearranged, we thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Ambiance suffered due to a large somewhat noisy group seated not far away. We would eat here again but cannot recommend it to others until we get to enjoy a more pleasant experience with seating. Why were we initially being routed to a less desirable area of the restaurant? Don’t know. Can only speculate."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Good food, really poor service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very popular, nice, restaurant in Walnut Creek with good food and good wine selection. However, the experience overall was dampened by late seating and poor service. We had a 7:15 reservation and weren't seated until 7:40. Appetizers came out 45 minutes later. We didn't get much attention from the server and none of our plates were cleared (including appetizer plates) until we were completely done. Needless to say, we skipped desert."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went for my birthday dinner
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went for my birthday dinner with friends and family. The wait always takes a little while, even when you have reservations. But once you get seated everything is great. The drinks, the appetizers, the main course, and dessert was awesome."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Menus need to be more describable
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Menus need to be more describable about there their dish in the menu. And more pasta options"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I eat here approximately once
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I eat here approximately once a month during the restaurant's regional menu evenings. The food as usual was well prepared of very good ingredients. The service is outstanding. My main dish of wild boar was well seasoned and cooked long and slowly so that it was very tender. The accompanying gnocchi provided an excellent foil."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 33 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I've been going to Il Fornaio
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I've been going to Il Fornaio for many years and unfortunately have witnessed a gradual decline in quality of food; took some people for lunch this past week, made a resewrvation through Open Table, seated promptly and waiter was okay...Waiters should find another way to address customers than say "you guys"...especially when there are women at the table...Focaccio was okay, cesar salad was very ordinary..since the waiter said there are no anchovies that come with salad, I ordered them as "extra"..the salad with salmon was poor; the fish was tasteless and portion was too small for a salad compared to previouos visits to restaurant; didn't care for waiters who show no interest being there.I'll have to pass on going there again :("
Dined on 04/03/2013
2007
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Review 34 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great ambiance, but not the service
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was a busy Easter Sunday early afternoon lunch. The service as lacking, especially having to wait, then to find the waiter to beg him to come to our table to take our orders. The food was average, and not direct from the kitchen hot. Instead, it was just very warm.
The dessert menu said "gelato". I ordered the dark chocolate variety. Instead, they served ice cream and the chocolate color might best be described as "dark white", it was such a pale chocolate. Two strikes for sure and a shame really. There is an Italian gelateria right next door, and I know they have truly dark chocolate gelato. Why not supply your Italian restaurant with gelato from there? Why try to pass off ice cream as gelato?
Makes us wonder about the re"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 35 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AMAZING Easter Brunch at Il Fornaio
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"BEST Eggs Benedict I've EVER had...and I am a connoisseur!!!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 36 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, staff and ambiance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We loved Il Fornaio. It was just what we needed for our family dinner. We had out of town family with kids and the staff was amazing and the food choices satisfied everyone's palette. We would highly recommend."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 37 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We've eaten there before as
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've eaten there before as it's one of my girlfriend's favored places. Great ambience. Lot's of space between table for those who don't like to be jostled. We shared an insalata della casa, a chopped vegetable salad - unremarkable and didn't like it - and the caprese calda, the grilled sliced tomatoes w/ mozzarella. The tomatoes were mealy and the cheese a bit on the "rubbery" side, but the olive oil saved the day.
We then shared the pollo toscano - rotisserie chicken. It was tender to the point of being a bit mushy. Flavors were okay. The breads that were served were very good.
Overall not terrible, not great. We've had better there. The ambience really helps to be able to recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, romantic
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Review 38 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This restaurant is just ok.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This restaurant is just ok. It used to be much better. They got rid if the amazing fresh bread and serve frozen bread now. The food is pretty average. The atmosphere and location are good"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 39 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Superb meal, as always, and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Superb meal, as always, and the desserts are fantastic, but filling. Delicious cocktails ... just wish they were either cheaper, or slightly bigger. This is my special occasion go-to restaurant."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 40 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waiter was Michael and he was excellent in explaining the specials, the great variety of desserts, and overall a great waiter. He recommeneded the creme brulee and it wass amazing, we would order it again. We will definitely be back to eat at this restaurant."
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Review 41 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great night out
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was outstanding. Food good although a bit spicy. Wine outstanding. Can't wait to return.
Thank you for a very nice evening dining experience."
Thank you for a very nice evening dining experience."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 42 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Seafood risotto is great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The seafood risotto is out of this world! It's very rich, so I could only eat half, but it heated up nicely for lunch the next day. It paired well with the Greco wine."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 43 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
the lamb was well done not
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the lamb was well done not medium rare and I was with a business associate so i didn't send it back"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
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Review 44 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Prix fixe dinner was a good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Prix fixe dinner was a good value, and the blackened cod was done to perfection. We lucked out with a table in a quiet, charming corner, which was perfect for our date evening. The Italian waiter was courteous and helpful in explaining dishes and wines. The faux Italian decor was fun and entertaining. We'd return just for the warm breads with perfect, crunchy crusts served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 45 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance nice, food okay but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Ambiance nice, food okay but could be better."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 46 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
we are regulars, but once
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"we are regulars, but once again the food arrived cool/cold. this is happening too many times. we may give up on this place after nearly 10 years. too inconsistent for the ever increasing price point. there r better places in the WC area."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2002
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Review 47 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food representing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food representing regional Italian cuisine. Excellent service."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 48 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I am never disappointed when
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"I am never disappointed when I dine at Il Fornao. The food and service is impectable."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 49 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I had not been to Il Fornaio
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had not been to Il Fornaio in quite a while and had always had a good experience before. Everything was great from the reservation to the service with the exception on my salad. I had the caprese salad which was served with hot tomatoes. I had never had that before and mentioned it to our wonderful Italian server. She asked the chef and he apparently said that it was because the tomatoes were not in season. My opinion, if you can't find good produce to serve, don't serve it. Otherwise I would recommend Il Fornaio."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 50 for Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Medium at Best
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was OK and the good was just OK. The restaurant is very nice and appealing.
I would not go out of my way to go there anytime soon."
I would not go out of my way to go there anytime soon."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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