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Il Fornaio - San Francisco Reviews List

Il Fornaio - San Francisco

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 - San Francisco details
139 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
(139 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 139 reviews
5 stars
(33)
4 stars
(58)
3 stars
(30)
2 stars
(16)
1 star
(2)
Food 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Service 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(53)
  • good for groups(52)
  • fit for foodies(50)
  • special occasion(42)
  • great for brunch(29)
  • great for lunch(28)
Il Fornaio - San Francisco Reviews List
Review 1 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2013
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great place! We ate here before the SF Marathon and the food was great and the service was even better. Thanks for a great night!"
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2013
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Review 2 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Delicious

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was delicious and the waitress was very helpful. Did the regional prix fixe menu and they were able to accommodate me by making me a separate vegetarian entree dish. Also, the wine pairings matched well!"
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 3 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Il Fornaio - Aging Beauty or Great?

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We went on Saturday at 3:30 for a late lunch. There was only 3 tables of people so it was very quiet. Unfortunately, it seems this is the time they use to get ready for dinner service as getting our waitress to return was a task. She blamed the kitchen for our waiting 20 minutes to even give her our order. The meal came rather quickly. She said the pastry chef was "backed up" which explained the 30 minute wait for desert. I had to ask 3 times for a beverage refill. I think Il Fornaio operates better when everyone is busy, which is precisly the time we don't want to be there. Food was excelent though. Server was nice but completely distracted. We may go back in a few years."
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 4 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Consistently good! Love festa RegionAle!!!!"
Dined on 6/12/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Il Fornaio is one of our favorite restaurants in San Francisco. The monthly Regional Dinners (each featuring a particular part of Italy) are very special. We enjoy the variety of choices on the menu due to these special two week per month features. It broadens the appeal of the restaurant. The dishes from any and all of these regions are well prepared and very tasty! As frequent diners at this restaurant, we have always received friendly and attentive service."
Dined on 6/09/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/06/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I've eaten here multiple times and it's generally pretty good overall. Most recently I had the shrimp and artichoke risotto, however I was disappointed to get a plateful of bland, starchy risotto topped with a couple of prawns and scallops. Not much flavor to be found. I didn't eat even half of it and felt bloated for an hour afterward.
Also, while our server was friendly enough, the server was absent for long periods of time and it took probably 40 minutes for us to get our food."
Dined on 6/06/2013
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Review 7 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had reservations on a Saturday afternoon. Because it wasn't crowded, we were able to sit and talk 3 hours after we were finished eating. It's a lovely place."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/07/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"There were glimpses of greatneas then it all fell flat. Bruschetta divine. Salad bland. Bread delicious. Pomodoro delicious. Chicken and shells horrible service spectacular."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good through & through

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/07/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A welcoming, thoughtful, professionally managed restaurant that serves delicious Italian food without pretense or jarring prices, this franchise does a great job ...always putting quality and consistency ahead of trends .Everyone can find something to their liking, including those who avoid gluten. They offer satisfying tasty authentic Italian cuisine featuring regional specialties. Waitstaff is all pro."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Bland Risotto

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/03/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Several disappointing dishes including the Risotto, the artichoke/crab appetizer, the pasta dish I had (w/ spiral pasta and baby shrimp, I think), and the Sole entree. The Risotto and the pasta dish were simply not very flavorful. The combo dessert was good."
Dined on 6/03/2013
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Review 11 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

MAKE A RESERVATION

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/02/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"WE TRIED TO GO BEFORE A CONCERT ACROSS THE STREET. WOULD NOT ALLOW US IN, FOOD SERVICE WAS SLOW AS THEY WERE VERY BUSY AND WAITRESS OVERWHELMED. ONE TABLE AWAY THE PARTY LEFT BEFORE THEIR FOOD ARRIVED DUE TO THE WAIT."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Surprisingly bad.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/02/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Hadn't been here in years. Not sure what happened. With so many super choices in SF there is no reason to eat here."
Dined on 6/02/2013
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Review 13 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Not prepared....

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/02/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Because it was the evening of the STING Concert at the America's Cup Pavilion, the restaurant was filled to
capacity and short on wait staff. So, why wasn't the restaurant prepared for the huge crowd since they are located
across the street from the Concert? It was a Sunday night, and people were waiting at the bar for tables. We came
early and had a great outdoor table with heat lamps. But food had to sent back because the steak was really well done.
So, when it came back it was really rare, but at least it had some flavor.
The table next to us, celebrating their 40th anniversary, never got their wine nor salads, but were charged for them. So they had
to talk to the manager.
"
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 14 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

bad timing?

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/02/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"went on Sunday evening. got right in then waited 45 minutes for the meal to start. had to ask for each item/course. concert across embarcadero wasn't expected so they were short staffed in both food prep and table service. they should have known based upon number of reservations, but they didn't handle it well. lot's of better places to eat in SF."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 15 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/02/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Unfortunately the restaurant was not able to handle the volume of diners. Food took very long to arrive and service was slow."
Dined on 6/02/2013
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Review 16 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

really good

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/30/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I had the butternut squash ravioli and loved it. my husband had the mesquite grilled salmon and loved it. our other companion had the seafood mixed grill, it came on a large pewter platter and looked tempting. he finished everything and obviously liked it. the only thing slightly off was the service. we just happened to be very thirsty when we sat down and it took a while to get water. they brought us bread promptly though. our waiter had a large table he was attending also so that might have slowed things a bit but he did pretty well keeping our glasses full once dinner was underway. overall totally worth it."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 17 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/17/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We love Il Fornaio in Las Vegas and in Seattle but San Francisco was only average. The service was friendly and attentive but the food was not up to the Il Fornaio standards we're used to. The location is kind out of the way (near Pier 23 between Fisherman's Wharf and downtown) and we had trouble catching a cab back downtown."
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 18 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/25/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was our son's graduation dinner and we were all very happy, haven't been there for awhile since we moved to the wine country, and everything was wonderful. We will be back."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great setting, weak food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Reservation time was honored and service was fine with a cheerful waitstaff. Food was disappointing. Vege appetizers were covered in fried, gooey masses of dough. My entree had little distinctive taste and several in party did not like their entree either."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 20 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Usually not so noisy

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It was extremely noisy and crowded on the Saturday evening we werethere but may have been attributable to graduation time so there were lots of people there. We have been there many times before and it is not usually as noisy or crowded as this past Saturday (May 18)*"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 21 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food. Crummy service.

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The waiter and busboy were rude: we were never greeted properly, they practically threw plates at us and grumbled at every request.
They both seemed to be having a bad day and we felt the effect throughout dinner. I've been a regular at this location on many trips to SF, but I'll be steering clear after this unpleasant experience.
"
Dined on 5/16/2013
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Review 22 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Mother's Day

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We have been to Il Fornaio before and enjoyed the food and atmospere very much. The day before I received a call confirming the reservation for 10am and at that time i had asked if we could change it to 9am. They said no problem. Unfortunately, on Mother's day we arrived at 9am, very early for brunch, and they had trouble finding our reservation. once seated it felt like we waited a while for the food, even though there weren't too many people there, and then the food arrived cold and what I can only assume was preprepared. A big disappointment over the last visit."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 23 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Disappointing

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"From the very begining, my family felt like we were inconveniecing everyone from the front desk to the wait staff. The menu for breakfast was modified to reflect a higher price for less food than a normal Sunday. The waitress was not well trained, didn't even know the names of the dishes, the food was auctioned off to us and we had to repeatedly ask for refills. My husband described his omelette as cold cuts placed in a rubbery egg. I ordered fresh pressed apple juice, the one thing I always look forward to when we dine there, and I was told they were out of apples! This was Mother's Day, at 9:00 am. Talk about unprepared. The whole experience was very disappointing."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 24 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Server

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The only draw back was that everything took extremely long with our waiter. From placing our order, getting our drinks, getting our food, our desert, etc... When we got our food, we asked for more bread and we received it once we were close to finishing our food."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Mother's Day

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you are celebrating an event with small children, make sure to book a table on their patio that over looks the fountain on the Levi Plaza next to Battery Street. Very nice as long as you have good weather."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Long time customer

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We made reservations for mothers day brunch. The host was surly. The wait staff was polite but tended to stand around while coffee cups were empty. The food was disappointing. My husband and iI ordered omlets. Both arrived cold. I would not go back. A sad story for a place we have been going to regularly for special occasions for many years."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 27 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The service was slow, and the food was cold. The frittata I had was the worst I've ever eaten, Tasteless And over cooked. My wife had an omelette it was exactly the same as the frittata just folded in half. My daughter had French toast and it was also cold and tasteless. This was for Mother's Day, and it was very disappointing."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 28 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Reliable Above Average

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Considering this is a formula chain they generally do very well at executing the menu. Prices are moderate considering the quality."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, kid-friendly
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Review 29 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/09/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"always enjoy dining here for the Regionale Dinners!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 30 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Expected a lot more

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Maybe I was just expecting a lot more because of their reputation, but the waiter seemed annoyed that he was a waiter and the risotto was extra bland. The highlight was definitely the free range chicken cannoli. It was freakin delicious. All things considered, I doubt I will be going back here anytime soon."
Dined on 5/08/2013
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Review 31 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

wonderFul for lunch with friends

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We met for our quarterly lunch on a beautiful spring day. We sat outside. Th service was excellent, the staff attentive and helpful, and we never felt hurried or pressured to leave. It was fantastic. Everyone was friendly. The food was good. It was a special day, made so in part by the ambiance and attitude of those at I'll Fornaio"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 32 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"this place is always great. The food is good and the service is fantastic."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 33 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Had a great table-quiet and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Had a great table-quiet and with a view."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2003
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 34 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

just a bad night?

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"we've been to this restaurant many times over the years. it's consistent, and the food is usually very tasty. this may have been an off night, but the food was mediocre, and though the restaurant was almost empty, the service was very disappointing."
Dined on 04/22/2013
 2004
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Review 35 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We were there for an early

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We were there for an early dinner (4:30) and there were very few other diners present. Despite not being busy at all, our waitress was VERY SLOW. We got our main course quickly (even before we had finished our salads), but then our waitress seemed to disappear. We had to ask the bus boy for refills on water, more bread, etc. The waitress finally got around to taking our dessert orders (tiramisu and gelato which require no preparation), at least 15 minutes for them to be served. Again, there were only about 8 other people in the entire restaurant, so there was no excuse for such slow service. The food was very good, as always, but on this visit the waitress was inexcusably slow and inattentive."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This is one of my favorite

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is one of my favorite neighborhood spots - the food is always good, the staff is wonderful, and the tables are nicely spaced so that you can have a conversation!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
 2005
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 37 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

My wife and I have dined at

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife and I have dined at Il Fornaio in several locations and we really enjoy the regional dinners. (We have actually accumulated over 25 plates.) The dinner we had in SF was good and the dishes from Tuscany we both enjoyed. Service was a bit slow compared with other Il Fornaios (Manhattan Beach, Sacramento, Reston (VA))."
Dined on 04/09/2013
 2010
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Review 38 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A delightful Restaurant.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"With the new Chef, the Pasta plates are exceptional. More "Borgogne" (Burgundy) wines would be nice to have, specially by the glass.
Congratulations on food and service. Dr. J.C.DETATA
"
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 39 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

4 Disappointed Easter Diners

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"-surprised the food was so average, especially considering Il Fornio's reputation. Wait staff was enqaging but inattentive to removing menus/empty plates/glasses from the table when they did come-seemed to only focus on one thing at a time. Parking was awful-the 2 meters out front were broken & the nearby public garage was closed-am told it is never open on weekends. Sunday @ 1:00 had minimal to no street parking-no telling what it's like when the Giants are in town. That said, the best part of our dining experience was having our meal out on the covered patio which faces the Levi Strauss Plaza fountains. The air was crisp & fresh, unlike the overly warm and stuffy air inside the restaurant.
-just wish the food had been better!
"
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 40 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent Italian pasta; superb

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent Italian pasta; superb service; We will continue to go back."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 41 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

food was nothing spectacular.

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"food was nothing spectacular. Dry pastas and luke warm, sauce almost non detected. Service was fine, but I think the waiter was new. Glasses of individual wines too expensive for what you get. Not sure if we will return."
Dined on 03/26/2013
 2004
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 42 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful Italian Restaurant!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Excellente!! Great food, superior service, lovely atmosphere. This restaurant is doing everything right. Will definitely return on our next trip to San Francisco! Highly recommended!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 43 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We enjoyed the tasteful food..servi

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We enjoyed the tasteful food..service was great..treated with special attention on our 29th anniversary with complimentary wine &dessert. Chef Bruno is the best! We will go back"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 44 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

our waitress was really nice.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"our waitress was really nice. I was happy that there was a vegan bean soup on the menu, and it was delicious. the patio does indeed look wonderful, and it is open on warm days. I'll go back for lunch on a nice day."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2010
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Review 45 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food and service were

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food and service were fantastic. Would recommend to anyone visiting San Francisco to enjoy a dinner at Il Fornaio."
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 46 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Much improved. Excellent again.

OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2003
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2003
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Much improved. Excellent again. I am so pleased"
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2003
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 47 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food was not that we expected

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The food was not that we expected , service very unattended .I will not come back again"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 48 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

always enjoy! FESTA REGIONALE

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"always enjoy! FESTA REGIONALE ALWAYS GOOD!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 49 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A nice place to eat.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great place. Food great but not excellent. Nice, courteous and accommodating staff. Nice neighborhood. Fine wines."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 50 for Il Fornaio - San Francisco
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good Food, Reasonable prices

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Really enjoyed the atmosphere and food and my East Coast pals loved it. Great proximity to North Beach."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2009
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