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Il Fornaio - IrvineReservations
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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Il Fornaio - Irvine Reviews List
Il Fornaio - Irvine
Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals. Bottles of wine from small, regional wineries are uncorked to complement the dishes, which have been crafted in the custom of Italy's chefs, bakers and homemakers. Il Fornaio means "the Baker" in Italian. This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience.
See more Il Fornaio - Irvine details
243 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 243 reviews
5 stars
(101)
4 stars
(102)
3 stars
(25)
2 stars
(13)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(105)
- fit for foodies(87)
- good for groups(87)
- great for outdoor dining(67)
- notable wine list(56)
- great for lunch(55)
Il Fornaio - Irvine Reviews List
Review 1 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
very very good food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food and the service is excellent. The location is a bit odd but it is a very nice restaurant. Not too much noise nice opening ceiling for warmer nights too."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Terrific menu for monthly 'Festa Regional', as always. Welcoming service, professional and personable staff, easy valet parking in a beautiful setting. That's why we're regulars."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Solid choice
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went back after a long layoff during the regional promotion and returned again. Had forgotten that IL F is an nice reasonably upscale dining experience.. Everyone enjoyed their entries. Desserts are European sweet not overlay sugary like typical usa. It was Mother's Day and we did not feel rushed. Open table reservation timely accepted no wait even on a busy day. Look forward to a different taste on our next visit."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wonderful atmosphere and great food."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 5 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"A Must Dining in Orange County"
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"From the moment of booking the reservations online, I had to reschedule my reservations quantity and change my times a couple of times, the hostess were so accomedating with a " We Can Do That No Problem" attitude to our server and his crew who were so delightful and engaging. Also we didn't have to wait long to receive our food on a busy evening on Mothers Day. Il Fornaio -Irvine is the epitome of fine dining. Not to mention the food and desserts were delicious. It was a "Bueno Appetito" environment . I loved and will return again."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Horrible Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was good as usual. I have dined here before and have never had a bad experience. On this occassion the service was horrible and everyone of the servers looked like they were being rushed. The restaurant wasn't super busy, but the staff was very disorganized. Our server took over 10 mins to come to our table to get our drink order. The whole experience was very rushed. At the end of our meal he didn't offer us any dessert he just brought the check to our table.
I will think twice about going back to this location."
I will think twice about going back to this location."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 7 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
foor good, fun place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Most people in our party were very happy with their meal. I had 3 items off a special prix fixe menu they had. For me one course was very good, one excellent and one only fair.
The setting is very nice and even on a busy Saturday night the service was good. Hadn't been here in a long time, we'll go again before too long."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 8 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was bad. Waiter seemed completely unaware of what we had ordered and dishes for our group were brought out slowly and one at a time. They did provide free dessert, but by that time, the experience was already over. Won't be back"
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 9 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Took a long time to get our food. Chicken was raw in the middle, had to send it back. They comped our desserts. Used to think this place was one of the best in OC but lately very dissappointed. Must be a change in ownership or new staff (?)"
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 10 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dinner in a Jasmine Bower
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We met old friends at Il Fornaio for a delicious dinner under the stars. The patio was welcoming and relaxing after a long week. Service was attentive without being suffocating. We enjoyed appetizers (the tomatoes on the bruschetta were especially good, cooked to bring out the flavor but not mushy and accented with garlic and basil), a delicious lentil soup and Caprese salad, and two of the pasta dishes from their special menu highlighting the regional specialties of Puglia. The dessert tray was vast and tempting. We ordered the apple bread pudding and the spumoni gelato--both a satisfying ending to an excellent meal. I might also mention that there is an extensive wine list, a few of which were also featured wines from Puglia."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 11 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Geezzze - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The only minus, was that they didn't bother to notify you that we were there, and on time. So, we received an inquiry from you as to why we did't attend. What good is this program? I have no idea why you exist."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 12 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
What Happened To The Menu?
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Their menu used to be faily extensive......still plenty of choices though. Seems they may be rebranding into Canaletto at Fashion Island. We went on a Tuesday night and the place was relatively empty. Expected better service and and while the food tased great, the presentation was like it was thrown on the plate. All of the different foods we touching. Desserts looked "tired.""
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 13 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not up to the same standards of other Il Fornaio's, but still a good quality meal in an attractive environment."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 14 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Wine Cellar
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had a very nice time. We've reserved the wine cellar before, and knew what to expect. It was like having a private chef serve us at home...but without the kids. Their wine cellar room is quite nice. Who wouldn't love the privacy of a single table in a wine cellar? The table actually fits up to six guests, but we love the coziness of dinner for two."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 15 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I go here often for work meetings.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I go here often for work meetings. Great food and atmosphere. Comfortable for day time meetings where you are limited with time and need to discuss business deals in a timely fashion."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Loved the creme brûlée / chocolate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved the creme brûlée / chocolate mousse combo!! Inspired."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The location is out of the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The location is out of the main travel route, but it is worth the drive to locate. The exterior grounds were very well keep.they have outdoor eating areas for summer nights. Interior very open,but seating is done so the room is very quiet for normal conversation.the have a excellent wine list. Food selection was very well done there was something for every taste. Waiters are very informative. Service was excellent. We will definitely return again"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 18 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good food if you like pasta.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food if you like pasta. Everyone appeared to be returned customers which says a lot for Il Fornaio's food, service and ambiance."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 19 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect place for a large
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Perfect place for a large group. We were a party of 10 and never once felt rushed to order or eat or leave. We were able to talk and enjoy ourselves the entire time we were there which was 3 hours! Highly recommend!!!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 20 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is our secnd time here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is our secnd time here in as many weeks and found that overall the experience was great. This is a new regular spot for us to dine at."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Wish the food was as good
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wish the food was as good as the service. Nice outdoor patio, quiet atmosphere, great service by Matt. Cioppino lacked flavor and was matched with a ravioli that did not satisfy. Too many restaurants in the area with better food."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 22 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
food was good the server was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"food was good the server was just average! not that many customers, she could be more helpful!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We took friends so there were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We took friends so there were 8 of us and we all really enjoyed the restaurant and food. They were able to accommodate my no-salt requirement and everybody said they had a great time. We hope to try all the desserts (one at a time) as we continue to enjoy the restaurant."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 24 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always an Outstanding Dining Visit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Consistantly outstanding, and authentic. Especially fond of the monthly Regionale menus, which are always unique and exciting. Staff friendliness and recognition are over the top."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have been to this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have been to this restaurant many times over several years and find it consistantly good in both service and food."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Il Fornaio helped make our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Il Fornaio helped make our night very special, the food and service were great and we plan on coming back."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
best restaurant ever.the people
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"best restaurant ever.the people really care about your experience and the food is exceptional. you can have your food made any way you want unlike most restaurants."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My oldest wanted pasta with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My oldest wanted pasta with meatballs. It's not on the menu but the chef made it for him and he ate every single bite! Love that kind of "do anything for the customer" attitude!! Big thanks to the Chef! Everything was delicious. Pizza was great...dessert and cappuccino to die for!!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 29 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It's been a few years since
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's been a few years since I have dined there. It is now on our top five list to enjoy a very good meal.
All though t much is not good, but the bread they serve is crazy good."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Have not been to this place
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have not been to this place in years. The service was OK .. general ambiance was fine .. I ordered short ribs and it was very mediocre at best. Disappointed with the food."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2004
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 31 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent braised wild boar
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were there for the Passaporto Party and planned to have the Taste of Toscana aferwards. We were so full from the party, we ended up taking most of our food home. It was nicely packaged and excellent the next day for lunch. Thy even put some of that yummy bread in the bag. The braised wild boar was especially tasty. I order it every time I go to Tuscany. And the one from Il Fornaio did not disappoint."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of our favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is one of our favorite restaurants. The food and service are great."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 33 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This was not our first visit
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was not our first visit to il Fornaio, but have to say this time we left disappointed. Maybe they didn't have the "A" team working on Easter Sunday, but we came for Easter brunch with high expectations for something a little more creative. Instead, the Easter menu was uninspiring and to make matters worse, we felt like our server didn't really care to be there. And as any restaurant manager knows, if your main point of contact with the customer is weak, the overall experience rarely gets better... The food was so average that it's not really worth commenting on specifically. Sadly, today's experience was not only lackluster in Italian cooking terms, but also just not up to the standard you would expect from the name Il Fornaio"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
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Review 34 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We go for all the Holidays
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We go for all the Holidays or big celebrations in out family! Good food, great wine list, excellet atmosphere."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 35 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Sorry, we're out
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Were out of several items ordered including both beverages and entrees. Seemed like we had to guide server into good service."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 36 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful meal!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always try to make it here when we are in town. Dinner this time was amazing. Service was outstanding along with the delicious food and wine. It was a birthday celebration and they made sure it was very special! Definitely recommend!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
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Review 37 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed a nice meal at the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyed a nice meal at the bar. We had reservations, but found the two-top a bit cramped so we stayed at the bar to enjoy our dinner. The food was good, but a bit bland. It reflected the region, which I personally find boring. But sometimes boring is just right."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
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Review 38 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
After serving our dinner waiter
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"After serving our dinner waiter never returned to our table after spending 300 hundred dollar dinner."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 39 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I am a big fan of Il Fornaio
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I am a big fan of Il Fornaio Del Mar and we tried Irvive this time. We were looking for a nice relaxing evening but it didn't happened. The servers were literally running in the restaurant - when they pushed the service carts it looked like a Nascar Sunday - I am not kidding. Our server talked to us while passing to another tabel - talking about efficiency. We felt rushed,the service was hectic."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
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Review 40 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was great. The service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great. The service would have been better had the waiter been around his area. He was no where to be found on several occasions. However, they were very nice to acknowledge my friends birthday with a dessert and a candle."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 41 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent regional cuisine.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent regional cuisine. Good choices for prix fixe. Excellent service."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 42 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Despite it's difficult to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Despite it's difficult to find location Il Fronaio was worth the hunt. Located off of Von Karman, The cannot increase their visibility because if restrictions for their development (we asked!) Even with a map we had to circ le back. With complementary parking and great food, we were grateful for the wonderful meal that we had."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 43 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good overall. Waiter was excellent.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good overall. Waiter was excellent. Food well prepared and tasty. There was a little problem with the bill which I did not want to question in front of my guests at the time. So I just paid it."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 44 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server was knowledgeable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our server was knowledgeable in all areas. He had great wine suggestions, appetizers and entree. All the food was delicious! This was a special occasion so it was a bit of a splurge. But I would definitely go back again if it were in my budget."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 45 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a treat to dine here!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There are many reasons to go to Il Fornaio besides the great food and service.
The Happy Hour prices and choices and the monthly regional tasting menu are my top reasons. I even love that there is a bocce diamond outside!"
The Happy Hour prices and choices and the monthly regional tasting menu are my top reasons. I even love that there is a bocce diamond outside!"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 46 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
So-so
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Staff was very attentive and helpful. Our group felt that the food was not remarkable and overpriced. It was our first visit here, and we don't feel the need to return."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
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Review 47 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not sure what was going on,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not sure what was going on, but on Sunday eve, we had a female waitserver. We noticed other people come in & order after we did (with a different waitperson) who were served several minutes before we received our salads. We had a simple order of salads & pasta, for 2 people; no drinks, appetizers or desserts. Our busboy couldn't have been sweeter, so that helped make up for things a bit."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 48 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
first time - very happy -
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"first time - very happy - will return. Can't believe restaurant here for 21 years. Glad finally found it. Usually don't frequent chains (e.g. Olive Garden), but this is definitely an exception. Loved the food and service.
First time using Open Table. Great service. Thanks."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 49 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went on a Sunday evening with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went on a Sunday evening with reservations held. Seated promptly, and had the friendliest, most enthusiastic server. Food was great (party of 6 ordered everything from pasta to beef to seafood) and it was all good. We tried 4 desserts and they were all outstanding!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2009
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Review 50 for Il Fornaio - Irvine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Staff couldn't handle Sat. PM Rush
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was good, but the host staff was unorganized and over-sat the restauraunt. We didn't get seated until 20 minutes after our reservation time. Plus it was a chilly night so we didn't want to wait outside; we crammed in the lobby. There is no real waiting area inside... The wait-staff seemed overwhelmed, and we waited a long time to be greeted and to get our check at the end. It was a busy Saturday night, but a restaurant in this price range should be able to handle it."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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