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Italian Restaurant Reviews
Il Fornaio - Pasadena Reviews List
Il Fornaio - Pasadena
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.
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 - Pasadena details
183 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 183 reviews
5 stars
(75)
4 stars
(70)
3 stars
(28)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(83)
- special occasion(77)
- good for groups(64)
- fit for foodies(58)
- great for lunch(57)
- neighborhood gem(57)
Il Fornaio - Pasadena Reviews List
Review 1 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Quickie
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and nice atmosphere!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Monday night terrace dining night
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"lovely for a casual work dinner for medium group - the staff were pleasant and revised seating to allow our group to sit outside - lovely."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 3 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Puglia is this month's Region
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the seafood dishes from Puglia were outstanding, the regional
wine choices were well paired, and the cool spring Pasadena
night created a perfect blend."
wine choices were well paired, and the cool spring Pasadena
night created a perfect blend."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always satisfied with quality of food, taste and menu choices. Walked into a busy mothers day lunch and service sometimes hit and miss but acceptable considering the occasion but always acceptable."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 5 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Forgot how great this place is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Il Fornaio is great Italian Resturant, have been to this location before - just forgot how nice a convient it is. The wait staff is great, the food well seasoned, and the seafood is top rate."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not good for occasions
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were there for Mother's Day, and were seated in one of their banquet rooms - way in the back. I understand this was Mother's day, but it seemed they looked for every nook and crannie to stuff people in. The food wasn't as I've had it before - not as good. Service was rushed, and the temperature was freezing in the room we were in. Didn't really enjoy the lunch."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 7 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dependable and Delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My various experiences at Il Fornaio over the years have never disappointed. Food and selection is always tip top. The special regional menus are exciting. They make great wine recommendations, have local chefs and are not pretentious, nor do they suffer the lower quality of food and experience often delivered by chains this large."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Bland Food
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was "BLAND" and the Calamari was "CHEWY". The sauces on the dishes we tried were almost "NON-EXISTENT. And last, the margarita was only "FAIR". Salvador was a good waiter."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 9 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Brunch disaster
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There was no bread for the table!!! And his response was we don't serve bread. Don't get me wrong I go to this place at nights and its great but for Sunday brunch I don't recommend it."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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Review 10 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Go for ambiance more than anything.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you're in Pasadena and need to eat with a group, this place is great. Don't bring your foodie friends because none of the food is actually really memorable, but if you grab a seat on their patio and sun is shining, people are about, the air is crisp - it's just wonderful. Service is very attentive as well which makes the overall experience very nice. Overall, no one will complain about the food it's just that no one will really remember it either. If you just remember that and go knowing what you are getting, you can have a good experience."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 11 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A Ridiculous Rule
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent. Service by the waiters was outstanding. But management's arbitrary, surprise rule greatly diminished the pleasure of the evening. Our large group (17) was in a private room. After opening 4 bottles of the wine we brought with us, and for which we gladly paid corkage, we were informed that they couldn't open more than "4 bottles per table". When asked why, the management could only say "it's a rule of the restaurant." So, to be able to open the other 5 bottles of wine, we had to abandon the private room and go out into the large dining room and sit at 4 separate tables. There we could have opened up 16 bottles! A ludicrous rule that is in the interest of neither the customer or the restaurant."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 12 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
good service, good feel, appreciate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"good service, good feel, appreciated the free surprise desert."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I've eaten at several Il Fornaio
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've eaten at several Il Fornaio locations throughout the years and the quality of food and service is always consistent. My only complaint is that the size of the beet salad was quite small for the price and the dressing lacked flavor. I added chicken to the salad and the chicken portion was large and completely covered the salad on the small plate- totally out of proportion. Everyone else enjoyed their meal."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely lovely service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Absolutely lovely service. We wanted to take our time over lunch and were not made to feel rushed in any way. The food was yummy and overall the experience could not have been better. I will definitely keep it in mind for future lunches, brunches and dinners. It is not in my immediate neighborhood but well worth the drive to Pasadena to enjoy the great food and wonderful ambiance."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I had the pasta with shrimp
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had the pasta with shrimp in pesto sauce. The few tiny chunks of shrimp were not enough to even flavor the food and the pesto sauce was some preprocessed junk, (real pesto sauce has visible shredded basil but this green stuff was all uniform). Considering how inexpensive and easy it is to make good Italian food and how much they charge, this is unacceptable."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
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Review 16 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed ourselves at the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed ourselves at the restaurant. Our server was excellent and our food was very good. It was just very loud inside, but then again it was Saturday night!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 17 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We sought an outdoor table
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We sought an outdoor table with room to refer to documents for our business discussion. Our table location worked just right. The service was attentive, timely, and accurate in all respects. This was a first visit for my guests, and they were delighted with the menu choices and their personal selection. Not one crumb was left behind!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service, food, greetings.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service, food, greetings. Wines are improving.
We love the place"
We love the place"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
All in all it was a very enjoyable
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All in all it was a very enjoyable dinner and great for our out-of-town guests."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 20 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a party of Ten so we
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a party of Ten so we were in a private room which is nice. Good ambiance."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 21 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Unfortunately, after visiting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Unfortunately, after visiting the Beverly Hills location and being very impressed with the food and overall service, I was severely disappointed with my experience at the Pasadena location. Our waitress made mistakes from beginning to end. My party sat for 20 minutes before anyone came over. Once we received water, she disappeared for another 20 minutes. Our appetizers ended up coming out before our drinks did. Our waitress didn't remember our orders, and we had to remind her multiple times to bring our food the way we ordered it. When you're paying the price you pay for food and wine at this restaurant, you expect the service to be just as up to par. So disappointing, as this was one of my favorite Italian locations."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
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Review 22 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Trouble with booking. I got
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Trouble with booking. I got the confirmation. Checked in. nd then the next day got a message " no show""
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 23 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have an Il Fornaio in San
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have an Il Fornaio in San Jose, CA. My folks and I were out of town over the Easter Holiday and wanted a nice place to have brunch...I had no idea Il Fornaio even served brunch...But, much to our surprise we had the nicest brunch, food was great and the service was wonderful. My folks were pampered and that made the experience even better..."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
thumbs up!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place , used to go to the one in Manhattan Beach years ago, The salmon was superb, and the penne in vodka sauce rocked! Great place to take a date."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 25 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Definitely stick with wine,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Definitely stick with wine, appetizers,salads, and pizzas, which are pretty tasty and well-prepared. The cocktails are bad, puny martini and other glasses with no presentation whatsoever, My drink had 2 mushy blueberries only and the baby glass not even full, just 3 sips. The entrees are edible, but who goes out to nice restaurant to eat mushy poorly seasoned Chef Boyardee quality you can get out of a can...lasagna is particularly bad, like baby food with dissolving pasta beyond overcooked. Service was great and the place has so much potential....would recommend Gale's if you want great food."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2011
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Review 26 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A Little Disappointed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were interested in the Passport dinner, but it was only served after 5:00 pm."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 27 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very Poor Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been a big fan of Il Fornaio and dining at their restaurants for years. My favorite was Santa Monica (unfortunately, it has closed) Food and service has always been extremely high with the exception of last night. We drove 38 miles to Pasadena for dinner. We were seated by the hostess and about 10 mins later, the waitress (named Yamile)came over. 18 mins to receive a bottle of wine. 10 mins to get a napkin. Never came by after receiving entree served by someone else (even though she was serving others next to our table). Did not care to check with us during the meal. Had to ask bus boy twice for check which we waited another 15 mins. Sadly, due to this and other things by the waitress, we will not be back. Poor rating due to service"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
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Review 28 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great and reliable place.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We've been coming to this particular Il Fornau for many years and have found it to have been a consistent and reliable place for traditional and legitimate multi-regional italian cooking.Terrific wait staff, alert, attentive and knowledgeable. Open view kitchen, simple techniques and excellent ingredients with only an occasional off note. Wonderful fresh baked and breads. A light touch with fish and grilled fare.
A few cons: a tendency to over-salt some dishes, little things can sometimes miss, e.g., A wonderful near-perfect carpaccio but the shaved reggiano is right out of the fridge and icy cold rather than brought to room temp for release of great flavor. Very noisy kitchen fan system invades dining room."
A few cons: a tendency to over-salt some dishes, little things can sometimes miss, e.g., A wonderful near-perfect carpaccio but the shaved reggiano is right out of the fridge and icy cold rather than brought to room temp for release of great flavor. Very noisy kitchen fan system invades dining room."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nancy, our waitress was fantastic.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nancy, our waitress was fantastic. Attentive and nice. The bread and salads are amazing."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a Surprise
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"IlFornaio in Old Town Pasadena always has something
new up its sleeve. The regional meals always provide a taste of an aspect of Italian fare that is unique among local
Italian restaurants. Their suggested wine pairings make the meal
a cut above."
new up its sleeve. The regional meals always provide a taste of an aspect of Italian fare that is unique among local
Italian restaurants. Their suggested wine pairings make the meal
a cut above."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 31 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
In view of the prices and
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"In view of the prices and reputation they have, the experience was quite disappointing. The food was nothing special, and the service was awkward. The only thing that made the visit stand out and positive was the company I had with me."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2013
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Review 32 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sweet patio- nice outdoor dining!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food! And I love sitting on the patio on a pretty day."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 33 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My husband is in a wheel chair
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband is in a wheel chair and they made the accomidations great."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
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Review 34 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food is always consistent
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food is always consistent and good. The service the same. The noise level was high. Too high for intimate dining, but fine for a party of 4."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
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Review 35 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Want to do a birthday party right?
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my wife's 60th birthday celebration. Everything was more than anticipated from the wonderful food to bringing out the cake. Thank you, josua"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice Outdoor Dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had dinner in the patio area where it felt like we had been transported to a European town with brick facades on the surrounding buildings. Overall service was very good but our server was a bit stiff/too serious. Appetizer and salad were very good but ravioli entree did not pop. I would go there again. They do validate for up to 3 hours of parking."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 37 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved the food and the service.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved the food and the service. Best time to go is when it's not too crowded"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 38 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Go here!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Il Fornaio has always been a pleasant and always tasty lunch spot for me and my law partner (who just happens also to be a beautiful woman with whom I love to spend time), but our dinner on the patio on a perfect pre-spring Friday evening, was also excellent. The wait staff was attentive and cordial. The food was fantastic. And the atmosphere, near perfection. We will repeat again and again."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 39 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dining in Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good and restaurant is in a nice location near shopping area. Service was slow. Noticed after waiter started serving us that he was upset about something (unrelated to us). He was not friendly nor did we feel he was attentive to our needs. Pricey restaurant so we expected better service."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: late-night find, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 40 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Should have been better.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were a party of 6. Not everyone in our party was pleased with his or her meal. Some were disappointed in the lack of flavor of the main course, and that a wine listed on the menu was not available. The service was adequate, but not exceptional. Not sure that we will return."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
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Review 41 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I took my friends this time.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my friends this time. We liked everything. Thanks"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 42 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a good dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always a good dining experience. Currently having a regions of Italy special menu that is always great with a lot of variety. My wife had smoked duck while I had lamb. Pairs with good wine, it was great."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 43 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service by Sylvia and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service by Sylvia and the team. Thanks."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 44 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service was perfect and food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was perfect and food was great!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2007
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Review 45 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Came here on Valentines Day
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Came here on Valentines Day and I loved the menu they had prepared. My only complaint was that my chicken dish I ordered was a bit spicy and next time I'll make sure to ask the waiter before I order. Bread was delicious and so was the wine! We will be returning!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
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Review 46 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Never on Valentine day. They
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Never on Valentine day.
They put us in a back room which didn't have any windows and the server seem to have been a temp.
They ruined their reputation with me."
They put us in a back room which didn't have any windows and the server seem to have been a temp.
They ruined their reputation with me."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
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Review 47 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Inside is noisy but outside
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Inside is noisy but outside is awesome :)"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 48 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We made a reservation for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We made a reservation for a party of 10 online with OpenTable and it was quick and easy. We were pleasantly surprised Il Fornio had reserved a private room for us, so our kids can move around without disturbing other diners. Food is always great, lots of choices, especially the bread basket. Il Fornio is one of our family's favorite restaurants."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 49 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Our service was fair....but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our service was fair....but still love going there as a special treat."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 50 for Il Fornaio - Pasadena
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our server, Omar, as well as one of the managers were exceptionally gracious, first when my daughter, who is vegetarian, didn't realize that the butternut squash ravioli she'd ordered had bacon in it. They quickly replaced it with some that had so bacon, but sensed, looking at her expression, that she didn't like this second version (blander without the bacon.) Again, they said it would be no problem to get her something else instead, so she got another pasta dish very quickly. The rest of our party loved our food, and the servers here are always outstanding (we also love Alisa)."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2009
Special Features: kid-friendly
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