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Name: Il Fornaio
Address: 18051 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA, 92612
Telephone: (949) 261-1444
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.64

Il Fornaio

18051 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA, 92612

(949) 261-1444
Store is closed

Il Fornaio Menu

Antipasti

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Rustichella

Frittura Di Verdure

Gamberi Freschi Con Caponata

Carpaccio

Calamaretti Fritti

Antipasto Della Casa
Minestre E Insalate

Minestrone Di Verdure

Insalata Al Balsamico

Insalata Del Fornaio

Caprese

Insalata Di Bietole

Insalata Cesarina

Insalata Della Casa

Insalata Di Spinaci
Pizza

Pizza Margherita

Pizza Vegetariana

Pizza Fradiavola

Pizza Cristina

Calzone
Pasta Fresca E Secca

Capellini Al Pomodoro

Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese

Calamarata Con Pesto E Gamberetti

Barilotti Alla Pugliese

Pennoni Alla Vodka

Conchiglie Al Pollo

Cappellacci Di Zucca

Ravioli Alla Lucana
Specialita Della Casa

Lasagna Ferrarese

Cannelloni Al Forno

Linguine Mare Chiaro
Girarrosto Griglia E Specialita

Pollo Toscano

Scaloppine Ai Carciofi E Limone

Spiedini Di Gamberoni Alla Griglia

Tagliata Chianina

Bistecca Alla Fiorentina

Petto Di Pollo Al Peperoncino
Dolci

Crespelle Di Mele

Crema Al Doppio Gusto

Zabaione Alla Gritti

Tiramisu

Rosina Al Cioccolato

Affogato Al Caffe

Bianco Mangiare Ai Frutti Di Bosco

Spumone Gelato

Dolce Trio

Gelati E Sorbetti Gelati Misti

Scoop

Healthy Meal suggestions for Il Fornaio

Antipasti

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rustichella [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frittura Di Verdure [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gamberi Freschi Con Caponata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carpaccio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamaretti Fritti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto Della Casa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Minestre E Insalate

Minestrone Di Verdure [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Al Balsamico [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Del Fornaio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Bietole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Cesarina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Della Casa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Spinaci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pizza

Pizza Margherita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pizza Vegetariana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pizza Fradiavola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pizza Cristina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calzone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta Fresca E Secca

Capellini Al Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamarata Con Pesto E Gamberetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Barilotti Alla Pugliese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pennoni Alla Vodka [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Conchiglie Al Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cappellacci Di Zucca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Alla Lucana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Specialita Della Casa

Lasagna Ferrarese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cannelloni Al Forno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguine Mare Chiaro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Girarrosto Griglia E Specialita

Pollo Toscano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scaloppine Ai Carciofi E Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spiedini Di Gamberoni Alla Griglia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tagliata Chianina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bistecca Alla Fiorentina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Petto Di Pollo Al Peperoncino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dolci

Crespelle Di Mele [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crema Al Doppio Gusto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zabaione Alla Gritti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rosina Al Cioccolato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Affogato Al Caffe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bianco Mangiare Ai Frutti Di Bosco [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spumone Gelato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dolce Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gelati E Sorbetti Gelati Misti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scoop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Irvine for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 3745 Alton Pkwy )

Visit below restaurant in Irvine for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 3745 Alton Pkwy )

Write An Anonymous Review

Lisa T.

The food: I'm always in search of good Carpaccio and I was very satisfied. The Cream of Mushroom Soup (one of the soup of the days) was really good. The Pennoni alla Vodka was surprisingly light but still very flavorful which is really rare considering this dish elsewhere usually puts me into a food coma. Other: Free valet is nice. Classy business professional or date place. They also offer cooking classes and wine tastings which I'd like to try someday. Complaint: Location is hard to find since it's in one of those business complexes. The last time I was there the service was just OK. I'll definitely be back to try more dishes and I felt compelled to review since it deserves more than 3.5 stars!
(4)
Avi P.

First off, if you're going to eat here make sure to valet your car. The parking structure is a NOTORIOUS nightmare. Visitor spots are taken and the short term visitor area on the first floor is not for the restaurant or sports club from 8am-5pm M-F. They validate parking so you may as well. The food is always consistently good and high quality. You can see the eye to detail. Recommendations: - half rotisserie chicken - salmon con spinaci (salmon spinch salad) - salmon special (grilled salmon with potatoes and vegetables) - sole special (when available) - spicy coating - ahi tuna special (I actually never eat the pasta options since I'm semi-anti carbs.. but I've had sampled friends' dishes and they're always good). I've eaten here over 100 times because of business meetings and have NEVER seen anyone complain about the food. This place is very vegetarian friendly but you must let them know ahead of time. Bar scene is okay but not consistently vibrant. However, drinks are always good here. They used to have an amazing happy hour with a complimentary mini-buffet but now that's gone in lieu of drink & food specials. Service is hit or miss. Some days they're on TOP of things and my soft drinks and water are never below 2 inches from full. Other days it seems like no one is listening to my order. I'd recommend this place for lunch or dinner. There IS a nice little cafe / coffee shop that's open 7am-2pm for coffee and snacks - sandwiches, etc. They have an awesome "build your own salad" deal for like $6-8. They do validate and so it's a great deal to come if you're in the area or at the gym next door. Coffee is always good.
(4)
Lara D.

I have a fond place in my heart for Il Fornaio. I love going here, and I always seem to forget about it because it is tucked away in corporate irvine, easily forgettable. The prices are really good, not outrageously expensive and I always feel like I get 5 star service from the restuarant. Some of the waiters here have been here for years and years which is always refreshing to see. Always have had great dinners here, not much to complain about. I usually stick with the basics, salads on most occasions and simple pastas from time to time. Their olive bread is wonderful and fresh. I have had their steaks, fish and chicken and they were all great. Nothing memorable, but definitely not at all bad. PS there used to be a really cute, young maitre'd with dark hair. I didn't see him this last visit about a month ago, and I hope he hasn't moved away!
(5)
Ayesha O.

Great Place for lunch or dinner . Tastes authentic. Love the bread.
(4)
Linda G.

Went for dinner. Very nice place....food is excellent. Prices are a bit on the high sided.
(4)
Diane L.

OK GUYS, JUST DON'T GO HERE. What did I say? Yes, DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY HERE. For you stubborn people, let me say it again, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES GO HERE. Do I need to repeat it again? Good. Here's why: We came here for Valentine's Day with a reservation, but still had to wait in a line to be seated. I then noticed while we were being led to our table that the ceiling of this place is so high and I felt like the decor did not go well together. If I remembered correctly, the chairs looked like they were made out of hay. Would a higher class restaurant that this place strives to be have straw chairs? That's just weird to me. So I already did not enjoy the ambience and atmosphere of this place. Then comes the server, they are the most unfriendly servers I've met. It's not that they are rude or anything, but it's just that they barely even talk. Onto the food, the bread they give you was pretty good, I asked for seconds. We ordered a spinach salad which was excellent, I wish it came with bigger portions. Now, me and my bf were busy talking and we lost track of time. We started to feel our stomaches hurting, thats when we realized it's been an hour and we still haven't received our food. We watched every table around us switch customers except for us! We were still there without FOOD! OK, now they served both of our dishes together, mine was freshly made but my bfs looks like it had been sitting out for a LONG time that the pasta hardened...seriously, i never had to chew that hard for a shell pasta. The manager came by and apologized for the delay and we told him about the pasta, he was very understanding and switched out the dish. My bf decided he wanted something else instead and the manager made sure that dish was made quickly. NOW, the food basically SUCKED. I love Italian food, I love cheese, pasta, tomato sauces, you get the point, every ingredient in Italian food. The cheese in my dish was unsavory to say the least. It was grainy and had no flavor...the mushrooms did not have the normal aroma that it usually does. Now my bfs dish I did not enjoy either, they just didn't grasp the Italian cooking at all. I really don't understand the people here raving about this place, it SUCKS. Let me summarize it: atmosphere- WEIRD and feels OUT OF PLACE food- I had to force myself to eat my dish because I was so hungry service- unfriendly, looks miserable and incompetent, needs the manager to handle everything Therefore, 1 star for this place, I would never ever go back to this place again. I wouldn't even go if you pay me to.
(1)
Ashley F.

Came here for my best friends birthday dinner and was sat in the back area where we could see the desserts being handed out. They give out bread with oil and balsalmic. We started off with the calamari and the Margherita pizza. The calamari was really good with a light coat of batter and had a nice crisp to it. The pizza was extremely good and had all the right flavors. (totally forgot to get a photo before everyone devoured them) I also ordered prosciutto and melon since I love the flavors of salty and sweet. yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ On the the entrees: I had the pizza Christina which had Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parmesan, mushrooms and wild arugula, drizzled with white truffle oil. yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ It seemed like there was a lot on it but when I took the first bite, there was so many flavors and they each complimented each other very well. One of the best pizza's I've ever had. My boyfriend had the Pennoni alla vodka. yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ The pasta itself was cooked to the right consistency and the flavors of the dish the perfect amount of salt and not overpowering like many other pasta dishes I've had at other italian restaurants. My best friend had the Cappellacci di zucca which was Ravioli filled with butternut squash and walnuts; tomato sauce, brown butter, parmesan and crispy sage. yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ I didn't try it but she said it was good. When ordering your entrees. You have a choice of choosing the primi or secondi which just means a regular portion or a smaller portion for a lower price. Unfortunately no desserts were tried since a cake was bought in but be aware that they do charge a cake cutting fee. I will definitely be back just to try their desserts. Parking can be either valet or in a parking garage, the restaurant will validate your parking for you but the waiter said but for only up to two hours.
(4)
Terri V.

I loved sitting outside on the patio for dinner here. Very ambient and romantic. The service was professional, friendly and attentive. We were given some beautiful wine choices from the sommelie and chose a 2005 Italian Barolo. My recommendations: Insalata Cesarina with Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, hardboiled egg, focaccia croutons; housemade Caesar dressing. (this is not a classic Caesar salad, but very good) Tagliatelle alla Bolognese with homemade pasta ribbons with traditional meat ragu and parmesan cheese. Capellini al Pomodoro with angel hair pasta, chopped tomatoes, garlic, marinara sauce and fresh basil. The homemade bread was also delicious! I recommend Il Fornaio!
(5)
Anne N.

I'm a fan of their service so far. If you take their survey they list at the end of your bill (via website) and give enough feedback, the manager will personally email you and do a follow-up with you to find out how Il Fornaio could be of better service during your next visit. I have hardly ever ran into this situation with restaurants before but I'm glad to know that some people will go the extra mile to make you happy. I might just come back.
(4)
Corey M.

Lobster bisque was terrible, no lobster and three croutons was served like he was in a race. Wine was from 2010 and menu said 2009. Main course was good.
(2)
Huey S.

Ah yes, The Baker (Il Fornaio). I have gone here more than I think and because it is within walking distance from my office, it's a good "default" place for a work group. You won't look out of place if you are dressed in work clothes (or nicer??), but also won't feel embarrassed with those ripped jeans either. Most things I've ordered on the menu are good, and it all depends what your in the mood for. For example, the Cannelloni is *good*, but is not for the vegetarian eating crowd and the sauce is closer to the consistency of motor oil when I think of it - so not good for a weigh in if you are on the biggest loser. That said, if you even remotely like wine, you should pair it with something here (I prefer a cab). Besides the food, the lighting at night is very good here, so it is more cheery(?) than your dimly lit Italian-ly restaurant. That's okay because it's good to see your food and I am sure you have no one ugly with you. In short, come to this place because you want to have a good time with a group of people and are not super snooty about the food (some it admittingly, has a Fre-Talian feel like Starbucks) but it is all good.
(4)
MaryAnne S.

I love sitting outside under the heat lamps and enjoying the bread and pasta. I eat here once a week and the atmosphere is calming and the food is addicting. The wait staff is very helpful as well. Due to the location, I give it 4 stars. Dessert tray is hard to resist..
(4)
Kimberly W.

This is such a nice atmosphere middle of the price range restaurant. I had the option of this place or Olive Garden and trust me... i LOOOOOOVE Olive Garden, but let's face it... not the pretties of restaurants. So beautiful patio indoor and outdoor seating. When I look at the menu, even though there's descriptions I feel like I was reading another language. I'm sure it's because I'm not the brightest of beings... but that's how I felt! I've had the pizza here before and I would definitely order it again. This time I split the lasagna and seafood fettuccine pasta. Really enjoyed the seafood (kinda too many onions or some type of crunch), and the lasagna was really creamy and cheesy. Best part... dessert... I didn't get to try the bread pudding because it was filled with raisins and dates which I hate, but the little taster plate had teramisu, crepe, and a chocolate cake... all which i pleasantly enjoyed more than I thought. If i had to order just one, I really did like the apple crepe. A fried of mine only wanted berries and they made that happen... always a plus. Biggest negative... wow the service was soooo slow we wanted to get up and serve ourselves. Waiter didn't give a very friendly attitude either, not rude, but definitely not welcoming. For a middle of the road price and not the best service, I would take that as a trade off and return!
(4)
ThaiTan N.

Great environment, top notch service and amazing Italian food! The Pizza is great too.
(5)
Nicole M.

Jeff Burt is the Executive Chef here and i've got 2 syllables for him... Bra-vo! I came here for a mid-week lunch and despite the location being in the heart of Irvine's bustling "business district", I was seated promptly and swiftly given warm bread with accompanying olive oil and balsamic. After attempting to translate the menu, I ordered the handmade spinach ravioli filled with some sort of fancy cheese & light marinara... it was excellent. I love that booths are not an option and that they have a guy who comes between the main course and dessert... just to wipe the crumbs off the table (a crummy table is one of my top 82 pet peeves). After the table was crumb-free, I ordered the peach sorbet with seasonal berries and cream... it was... well, divine. Absolute perfection and the cream is indescribable so for fear of not doing it justice I won't even attempt it. I wish the huge decorative Italian Terracotta pot out front by the door but, eh... if you get the fruit creamy thing you'll be on Cloud 9 when you leave so it won't really matter that much I suppose- the longer the magesticness of the dessert lingers, the better! Although my experience was near flawless, I went with 4-stars because I can't find info. on the Cooking Class they have advertised on their menu-back... bummer becasue I think it would have been fun!
(4)
Royce Y.

OVERALL RATING = 7 / 10 The EATs House Rosemary Bread w/ OO+BV = 9 [ NEW ] Ravioli of the Day: Chicken in Creamy Tomato Sauce = 8 [ NEW ] House Multigrain Bread w/ OO+BV = 8 Pizza Fradiavola = 8 Insalata Cesarina = 7 Pasta: Linguine Mare Chiaro = 7 Pasta: Conchiglie al Pollo = 6 The DRINKs: House Chianti 2007 = 7 The ATMOSPHERE = 8 The SERVICE = 7 The APPEAL = 7 Ravioli OTD - Everything was prepared just right. The pasta wasn't too soft and had a tiny bit of chew + doughy-ness to it. The chicken meat was decent and had the right amount per piece. The sauce wasn't bland, but got a little boring after the first few pieces. I think the dish could be improved by adding some veggies or additional herbs, but overall I wouldn't mind ordering it again. I hear the lobster ravioli is great. Nothing beats a warm, freshly baked bread w/OO & BV.
(3)
Frankie G.

All I can say is "WHAT HAPPENED?" i live in Colorado where there use to be 2 Il Fornaio's. It was the best Italian food ever. Then one day they both closed and that was it. Today I find myself in Irvine CA and and found one. I went in to have my favorite meal. But, first let me walk you through from the beginning. First the fresh bread. Oh my good the selection is incredible. Then came the the Caprese Calda. It was fresh, but very bland. I fixed it with some salt and balsamic. So that was saved. Now my favorite dish that I have only had it here and Mirandola Italy. It is the Cappellacci di Zucca. Again "What Happened" it was pasta with bland boring filling with no taste. C'mon Mr. Chef let's get on the ball. If this is the new Il Fornaio I know now why you left Colorado. You were asked to leave. Mr. Owners, you better regroup before it is too late. J-Sun has spoken.
(3)
Marla S.

Can I say yummy happy hour!! Try the drink I created with the bar tender there. Marla's Mojito....Vodka, Fresh Mint and Lime Juice and Splenda or preferably Stevia (but you have to bring your own). Can I say refreshing, yummy and wow! Happy Hour is divine!
(5)
Sharon B.

Chain Restaurant. Not bad, but nothing ever stands out about this place for me. On my last visit I had penne with vodka cream sauce. Standard fare. Not bad, not great. I also had grilled salmon. Why do these restaurants always cook the salmon well done? I've got to start ordering my salmon MR. Had this been the case I would've enjoyed it much more. The dessert was a raspberry chocolate thing-a-ma-jig. Not bad, but not great. I left mine on the table. Major service blunder: We were in the back room for a large private party. I ordered a large bottle of flat water. After the waiter/ busboy pours the water I ask that it be left in front of me on the table I was standing at. He then tells me, no, he is going to leave on the next table over. This table was more in the center of the room, which I can only assume he felt was better positioned for him. I thought that was really out of line. I went and got the bottle and my friend and I promptly drank the whole thing.
(2)
Doraine G.

I brought a colleague and her husband here for a "Thank You" dinner. As always the service was friendly, well timed, and attentive. Either the kitchen made an error with an order or the Front of the House Manager was just being kind. Anyone wanting a taste got a small serving of a seafood risotto. It could have been creamier but over all an excellent risotto. We started by sharing Bruschetta and Caprese salad. Very simple dishes that can go horribly wrong. Nothing wrong here. Fresh ingredients make the intended blend of flavors highlight and compliment each other. We had a mix of entrees from fresh pasta and beef to fresh fish. Because they all came from the daily menu I've unfortunately forgotten the specific dishes. However, I do recall that each was well presented, fresh (they didn't sit under a heat lamp), and very delicious.
(4)
Shelby A.

I recently came here for a holiday party and it was great. There was a set menu to choose from for the food, and I ordered the filet, which was delicious. They also served ravioli for an appetizer and that was delicious as well. There was a pretty large group, probably 35-40 people and the waiters were all really attentive and on top of everything, they were also really friendly and accomodating. I would definitely come back here, given the chance.
(4)
Yummy Y.

It was hard to find this place. I went there with my friends for lunch. Very clean and beautiful interior. Orange Country Style restaurant. I had their coffee and it was very delicious. You can select regular size and large size for pasta. But regular size wasn't enough for me. I will order large one next time.
(3)
Joane B.

Excellent Italian food, more contemporary than traditional. Food value is excellent for the price, although it is pricey. The restaurant is beautiful and upscale. Delicious bread, fish, chicken, salads, and affogato.
(5)
Abra W.

So I actually don't go to Il Fornaio that often (the first time was for a Winter Formal in high school, then over the years I ended up here for a few dates, and I think the last time I went was with my mom to the one in Pasadena a while back...), but I've been meaning to write a review because I actually quite like the place. My favorite dish is the Cappellacci di Zucca - Butternut Squash Ravioli. SO. GOOD. Really really really good. The dish is ravioli filled with butternut squash (of course) and walnuts. It sits in a delicate tomato sauce with brown butter, parmesan and crispy sage. Ahhhh writing about it makes me want to drive down to Irvine and order it. Wah, torture. :( I remember years ago they had a really good crepe dessert. Not sure if they still have it, but I hope they do because I wouldn't mind having it again as well. As far as service and ambience goes, it's pretty standard: good/corporate service, good/corporate ambiance. A solid place to take a date or have a nice lunch/dinner with a friend.
(4)
Jeff K.

don't judge a book by its cover.... same goes with don't judge a restaurant by its outside decor. walking up to IL fornaio, it looks like a super ritzy baller place to take your gf or bf out on valentines day or something. don't get me wrong, the outside and inside of the building looked very beautiful, but that was 1 of the only thing that gave it 2 stars. we came here for a birthday party. when my party was seated, i asked for water and was served with a dirty water glass. also my fork had food particles and my friend's dinner plate had food residue left on it from before. i don't know if they machine or hand wash their dishes, but they have got to do a better job at it for next time. the only other good part of this place if the free unlimited olive bread with olive and balsamic vinegar. when we order our food, i got the full size "Conchiglie al Pollo". when my dinner arrived, i was surprise at the amount that was given. i was expecting alot more for the price. 17$ for it. i guess i'm a fatass. but the problem with this pasta type dish was that it was severely lacking any distinct flavors. it was super bland. i did not enjoy it at all. the attention of the servers was lackluster. and our group felt like our waiter was giving us dirty looks all night long. the birthday girl received a complementary birthday dessert dish, but none of the waiters or waitress sung happy birthday. ( this is unacceptable, because 20 minutes prior, they sang happy birthday to another group. and just when we were about to leave they sung happy birthday to yet another group. to top of all off, when we got the bill. we tipped 20% over. the waiter of our table complained that we didn't leave him a tip at all. we added the tip and out respective portions of dinner to our credit card. he must have accidentally not done the calculations right because the amount on all the credit card was enough to pay the bill without tip. and we added over 40 bucks extra to the check. it left a sour taste in my mouth. i would not recommend coming here. the only reason i'd come back again is maybe for the happy hour specials.
(2)
Shane D.

As far as Italian chain restaurants go, this is about as close to the real thing as you'll get. It absolutely blows Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill, Maggianos, Bucca Di Beppo, etc out of the water. It's really nice inside for a classy night out, but it is fine being totally casual there as well. The prices are fair, and the portions are good sized too. I had the butternut squash ravioli and my friend had the cioppino, and both were great. Nothing in the states is as good as the real thing in Italy, but then again part of that is the fact that you're in Italy. Honestly, this is the closest thing I've found around here, and that includes little local mom and pop Italian restaurants. The only bummer is it's not in a pretty location. It's stuck between a couple of office buildings on the 405 freeway, and the only parking is in a garage about 100 yards away, or pay for valet parking. But other than that, this place is top notch.
(4)
Grace C.

The restaurant is located in a corporate park with 24 hour fitness ultra super sport next door. You get a nice ambiance going into the restaurant but their food is mediocre. Their velvet mushroom soup was rich and tasty, but in terms of texture I wouldn't describe it as velvety. I got their grilled seafood appetizer which wasn't too bad, but nothing special. Their Caesar salad was okay as well, the romaine wasn't cut consistently and not fresh enough to taste the sweetness in fresh romaine lettuces. I also tried their spinach ravioli which was in fresh tomato sauce... I still prefer cheesier alfredo sauces. One big pet peeve I have with italian restaurants is when I ask for extra parmesan cheese, I expect the good stuff, not the powdered parmesan they give you at Pizza Hut. Overall, I loved the ambience and the mascato wine.
(3)
Scott C.

Great Italian food!
(5)
Debra M.

My husband and I recently had dinner here to celebrate our anniversary. We arrived early and decided to have a drink at the bar. When we told the bartender this was our first visit to the restaurant, he informed our waiter. Our waiter then served us some delicious bruchetta, which was compliments of the restaurant! If you love bread as much as I do, you'll love the warm fresh baked bread and olive oil that's served. Our entrees were also delicious. I had pasta with a simple tomato and garlic sauce, and my husband had the risotto. All of the desserts looked wonderful, but we decided to share the bread pudding. It was simply delicious! This is a great place to come for "date night". The ambiance is romantic and the staff is very friendly. I look forward to coming here again.
(4)
Jonathan S.

I had the food here before and i wasnt impressed. typical snooty and stuffy irvine crowd. i only go here for the salad. i say its one of the best places to get a salad for lunch. you get a good amount of options and they have someone to toss your salad... ok that didnt sound right, but you get what i mean. so stay away from the restaurant, but go to the deli express kitchen and get a salad.
(3)
Nathan C.

Very nice decoration and atmosphere. Since I always dine out with a small group, this is the perfect place to have Italian foods. Buca de Beppo is for a big group, Macaroni grill is kinda dark and better taste than Maggiano. It's little pricy.
(4)
jae e.

My friend took me here for my birthday. The first time I came to this branch about a month ago we had a great server. Though, tonight we had a horrible server. He made a face when I ordered moscato I mean I know that's a desert wine I know but need he have to make that look like I'm incompetent then I ordered t bone steak medium well he made that look again n said thAts gonna make ur steak reAlly dry. I mean I know that too but is he tKing my order here or is he taking his own? It's my food my preference. I did not ask for his opinion he's personality would probably been too strong for me. I give this brAnch one star for poor service, and last time eating at this restaurant.
(1)
Jen O.

There are surprisingly few exceptional Italian restaurants in the Irvine/Costa Mesa area--the good ones are obscenely expensive (Antonello) and the less expensive places are horrible (Little Maggiano's). Il Fornaio is a bit upscale in terms of ambience, service, and price, although not extremely expensive. However, I have to say that aside from the decor and service, we were quite disappointed with the quality of the food in this restaurant. We ordered three dishes: fettuccini with shrimp, a rigatoni with meat sauce, and a breast of chicken with marinara sauce. The fettuccini sauce lacked the rich creamy flavor and tasted flat and bland. The shrimp they used was the cheap kind that you would find in a cocktail salad--small and not even deveined. The rigatoni with meat sauce wasn't bad, but it wasn't that good either--Ragu sauce and cheap ground meat. The chicken was rather dry and the marinara was very bland. The tab came out to around $60 for 3 (no drinks) which isn't extremely expensive but you can get similar quality food at Sbarro or Pasta Bravo for $20 tops. So basically we paid $40 for decor.
(2)
Jennifer C.

Summary: 1) Lie and tell them you are on a sodium-restricted diet. The food here is SUPER SALTY!! 2) Bread is the best thing on the menu, and it's free We came here for New Year's Eve and made last minute reservations. Since we are early birds, we made reservations for 5 pm and they told us that the only seating available was outdoors in the patio. We showed up around 4:45 pm, and lo-and-behold, the ENTIRE restaurant is empty. We asked to be seated indoors if possible, and they told us that we can have indoor seating but we just had to leave by 6:30 pm. That was fine by us, since we are the most low-maintenance diners ever. We order fast, eat fast, and leave. Once we got seated, we had to flag down our server because tables that were seated after us were getting drinks and service, while we were sitting THIRSTING to death. Our server was rude at first, but I think it was because he was taking his break when one of the other servers told him that we were waiting for him. The best part about the dinner was probably the free bread. The food itself was super salty ( we got some pasta dish with lots of seafood in it, and a cioppino) and I had to chow down even more bread to tone down the saltiness. For dessert, we got sorbet, and it was rock solid frozen, and took forever to eat because it was so hard. All in all, the prices are reasonable, you get a lot of food, service is reasonable, but they need to learn to tone down the saltiness. Next time, I think I'm going to lie and tell them that I'm on a sodium-restricted diet :) Oh, and we left around 6:20 pm, before the deadline they gave us, and the place was STILL empty! ARGH~!!!!
(3)
Lindsey E.

I love this place for numerous reasons. For one, every time I have gone here, the managers have always been exceptionally friendly/accommodating and you can tell that they really go out of their way to make sure you are happy and well taken care of. Secondly, they have a "wine tasting"/menu sampling on the first Tuesday of everyone month which is a great opportunity to sample all the new items on the menu, and third, they have amazing lattes!! It took me a couple months before I finally walked from work over to Il Fornaio (its literally a 5 minute walk) and it was definitely worth it. I ordered a soy, sugar free vanilla latte and wow, I have to say its the best Iatte I've ever had. I don't even normally care for soy milk but being that I was sick it seemed like the most logical choice. Seriously amazing AND they have a stamp card so after 12 drinks, you get one free. I realize its gonna take a long while before I reach the free one, but hey, its still a nice perk considering Im gonna buy that many drinks eventually anyway. Definitely recommend checking this place out.
(4)
Tim H.

A lot of options for somewhat upscale Italian food. The bread that they start you off with is pretty good and the pizza tastes as authentic as I can imagine. Maybe its the imported cheese, or the imported white truffle oil but their food is pretty overpriced. Maybe they should be using normal ingredients from the US because honestly I don't think cheese that is baked onto a pizza is going to taste that much different. Decor is definitely a plus and the service was decent. Heard that it was a better place for lunch than dinner.
(4)
james V.

I came here for a business lunch. Got the ravioli, which was tasty but the portion is limited. The other three friends got the sword fish and salmon. They liked it and the portions were much bigger. It was not busy at lunch but the service was just adequate. I expect more for the price of $115 for a party of four without any alcohol.
(3)
Kathy K.

I went here on a Saturday night for dinner and it was not crowded at all. The food was okay, not great. The pasta tasted a little undercooked and was not special by any means. The food is overpriced for the quality of food. The portions are not large, but are adequate. The bread they started us off with was horrible, it was rock hard. The service was the worst of all. No one came by to fill our water and every encounter with the waiter was curt and unfriendly and the place wasn't even busy. Many waiters simply walked by and ignored us. The best part of our dinner was the dessert and the interior and exterior decor. I would not recommend this place unless you're in the mood for mediocre food and bad service. It was too bad since I was really looking forward to this restaurant.
(2)
Eric R.

Hands down will never eat here again. I have made it somewhat of a mission in life that when the topic of restaurants comes up I tell anyone that will listen that this place is terrible. I have eaten here twice (I believe everyone should get a second chance) and both times I have had stories to tell it was so bad. 1. The waiter dropped a glass of wine down my girlfriends back. He apologized but I will never understand why he would reach over another table from behind us to place a wine glass in front of her. She was sitting against the wall and he had to reach over a table set for four. Why didn't he just come from the aisle. After she got over the shock of liquid running down her back. I asked her if she wanted to leave but she decided to gut it out. I tried my best to soak up as much as possible with my napkin. The waiter gave us a round of drinks but I told him to place the drinks on the edge of the table next to me from now on. We were there with her aunt and they really wanted to spend time with each other so leaving was definitely out of the question. I was so angry I don't even remember what I ate. I know I did not finish my food. The really sad part was right as we were headed out the door the "Manager" suddenly appeared and told my girlfriend to send him the bill for dry cleaning. In my mind all I could think was where the F*** were you an hour ago? 2. Fast Forward about 10 months and I am back for more abuse. But I have to give them a second chance. This time I am there with my girlfriend and her parents. We get seated and everything is going fine until our waiter comes. First and foremost his appearance was less than desirable. His white jacket was dirty and it showed brown and black marks on the chest and pocket area. The end of his sleeves were brown with the look when you have dried liquid and all that is left is that water stain, which led me to believe that this did not happen that day and that he has been wearing that jacket a few times. And this guy is supposed to carry my food? Lastly, I think the waiter had gone to the dentist or something because I could not understand a single word out of his mouth. I thought it was funny at first but when I realized it was not just me I began to wonder does the place just not like us? We could not understand the specials but we figured lets just tell him what we want and deal with the rest. When he came to take our order it was like a pathetic game of charades. It was truly sad to watch us answer his questions by guessing. The couple next to us looked at us and laughed a little, I looked at them and said it won't be funny when you are next. You better brush up on your listening skills. We all had a good laugh but they were not laughing when it was their turn. The food was average, I don't even remember what I ate again. All I could remember was how bad the service was (twice). I have only heard good things about this place but I guess my friends were just messing with me. I don't plan to go back a third time. Someone might end up in the hospital.
(1)
SSS K.

food is beyond reproach. ambiance is excellent.
(4)
David D.

damn good italian. i mean i know they are a chain, but this place is good. decent wine, great apps, etc. unfortunantly it is pricey, but what do you expect when there are Ferrari's in the valet lot (its Newport after all, think sunglasses that double as ski goggles. yeah, you get the idea)
(4)
John C.

I eat here about once a month. The food is awesome, the atmosphere is great, but what really makes this place is the people who work there. From the mangers like Marcelo and Joel (and Frank too), the chefs like Jeff, servers like Juan and Luis, and the bartenders like Bobby... these guys all make you feel like family. Many of the employees who work there have been there for many years, which tells me they must like what they are doing. The regular menu is great, but they also have a regional menu that switches out every month. Don't be afraid to order off the menu either. Sometimes I go in there and am in the mood for a simple Alfredo pasta with chicken(not on the menu). If you have a craving for something Italian, the chefs there can make it. Oh yeah... the bread is good too. I recommend the Rosemary bread. One last thing... they have a boccie ball court out front... My 6 year old son loves this to no end. Chow!
(5)
Kristin A.

The short of it: - good Italian restaurant - great place for private parties - reasonably priced - located in a business center - Favs: caprese salad The long of it: Held my wedding rehearsal dinner here, and the whole process went really smoothly. I found it really difficult to find a restaurant that could accommodate a large party of 40+ people without it costing an arm and a leg. There's already enough expenses to deal with wedding planning. I called to inquire about Il Fornaio's private dining and they had many options available depending on the party size and indoor/outdoor options as well. They immediately sent me pricing information and to my surprise it was very reasonable for a 3-course meal compared to the other restaurants I was looking into. The best part was that we could have our own private dining area which was something I really wanted. The booking process was very easy and all online, which was impressive. Communication between their catering manager was great and they would email/call me which I appreciated. I always felt like they were on top of things even if my event was still 1.5 months away. The dinner went pretty well, despite a few hiccups here and there, the servers were sometimes slow or they forgot a drink that was ordered, but nothing too drastic. I loved that my guests had options to choose from for their 1st course (soup or salad) and there were about five entrees to choose from (beef, chicken, pasta, fish, etc.) and dessert. I thought my salad was good and my pasta dish for my entrÃ©e was very tasty. The dessert was tiramisu and it was yummy as well. It seemed as though all my guests were satisfied, enjoyed their meal, and were quite full at the end. Overall, I would recommend this place as a great place to hold private events, it's a nice venue and the pricing is pretty good for what you get.
(4)
Tara M.

Really disappointing. Had a business lunch here today. The service was good and the food was delivered promptly, but it was bland. I ordered the pasta in a vodka cream sauce with bacon. There was no taste at all. None. The bread was warm and fresh - delicious dipped in olive oil and vinegar, and the gelato (vanilla, dark chocolate and raspberry) was perfect for a hot day. But isn't the entree the reason you go to a restaurant? I usually eat at the Beverly Hills location and there is no comparison. Tip - Valet is free for 3 hours with restaurant validation
(3)
May H.

Food was very good. Didn't make a reservation. Didn't need to. We were under dressed in our casual running clothes and visor. We stayed in Irvine before the OC marathon. A lot of the guests there were older, like average age 50. Parking is very convenient, valet also. They validated. The food was very good and service was, too. It was about $25 per person, and we ordered dessert. Bring a sweater as it was cold in the restaurant.
(4)
Madrid M.

Wow I din't expect this hidden gem, food was delicious, I had the three corse meal started with the pear salad with blue cheese and walnuts very tasty an well balanced follow by spicy sausage gnocchi and main platter was the best duck with some kind of delicious sauce over it, a leafy vegetable (kale) and a potato pie like with an herby flavor. The whole experience was very nice including the dessert sampler.
(4)
Pat T.

The best cooks. They know real authentic recipes. I requested a dish (chicken franchese) and they made it for me, awesome customer service.
(5)
Amy L.

LOVE! I think I have found my favorite Italian restaurant in Orange County. I think this as authentic Italian as it can possibly get... at least in my neighborhood! I decided to order from the November menu- WOW, delicious! I believe I ordered some type of ravioli with white truffle. I love how attentive the waiters and waitresses were. The manager even came to the table to made sure all was well. He didn't just stop by- he actually made conversation with us. LOVE THAT. If you ever dine here, you MUST try the tiramisu. I couldn't even finish it- but I wish I did because I can't stop thinking about how delicious it is.
(5)
Elaine G.

This review is for LUNCH on a weekday... Given its proximity to the masses of corporate minions, I'd say this location feels like all the waiters are jaded by the clientele. The few times I've been here to eat, i've sat outside and the service is really inattentive and slow. With barely anyone in the dining room and only a few tables filled outside but with so many wait staff I was pretty surprised how poor the service was. The waiter would have to be called over multiple times, ie. to order, to get water, to get the check, etc. Not sure if it's just the outside and they put the B squad out there, but despite the inattentiveness I even caught our waiter just standing around towards the back. Food wise it's pretty standard. The food choices are much like any upper scale Italian restaurant. Tasty but nothing over the top and mid-range at $12-$20 per pasta dish. I had the unfortunate experience recently of ordering a meatball pasta dish of which most of the meatballs were still a bit raw in the center. Luckily I caught this after only eating 2 out of maybe 8 of them and told the waiter. They ended up taking the dish off the bill and the manager came out to apologize, which I appreciate, but still a rookie kitchen oversight in my opinion. Parking is valet or self park only in a nearby parking structure, so not the most convenient location since it's smack in the middle of a corporate park. I'd say if you're trying to have a no frills company lunch or take a client out this would be fine, but don't think i'll be making any special detours to eat here outside of that.
(2)
Man S.

We were seated. The waitress came over, she opened our wine, decanted it. We ordered a salad Regina. The salad came, did not have any flavors, realizing there were a few ingredients missing from the dishes that were listed on the menu. She was no where to be seen. Ten minutes later, she came back, telling us the specials, we ordered. The food came, we ate. No waiter or waitress around. Food was hot and okay, not great! We ate and finished...a waiter came by and asked, 'coffee.' We responded, 'no.' The waiter came by with our check....where did our waitress go???? We paid, we leave. The best part of experience was the wine that we brought and paid the corkage. The End!
(3)
James M.

This is a great place for company lunches. It is very spacious and they have a very good selection on the menu and the portions were just right. Everything seemed to be authentic Italian from the server to the music that came from a radio streamed from a station in Italy.
(4)
Tami D.

Came here for lunch yesterday to meet up with my Yelp friend, Cathy S. It was so nice to get caught up with a wonderful friend and grab a great lunch! They brought out the bread out right away. It looked great, but I must admit that I was too busy talking and forgot to try it. I ordered the Sauteed Sea Bass with lemon and capers, and Cathy ordered the pasta. Although the Sea Bass was just a tad saltier than I like usually like, it still tasted healthy and delicious. Cathy mentioned that her pasta was really good too! For dessert we had the Tiramisu. The Tiramisu was heavenly. Creamy and delicious, this is now one of my favorite desserts. We shared a piece of this wonderful dessert, but I bet It would be way too easy for me to eat a huge piece of this in just one sitting. The service was really good here. Our food came out quickly, and our drinks were refilled often. The staff seemed friendly and attentive. This Il Fornaio was a great place to meet for lunch and take a nice break from this hectic week.
(4)
Neluta G.

Went there on Feb 27th for a business dinner, I haven't been to this place in a while. I ordered the duck la 'orange, very well prepared and tasty, tiramisu was great for dessert. Definitely going back. Restaurant staff was very attentive, place is clean and modern looking.
(4)
Liz C.

I came here because I had to go to Irvine for work. My boss took me here for lunch we shared a pizza and the vodka pasta. Pizza was ok, but the pasta was really delicious. I want to go back to Irvine just so I can order this pasta to go, as they have a lunch togo side where you can order some items for lunch to go. (went back a few months later and got the same pasta.) The service however, was not great at all. This place is pretty pricey so they should offer excellent service with their awesome food. =T I'd just go back and order form the to go side. Forget paying tip for sub par service.
(4)
Sarah J.

expensive little Italian place in irvine. was lucky enough to come here for company lunch! all the decorations and the restaurant ambiance was so pretty! i would loove to see this place at night time! i imagine it will be super romantic! like what everyone suggested, i got the butternut squash ravioli. YUM DELISH!! comes with 6 raviolis i think? but these fill you up. my coworkers got to try it and they couldnt stop picking at my plate! definitely worth being called their most popular dish!! i also really enjoyed Linguine Mare Chiaro. i love marinara sauce and i love seafood. thats what this pasta is!! the sauce was too overpowering and pasta was cooked perfectly. lots of seafood!! yum! i actually prefer this pasta over the ravioli.
(4)
Wesley C.

The food was a bit too salty for my family and I. Most of us ordered some sort of seafood dish, and while the seafood itself was cooked really well, the flavoring was just too much. I kept having to drink water and I couldn't stomach the final few bites of my food, not because I was full, but because I couldn't handle it anymore. The waitstaff was an enigma as well. They were between super friendly and a bit too rushed with my family that it came off a little annoyed/rude. It wasn't bad overall, but it just wasn't great.
(3)
Lena P.

Customer Service is 5 stars! I organized a Birthday celebration dinner for large group of 20 and working with Adriene and Amanda (Catering/Event Managers) from start to completion was amazing! They were very helpful in answering all of my questions regarding the food, tables, reservations, etc, and they were easy to get a hold of. The Il Fornaio restaurant was the ONLY place who would accommodate such a large group on a Saturday night with reservations, NONE of the restaurants at the Irvine Spectrum wanted to work with us and hold our reservations (I called all of them weeks in advance and spoke to the managers, but none were helpful), so I looked outside of the Spectrum and found this wonderful place! The servers and waiters at Il Fornaio were always around ready to take our orders and requests. Food is 3 stars. - Conchiglie al Pollo: pretty good, ask for extra sun dried tomatoes! - Cappellacci di Zucca: others ordered this and said it was just okay. - Pennoni alla Vodka: sauce was delicious! - Tiramisu: tasted freshly made and it was good! - Crema al Doppio Gusto: good combo, great flavors! Decor is 5 stars! I really liked the location as it is in a quiet business area away from the crowds. The restaurant is beautiful inside, very nicely decorated. Our tables were located in the enclosed atrium area which was nice and they had heat lamps since it was a cold night. I wonder if they open up the top? Overall I would visit this place again for a group event or get together, the ease of making the reservations and customer service was great!
(4)
Hannah N.

This is a long review. You can skip to the bottom where I have a summary. My parents and I have been visiting Il Fornaio since 2001. We loved the service, food, and atmosphere. Unfortunately our experience tonight was just not worth the $50/person we spent here tonight for father's day. The restaurant has undergone a complete overhaul. The management has gotten rid of all the old employees and has brought in new, inexperienced waiters. Apparently only 4-5 of the old employees remain, which makes me sad because they were a large part of why we kept returning to Il Fornaio. Usually the employees all smile and look happy, but tonight they all looked stressed and none of them smiled. I feel the quality of the ingredients, cooking, and service were all subpar. Tonight we had an inexperienced, fumbling, forgetful waiter who apologetically told us it is his first week. It felt like it was his first week being a waiter.... EVER. I always thought of being a waiter at Il Fornaio as something only veteran waiters were qualified for. They usually get all the little details right like ensuring only spotless wine glasses on the table (covered in dust today), spotless spoons, removing wine glasses that won't be used from the table to reduce clutter, bringing a bowl to hold mussels and clams, bringing the bread & drinks in a timely manner. None of this was done quickly or efficiently because the waiter has not been trained correctly. I think he did a good job of removing our finished dishes quickly. He was doing the best he could and I don't blame him for the poor turnout of the meal, but I think it's going to take time for him to get to the level of the veteran waiters they laid off. The staff gives off the impression that they're barely keeping their heads above water. The olive oil and bread used to taste good, but the olive oil today was so bitter we actually couldn't eat it. Bitter is a sign of ripe olives usually, but this one was inedible! The balsamic vinegar was low quality, thinned-out, and nothing special. The once excellent bread tasted like the ones from the grocery store and in smaller portions. My parents received their drinks in about 10 minutes, while I waited for tea about 20 minutes. I had asked for a glass of water when ordering the tea and did not receive that till halfway through our meal after we reminded the waiter. For the 1st course my parents enjoyed their soup, while I ordered the salmon bruschetta on a bed of greens. The salmon bruschetta was enjoyable and the salmon was fresh, but the greens were soaked in a dressing so sour I could only struggle through half of it. The wine flight arrived next and the waiter delivered all three glasses at the same time instead of one by one. We noticed the wine glasses are smaller these days, but the wine was good. Next course we all ordered the linguine. This was probably one of our favorite dishes of the whole meal, but the portion just seemed so small it was appetizer size (Wasn't a problem because we were full by the end). We've had better, but we enjoyed the peppery taste. The sea bass was bland and nothing special. My dad ordered the veal scallopini, which wasn't exceptional, but was good. There wasn't enough cheese to cover the veal. My meat dish was so-so because the sausage and game hen were overcooked, dry, and bland. The best part of that dish were the potatoes and the lamb was good. The broccolini were soggy, overcooked, and bland. The waiter asked if I wanted a refill of hot water and I received it right before dessert about 20 minutes later when he asked me the same question. The dessert was an almond, hazelnut, chocolate cake, which came out warm and was delicious with the ice cream. This was my dad's favorite dish of the night. I am completely disappointed tonight as almost all of my previous trips to Il Fornaio have never ceased to satisfy, but this was probably our worst experience here ever. The quality of the food was that of a restaurant I'd pay $15/person including tip, not $50 per person. TO SUMMARIZE: This was unacceptable for a restaurant of this caliber and the price we paid. I don't know why you got rid of your wonderful long-time employees, but I miss them already : ( And if the food doesn't improve stat, no one is going to return, including this family. Overall, the restaurant comes off as cheap (low quality ingredients, inexperienced staff, a chef that makes me feel like I'm eating in a diner, smaller portions, there aren't even mints left at the door anymore). The only reason you get 2 stars instead of 1 is because 1)The waiter was struggling, but put up a good effort and had a good attitude. 2)This restaurant has provided us happy memories for a decade and a half up until this visit. Please turn things around! We've decided to visit Il Fornaio 1 more time to give you the benefit of the doubt and hope you just had a bad day.
(2)
Rick G.

Food and service were very good. On the negative side the menu is limited. No traditional Italian dishes like chicken parm and such.
(3)
Ellen o.

My review is for the little cafe off of the main restaurant. Great place for lunch! Especially if you like to customize a salad. They have bowls of lettuce ready to go, and then you choose your add-ins, they toss it in a bowl with your choice of dressing and put it back in the bowl. They have daily soups, fresh breads, small pizzas and little Italian cookies.
(4)
Justin H.

I came here with a group of 11 people and it was a wonderful experience. We decided to order family style because there were so many people. The waiter was obviously overwhelmed with all of the orders, but she handled it very well. We ended up ordering just enough with 4 appetizers, 6 main courses, and lots of dessert. My favorites were definitely the fried calamari, porterhouse steak, and the tiramisu! Pricing wise, it is a very expensive two dollar sign. If your expecting under 20 and feeling satisfied, this is not the place. The only hiccup I had was that they had some amazing dishes, and then fell flat on some of the others. Their meat and seafood were cooked very well, but some of their other dishes, like the pizza were just average. Overall, this Italian establishment was solid! Their service was simply the best. Ex: For desserts, the server physically showed us each individual dessert that was available and explained every single detail.
(4)
Sarina V.

Came with a LARGE group, around 20 people if more, we wanted to stop by for a late dinner around 9:30/9:45ish after the comedy show to celebrate some birthdays! The waiter was pretty accomadating, first we were seperated by tables though then they joined us together which was nice. Anyways let's move on to food: My dad got a couple bottles of wine, I liked the second better than the first. Polenta e Funghi (3)= ever since I've had polenta at scarpetta, it's hard to please me! The polenta was creamy for the most part, but the flavor was bland to me even with the mushrooms & the sauce, which was like topped off everywhere and looked like a mush :( Caprese Special with burrata (3.5)= Originally I wanted the caprese calda, but with burrata instead of the fresh mozzarella, because that had roasted tomatoes not just the sliced with arugula as the special had stated, when I wanted that substituted with burrata he just pointed at the special and said yes yes ok that is this. That was really annoying. So I just got the same as everyone else and didn't make a fuss. It was ok. I liked the burrata, but there wasn't anything special about it, sliced tomatoes and arugula (which I hate), I would've liked to try out those roasted tomatoes. Pizza Margherita (4)= The pizza was nice and crispy, the sauce was actually really good. But they needed to use the REAL bufalo mozzarella and it would have made everything better. Pennoni alla Vodka (4)= My brother got this and I tried it, I should have gotten this instead, the vodka sauce was really good. Cappellacci di Zucca (2)= I didn't really like my dish at all, I can make waaaaay better from the trader joe's butternut squash package and my mom always does! They tried to make it work with walnuts and tomato sauce. NOOO NOO NOO. There was no amaretti flavor, sage wasn't crispy enough and I could barely taste it. The ravioli was all mushy and just tasted bad, doesn't taste like their pasta's are made from scratch. Tagliata Chianina (3.5) Tried the beef tenderloin too and they were ok, needed to be more tender but the sauce was good. Tried my brother's veal too, I think it was the Scaloppine ai Carciofi e Limone, or maybe something on the specials but it was pretty good, I'd rate it 4 stars. It seemed by the time they gave us the dessert menu they wanted us rushed out ASAP. But we still ordered desserts & good thing we did! Spumone Gelato (5)= This was soooo good, one of the best I've had, I loved the raspberry & chocolate sauce that came with it, it really put the dessert over the top! Dolce Trio (3.5)= This was a cool trio, not a huge fan of tiramisu though, the crespelle was pretty good, but I've had better crepes. I'd prefer eating Italian food in LA, but since everyone was here and it was convienient it's not a bad place to go too. I just need to make sure to order the right things!
(3)
Mari S.

Our Father's Day celebration was "off" this year. It seemed the servers were new to their jobs and it took too long between courses to get served. The restaurant was not that busy either. The standout for me was the beet salad and the dessert, but the rest of the meal was just "ok." Our bill for two came to about $130, which for the meal and the service seemed high. Il Fornaio has been our "go to" restaurant for years, with many family celebrations. It just felt different this time. It just felt "off."
(3)
Lauren T.

I haven't been in a while and I've only been for business dinners last night was a date with the bf. The food was good, service decent but it just didn't wow me and for the price I expect more. I'll stick with my favorite Italian by my house.
(3)
Dean I.

This was a great experience. We had the room behind the kitchen, it was separate and quiet. The 5 course meal was great. What stood out, was the minestrone and butternut squash ravioli which was excellent.
(5)
Jacob M.

This place is honestly very good. I was contemplating whether to give it 5 stars and am not sure why I didn't. Everything I've ever had there was really good, fresh, and made with quality ingredients. The portions are perfect, not too big, not too small. The waiters are always very professional and know their stuff. Location is kind of awkward - between office buildings. Kind of a shame since I think they would get more customers if they weren't so tucked away.
(4)
Diana W.

The ConnectOC Year End Get Together was held at ll Fornaio's outdoor patio. Everyone had a great and enchanting time! Wonderful place for a networking event or a nice dinner inside. I believe all the attendees will be planning to visit this restaurant again. Pizza , calamari, cheese, fruits, veggies and wine were offered at the networking event. Awesome! Perfect combination. Parking: Valet is free for 3 hours with validation from the restaurant. Or you could park in the structure for 3 hours free with validation.
(4)
Sin-Yaw W.

I am a frequent for Il Fornaio, following it from Palo Alto to Seattle to Irvine. This one is pretty standard. Good quality foods, good quality services, clean and cozy settings. There is not draft beers! But the Soghesto zinfandel is pretty delicious.
(4)
Charlene B.

Great service. Food a little bland but I love the ambience and the fresh bread is to die for.
(3)
Cat K.

I had a great experience here! I would give it a 4.5 so rounding up to 5 stars. I don't understand why people say it's expensive. Compared to other Italian restaurants it's about equal in cost. Love the bread they give you with the olive oil/balsamic vinegar dressing. For $32 you can get a 3 course dinner which is reasonable because you get an appetizer, small pasta, and an entree. The entree portion was really big. We all really enjoyed our food. My penne a la vodka was great! It wasn't included in the 3 course selection but I had to get it. Most Italian places don't serve it so I had to get it. It was satisfying and I love how the pasta was al dente. Nothing worse than getting a bowl full of overcooked pasta. The lamb shank, heirloom tomato salad, black cod, and penne a la vodka was all delicious. The only thing was I didn't really like the dessert. I got the panna cotta and it was too thick and not very good. But the food was great and the service was amazing!
(5)
Jon H.

Just went here for a 2nd date last night and the service was awesome. I found this place on Yelp and Trip Advisor and they completely blew me away. The service was the best I've had in a long time. You feel like your at a 5-star restaurant. Every staff member was polite and the food was great. For the quality of the food, and the best service I've had in a long time. This restaurant easily compares to places twice the price. For the two of us + 2 glasses of wine, our bill was $62 + tip. Not bad at all. And because we were first time visitors, they gave us a free appetizer. One tip to add, make sure you bring your parking ticket stub with you as they validate and will save you the $7. I was glad I brought mine. Any hesitation you had about this place, forget it. I will absolutely return.
(5)
Kim H.

I work right next door to Il Fornaio and have been here several times at lunch but this was my first time going for dinner. My date and I sat at the bar and Oswaldo was our bartender, he was by far one of the best bartenders I've seen. The minute he saw that I like to try different wines he started opening up a few wines to have me taste. The food was phenomenal as well.
(5)
Cathy E.

went for dinner on Saturday evening.Food was just OK but service was the worst!!! This place has had a bad reputation for years but I thought I would try it again since I havent been here for years. Now I know why I never came back. Waiter forgot to put our order in we waited 45 -60 min. and we only ordered pasta. Our appetizer bruchetta also took forever. I ordered another diet coke and he never brought it. We asked to see the dessert tray but he forgot and gave us the bill instead. The restaurant was not busy and there were plenty of servers so I don't know why the bad service. I would not go back. Too many other fab restaurants in the OC with much better food and service.
(2)
Stephanie G.

Went here for the first time on New Years Eve. Had an amazing experience. Very well staffed for such a busy night. They had their regular menu and specials for the night. Of our party of four two ordered a special and two ordered off of the main menu. All was delicious. We started with a flatbread, I had the risotto which was very good. Ended with a dessert trio. Highly recommend checking them out.
(5)
Amy D.

Try the Shrimp Risotto - Outstanding with parmesan, fresh pepper and a twist of lemon
(4)
David N.

Service was pretty good as well as the atmosphere. However aside from that, it was very hard for me to enjoy my time here. I thought the food here was very bland and tasteless. The ravioli I got.. I honestly felt like the packaged ones at Costco were tastier. Not to mention, the parking isn't very convenient. I would not recommend this place for good Italian food. Brio is the way to go.
(2)
Andrew N.

I came here on a somewhat spontaneous birthday dinner for my GF. Wanted to go to a semi-fancy place where we could dress up a little. The atmosphere was good, it was the place we were looking for. Of course, it's in a business plaza, so that may not be the most "romantic" thing. But it's understandable. We had the Bruschetta Al Pomodoro, Pizza Fradiavola, and some special, which was a combo of Ravioli filled with beets? and some kind of meat platter (grilled chicken, sausage bell pepper... ) The Bruschetta Al Pomodoro was solid. Great flavors. The tomatoes tasted very fresh. And I think the other flavor was eggplant with a very strong cheese (blue?). It was a great combo. Pizza Fradiavola wasn't our first choice. We wanted the Pizza Cristina... but only after we were done with our appetizer... and the pasta... did they come out and tell us they were out of prosciutto. We were VERY disappointed. First off, what kind of Italian restaurant runs out of prosciutto. Secondly, why did they take so long to tell us? Maybe if they had told us earlier we wouldn't have been so disappointed. So we decided to go with the Fradiavola. It had a nice kick. For me, a bit salty with all the sausage, but my GF liked it. It was decent, I've had better pizza for this price.. It's a thin crust.. so I was hoping for something like Grimaldi's in Brooklynn.. but it wasn't even close.. not even near the satisfaction as Grimaldi's in Vegas! The special was.... ok. The Ravioli was very tasty. I've actually never had ravioli with such strong flavors. I'm not exactly sure what it was called, but it was filled with beets. I've never had much beets, usually they're really purple.. but this was red and delicious. Texture was great, firm but well textured. The secondi of the combo was pretty sad. With the pasta being so great, I guess we expected more, but then again, the plate we ordered isn't quite an Italian specialty. It was a sizzling platter with chicken, sausage, tomatos, bell peppers and bacon. Thought we needed some meat in our meal, but didn't know it was going to be like a fajita plate. The meat was subpar.. chicken over-cooked. We had a lot of left-overs. The one thing that did surprise me.. my GF and I have been getting into wines.. slowly. So we asked the waiter to recommend a nice light wine to go with our meal. He did a superb job. Wish I remembered his name, but he recommended a nice Sauvignon Blanc that was a great addition to our entire meal. I wish I could do this meal again, I'd really want to try the Pizza Cristina and not go with the fajita plate.. but at this price point.. I feel like I'd expect a bit more in terms of overall quality. Side note - I've eaten at the Il Fornaio in Walnut Creek, CA NorCal. Not sure what was different but, from my recollection, I had a much better experience.. why, I'm not quite sure, I think I ordered more "Italian" dishes.
(2)
Diane C.

Came here with my husbands team and their wives. The service was excellent and so was the food. Everyone enjoyed dinner and the service. We all said that we would come here again when we have another occasion to celebrate. Looking forward to coming back!
(5)
Elle C.

I love Il Fornaio for its nice atmosphere (inside and outside); it's comfortable and classy (4-5 stars). Food presentation was very attractive, as well. My 3-star rating is for the food and service. The food (from appetizer to soups to entrÃ©e) was good, but nothing spectacular; my soup and pasta(Pappardelle Gialle ai Funghi) didn't even arrive hot -- more like, warm (as if they'd been sitting out for a while); I'm very meticulous about the temperature of my food. The Dolce Trio was a delicious finale. Our server certainly did not add to our enjoyment; he was fairly attentive, but not the least bit friendly nor personable. Thankfully, our dining companions made our evening a fabulous one. Pleasant staff at the host table.
(3)
Lily T.

Have always come here for lunch. I love their salads that's made to order right in front of you. You get a choice of the type of greens you prefer and fresh toppings/dressing. Service is always great.
(4)
Robert N.

The food was great. The waiter was extremely professional and helpful. The wine recommendation by the waiter pairing with our entrees was awesome. Food came out hot and well-presented. I've always enjoyed dining at this establishment as always.
(4)
Gianluca P.

Great place with good staff and service. However, I was a bit disappointed by the food. I went with high expectations, and as soon as I ordered my Cannelloni, I noticed they were immersed in a bath of sauce and bÃ©chamel. I'm originally from the Italian region of Abruzzo, and this is not how they are served. Furthermore, the excessive sauce and cheese were just too much to take, and by the time you managed to get to the actual cannelloni, your appetite was a long way gone. I also observed what my friends at the table ordered, and in general, I noticed a lot of excess in sauces and flavors. Although these excesses were disturbing my appetite, I'm sure it's a personal preference, and others might find it appetizing.
(3)
Cris I.

Being Italian i love Italian food and grew up with many homemade dishes. I've been here for social events in the past and have only really had small items like flatbread and drinks here. So i figured why not come here for a nice dinner for a full meal so i can enjoy a delicious Italian meal instead of going to a steak house. The food is ok, it's not the best i've had. The dessert is really good and the service was great. I just dont feel it was worth the $90 i paid for dinner. I wont be back here for lunch or dinner but i may go back for drinks and dessert like i've had in the past.
(3)
Lynn R.

This place literally had SUCH delicious food and perfect portion sizes! I recommend everything that we ordered which you will see in the photos. I went for my birthday and the service was so great and everyone was so nice.
(5)
Heidi A.

Underwhelming experience. I will say the bread was friggin delicious, I ordered a salad and was totally turned off by the soggy-ness. I get better salads from trader joes... A restaurant that tries hard to be fancy ish but the food isnt up to par with the atmosphere. Sure there are corporate execs that work next door so this might be their only option for food, but this just wasn't good. Service was rude and not attentive. Some of your patrons may have deep wallets but don't treat the grad students who go to Pepperdine any less worthy of being in your restaurant. Just a piece of advice !
(3)
Razel M.

I was in Italy six months ago and pretty much lived on pizza. Il Fornaio's pizza is legit and is pretty authentic, except for being portion size being a bit larger to suit the American audience. My boss and I were in town for business and came here on the recommendation of yelp and the hotel shuttle driver. Well done, all of you. The restaurant is lovely, with a patio and an open air section inside. Bar is a good size if you don't want to wait for a table. The service was fairly attentive as well. They serve some delicious complimentary bread to dip in balsamic vinegar and olive oil. I had to force myself to stop, to leave room for the pizza. But I still had three slices of the pizza Cristina.... prosciutto, spinach and fresh mozzarella, it was delicious. Pricey, but if you want to splurge on good Italian food, highly recommended.
(4)
Meticulous P.

We went to this place on New Years Eve. The place was packed! We were expecting to have a great dinner & a great experience but when returning home, things didn't turn out that way. I got salmonella / e. coli poisoning from a chicken entrÃ©e that was not cooked properly (undercooked). I suffered for approx. 1 whole month to get better. Since then we haven't gone back & don't plan on it EVER AGAIN!!!
(1)
Robert S.

An excellent place for Christmas Eve. Freshly made pasta and perfectly prepared oso bucco. A lunch favorite as well.
(5)
Marybeth M.

We love Il Fornaio and we really love Oswaldo! Great drinks, great service, great food! Highly recommended.
(5)
Rupert T.

Food was not great. Save your money and go to Cucina Enoteca for good Italian. Service on Valentines was horrid even though it wasn't so crowded. Finally got my water during the middle of my meal when I asked for it at the beginning. If you are Asian, plan on getting carded. Asked for valet for change for a $20. They gave us our key and made us walk to our car tonight and asked us for a tip. My buddy gave him a tip anyway because he says it's necessary but it was super rude to ask!
(1)
Tania S.

My husband won a "Chef'sTasting Menu" certificate at a poker tournament a couple of weeks ago so we decided to take a friend and his wife to celebrate his belated birthday. We got there 15 min earlier so we sat at the bar for a drink while we waited. When it was time for our reservation we walked up to the hostess to let her know we were ready to be sitted, she wasn't a very pleasant/friendly hostess at all. By the look on her face, we were obviously interrupting her very important conversation with her fellow hostess. The waitress guided us straight back to the kitchen behind a preparation area. The semi-private room had a round table big enough to fit 6 people maybe even 8. We were so excited! This was going to be a very cool dinner! (So I thought...) When our guests arrived, they immediately saw us since we were sitting straight across the restaurant. We sat around for a while before anyone came to greet us or offer bread and water. I was getting a bit annoyed since we were supposed to have some sort of preferential treatment. Some time went by and finally someone stops by to offer us bread and water. The olive bread was nice and hot, it was one of the best things I had yesterday. We had no idea what we were entitled to have with this certificate, so we asked our waiter and he was not familiar with it as well so he went to talk to the manager. Another 15 min goes by and finally the manager comes over and explains the rules/regulations. Great! We are free to order up! One appetizer, main course and dessert per person. Anything on the menu, nothing is off limits! No alcohol included and we need to pay for tip on the full amount. Cool. We ordered a calamari which was ok. Very thin and not meaty but the spicy sauce that came on the side was pretty tasty. The Rustichella (Housemade flat bread topped with goat cheese, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, basil and oregano) was pretty good even for a non goat cheese lover. The Gamberi Freschi Con Caponata (Grilled fresh wild shrimp served with caponata, lemon olive oil and parsley sauce) was eh...tasteless and the toast was soggy. The waiter cleaned up our utensils after the appetizers and completely forgot to bring us new ones. Our entrees were served but we were unable to eat it right away since we had no place settings. We had to go fetch someone to bring us utensils. Of course that takes another 5 min and meanwhile our food just kept getting cold. For our main dishes - two of us ordered the Lobster Spaghetti, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, and my husband had a lobster dish that was on the Chef's tasting menu. I took a bite of my lobster and it was really rubbery, I kept my 1/2 and gave my husband the other 1/2 of it. I am a HUGE pasta al dente fan but this spaghetti was way too al dente for my taste, almost under cooked. My husband's lobster tasted a little more fresh but it was cold inside. Dessert - I always order Tiramisu and it was pretty good, it wasn't very sweet, it was moist but lacked a little rum. My husband had the bread pudding and he said it was delicious too. Our friends had the Zabaione Alla Gritti (Chilled zabaione with fresh berries, bellini sorbet, fresh whipped cream and amarena cherry), great presentation but I am not sure if they liked it, maybe they were just too full to finished their desserts. We were all so excited to experience the "Chef's Tasting" but we ended up leaving very disappointed. I've been to the Il Fornaio in SF many years ago and I only have good memories about it. I am not sure if sitting in the back in a semi-private area made the staff forget about us or if it was the fact that we were Asians?! Who knows but I don't think I will be going back there any time soon.
(1)
Marko C.

I had a business meeting at Il Fornai and was happily surprised by the food here. For appetizers, we ordered the Antipasto combination dish (for 2), which came with a nice selection of 4 salamis, 3 cheeses, and an assortment of pickles and eggplant. The dish was a generous portion of finger food. Grade: B+ For my main meal, I ordered the seafood linguini, which was a plate full of mussles, clams, scallops, shrimp, calamari, and a whole lotta goodness. The pasta was cooked al dente, and the dish was very well prepared. Grade: B+ For dessert, we ordered the chocolate mousse creme brulee. This dish was a traditional creme brulee topped with a thick chocolate mousse and made with a whole lotta love. This has got to be one of the best desserts at the restaurant! Grade: A-. Our server made his best attempt to be friendly, but I kept on getting a vibe of entitlement from him. He wasn't very attentive to our table, and I had to actually get up and walk over to get whatever I needed (chili flakes, extra napkins) on two occasions. It's a pity because the bus boys here worked so hard to make it a great experience. Food Grade: B+ Service Grade: C- Worth the Money Grade: B Overall Impression Grade: B
(4)
Francesca A.

I have had an amazing experience everytime we have eaten here. The food and staff are amazing and I highly recommend to everyone. Favorites: Butternut squash ravioli, any risotto, grilled salmon.
(5)
Maggie G.

I've been here for dinners (great food) and weddings, but this review is just for their weekday happy hour. You cannot beat the prices: $5 vino, $3 beer, $5 appetizers. It's a good thing the prices are so reasonable because you have to put up with terrible service. It's slow, and they usually bring something wrong--although, they give it to you for free, and with a smile. Always check your bill--there's usually an overcharge on it--but once again, they fix it with a smile. If you can put up with all that, it's worth checking out. The appetizer portions are large, the food is good, and the wine is decent. Happy hour prices are good until 6:30pm. See you there!
(3)
Tim Y.

Outstanding - used to go to the one in Santa Monica (no longer there?) years ago - now live close to this one - great staff - great food. Gustavo (the server) was on point and everything was perfectly timed - not too intrusive, not too distant - assistant servers strong as well as the hostess. My wife had the tenderloin and I had the chicken and pasta dish. Opted against dessert in favor of a glass of port. We'll be back, as this place is well run. Did I mention how good Gustavo was? :)
(5)
James E.

Friendly service and the bread pudding is delicious. Kept it simple with a prosciutto pizza. was delicious. Setting is a family appropriate business casual approaching upscale environment. Not pretentious or snobby.
(5)
Susan L.

We went there for lunch. Good service and great lasagna! A little noisy inside, but very busy!
(4)
Jenny Y.

I came here for a business lunch and sadly, left somewhat underwhelmed with the meal I had. I had been expecting really delicious pasta and while the pasta was decent, it didn't live up to the hype. We were seated in a separate dining room because we had a big party, and I appreciated the separate seating and the attentive service. I started with the Minestrone Soup, which I wasn't too impressed with. I would probably recommend ordering one of their salads next time. For the main course, I tried the Conchiglie al Pollo, which is shell pasta, chicken breast, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, pecorino cheese, roasted garlic and trebbiano wine. I actually thought the dish was pretty good, with good flavors and the pasta was cooked well, but the portion size was TINY! I don't know if it was just me or something, but after I finished my plate, I didn't really feel like I had eaten anything. For dessert, we all got a pretty huge piece of Tiramisu. I thought the dessert was rich and creamy and I enjoyed it. Overall, I left feeling okay, but I was still hungry. We did have a pre-set menu by the firm so maybe that's why the portion sizes were smaller than usual. The food was decent, but I wasn't impressed and probably wouldn't recommend Il Fornaio as a must-try for pasta lovers. But if you're in the area and need a nice, classy place for a business lunch, then by all means give Il Fornaio a try.
(3)
Suzanne S.

Update - the happy hour prices went up, but it was the first increase in years, so not a big deal. The drink options on the happy hour seem to have changed, so that kind of stinks, but not a big deal. It's still great! Wonderful happy hour! The food is great, and you can't beat the happy hour prices. I love the central location, and they validate for the valet, so don't park in the parking structure. You will probably end up paying more to park in the structure than you would tipping the valet.
(4)
Yvonne D.

Il Fornaio is like the (expensive) cafeteria for people that are working nearby. The food is solid but it's pretty pricey for what you're getting. Favorite dishes: + chicken salad (huge entree portion) + steak salad + seafood pasta + pasta with chicken and broccoli
(3)
James D.

W e came here Saturday night around 5:30. Lots of tables, but they seated us on a small postage stamp next to a partition. Another couple a few inches away on the other side of a partition. The table was dark and we could not read the menu. A party at another table was using flashlight to read the menu. We asked for a bigger table with light. There were lots of tables for four but they said no. They said we could sit at a round table next to the door. We sat down but it was not suitable due to the door traffic. We looked at the menu and decided that due to the very high prices and a crappy small dark table we left. When paying 70 to $100 for for two we wanted a nice relaxing comfortable table and dining room. In an Italian restaurant I want some class and relaxing ambiance. Fornaio has no class, is noisy, expensive, small tables - no enjoyment here.
(2)
Gabriela S.

We had our Holiday Luncheon here with our Leadership Team yesterday and though the food was good the service was worse than in TGI Fridays. Also the place was so noisy that we could not even talk- they really need some noise absorbing items (area rugs, curtains, etc.). When you spend $350 for lunch you should have a primo service and a quality athmosphere.
(3)
Mel T.

Totally dig it. Came here this past weekend with 3 other friends for a late lunch. The venue is just - lovely. The center section of the restaurant looks amazing, and the restaurant has high ceilings - i love that! Started off with Calamari with spicy marinara and Carpaccio - the calamari was nice and lighty batterd. It was cooked perfectly, i was expecting the marinara to be spicy... but my tolerence is pretty high so I guess thats why I didnt taste the spice at all. The carpaccio was great too. very thinly sliced beef - the wild arugula that goes with it was a nice touch. Then I ordered the Piatto Smeralda which has the scallops, calamari and grilled shrimp on top of the ciabatta bread - AWESOME. just awesome. The shrimp was amazing with the grilled bread - the saucing they used was incredible. it had spinach and wild arugula sauteed also. Ive never had "Large Tube Pasta" so i didnt know what to expect when we ordered this, but it had roasted chicken in it, and it sounded yummy. When it came, it was like sheets of pasta rolled up (tubes) and they stuffed it with veggies like mushroom and spinach and chicken. The plate was drenched in cheese - so be careful. tastes great but its a really heavy meal. A few bites was good enough for me. We also ordered Salmon with Spinach, and the Lasagna, i didnt try it but was told it was good also. Then, we definitely saved room for dessert so we asked for the dessert menu. out comes our server with a tray table of dessert examples - crazy! the ice cream model is actually butter. haha. So we ordered the tiramisu, chocolate creme brulee and peach crepe/cobller idk. Im not a peach fan so that was okayyyy... the chocolate creme brulee was very yummy., but kind of thick. so its heavy feeling. the BEST one was the tiramisu. i normally dont eat tiramisu.. but i had a bite of this and it was awesome! nice, light and fluffy! definitely the best out of the 3. The venue is nice, there was only 3 other groups in that day because it was like 4pm but i love the location, love that you can validate your parking and the food is amazing. oh! and the service was great! :)
(4)
Tawny P.

I work next door so I'm here more often than I'd like to admit. Pepperoni pizza? Bomb. Shell pasta with chicken that I can't pronounce or spell? Super bomb. The staff seem to know that I keep forgetting my lunch and have to come in here. Oh and the bread is my fave.
(4)
Jenny Y.

Review for OC Restaurant Week 2013: Been here a couple times now but this is the first for OC restaurant week. Lunch $20 special with 3 courses: appetizer, main dish, dessert *Appetizer - Insalata Del Fornaio (4/5) Mixed greens with house vinaigrette, shaved parmesan cheese & garlic croutons Your typical mix green salads. However, I must say, their house vinaigrette dressing was very good! *Main Dish - Salmone Con Spinaci (5/5) Grilled salmon w/baby spinach salad, red onions, mushrooms, toasted walnuts, and vinaigrette *Dessert - Tiramisu (3/5) Lady fingers dipped in expresso and rum, with mascarpone cheese & dark cocoa It was OK. I've had better ones. I like this restaurant for it's ambiance, close to work, great place to eat for lunch meetings or with vendors..or with my colleagues/co-workers. The food is delicious. Service is great. I haven't had any issues with the service here. =)
(4)
Freya N.

great place and food
(5)
Sherri Z.

Il Fornaio's OC Restaurant week menu was surprisingly good! I've dined at Il Fornaio a few times before and it was a consistent 3 star experience every time, but they seemed like they upped their game :) *review for OC restaurant week menu only* $30 a person, 3 courses...pretty regular stuff Appetizer: go for the Carpaccio, if you don't like that stuff then minestrone soup is pretty good, I mean, it's pretty hard to mess up minestrone soup! 3.5 stars for both Entree: EVERYTHING we tried was a solid 4-5 stars! Salmon was delicious, the bacon pasta was omg (well it is bacon after all) and the butternut squash ravioli was great too! Dessert: Tiramisu; it's pretty good, creamy...tons of whipped cream, 3.5 stars Service: 5 stars; Il Fornaio always has super friendly wait staff :) Ambiance: 4 stars, a lot of business people, but it's a cute atmosphere, good job on the lighted arches in the front Parking: Park in the structure and get it validated at the restaurant Location: It's located in an office park so be sure to follow the signs for the restaurant
(4)
Elizabeth O.

Wow! I have never heard of an establishment that would not accommodate a party of 40 for happy hour. They insist that they only offer happy hour pricing in their bar area and don't take reservations or reserve seating for that. Their bar area is tiny, tiny, tiny and I don't want to squeeze 40 of my friends into their cramped little idea of good customer service! I don't patronize establishments that turn away large parties to satisfy some crazy ideology of what their "look" should be and neither should you!
(1)
Jackie H.

This is by far, THE BEST IL FORNAIO my family and I have ever been to. The service, exceptional! We have developed a great relationship with the manager and I personally have never had any qualms about my food. A particular memory should exemplify why Il Fornaio is the best. I came to Il Fornaio and I was awfully ill. Why did I go to II Fornaio? Because it rocks, and my brother insisted. I sat miserably watching my brother and my sister-in-law eat as I sported a pounding headache. The manager came to me, noticed my disposition and ordered a special soup be made just for me. I have never received that type of attention and it was something I have always remembered. I'd choose here rather than Olive Garden. Come on people, thousands of calories at good ol' OG. Come to Il Fornaio and be treated to tuscan and italian amazingness. Note: My computer apparently thinks amazingness is not a word. I will pointedly say, ain't no one got time for that!
(5)
Abbe W.

I saw this restaurant every time I passed by 405 and was curious how the food was. So, on my birthday, I asked my friends to come here to celebrate with me. It's a fancy Italian restaurant. The food is actually pretty good. Great place for dates. Only inconvenient is that the parking is valet. There is a free parking across the street at the parking structure. We have our baby with us so we did the valet parking.
(4)
Vik G.

Nice atmosphere and restaurant. Pasta portion for primi however was like a child's portion. Pizza appetizer was much bigger than the entrees.
(3)
Danny S.

Went along for a "tasting" in anticipation of hosting a bday party there. We actually had our daughter's first bday party there and worked with Adrienne before. She is awesome. I would totally recommend hosting any group event or function there. The place is beautiful. One of the biggest perks is that they are close Sunday during the day. If you were to have an event there, you would have the whole place to yourself. They are flexible with their menu and the pricing is great (especially for an OC restaurant). My friend finalized a group menu for a party of 200 which included 2 salads, 2 pastas (1 meat), fish, and meatballs for $25 per person. Pretty good deal. The food was tasty as well. But what makes it great is the service you will receive from them. They work really hard to accomodate your every needs. Highly recommend for group event.
(4)
Lani L.

This place is great!!!! Super good food!! -Great service -Friendly staff -Very attentive For the Ladies: Some handsome staff
(5)
Deron R.

This review is for the quick service cafÃ© attached to the restaurant. Basically their high quality food that you order at the counter and can eat on the patio or back at your office. Designed for the quick grab and go business person that wants a bit higher quality. Now you will pay more than most places but it is good food. They have a build your own salad station, paninis, fresh pasta, two soups each day as well as fresh bakery items. Efficient and quick.
(3)
Jane K.

Wow! Impressive food and service for A group of 13 friends on Saturday night. They couldn't have been more gracious and the food was excellent. We will definitely be back again for another celebration.
(5)
Natasha P.

I've been coming here since I was in high school but it was my first visit in a couple years. I was happy to discover they've continued to keep the bar high! Here is the rundown of what we ordered: +Sogliola impanata (kind of a sole picatta) - delicious, tender and crispy on the outside +Paparelle pomodoro (special order) - simple and delicious with pasta made in-house +Zucca ravioli - Have to echo the other reviews on this one. It's a must order! +Passato di Funghi - Great mushroom soup. +Beet salad - Very good but not a must have. If you're in the area, I would recommend a visit!
(4)
Warren C.

Decent place. The service and atmosphere makes it seem more upscale than it really is, which I have no gripe about since I can still come in with my shorts and sandals. I like the bread here. I wasn't a fan of the calamari as it didn't really have any taste. Loved the pasta but got it all over my shirt because my dad was clumsy. Definitely recommend being seated outside. Park in the structure, you can validate your ticket inside the restaurant.
(4)
Chantrelle C.

I used come here often years ago before I moved out of California. Just went back here yesterday for a quick lunch after my sister's graduation and I am very disappointed with just how much everything has changed for the worse. My dad and sister ordered some kind of seafood salad (we don't remember the name) which had shrimp, scallop, squid and bruschetta. I had a bite of the squid and it was disgusting. It tasted like half cooked slimy rubber. My mom had to spit it out when she tried it out--it was THAT gross. My mom ordered stuffed ravioli with spicy tomato sauce (Ravioli Alla Lucana) and that one was a-okay. I ordered the Pennoni Alla Vodka. So on the description, I read "bacon" and was all for it. When it came to the table, I only saw the sauce and the pasta and my family and I thought something must be wrong. The server was also surprised and she was kind to offer to bring it back to the kitchen and check if that was right. They made me a new batch that was the same and she explained that the bacon was already pre-mixed in the sauce. There were maybe 2-3 visible but minuscule morsels of bacon in that plate. I ate half of it since I was hungry but definitely was feeling gipped the entire time. I ate more of the complimentary bread than my actual order. Overall, the venue is still beautiful and clean as it's always been. Service was alright, they were nice and cordial. The food was definitely not worth the price and the serving wasn't anything to talk about either. Same price point as Cheesecake Factory, Houston's and etc etc but not worth actually eating there. I don't recommend coming here and if you do decide to come anyway, don't get anything with squid.
(1)
Laura O.

I am a huge fan of service and the customer is always right. I used to love to frequent il Fornaio as it is very close to our office but one day they brought me a dinner size portion of salmon at lunch and I asked them about price difference. The manager came out with raw salmon and shoved the lunch and the dinner portions in my face explaining that I had in fact eaten the dinner portion and that is what I would pay for. I have not returned nor will I return because it was beyond humiliating and even when I brought it up later with the general manager he made no attempt to rectify the situation
(1)
Makiko L.

This place is amazing. We go there every month for its "Festa Regionale", featuring special menus representing various regions of Italy. We never had a bad meal there, which is unusual these days. Warm but professional service too. Try this one if you haven't already. Free valet or self parking with validation. I like that!
(5)
Juliet L.

Love the interior design! Breath taking from entrance to inside. Their food is a bit pricey, but they have excellent service. Highly recommend their Happy Hour 4:30-630
(4)
Bre A.

Food was ok. Definitely over priced for the quality. They market their food to be "healthier" than other italian restaurants.
(3)
Geoffrey G.

We eat here regularly once or twice a month with friends, taking part in their Festa Regionale, which features different cuisine from various areas of Italy on a monthly rotating basis. Honestly, the dishes are hit or miss. Pastas are often spot on, but we do have one consistent complaint - the duck featured in the recent Umbria region, and poultry in general at this restaurant, is consistently overcooked to the point of being dry. The duck we had this month was stringy and dry - and the orange sauce was about a tablespoon's worth - if you're going to over cook it, then at least give me enough sauce to provide some moisture to the dish. Salads are good, but have shrunk considerably - maybe a third the size they used to be. But, we see that at many restaurants, portions shrinking. They should really give you a choice of the small or large-sized salad, with pricing accordingly. We have had enough good experiences at this Il Fornaio to keep coming back, but these are issues we wish they'd tighten up on.
(3)
Lawrence L.

I've been to a couple of Il Fornaio, including this one in the past; I will have to say that they do a much better job here at this one, the ambiance is just nicer all around... We were already is somewhat of a rush since my sister and my brother-in-law had a flight to catch at John Wayne airport around 700pm and we arrived here at around 530pm on a Sunday night. It was on our account that we were at this restaurant and we wanted to take my sis somewhere decent for a sit down meal before taking off. Our waiter Daniel was very understanding and responsive to our need for a expedient meal and was able to accommodate us nicely, in the words of the immortal coach John Wooden he was quick but didn't hurry... My sister had the Turtei con Aragosta, a housemade ravioli filled with fresh Maine lobster, Il Fornaio bread crumbs, shrimp, tomato, lobster cream: yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ paired with a glass of Avalon Napa Valley Merlot. My brother-in-law had the Linguine Mare Chiaro, a thin flat pasta with clams, mussels, prawns and scallops; seasoned with tomatoes, crushed red pepper, garlic and trebbiano wine: yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ paired with a glass of the house Chardonnay Il Fornaio. My wife had the Cannelloni al Forno, large fresh pasta tubes filled with free-range rotisserie chicken, sundried tomatoes, ricotta, pecorino, smoked mozzarella and organic spinach; bÃ©chamel, marinara and mushrooms: yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ paired with a glass of Cantele Primitivo. I chose to go with one of Il Fornaio signature risotto dishes, the Risotto al Chianti, beef tenderloin and porcini mushroom risotto with shallots, pecorino Toscano and Chianti Classico: yelp.com/biz_photos/FIhzâ€¦ paired with a glass of Il Fornaio house Arnold Palmer :P The risotto was cooked perfectly and the mushrooms had a marvelous earthiness to them. Creamy and delicious... You can park at the structure nearby, or you can just relax and opt for the valet which is what we chose to do. I would come back to this Il Fornaio, but I would probably not get too excited otherwise at some of the other locations... Btw, we made it to the airport with about 15 minutes to spare, thanks Il Fornaio...
(5)
Jeff L.

Great place to have breakfast meetings. Prompt service, you can even get a cappuccino if you ask politely.
(4)
Jim C.

The food was good although expensive. The service was terrible. We were there for three hours last Saturday night. Ignored most of the time by the servers. Don't know if we will go back.
(2)
Thai-Johnathon V.

Well, Il Fornaio is just great. Not only did their waitstaff excel but they also were very generous and understanding of my party plans. My friend celebrated her 21st there and they made coordinating all the guests and the private room very very easy. Our waiter was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He probably knew he was going to get a big tip! All 19 people got what they ordered, and for the most part were quite satisfied with their meals, the private room with waterfront access really sealed the deal for the night. The birthday girl was extremely happy! and the complimentary dessert was the tiramisu cake and it was so good. fluffy with light notes of coffee and creme!!
(4)
Katherine O.

Came for lunch and was pleasantly surprised that lunch was so reasonable. I ordered the pasta with eggplant and greek yogurt- kind of a strange combination, but really delicious. They special made fettucine alfredo for my co-worker, and the service was great. I didn't get to try the rosemary bread that everyone talks about, but I'm going to try their cafe next time. The only bummer is the private lot parking, but they validate.
(4)
John T.

I love this restaurant for its ambiance. If you want a date night, this is the place for you. I had the seafood plate which was delicious. The service was quite nice. It came out to about $100.00 for 2 people so I am not sure why it is classified as "$$". The place is a little hidden so make sure you know where you are going. You can park for free in the parking structure.
(4)
Tejas M.

Nice formal restaurant with good ambiance.. inside and outside! They also have some vegetarian options. On the other side, their quantity is small and its an expensive place! This is what we had for Veggie options... Bruschettine Casareccie Rustichella (like a pizza) Sformatino di Riso (with velvet sauce) Capellini al Pomodoro presentation was good but I have had tastier food elsewhere!
(4)
Rachael S.

I really like this place I really do. Although it is a bit expensive, I always find it is consistently good and it always satisfies my cravings for good Italian food. For me, The butternut squash ravioli is heaven! The service is always great as well. I have never had bad service or bad food here. I love when I can find a place where I know I can have a good time and a good meal.
(4)
Ruth K.

This review is for their "Bakery Cafe" next door to the main restaurant. Wow, their absolutely delicious, blueberry-packed scone explains why somebody built a gym nearby. Truly, a LOT of those spandex-covered bodies find their way to the bakery, and all I can say is that the goods are good enough to lure the most ardent exerciser into the premises. I love the fact that on their hot croissant breakfast sandwich of egg, provolone and bacon, they put it in a to-go container which keeps it piping hot. If you're early for a meeting, grab breakfast at this place, and sit at a table outside and next to a space heater, listening to the old-time music playing for a really relaxing and gentile start to your day.
(4)
Liz M.

We went as a big group and they had trouble with the order. I got served the wrong thing twice. But, dessert was good and the interior is really beautiful and warm.
(3)
Rashmi V.

I went here many years ago and had the pleasure of dining in the wine cellar it was a great experience but I remember the food was okay nothing exciting, I much rather dine at Olive Garden. Anyhow so I was here this past Saturday for a Event. We were seated in one of the back private areas, the restaurant itself was pretty empty probably two customers there eating. The private room itself was okay pretty cramped it had two separate rooms however one room had an area for gifts and the candy bar and the other room was the dining area. Our first course was either soup and salad, my friends got the soup omg this thing was small as heck, literally it was as small as a cup of tea, I ordered the salad, the salad was bland and nothing special just lettuce and balsamic, yuck! 2nd course was pasta or salad with chicken/turkey I ordered the Conchiglie al Pollo which consisted of shell pasta, chicken breast, fresh broccoli, sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, trebbiano wine and pecorino cheese. It was average nothing special and it was definitely lacking flavor I ate pretty much all the chicken and left the pasta didn't care for it too much. Lastly I had the gelato, I don't know what type of nuts were in the gelato but it was seriously gross. I love gelato it was a chocolate/hazelnut gelato with probably hazelnuts I don't know but I had two bites and I was done. Overall th service wasn't that great either had to keep asking for refills or for cheese, I definitely wouldn't come back again. I seriously wouldn't recommend this place either for a banquet party, Olive Garden/Maggianos is way better food and better price.
(2)
Rand F.

I hadn't been to Il Fornaio in a few years...the service was very good and attentive. The wine and waters were consistently topped off, the waiter made great suggestions for entres and the food tasted delicious. I would strongly recommend this location....
(4)
Will W.

We came here for the patio. But there was a company party and no one can sit outside. We decided to leave. But manager opened up the atrium just for us. We feel pretty special about being the only couple sitting in the Atrium. But this proves that they do go to great length to make customers happy.
(5)
Lena K.

The location is total corporate area which would possibly make it a great place for Happy Hour. I went on a Saturday night and had a great time! We had reservations at 8:30pm (which I easily made using the Yelp app!) and when we got there close to 9pm they had saved my table. The place was not too crowded but there was a good number of customers eating. I found the Barilotti alla Pugliese absolutely mouth-watering! I loved the whole wheat pasta and the cherry tomatoes were delicious. The sauce was incredible as well and had a bit of garlic flavor. My friend and I shared the dish and they were kind enough to split it for us. I also tried the Pizza Margherita which you can find at almost any Italian restaurant; they did a splendid job & I would definitely order it on my next trip. The Bellini drink is a must as well! Love this restaurant & I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Piper R.

I hate to give this review because I have been coming here for years and LOVE the one in Palo Alto, but after my last experience there I don't have a choice. Our waiter was so rude to us I will never come back here again. I usually come with my family and we are recognized when we come there so usually get VIP treatment. When I came with my boyfriend, the waiter literally lied to us and said a meal we always get was "impossible to make", said they don't serve pastries which is also a flat out lie, and came to our table twice the entire time we were eating. Because he didn't recognize me without my entire family, he completely dismissed us as if we weren't good enough to be taken seriously or eat there. I will NEVER go here again. I have been coming here for over 5 years and they lost the service of me, my entire family, and all my friends. THe hostesses are also really rude but they always have been
(1)
Rebecca S.

While taking classes at Pepperdine's Irvine campus, I often would pop in Il Fornaio's to-go to grab some lunch. They offer make your own salads, sandwiches, pizza, and soups. I can only speak to the soups, which are phenomenal! For $5.99 its a little steep, but they really hit the spot and make for the perfect lunch, so I'll spend the extra dollar or two. Comes with your choice of bread (I recommend the olive roll. YUM!) Service is really friendly and efficient. Good (and only) food option if you don't want to leave the business park
(4)
Jeff R.

My wife and I ate here for our anniversary. I made a reservation rquesting something quite or with a nice few. We got seated outside with 3 other tables. It was very peacful. Unfortunatly the heating system did not work so they brought over a portable heater which was fine with us. Actually, I got the server to ove the heater right next to our table so we were toasty. Appetizer Free bread is always a plus with my wife and I. The oil is amazing! We have family that own an oil company so we know good oils for bread. We did order a salad and it was tasty! Entree My wife ordered fish (I can't rememebr what it was called). She loved it! I order spagetti with mushrooms and bacon in a creamy sauce. Very tasty! Prices The prices are fair for the food and level of service you recieve. Our server was very polite and we even had two other servers check on us. We ended up spending $85 for two appetizers, two entrees, and two drinks. I had a $100 giftcard that I had won so the bill was no big deal for us. I do not know if I would come back on a regular basis based on price. This is more of a special occasion place.
(4)
Rick C.

Il Fornaio's food is fairly good, and you can get in just about any time, without a reservation. The menu is too complicated; perhaps they're trying to make it seem like you're in Italy and you can't understand it anyway. But they really should simplify it. The fried calamari is one of their best appetizers. The salads, pastas, chicken and fish are all good. The portions are fair-sized -- not too big and not too small. Overall, it's a better-than-average restaurant with a nice, soothing atmosphere.
(3)
Don H.

Came here after at least a 5-6 year Hiatus; I should have kept on with the hibernation. For a Friday night, its not busy, and we wanted to avoid the crowd so why not? The Hostess was literally sitting down a few 6-7 feet from the podium; she was on her phone - we didn't even know she was the hostess until she stood up; in short, already a bad impression. 'The Bread (which was the best part of this experience) was good with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar; but it less than 5 minutes, the bread became too hard to enjoy. The waiter (very professional and polite) brought more, freshly baked, but by then our entrees came. The wine - meh, we've had better. The entrees - horrible. Rissoto was too soggy; prob because Rissoto in general is the hardest dish to make because either it burns too quickly or in this case, the chef's fearing the inevitable, serve up a soggy one. And it was too 'fishy' , despite the scallops and shrimps the taste overall was overbearing. My fiancee ordered the coglio-what'cha'macalat and the sauce was 'interesting.' It wasn't desirable and far from the pairing of white white we had. Desert was a disappointment as well; I've had better at YogurtLand and/or Golden Spoon. The only salvaging aspect was again the professionalism of our waiter - its not his fault the food (and I'm sorry to say this), was a flat out disappointment. Also, the Hostess experience mentioned earlier was noticeable, enough for us to conclude that we'll certainly not come back. The ENTIRE time while we were dining, she was literally on her phone texting/surfing/tweeting or whatever else you are NOT supposed to do when working. I'd put Il Fornaio rt up there with my previous review of Tu Tu Tango - both suck. truth hurts, D
(1)
Linda T.

Was searching for a classy, fancy restaurant in Irvine for my 20th birthday semi-formal dinner and I came across this lovely place through Yelp. Oh Yelp, how I love you so. Reservations were extremely easy to make -- I was literally walking to class and made my reservation for 9 people successfully through the Yelp Android app. The day of the dinner rolled around and things went smoothly. The restaurant was a little hard to locate for some of the guests, but it was still quite easy if you read the signs. Parking wasn't a problem either since the restaurant validates your parking so you don't have to pay. The food was quite authentic, tasty, and of nice proportions. Everyone enjoyed their meals -- varying from all sorts of pasta to the pizza. Everyone enjoyed the yummy complimentary bread at table while we chatted, waiting for our food. The waiter and the restaurant itself were extremely accommodating and quite patient with our decently large party size. Towards the end, the waiters came out of nowhere with a surprise cake my friends bought and sang Happy Birthday in Italian. It was absolutely lovely and extremely memorable. As for the atmosphere of the restaurant, it was beautiful and quite lovely with its dim lighting and beautiful arrangement. My party and I were able to take the most beautiful and breathtaking pictures outdoors, in front of the restaurant with the lovely arches. I would definitely come back here again for another special occasion!
(5)
Kriss P.

Christmas @ Il Forniao My office took a late lunch this past Friday to join our company in celebrating the holiday season. No knowing exactly where this restaurant was located, we parked @ the structure and took the long walk of fame in my high heels. In retrospect, why the heck didn't we just use valet?? Mental note taken. After finally making it to the host stand we were walked over to a back room where we had our own little private party. On the way there we walked past the nice kitchen set up (I'm sure this area is frequented by patrons and well kept). I also saw a little cut in the kitchen where there was a spiffy circular table that can possibly accommodate about 6 to 8 people. Looks like a VIP spot in the kitchen where the chef can work his magic for an intimate bunch of lucky diners. Grub Rundown: *Brushetta Calda was okay. The tomato blend didn't have that garlic & basil punch that I love. Maybe that's not the real Italian way, but I happen to love it like that! I did not have any kalamata in any of my bites. *Stuffed Mushrooms were average as well. I wish I had them when they were freshly placed on the table because they use cheese to stuff these with and it was already hard. The thing I did like about it was that it wasn't as oily as other places. *Insalata Cesarina (aka Caesar Salad) was enjoyable. Nothing really fancy but the addition of a hard boiled egg. My dressing came light (just how I like it) with big shavings of parmesan cheese and two big pieces of croutons. I wasn't a fan of the over sized croutons. *Sogliola Impanata alla Calabrese was, of course, tasty. This breaded sole was supposedly "grilled" and not fried. A spicy chili sauce was drizzled on top of the nice portion of fish. I asked if they had any type of hot sauce I can use for my entree since I like things HOT and the server came back with more of the Calabria chili sauce for me to use. The veggies that accompanied my meal was cooked to a pleasant crisp texture. The mash was mediocre. *Gelato Sandwiches (name?) reminded me of cream puffs but with vanilla bean gelato in them. They were drizzled with a generous amount of chocolate and served with some whipped cream. I wasn't a big fan but others loved it. The main section of the venue was nice and laid out in a circular fashion. The vibe was a lot more casual then I expected due to the area and clientele they allure. As for the service, it was stern with a professional twist. They did lighten up by the end of our stay. I'm sure feeding a large crowd in a timely manner does get stressful, so I'll give them that! The only reason why I would even consider coming back here is strictly because of the... Zabaione alla Gritti I saw on the menu!!! One of my all time FAVORITE desserts.
(3)
Austin F.

Good food, good atmosphere, and good service. So I think it's fair to say I had a good overall experience. I had the chicken breast and it was amazing. To end the night I shared the tiramisu and it was quite delicious. I would definitely recommend this place for people looking for a good experience and good Italian good but at the same time willing to pay a bit for it.
(4)
Kristen K.

Lovely setting, plenty of parking in the nearby deck. Great friendly service. Yummy food in a spacious dining room. Patio seating available too.
(4)
Miss J.

Awesome restaurant. Great service excellent food and large wine selection. The apple crepe was very good! I went for dinner but very nice ambiance to have lunch during day and sit outside.
(4)
Ray C.

Let's start at the beginning. Hostess: you're the first thing we see, at least pretend to be friendly and glad we're there. D. Waitress...Joanna: Super friendly and accommodating. Breath of fresh air after the downer hostess. She was amazing. Notices us quickly and engaged us. Positive personality. Good for a Saturday evening dinner. Food: Seafood salad was fresh with citrus seasoning to perfection. The entrees: Pennoni pasta and the seafood platter was off the charts. Perfectly cooked and the seafood fresh and tasty. Service always kills or makes the dinner: that's a make. Ambiance: A. You can have a conversation there. Noise level is perfect for a relaxing night out. Overall: B+. Thanks hostess for taking down the score! Get some personality up there! Hello GM?
(4)
Tracy P.

We celebrated Mother's Day here because we love the atmosphere and the food, by we are NOT coming back. Even though the restaurant is so close to our house and you will always get a reservation, the staff and the way they treat their customers is the reason this restaurant gets only 1 star from me. They placed us in the very back room...the room where you have to walk through a kitchen to get through. Keep in mind that the reason people go to this restaurant is for the indoor/outdoor feel which is in the main area of the restaurant...not where we were. Looking around the room where we were seated, I noticed that all of the tables had one thing in common...we all had young children! So they placed all the reservations with children in the back room. I even checked the parties that were eating in the front room as we were leaving and none of them had young children. I don't know if the staff is busy during a non-holiday, but they were trying to get us in and out as fast as possible. It was not relaxing and I really wanted to enjoy my Mother's Day with the family. One waiter hit my father-in-law on his face with the plate as he was placing it in front of him. Didn't even apologize. Another waiter came over and greeted us and asked if we were all mothers at the table and not all of us were. Then he had the nerve to look at the husband of one of the girls who was not a mother yet and said "come on guy! Get to it! What are you waiting for?" We just sat there so utterly surprised by his words and insensitivity. How was he to know that they have been struggling with getting pregnant for the past few years? He wouldn't know, but it was just inappropriate to say regardless. I'm not coming back here and I feel awful for the way we were treated because I made the reservations for the family. The chefs are great at preparing the food, but the wait staff KILLS the mood!!!
(1)
Annette F.

Just got back from a work lunch at Il Fornaio, I've only been to the Las Vegas location so I was happy to try one closer to home. Table of 10 service was fantastic! We were all told the Daily Specials while looking over the menu, there was bread, olive oil & balsamic on the table as soon as we arrived, our drink orders were taken within 2 minutes of us sitting down. Our server made sure all drinks were full at all times, there were never dirty dishes left in front of us for more than a minute or two. My meal was delicious Shell pasta with Chicken, Broccoli, Sun dried tomatoes and garlic in a wine sauce, no flavor was overpowering any other, the pasta was fresh and flavorful. I had some leftovers and it was taken way to be boxed up for me (I like that extra step being made for me) Our server came over with the tray of desserts and explained them all very nicely. It was a lovely lunch with my new co-workers, I'd def go back!
(4)
Ann M.

My aunt & uncle have brought me to dinner here a couple of times before dropping me off at John Wayne for a red eye flight (barf). Each time, I enjoyed myself. The restaurant is large, but still maintains a warmth. The first time I went, the server was excellent. The second time, the server was good but it took quite a while to get the bill taken care of which is irritating, particularly when you need to catch a flight. As for the food, my family loves to try each others dishes so I've tried a number of the items on the menu and all were delish but the complimentary olive bread at the beginning was phenom. My cousin and I were ready to have a fight to the death with our silverware for the last piece. We're barely civilized. Barely. My biggest issue with this place, besides the fact that I struggle out in a food coma, is the dive bombing birds outside. On my last trip there, as I walked out in a solid food coma, I was terrified by an attacking bird that nailed me right in the head. Wtf? Seriously.
(4)
Fred H.

Food was good but the waiter had an attitude. I guess we didn't order enough expensive dishes. The place has a great ambiance.
(3)
D. L.

I recently came here for a company luncheon reserved in a private room. I was kind of taken aback becasue we had to walk through the kitchen. But once you got there the room was excellent! Our view overlooked the water! Our server was Adam and he was a doll! Forgot my straw for water so I jokingly threatened him and he took it like a champ. Excellent balsamic vinegar and olive oil! Ordered the sole and it was to die for! Do yourself a favor and try it when you come!
(5)
Alejandro F.

I have been a regular here, however during the last 2 years or so food taste is not as good: 3 Stars Service is also not as good as before: 2.5 stars. (compared to Mama D's for example) Lately I go for pizza and bread only: 4 stars The atmosphere is great, specially for couples and families: 4.5 stars.
(3)
Michelle L.

This place is located in the weirdest place ever. Right in the middle of some corporate buildings and kind of hard to find because you would never expect it to be there. It's really pretty here with their outdoor seating and lights everywhere. In fact, when I was in high school, I came here for my junior prom. It's kind of expensive for mediocre food. It's just normal italian food. Nothing out of the ordinary. The place feels very high class for some odd reason that I can't put my finger on. You feel like you can't really eat here unless you're dressed up and you have some money in your wallet. Basically I feel like this would be the ideal place for some sort of business meeting or dates. I like the lasagna here though. It's pretty big and easily sharable with another person. Check it out. It's worth a try. 3/5
(3)
Era W.

Came here on New Year's Eve with my family for dinner. DECOR: The restaurant is very nice! its big and has an upscale look to it. SERVICE: The manager came and greeted us. My parents had some before and he remembered them and was very nice and friendly. Our waiter also was very nice and friendly. FOOD: The food was very good. We had some appetizers like the Calamari which was really good. I shared an entree with my cousin and it was just right, so glad I was able to do that. Will definitely be back again!
(4)
Ferdinand T.

Averagio Italiano foodio (trying my Italian). It's a chain but not bad, but not spectacular either. Good safe place for a business meeting/meal (had a few of those) and a safe place of a 1st date until you can go somewhere more provocative (like the In/Out down the street).
(4)
Russell G.

So disappointed - been dining here for over 15 years but this past weekend was the worst experience. Waited 40 minutes in between each course. Waitress showed up every 10 minutes to see if there was anything we needed. We needed our dinner - But there was nothing she could do about that. When the bill arrived, there were extra incorrect charges. Not sure what is going on but the restaurant is off my list.
(1)
Joseph C.

This turned out being the Mother's day spot. The manager gave us a great table off the water which really made the meal special. The service was fantastic, the server knows my family well so he always goes the extra mile. I had the seafood sampler, with a Toscana salad. The salad was basically Arugula, white beans, and cherry tomatoes. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed. There was nothing special at all about the salad, it was a bit soggy and could of used some parm. flakes. The seafood consisted of 2 calamari rings, 3 squid tails, 2 inch salmon, 1 inch cod, and 1 prawn. Everything was OK but I was looking for better than OK from the food. These guys might seriously need to change up the menu fast before they lose business.
(3)
Jeremy H.

This is a great place for a business lunch, the squash ravioli is my favorite. Valet parking is nice but not always convenient when everyone has to valet park. The location is in the business section of irvine, which is good but busy for lunch and quiet for dinner. The crunchy bread is delicious and makes my gums bleed.. which is expected.
(3)
Lizlarue R.

NOT a FAMILY FRIENDLY Restaurant!!!!! The "il fornaoi" restaurant located in Irvine, CA; restaurant manager Marcello Apolollonio just kicked my family out of the restaurant because my 2 year old was crying. We had just received our food & was about to eat when my daughter started to have a "terrible 2's tantrum fit." Not even 5 minutes of her crying, the general manager Marcello came over and told me other people are threatening to leave because she is crying, you need to leave please. He didn't even offer to box up our food, or make any other suggestions on quieting her down or moving to an isolated table, etc. After all these years of bringing business to them on a personal & professional level to be treated this way is absolutely disappointing. I expect more from this restaurant line. Truly disappointed! What a ruined Birthday! :(
(1)
Bob H.

Ask for their hand made fresh pasta instead of the standard dry pasta. Their sauces are somewhat unique, but not particularly tasty. I like the ambiance of the place, and the bocce ball court outside. Not a bad place for a simple Italian meal or for happy hour after a week of hard work in the nearby offices.
(3)
Sue L.

The linguini mare was remarkably unimpressive. Flavorless, and more importantly, the noodles tasted like they were cooked days ago, and had been sitting in a tupperware in the fridge ever since. Boo. How does an ITALIAN restaurant do this? I'm not even asking for pasta made from scratch at this point; just not linguini that tastes like your leftovers. Needless to say, certainly not al dente. Appetizers were also unimpressive. Calamari was thin and rubbery. More batter than squid. Bruschetta looked bland. Vegetable fritters were of TGIF-quality. Server, again, unremarkable. Not charming, not attentive, just there. And you can tell from my reviews that mediocrity, especially in restaurants, annoys me. Food is about passion! Go big or go home. Have a point of view. This restaurant is lovely, but the food and service leave much to be desired. Will I go back? What for? Well, the chianti was good. Too bad; I enjoy the Beverly Hills location much more.
(2)
Eric W.

Went here with a large group over the holidays and service was great considering we had over 20 people. Everyone had their food come out at the same time and tasted ok. Will be back.
(4)
Kelly S.

I just tried the butternut squach for the first time, and my godness they were amazing!
(5)
Sara Y.

I was pleasantly surprised by how this Italian chain restaurant blew away my expectations. It was truly an amazing experience and I will definitely return to bring all my friends! We came in for lunch. This place is in the same plaza as 24 hour fitness, hidden between office buildings. Parking is free with validation. The restaurant is gorgeous and full of light in the daytime. There is an open kitchen and cooking classes are offered on a regular basis. We started off with the Calamari appetizer. The Calamari was light and crispy, so delicious! The sourdough bread was really fresh. Based on yelper's recommendations, I ordered the Cappellacci di Zucca (Butternut Squash ravioli). It was fluffy and light, filled with sweet squash. My friend had the Ravioli alla Lucana (Sausage, Ricotta, Spinach ravioli). I had a taste of his and I wish I ordered his entree! It was really savory and I was more used to eating this ravioli. The butternut squash was good but it is an unusual ingredient in ravioli and wasn't as savory as my friend's ravioli. Both pastas were really fresh and tasted amazing, nonetheless. For dessert, I had the Peach gelato with fresh berries and cream. It was a nice light ending to my lunch. My friend had Fresh peaches with cream which he enjoyed. Service was excellent. I highly recommend coming here for lunch to see the restaurant in the daytime as well as for dinner to have a meal under the skylight.
(4)
Lilly C.

We came here for Father's Day and I was surprised to see such a beautiful restaurant nestled in between buildings and companies! Everything from the garden outside to the interior was so quaint and charming. The food is really expensive and I didn't think the food was really worth the price. The portions are very small and not so amazing. Maybe I came here with really high expectations. But this is a nice place to come to celebrate with someone special. On another note, we saw Jeffrey Dean Morgan!!
(3)
Lindsay M.

We had a company holiday party here last week. Overall I was pretty impressed- the venue itself was nice (we were on the patio)- despite some rain they configured a decent canopy of umbrellas and space heaters so I don't think many were bothered. The food and drink was good, as was the service. We enjoyed ourselves. The event staff was also very easy to work with, so planning didn't take a lot of time/effort on my part. The only reason I have deducted a star is that I had set a cap on the bar, but was open to extending it if people were truly having a good time/using it- which is what wound up happening so we definitely went over, which was fine, however I suspect a good reason this was so much is one of the waiters was "pushing" drinks on guests (approaching them offering patron shots or espressos)-- obviously when presented with a delicious (expensive) "free" beverage option most people will say yes, whether they had intended to order that or not in the first place. Oh well! Just something to consider if you book an event here- you may want to set some additional limits to prevent stuff like this happening unless you don't care about that.
(4)
Jerico I.

We came here for restaurant week to try something new. The service was really slow. Food was alright. I ordered the pasta thingy with bacon because it said BACON mmmmmm. Once I got the food though, I SAW NO BACONNNNNNN. There were only microscopic bits and pieces and A LOT of pasta lol. But it did taste good. As for dessert, which was the tiramisu, it was eh. My girlfriend got a strawberry with hers and I didn't. All they put was the damn leaves of the strawberry on mine. I'm taking a star off for that haha. Probably won't be returning. Glad I didn't pay full price thanks to restaurant week. TL/DR: Service is slow. Food is ok. Don't order the pasta thing with bacon. You will be disappointed. You get more bacon in Costco samples.
(3)
Chen L.

The ambiance here is nice. There's volleyball nets and some bocci balling courts in front of the restaurant. Friendly service. Got the salmon salad and it was decent. I think what I really liked was the bread. It was so fresh! Out of the oven and hot! Haha. Their salmon was supposed to be really good, but it seemed to taste like any other places that I've tried. I like their dressing though.
(3)
Alejandra B.

In the mood for Italian food? Then look no further because this restaurant is absolutely delizioso! So authentic, so perfect! I loved it!
(5)
Richard B.

I have been to many other locations of this chain, including Palo Alto and Pasadena, and I have only been to dinner here in Irvine twice before. I certainly can say I was surprised in the upgrade in the cuisine since the last visit. I also forgot how beautiful the dining room is here. I have a friend who is an opera singer and we had a post performance celebration. I had a Veneto Spritz, a lovely Summer cocktail that was perfect with the meal. I had the raw beef and arugula salad, followed by a feather lite lasagna. Most delicious. I have to say that this approaches the brilliance of Alessi, the standard for Italian food in the OC.
(4)
Kelly P.

What a wonderful Sunday night date night. The weather outside was soaking wet so the restaurant was almost empty at eight. My husband traveled with me on a quick business trip, so we made is a romantic evening. Since I had been to the Il Fornaino in Las Vegas and Walnut Creek, I figured it was a sure bet. Glad I was right!! We started with a cup of minestrone soup for my husband and I had the salad with the gorgonzola cheese dressing, both were delicious. For our main course I had the Linguine Mare, the seafood was very fresh and the pasta was cooked perfect. I also enjoyed a bite or two of my husband's raviolis. His were the spinach ravioli with Italian sausage, had a strong flavor of fennel. Decided desert was a good idea, so I had the bread pudding. It came out pipping hot with GREAT ice cream on the top. It might have been the best I have ever had. My husband had the ice cream with a shot of expresso, he enjoyed it. Service was good!
(4)
Mo O.

Went to Il Fornaio for first time last weekend. Overall really good experience. The food is good; they bake their own breads and make their own pasta on the premises. The service was fantastic. We had a great waiter, and there is a good ratio of wait staff to tables. Wine selection also very good, and plenty to choose from. The restaurant itself is very nice. I would say it is casual-upscale. Beautiful patio area if you prefer to dine outdoors, and the inside seating feels very open and airy. The location is a bit strange, situated in a corporate area so the surrounding buildings were deserted on a Sat. night. The prices are not cheap. But I would say the prices are very much in line with other restaurants of this quality and atmosphere. Plan on roughly $100 per couple excluding a bottle of wine. We were told the happy hour is quite good, so looking forward to going back for happy hour.
(4)
Bob K.

Nice business restaurant with good decor and good food. Go occasionally there for dinner with the family.
(4)
Joel M.

I have eaten at the restaurant a couple times and have no complaints about it, but i am a regular at the bakery which is right next door. Today I went in after the gym and picked up a salad. I spoke to the woman helping me with my order regarding a concern I had and they were very helpful and understanding. Believe me, I have no complaints about this place at all, rather it was more of me sharing some information. They listened, and were extremely gracious after the fact as well. I have been to this bakery for breakfast and lunch and am never displeased with service or quality of items purchased. Definitely recommended if you are passing by.
(5)
Shana K.

We brought a group of 9 people - 4 adults, 5 kids - here on a Monday night. The service and the attention was impeccable. The food was wonderful. It was pricier than our usual nights out with kids, but it felt like a special treat for all of us.
(5)
Eileen M.

The food and service is very consistent. A nice selection of thin crust pizza (good for starters or sharing), pasta, meat and fish. Their 'Festa Regionale' features specials from different regions of Italy each month. The Osso Bucco Milanese, Stracotto di Manzo and Sogliola ai Porcini are all great specials. Bread is made fresh each day. Ask for the reserve wine list. Mariono is my favorite waiter.
(4)
Engie Y.

This restaurant is tucked away and has a cute, rustic, yet romantic feel. Unfortunately, I did not care much for the food. Although our server was friendly and accommodated our party quite nicely, I was disappointed that he got my order wrong ( which happens, no biggie) but then he tried to say that it was what I ordered and that they just "made it spicy for me" ( talking about the orange sauce). I may not be Italian, but I know my chicken piccata. :)
(2)
Barclay W.

I go to school right next door so this is my go to place for drinks when its been a long day or class is going to be long. Victor the bartender is awesome! Me and my friend go almost weekly and he pours a mean drink. It is nice to have a place where the service is so friendly. I also have had lunch here a couple of times when we had saturday classes. The food is not as good as the drinks, but it isn't bad. It is a little on the pricey side but I can't complain. You kinda know what you are getting into when you come here. I really just come here for the great drinks and the fun people.
(5)
Poupee C.

Oh my gah! Spumonii...must have !!! Must be one of the best tasting, best presentation I have experienced with this dessert. Served on a plate, two slices of spumoni - chocolate hazelnut, strawberry, and pistachio gelato folded together with cherries, chocolate chips and pistachios. Oh and they didn't forget the dollop of creme fraiche topped with a blackberry. Garnished with mint leaves. And drizzled on the side, raspberry and chocolate sauce. 480 calories. Ouch!!! But worth the weight gain!! Besides dessert, I did have a a meal at lunch. Ravioli alla Lucana - Organic spinach ravioli filled with Italian sausage, ricotta, parmesan and fennel; fresh tomatoes, spicy tomato sauce with imported peperoncino, pecorino pepato cheese and fresh basil. Yummmmers. The bread basket was nice too. I had the grainiest, seediest roll. Awesome! Buono appetito!
(4)
Allison J.

It's a chain restaurant with good food and good service. What can I say? They've got a good formula so why not rinse and repeat? This is the third Il Fornaio I've been to and it's all been good. This particular location is buried in a commercial park next to Northwestern Mutual. The Friday evening I went seemed slow but I bet they do a booming lunch business. Good for groups. Good for date night. Yeah, I'd come back here if I wasn't looking for a cute mom-&-pop place to discover.
(4)
Dominique T.

Beef Carpaccio served with capers and arugula for $5 during Happy Hours. Other items are $5, too. I am forever a fan. It would have gotten a 5-stars rating if the waiter was a little more attentive and if the pizza crust was not too soggy. Also, we mentioned it was our friend's birthday; and the waiters came out singing an Italian birthday song.
(4)
Reyz A.

Close to John Wayne airport, this Il Fornaio was the site of many quick business meetings, quick rendezvous with the local sales guys before setting out to visit customers and quick rendezvous with an ex-girl friend. It is a chain. The Palo Alto location is good, and the Carmel branch, if it is still there, is the prettiest (having attended a wedding there at that location). This location is convenient. The restaurant is large enough to plan something like a wedding. As for me, this location serves only to meet people and have some quality food. The pros: great location. Close to major freeways and close to the airport. The cons: they get busy depending on the time of the day, and because of the location so, le serveur o la serveuse can be short. Drop in for dessert of a variety of pastries or coffee. Drop in for lunch or dinner of soup or salad, with choices of steak, seafood pasta, and chicken. I have not tried it but the locals say Fornaio has a good cork policy for multiple bottles. I still drop by this location when I'm in Orange county and I want a break from I-5. Too bad my ex-girlfriend is no longer around to visit.
(3)
Lisa W.

Not one of the best Italian places that I've been to, but it was decent. I came here for my 2 years anniversary, I ordered the Linguine Mare Chiaro. It wasn't the best one that I've tried, not one of my memorable ones as well...but it was decent. My boyfriend got something with chicken and it was really dry. Wine was good. Service was a little slow... I don't know why, we didn't come at a busy time. It's hard to find because it's in a industrial plaza with 24 hour fitness. You can park in the structure and get it validated so you don't have to pay.
(3)
Jeffrey J.

I came here for a dinner with my coworkers and man was I impressed. Let me first start that this review comes from a 21 year old college student. Things I liked about this joint was free parking! You need to get validated in the restaurant though which covers I believe 2 hours (don't quote me on that). The prices were actually pretty good coming from an upscale Italian restaurant! They are comparable to somewhere between Olive Garden and Cheesecake factory-ish? I ordered a pasta that was intricately flavored and cost me $17.99 for a 2 serving plate that I shared with my girlfriend. It was pretty generous for the price so I got 2 plates for 9 bucks pretty much! "Il Fornaio" basically stands for The Bakery. What does this translate to? REALLY GOOD BREAD! The free bread that you usually get at Italian restaurants is pretty average.. breadsticks and rolls I suppose. This place you get a pretty good variety of bread with is FRESH and super CRISPY! Now there is a difference between a stale taste and a crispy fresh taste. This is definitely crispy fresh and satisfying. PROS -decent price -DECOR ( I felt pretty baller and classy) -Service -Seating (TONS) -menu variety (Usually is limited at Italian restaurants) -Takes reservations! CONS -Bathroom is pretty isolated from the restaurant -can get intimidated by others eating there when you see them go all out -LONG TABLES as opposed to circular tables so it's hard to have an intimate conversation with friends all the way across on the other side. GREAT EXPERIENCE THOUGH!
(5)
Porsche C.

I had lunch with some colleagues here. I really enjoyed the butternut squash ravioli. It is well seasoned. I also appreciate that an somewhat authentic Italian restaurant has whole wheat pasta. The portion size was perfect for lunch though the price was disproportionate. The service was excellent.
(3)
Kalee T.

This was the most adorable restaurant I've ever been to! But none of the food blew me away. Everything was decent but not up to par with the decor. Service was just okay...the waiter got all our orders correct but he seemed like he hated his life. The one thing I would come back for are the dessert crepes...They were scrumptious and oh so yummy!
(3)
diane k.

Il fornio has always been a favorite! Well the one in San Diego at least. Recently had to visit Irvine for work... so we decide to order some take out from il fornio Irvine... We wait for our food to be ready... and once back at our hotel( less than 5 min) our pizza was ice cold... not even cut and the portions were just sad... like a kids meal. After calling back and speaking to a supervisor she assured us the Gm would call us the next day. But I had to contact him.... and when I did he was rude and almost condescending. he did offer us a free pizza but his whole attitude and tone decided not to even bother. So I'm sad to say don't order to go ! Disappointed in one of my favorite restaurants!
(1)
Jane K.

Elegant little go-to place where my parents and I like to meet for a casual treat. I find their seafood dishes are a bit better than their beef and chicken ones.. Go for the linguine mare.... or the seafood risotto that often isn't on the menu but occasionally is their special.
(4)
Jeane M.

This place is okay.food nothing special but we had Avery rude waiter and seemed everyone who worked there was rude and uptight.not a pleasurable experience as what I expected.I would prefer pregos over this place.
(3)
Robert H.

Attended a 12 person birthday dinner here last night. I never know what to expect with dining parties with this amount of people, but IF did a wonderful job. Our server, Elmer, was great and even split up the checks accordingly. The food was very good and everyone left satisfied. I had the Bistecca medium rare and it was wonderful. Very tender and the peppercorn sauce was great. I will definitely be coming back here.
(4)
James L.

Came here today for lunch with my team's holiday luncheon. This was my first time to this location, but have been to the one in Palo Alto and San Francisco awhiles back. My first impression of our waiter was kinda rude and alittle abrupt in the beginning and then got better as the lunch got served. Maybe he just had a bad day earlier or maybe he is new, I don't know, but a few of us noticed. Took awhile for him to bring water and take our drink order. We got a few appetizers to share - brushetta, mixed appetizers, and calamari. I got the lobster / shrimp ravioli. The food was okay..nothing really stood out. It was just okay. We got the trio dessert which was a tiramisu, apple crepe, and a chocolate mouse, The chocolate mouse was my fav for dessert. Would I come back here? Probably not. It was a bit pricey for the small portion you get with just okay food.
(2)
minna t.

3.5 stars I generally rotate between Bayside in Newport and Il Fornaio for a quiet late Friday night dinner. Il Fornaio closes at 11 on Friday nights. If you live in Irvine, you know this is difficult to find! So, on those occasional Friday nights when my hubby comes home late from work, you'll find us here! We order from the regional menu which changes every month and is offered during the first 15 days of the month. The 3 course meal for $30 is hard to beat! You choose a soup, an mini pasta dish and your main entree which ranges from fish, chicken, pork or steak. Plus, if you join their mailing list, they send you a card every quarter and if you bring in that card, you get a small gift like a loaf of fresh baked bread from their bakery or a bag of pasta. The bread and desserts are pretty good too! I can only base my experience on our late night dinners. During this time, the restaurant is slow and there's an abundance of servers. Our food is served timely and the service is great! Our experience has always been top notch here! Most importantly, I get a quiet meal with my hubby and it's a nice way to unwind after a long work week!
(3)
Lizzie C.

Came here a couple of times and I always get the same dish. The butternut squash ravioli is sooo good here. I've sampled a couple of everyone else's pasta's and they were okay. Service was okay. I've had my water glass empty through most of my meal and had to stop someone to ask for a refill. Place is in a buisness plaza and next to a gym. Kind of hidden.
(3)
Robert M.

Love this location, which, yes, is corporate, but with the lighting, the bocce ball court in front, the complimentary valet parking and the lake (with turtles, large koi fish, etc.), can be a special place. Have eaten here less than 10 times, but the happy hour is great. Like sister restaurant Canaletto, all items on the HH menu are $5. Dinners here start with an amazing bread basket. The menu changes often, but usually features some regular menu items (flatbreads, pizzas, freshly made pasta, salads, soups, desserts), along with food from a selected region of Italy. All of the dishes I have had here, or shared with others, have been great. The atmosphere is elegant and classy here, although not overdone. The lighting here is WAY too bright for an intimate Italian restaurant. The service will greatly depend on what server you get, and because of that, service can vary wildly. That's unfortunate. This location is much busier than you probably would have guessed given its location, but even then, the service is sometimes very attentive and fast, and other times just horrible. Overall, it's a great spot for a family dinner, a business lunch or dinner, happy hour, or even a romantic date.
(4)
Alison P.

Came here for a quick bite at lunch and found the resturant to be very nice. My friend and I got seated outside, perfect way to enjoy a lunch outdoors. Service was a bit slow considering it was lunch hour. Guess you can't rush food, but thats something to keep in mind if you're on a lunch time constraint. Food was really good. I got the Antipasto della Casa. It was a good sized Italian antipasto: Caprese, Prosciutto, green and black olives, Grana Padano cheese, salame, caponata, grilled artichoke and bruschetta. Ended it with some bread pudding with golden raisins and ice cream. mmmhh I'd definetely come back for lunch again.
(4)
Tony C.

Wow! I eat at lot of Italian food, this place is one of the best! That includes trips to Sorrento, Rome, Siena, Florence, and the countless small villages across Italy we have eaten in.
(5)
Sean F.

I've never had such lack luster service! A friend and I visited this place after reading decent reviews for an Italian place open past typical Orange County hours on a Sunday evening. After being seated, we must have waited at least 10 minutes before anyone bothered to take our drink order. I kept looking around for a person to flag down but other servers kept brisking past our table without volunteering a single look at us. Without any remote apology or affirmation that we had waited patiently, someone stopped to grab our water. The server didn't introduce himself or even identify who he was. Our orders were taken by the same server and our entrees arrived timely. Both of our dishes tasted quite good. That was as good as it got. Again, no one bothered to ask if our food was acceptable nor offered us cracked black pepper or cheese. Meanwhile, I witnessed other tables around us being seated quickly with seemingly prompt and received somewhat more attentive service. The employees there just did not look happy to work there and the vibe was awkward. After finishing my risotto, the same server comes by and asked if I was still working on my dish. I had only the parsley garnish and a shrimp tail left on my plate...Need I say more? Fast forward through the frustration: we were not asked if we enjoyed our food and no dessert was offered. As elegant as the place looked, this experience has been a profound disappointment: neither of us will be returning.
(1)
Cameron C.

I love the atmosphere and the professional servers. Even when the restaurant is full the noise didn't bother me. The bread is authentic and tasty with the oil and vinaigrette that they pour for you. The food was ok which is why I docked a star, however, the desserts were very tasty.
(4)
Mike L.

Fantastic looking place, very popular with business crowds every day at lunch. FIrst rate service and excellent food. Big atrium in the middle makes the place look great, kitchen open to the dining room makes for very intersting views of food preparation. A bit pricey, a lunch for two without alcohol ran us over $70 (with appetizers, coffee, etc.). Good option if you are up for a nice Italian meal.
(4)
John K.

Chain. Chain. Chain. Chain of fools. The food is okay. The staff is nice. The restaurant is clean. Don't go out of your way for this one. If you're trapped at a nearby hotel, this is a nice place to get away from room service and the temptation to work all night.
(3)
Yoojin C.

The place is located in the middle of tall business buildings. The parking is not very easy to find but, they have parking structure located on left of the restaurant when you pass the valet parking (Make sure to bring parking ticket to the restaurant for validation!). I have visited this location 3 times since I have visited for first time was only 2 weeks ago. I love the setting of the restaurant and the service, so I am planning to visit there very soon again. The lunch hour approx. 11:30~1:30pm the place get packed inside and patio area (I suggest you to reserve by online before visiting this restaurant). Even if you have reserved seat, it is hard to get the seat that has nice view around the window or outside, patio area. If you would like to really enjoy the whole view and peaceful restaurant, I suggest you to go there around 3:00 ~6:00pm. I have visited there on that time for my very first time there, and I got the service like I was there for private service. I highly recommend Cappellacci di Zucca, Linguine Mare Chiaro (with original sauce or white sauce with white wine, both are amazing!), and other stunning dish with Ahi!! (I don't if this was in the menu, but if you ask them any dish, they are willing to make you one. Ahi dish was one of the chef's recommendation-- I will post the picture of the dish, for sure!). Also, they serve tiramisu (really wonderful) for birthdays (I went there for my friend's birthday). Dinner time is also packed there (not as much as lunch time), the place will change the color/ mood of the whole beautiful setting of the restaurant. You should visit there for day and also night time (It's both stunning!). OH! One more thing, my brother visited there for lasagna but, lasagna was not a good choice! They used pork instead of beef and it was not so good. So, don't order lasagna!
(4)
Mike D.

This review is actually for the bakery cafe attached to this location. The baked good and the espresso drinks are OK. I'd give them a 3.5 stars. This is really about the service. Lame. Sucks. Rude. I've been in there 4-5 times, and only once did one of the workers crack a smile, or say thank you. I went in this morning, got a muffin and a cappuccino, and the guy that took my order didn't say hello. So, I said, "Hello." He just looked at me. I made my order, and he handed me the receipt to sign. I said, "Thank you." He says nothing. I handed him back the signed receipt and said, "Thanks." Just to further test the waters. Nothing. I stood aside and watched how he treated the next customer. Same thing. My coffee order comes up. I say, "Thank you" to the person who made the drink. Nothing. For sure, I am a person who sort of expects that people in the service industry act like human beings, and sure, they can get treated like dirt by rude customers, but ultimately, you get what you give. Time for the managers at this store set some higher standards. I blame them.
(1)
Medea N.

Always good. love the food and service all over california. cooking class on Saturdays is fun and yummy food.
(4)
Nicolas L.

Good, not busy area...
(5)
Angela C.

There's two sides to this place - the fancy sit-down restaurant side and the panetteria/bakery cafe side. The bakery/cafe is a quick grab and go type place that is only open in the daytime. That's where I went today for a quick lunch with a classmate. I ordered a "make your own salad". First, you choose your own salad. Then pick 5 toppings from the menu (I got beets, chickpeas, tofu, red onions, and artichokes). If you want to add protein like chicken or tuna, it's an additional charge. My salad came out to a total of $6.50. I wish they were more generous with the toppings, especially since this salad isn't exactly cheap. From what I hear, Il Fornaio has an awesome happy hour, with a $5 menu that offers some pretty good fare. If you park in the structure, don't forget to validate your ticket.
(3)
Jesua F.

Happy Hour is a killer deal for great food.
(5)
Lauren A.

Amazing dinner and staff!
(5)
Martin W.

Come here often for business lunches. Food is high quality and very flavorful. Don't think I have had a bad dish - but by far the salmon is the best thing I have ordered. For some reason I can never understand the servers though, but they make up for it by being very prompt and on top of things. Good for a more classy lunch and believe it would be the same vibe for dinner. Located in a business park so I would never actually try it or dinner though.
(4)
Iyad S.

Arturo is great, we came here without having anything on mind about what we're going to be eating , but Arturo recommended the best for us , the place was very nice service was very very good .
(5)
Shasha J.

They are great with accommodating special dietary needs. Came tonight for my parents anniversary and both of them are trying to be Vegan. They had no problem checking on the sauces and ingredients and the chefs even made a few changes to our items on their own to ensure they were vegan friendly. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because our waiter was very slow, hard to understand (spoke very quietly and mumbled), and not up to par with the customer service I expected. Yummy food, nice atmosphere with open kitchen and quiet enough for conversation, but still full of life. Recommend: Minestrone soup and Butternut Squash Ravioli
(4)
Dave F.

29 months ago we went to dinner at Il Fornaio-Irvine. We noticed the Festa Regionale tasting menu and decide to give it a try, along with the accompanying wine flight. We loved it, and have been there every month since, without fail. The food is always very, very good, the service is friendly , attentive, and close-to-perfect. Tonight we enjoyed the regional menu for Puglia, and raved about the seafood salad, buratta cheese salad, penne al forno, orechiette con rapini, and spedini. All wonderful. Can't wait for the tasting menu from Liguria next month.
(5)
Angela K.

T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E This was my first experience at this restaurant and I came based on previous yelp reviews, not by a personal referral. My family and I decided on this restaurant because it was close to the venue of the acrobatic show we were going to attend that night for my mom's birthday. I made the reservation well in advance, and even confirmed the day of. I had a conversation with whoever I was speaking to on the phone to ask them if there was any specialty done for birthdays because it was my mom's birthday, or if I could bring in a cake. She ensured me that they offer a small tirmasu dessert. When we got there it started well, we were taken to our table (although no mention of my mom's birthday from our hostess or waiter), given warm bread, and drink orders taken. I should have known it was going to be bad though when the waiter already forgot our very first request, water with lemon. No lemon. Then we put in our drink orders and those always come out immediately, but no, there was a good 15- 20 minutes between the ordering of the wine and the actual arrival. Our appetizers of calamari and beet salad are fine. They're tasty. The real problem occurs when we not only try to order our entrees but then when they actually come out... The waiter was rude in my opinion. I make it a point to be extremely kind to those who wait on me because I understand it's a pain in the ass. When we would try to get his attention, he would see us and not tend to our table. After every little thing he did for us, I said "thank you" and he never responded once. While putting down our entrees and even filling our drinks and such, he was so hasty. He would clash the dishes against one another, and just be very aggressive when taking plates away (meaning loudly and rudely). Then the entrees, oh the entrees. We ordered the porterhouse steak (which by the way, the waiter did NOT even ask us how we would like it cooked), the sea bass with sautÃ©ed spinach and potatoes, and a seafood medley linguini pasta. ALL, and I mean every dish, came out borderline COLD. But because we were not only hungry but in a rush, (plus it's not like our waiter ever checked on us) so we proceeded to eat. Luckily I like my steaks medium- rare, however, I do like them hot, which it was not, at all. The sea bass was honestly, disgusting. Texture was awful, no flavor, not even luke- warm. Between the 4 of us, we probably had 1/4 of the entire dish and of course, did not take it to- go. The pasta was best in taste, but again not even considerably warm. As we are half way through our dinner, the manager (or someone of higher value at the restaurant) comes and asks about our meal. We hate complaining, and honestly, we were really being kind by only making a comment on the sea bass, seeing as how everything was cold. We mentioned that the sea bass was really, pretty much cold and the manager did suggest taking it to be heated up or bringing out a new one, but we didn't have time nor did we even enjoy taste of it. And for the cherry on top, no mention of my mom's birthday, no tiamasu. We walk out never to return again. I would save yourself the misery now, go elsewhere.
(1)
Michelle D.

The food was great. The service.... Not so much. If you go make sure you do not get Mariano as your waiter. He is too busy making chat with coworkers than to take care of you at your table. And forget asking to share a pizza. He scoffed at us. And then after over 45 minutes of waiting for a second glass of wine we tipped him 10% and he made sure to find us then just to give us a couple dirty looks. Disgusting.
(2)
Evan R.

Had a wonderful experience. Food was fantastic and service was excellent. Nice wine selection. Ambiance was lovely. The price was very reasonable for such good a good meal. The wait is a bit long, but what do you expect with Classic Italian!?
(5)
Priscilla H.

We hosted my mom's birthday party here with 70 people and it was wonderful! Adrienne was great to work with, super helpful. I had a million questions over the course of the planning period and she was quick to respond to them all, always polite and patient. The information they provided was really clear and I could access our contract through their online portal at any time. The night of the event, the staff was really helpful in getting us stuff and answering our questions and just being friendly overall. We were in the back in Sala del Lago and Venezia, and they were really nice about walking our guests to the back rooms so they wouldn't get lost. The space was great. Big windows and attractive rooms. We brought in about $300 worth of decorations - lanterns, Christmas lights, balloons, candles, and centerpieces - but the space didn't need many extras. I liked being in the back because we could be as loud as we wanted and didn't hear noise from the other parties. We brought in our own projector and laptop, and we were able to use the screen and wifi. The price point of the food was really reasonable and the dishes were plated nicely. Everyone enjoyed their meals. My only (small) complaints was that the patio area was really warm during the day and with that many people, it would have been nice to increase the air conditioning. We rented a mic with speaker for $50 from the restaurant, but the sound wasn't very good, especially for the people in the other room. There was a little snafu with the parking costs (they validate for 3 hours and then charge for anything over that), but Adrienne was super apologetic and tried to rectify it. I recommend this for any events you might have. My friend had her wedding here and loved it. It looked like there were 3 other big parties there that night and it looked like everyone was having a good time.
(5)
Sherri G.

Dining service was slow, Food was ok...2.5 stars... I was a little disappointed with the menu options and found the service a little slow that evening. We came with the kids and nothing on the menu appealed to them. The basic pasta and marinara sauce lacked flavor - so much so that he didn't want to take it home! I will say that I've organized larger events here and have been very pleased with the results.
(2)
Rita S.

Just wanted to say how wonderful bar tender Adam and Derrick is . Both are on top of their game. Needed a salad without diary Adam went to kitchen and came back with just what my minds eye asked for. Not easy to run busy bar but they both make. It look easy Again thanks again guys Last week stopped by for dinner our usual waiter wasn't working . Jolene waited on us this experience unlike any other at this restaurant . She took the order brought the food never smiled never asked how it was. When we asked for water took her forever to bring it. She needs her attitude adjusted. Perhaps this is not the right job for her. My friend and I noticed when she waits on men she's entirely different. Left a modest tip next time will ask to be seated in a different area. Really too bad because other wait staff terrific
(5)
Matt K.

Came here for a wedding rehearsal dinner so we were seated in a private room in the back. I don't know how this service and food compares to eating here in the normal dining area. Service was not great, our waiter seemed aloof and not so attentive. He was hesitant to bring a drink menu and instead tried to rattle some off of the top of his head. He brought the drink bill before a drink even came out. When the food orders came out the wait staff seemed confused as to which plate went to which person. This part of my experience could have been better. The food itself was pretty good. We started with a salad that was light and refreshing, my pasta dish was cooked well and I was satisfied. This part of the meal made up for the service. Although my food was decent, I can't recall exactly what they were so it's not going to blow your mind. Still, the food is good enough for a decent night out. I am not sure what it is compared to the price though since I didn't have to pay for my meal. Not sure if I'll be back here, maybe I need to give it a try on a normal occasion, but from first glance, it was just A-OK.
(3)
Santa - Maria L.

Delicious Italian food, fantastic service and very good location. I will definitely come again, when I will visit my sister in Irvine.
(5)
Brian K.

I picked this place for another business lunch this week since it was nice the last time. Service is still very professional and business friendly- discreet and attentive. But the food was off (should have stuck w/ the pasta). I ordered the Piatto Smeralda, basically mixed seafood over spinach and beans. The scallops had an extreme fishy taste to them like they've been held past their prime. The calamari was overcooked and practically black with soot/burnt pieces. The shrimp was very good though. But the Piatto Smeralda seemed like a collection of garbage, essentially throwing crap together and seeing what sticks (or gets burnt). Overall, I was full after lunch but after my meal, I was thinking, what the hell did I just put in my body? Looks like I may be paying for it tomorrow morning! =D Also, the Antipasto Della Casa isn't a good deal at all. In fact, it's a terrible price at $17/person. We ordered for three and the portions were not commensurate with the price. E.g. two thin slices of mozzarella, two slices of tomato, one single artichoke, a few thinly shaved slices of prosciutto, etc. A one-person Antipasto platter meant for three? Going halfsies on a tomato slice? Yeah, no thanks.
(2)
Izzat A.

Went here with coworkers last night for dinner. Truth be told, I thought it was pretty average. Service was really slow. It shouldn't take 10 minutes after I've asked for a drink to get a Coke. Ordered some bruschetta which was okay. One thing I will say that I liked about this place is a spicy olive oil that they have. It is very very good. I ordered a pasta a la vodka and it was okay. Nothing special at all and the portion wasn't very big for the price. Finished up with some cannolis and to their credit, they were really good. Like I mentioned, not the worst place I've been to by any means, but nothing really stands out about it either.
(3)
Tiffany Y.

Been here a couple times - both for lunch and dinner - service is always fairly consistent and menu usually offers something that I'll like. I do prefer the lunch menu because they offer a few dishes that you wouldn't see on the dinner menu, though the dinner menu may give you a selection of a few more specials to choose from. My lunch here today was the Piatto Smeralda, mixed grill of marinated scallops, calamari and shrimp with garlic and red chili flakes, braised tomatoes, wilted wild arugula, sautÃ©ed organic spinach and cannellini beans, served with grilled ciabatta slices! It's basically like a grilled seafood salad that's seasoned aggressively and is packed with flavor. The lemon juice adds a nice zing to your taste buds throughout the whole dish. A must try in my book! Even though this place is a chain and may not seem as authentic as some other Italian places, the restaurant never fails to provide quality service and definitely a beautiful space and location that can accommodate a huge party. Parking is validated but valet is also available. Only thing I have to ding them for are the cocktails - unless you really are in need for a drink, save the money for an appetizer or dessert because their cocktails are usually really watered down, too sugary, or just lacks any alcohol presence.
(4)
Willy W.

I've been here twice for business lunches in decent sized groups (6-12 people) and found ourselves in the back room, which is quite lovely. The food is very good and service was good. There's a parking garage nearby and they do validate parking. Not the best food but a very good place for business luncheons.
(4)
Kerri H.

I love this place, right next to pepperdine. Perfect for a mid afternoon pick me up. Ceasar salad was great. Thanks for the mid day snack. So many new friends as the wait staff is so friendly and Victor the bartender will make an axing cappuccino.
(5)
Antonio F.

Took some clients out for an appreciation dinner. We could have not made a better selection. The atmosphere, the service and specially the food were spectacular. Total of 7 people for diner. Started with the freshly baked bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. We had some appetizers including: Margarita Pizza: one of the best pizzas I have had in a long time. Antipasto Della Casa: Prosciutto, Italian salami, olives, bruschetta, grilled vegetables (zucchini, artichoke and egg plant), and some other Italian delicatessen. This appetizer is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Supposedly the price is $16 per person, but we order 2 for the entire group and everybody had the opportunity to try everything. Calamari: this dish was on point. Well seasoned and very fresh. My entree selection was the the Petto di Pollo al Peperoncino. All dinner entrees come with a salad. The Il Fornaio salad is a great option comes with a house vinaigrette that is both light and flavorful. The chicken has a very complex flavor, you can taste the different herbs and spices that are used in the marination process. The dish is garnished with a sautÃ©ed spinach and gold roasted potatoes. I believe that the this two components bring a nice balance to a well seasoned protein. This restaurant is a great option whether you want to have a nice romantic dinner with your significant other or you are having a business dinner. Il Fornaio is step above other Italian restaurants. Definitely highly recommended!!!!
(5)
Joyce Z.

I came here for a work lunch and enjoyed the food! I ate so much that I felt like I was going to pass out driving back to the office. I ordered the Pennoni alla vodka ($17), which was delicious! The whole thing was 700 calories..pretty good for a plate of creamy pasta. However the portion size wasn't as large as I would think $17 is worth. They also have gluten-free pasta as an option. For dessert, I had the Tortino al limone verde ($8) which was a rich key lime custard on a cookie crust. YUM. Why did I eat the whole thing when I was already full? Don't know. I love that they show you a cart of desserts to choose from so that you can see what you're ordering. I had a great lunch because it was comped by work. If I had to pay myself, I might think that this place is a bit overpriced for lunch.
(4)
Kaitlyn C.

This review is for their happy hour menu. I've never been here when it wasn't happy hour and I don't really plan on it. Some of the things on the menu look a bit overpriced and based off of the reviews, I don't think it would be worth it. You get a pretty good deal with the happy hour, though. The happy hour menu has changed since I was last there, but I think it's still worth it. The beer is all $3, select wines and cocktails are $6, and some pizzas and appetizers are also $6. It's located in this business plaza off of the 405. You have to park in the structure, but they do validate parking so just keep your ticket! Drinks: we ordered one of the mojitos and the pomegranita. Pomegranita tasted essentially like a margarita with some other fancy elements that I couldn't taste. It was good! Food: -Carpaccio: it's raw meat so I was skeptical at first, but the added lemon and mozzarella really made the dish. -calamari: I always love calamari. This ace was no exception. The table next to us asked for it grilled instead of fried so I guess you have that option! -fradiavola: pizza! Well worth 6 dollars. I don't know if I would pay the normal price of 15 for it. They also have bread service, but you have to ask for it!
(4)
Lisa Z.

I recently went back to Il Fornaio (we used to call it Ill For Days) and had a great experience. The hubby and I met for a date lunch and it was a perfect place for that. You feel a bit transported, away from the gray cubicle into a bright and airy restaurant. I had one of the three fish specials which was delicious. It was a very generous portion and I got it with all veggies instead of the potatoes. Squeezed some lemon over the fish, sautÃ©ed spinach and broccolini and it was yum. Hubby had the half chicken and he took that thing down to the bone. Very attentive service. I'll be back.
(4)
Jamie S.

Went here tonight after finding an open table on whelp open table. Our server was one of the best I've ever had. He was kind, funny, helpful, and on top of everything. The food was great I had pizza because when I red homemade dough and cheese I had to go for it. It was pretty big so was enough to for the other two gals in my group to have a slice. I didn't try another main dish but both gals I went with had pasta and loved it. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated with a great view of the kitchen, very clean. We sat inside but sort of in an inside patio area with heat lamps. Very pleasant dining experience.
(4)
Aaron E.

Il Fornaio offers a dazzling facade and ambiance but sadly comes up short when it comes to the cuisine/cost ratio. I used to work in an adjacent office to Il Fornaio and had countless business lunches (and one kitchen fire) out of convenience over the course of four years. The building is exceptionally handsome and the service usually is passable if not excellent. What kills Il Fornaio is the maniacal prices. They are simply obscene. $18.00 single serving pizza? They have that. $18.00 Ravioli lunch for one? They know all about that. A $20.00 salad?!?! For lunch?? You bet your ass it is there in black and white. At a Michelin rated restaurant in Midtown Manhattan or New Eastside Chicago this would be acceptable. This is a franchise located literally on the 405? Come the hell on guys. Okay, what to eat. Honestly, I really really like the Bruschetta al Pomodoro. It is possibly the best thing they offer and that is because of the freshness of the tomatoes, fresh basil and kalamata olives. Served with garlic rubbed ciabatta bread, this is an amazing dish and comes in at a reasonable $9.00. Their Margherita Pizza is serviceable, but you will part with $15.00 to get it and you will not leave happy. The Pennoni Alla Vodka is pretty spanking, but again, not $19.00 worth of spanking. The Piatto Smeralda is actually quite the little seafood number! $20.00. See where this goes yet? Let the vendor/salesperson/boss with corporate card in tow pick up this tab. If you park in the garage, they will validate. Which is the least they can do for the staggering prices to be real. Il Fornaio has some shining moments, just do not get caught holding the bag when the check comes.
(2)
Robert K.

Have had mixed meals over the last year. Service is always terrific. Too many of the food offerings are subpar. Too bland. Wine selection is strong.
(3)
Paul J.

Wonderful menu, great wine list and stellar service. Worth making the trip to the business park location. Go early to play Bocce Ball with your friends before your meal.
(5)
James L.

Classic case of the service ruining the overall experience. I had stressed to the waiter about wanting lunch portions of the menu items on hand. He corrected me by saying it was appetizer portions. Well, when I ordered mine in an appetizer portion and my colleague wanted a "lunch" portion of her dish as well, the reasonable thing to do is ring up an appetizer portion not a regular portion. Well- when the food came out, it was clear my colleague in fact got the regular sized portion and not the smaller one that we had asked for. Seriously, the communication was off during our visit. Also, I understand that we ordered an appetizer (an actual one-calamari) but there was a long lull between the time this came out and the actual meal. There were patrons around us who got seated and served much faster--not sure if the appetizer threw something off but it was clear there was a lag time during the meal. Never a good thing when you are fixated when others around you are getting served. And the food- it was good, but that's all the energy I have to say on that matter because of the blah service. Do you see what I mean when I said "Classic case of the service ruining the overall experience"?
(3)
Ryan L.

Everyone else loved their food, so I'm rounding my review up. Many of the staff were very nice and friendly. It's a very nice restaurant and my colleagues raved about their dinner experience here last week. I just had a much ... less positive experience. Our server missed quite a few steps. He forgot one person's entire first course, another's drink, was very difficult to understand when explaining the menu, and my water glass was empty more often than not. As it was my first time here, I went for the most recommended ("mentioned") dish according to Yelp reviews: a seafood medley in pasta. It was ok, really nothing special, but then I bit into the Shellfish of Doom. That mussel was the most foul thing I've ever put in my mouth. Wow. I mean, I won't describe any detail for fear of making any unsuspecting hungry readers lose their appetites over images of truck-stop restrooms, but even after burying it in my napkin, the stench of the thing wafted up throughout the rest of the dinner. If only I weren't at a business dinner politely impressing guests... On the other hand, though, was dessert. The chocolate soufflÃ© was good and has potential to be beyond excellent, so here's my way-too-long review on it: First off, let me tell you, that butterscotch ice cream may be the best ice cream I've ever had - no exaggeration. Get it. Now. The soufflÃ© itself is good but dry. Nutella is a great idea, but it's sticky (as anyone knows who's tried to eat a spoonful or three out of the jar), so it needs to be either in or mixed with something more moist instead of just spread on top. A buttery chocolate sauce in or on it would help. The raspberry sauce on the plate is unnecessary and detracts from the dessert's flavor, while the white chocolate (?) sauce is a perfect pair and needs about 4x the quantity. Bottom line: I won't go back but the other 6 in our group will, and I'm guessing you have about a 6/7 chance of having a great experience.
(2)
Sandy K.

We came here for Mother's Day and really had a great experience! The place is s little hidden but I was told to try it by a friend that goes to the gym right next to it. We decided to take our mom for Mother's Day. Making reservation was easy and simple. That was the first great customer service. When we arrived, we were seated right away. We asked for a slightly larger table and they were very accommodating. Next, our waiter was very prompt, friendly and super energetic. He made great recommendations that we were helpful. We ordered a few appetizers that were great. The calamari and bruschetta. Our main dishes were great as well! The food came out super fast (it was perfect timing). Drinks were refilled constantly and service was great. The prices were also very fair. Definitely enjoyed our experience here and will be coming back. Complimentary valet is a major plus!
(5)
Ray M.

One of my favorate places to eat. Been coming here over ten years. Love the salads during lunch but I'm not so sure about the night shift. Pasta is bland, sauce is watery. What happened? This is my 2nd visit this month and i am saddened by the lack of flavor. And this is not just one dish. We had 4 dishes tonight and 3 last time. Thank goodness theres a full bar. I hope the kitchen gets it together. Just not the same.
(2)
Soomi P.

I've always wanted to try this place because the pictures on Yelp look great! My bf and I finally went one night and had ourselves a great time! It was happy hour when we got there so we ordered some cocktails - $6. The drinks were pretty strong but delicious nonetheless. Then we ordered the calamara fritta as our appetizer, also on the happy hour menu. It was pretty good nothing out of the ordinary. For our entrees, I ordered the conchiglie al pollo, which I thought was delicious. I loved the buttersquash taste that went perfectly with the shells. My bf had the linguine mare chiaro, which came with plenty of mussels and clams - yummm! For dessert, we went all out and got the dolce trio. The tiramisu was to die for! I literally ate every last bite. The other two desserts, the chocolate cake and something else, were also pretty good. The chocolate cake was too rich for my taste. Because this place is a bit pricey, it'll probably be a while before I return. I would definitely go back for their entrees and tiramisu!
(4)
Dominic M.

Excellent food, great service, (relatively) decent prices for the quality. Chef messed up my order and personally came out to apologize, as well as give me a pizza free of charge. I was not complaining at all, because the wrong dish that was brought out was absolutely delicious as well. My company, on the other hand, ordered clams and mussels in pasta: his mussels were bad. You can always smell it. He ate around them and enjoyed his meal. Great atmosphere Parking is eh. Tables a little too close together; I didn't mind but I know some people might. All in all good experience.
(4)
Michael S.

Il Fornaio is the perfect place for a business lunch or dinner. The food isn't spectacular, but the service is efficient and the restaurant has space for just about any party size. Valet or validated parking are pluses as well. The setting is clean (except no paper towels at all in the Men's room) and open. It may not impress your clients or co-workers, but Il Fornaio is a safe choice. I met a peer at Il Fornaio for lunch and split two ok dishes. The Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil was a nice start. Insalata di Tacchino ($14.99) is Il Forniao's Turkey Salad with Turkey Breast, Mixed Greens, Egg, Avocado, Cannellini Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Grana Padano Cheese with a Balsamic Vinaigrette. It was a 3-star salad, but a little lite on the vinaigrette and flavor. Our main dish was Pennoni Alla Vodka ($16.99) with Bacon Bits and a Vodka-Cream-Tomato Suace. The huge Penne was fine and the sauce creamy for a 3-star dish. When you are seeking a reliable Italian chain in Irvine to entertain family, friends, or business associates, Il Fornaio is a totally a-ok choice.
(3)
Mori N.

The food was good, the bread yummy, and the service from our waiter Gustavo was excellent! We didn't order much food for a table of 6, but he still have us great service.
(5)
Norma J.

I always love coming here. I know I'm guaranteed good food, great service and good wine! I recently tried their 3 course tasting menus and every course was a hit! Plus they validate valet parking, can't get any better than that! Thumbs up all around!
(5)
Moses E.

I hate when Yelpers focus on the server. "She rolled her eyes at me." "He took our order and was pleasant, but I could tell her mind was elsewhere." "I asked for the bread basket and he brought me bread on a plate with no explanation." So, I'm sorry for focusing on my server in this review. First, let me say the food was fine. We had a tasting menu, and everything was one note, and not in the "singular amazing taste" way. It was just one note. Meh. Ok. Our server, however, was not fine. He had one mission in life, to get us to buy booze. We didn't want any wine or cocktails and had to tell him this no less than four times. Once he realized we weren't buying liquor, he basically stopped talking to us unless we directly asked him a question. Even then, he'd answer while walking over to another (booze ordering) table where he would stop, chat, and chum around for five minutes. I thought I was imagining things. I feared being one of those people who takes every hair toss as a mortal insult. So I asked my wife if she felt the same way. She did. So we paid careful attention as he brought us our check. Here is the scene, in order: Waiter places check on table. Waiter turns, starts walking to another table Turns his head slightly in our direction while walking away and says, "Thank you." Yeah, thanks buddy. You could't even make eye contact with the people who were about to leave you a tip. BONUS suggestion for the restaurant: figure out a better way to do the dessert cart. The fake desserts on the cart look awful in comparison to the actual desserts, which look lovely.
(2)
Allison E.

So good! If only it was cheaper! Great bartender, drinks, and food. Good service in the cafe--order ahead for take out! Open early for coffee / pastries
(4)
ANGELA L.

This place loves their cheese, and I definitely don't have a problem with that. I came here during lunch with some co workers, and the people there knew the guy that took us there so we were treated really well. I think we would've been treated well either way. We started off with some starter plate with veggies, salami, tomato with basil and mozzarella, bruschetta, and I'm probably missing some items...it's hard to remember specifics when you're stuffing your face. I love my pesto so I tried their pesto pasta with chicken. I LOVE places that actually have pine nuts in their pesto. So legit. My co workers got some other cheesy and pasta-y dishes. They all looked good. For the dessert, we tried the triple creme chocolate custard-y thing and also the creamy sorbet thing with fruits. Ok., I know. I really should pay more attention to names, but our server was authentically Italian, so I had no idea what he called the desserts we got. Regardless, they were both tasty. Can't comment on the price because I didn't get to see the bill, but I'm sure it wasn't cheap. This is the best Italian place I've been to because to waiter gave me an authentic double kiss on each kiss like they do in Europe. I made a big deal about it and was probably too loud about it, but..you know...exciting stuff!
(4)
Dating C.

Why recommend this place for a Date? Because it has the ambiance, feel, dining experience of being in a FINE restaurant without the $90/per person tab.
(5)
Helena N.

Il Fornaio is probably my favorite place for Italian food in OC. Great food and wonderful service! It's a beautiful space and a great place to treat yourself. Some reviews say it's kinda pricey, but I think it's very reasonable for the quality and quantity. They give you big portions and I never leave hungry. I like the seafood pasta and the tiramisu!
(5)
Liam B.

Sauteed fish outstanding. It's hard to find good fish anywhere. Complimentary breads make it worth coming here. Good selection of red wine by the glass. Measured pour. Overall slightly more expensive but would come back.
(4)
Jessica P.

Being from the east coast and having tons of amazing Italian places to eat my husband took me here since I was missing the east coast Italian food. It was classy clean and super friendly staff. Service was fast and friendly. I def liked the food.
(5)
Gregory Pierre C.

Wow, the service is so slow. The Italian europop music is blasting away. Third waiter coming to the table to ask me for my drink order. The place in Pasadena is better. I know it's a chain but they could make an effort.
(1)
Amber W.

I went here with my boyfriend for date night and it was okay. The service, although friendly, was extremely slow. Our food came out right away, but our waiter never came back to check on us and the bus boy kept refilling our ice tea glasses with water. I'm not sure if this is asked of their serves, but ours kept touching us whenever he talked to us. At first it just caught us off guard, but after the 3rd or 4th time it was a little uncomfortable. The food was very good, and they have a great selection of Italian deserts. I will probably go back eventually.
(3)
Nikki T.

I went here for my boyfriend's birthday and I have to admit I took him here for myself! =] I used to live in Italy so I am VERY picky with Italian restaurants....even down to a place where I eat pizza. Il Fornaio is very authentic and delicious to boot. There were so many dishes, that I forgot I couldn't eat that all of that. You'll find something to satisfy your cravings, especially if you don't know what you want, you'll find it there. I ordered the ravioli dish with sausage. The ravioli itself was very al dente (which I am a stickler for when I first eat a pasta dish) and they make their pasta fresh in the kitchen! The sausage and cheeses were in a perfect amount, harmonizing each other. The sausage had a spicy bite, but not too much and the cheese wasn't too strong. We also ordered the calamari...the best calamari I've had. It was lightly breaded which is what calamari should be. I ordered a caprese salad, one less star on the review because the tomatoes used on this salad were mediocre. Just plain tomatoes you'd buy to put on your hamburger. The mozarella was like if should be, real Italian style balls of mozarella. The tiramisu was spongy and wet which is the Italian way of making tiramisu and the mascarpone was excellent. All in all, I loved this place. I especially liked the front decor, very romantic and the lighting was nice. Looked like I was in a scene from the Secret Garden movie. The layout of the restaurant was intriguing as well, The tables were laid out in a rotunda format. In the middle, there was a sunroom. Pretty! Price is worth it if you want style and authenticity!
(4)
Aubrey R.

I have to say after revisiting this place after quite a while, it was not the same as I remembered it. The ambiance is romantic and the service was perfect. The food however, not amazing. In an attempt to try something different and break out of my normal chicken and broccoli pasta, I decided to try the Linguine Mare Chiaro - seafood pasta per the servers recommendation. Perhaps it's just my taste buds but I was not impressed. For the $20 we paid for it, the dish lacked luster. The sauce tasted like watered down marinara and when the server asked if wanted cheese on my dish, more of the cheese ended up on me rather than the dish. Overall this dish would be a bit better with sauce that is a bit thicker in consistency and an angel hair pasta instead of the linguine (al dente). My husband however got the spinach ravioli filled with sausage and ricotta and really enjoyed his dish. He left nothing to take home! We finished off the night with the trio dessert - chocolate moose cake, tiramisu with dolce de leche ice cream and apple crepe. Not something i would necessarily get again, however I would say I'm pretty picky with my food and desserts. I definitely have to feel that the desserts are "worth it" when eating. This one, while okay all had the same textures and didn't seem to be a well orchestrated trio. The tiramisu was very soft, almost mushy but great coffee flavor, apple crepe also soft and quite buttery (not my thing) but my husband loved it, and the raspberry chocolate mousse cake was again, soft. So all around would I recommend it - yes to people who don't have food guilt and are looking for a nice atmosphere and great service. I don't see myself coming back for a while though...I think I'd rather splurge on a Buca de Beppo or Maggianos.
(3)
Amy D.

Let me just start off by saying I LOVE THIS PLACE! I used to work literally a few steps away from this place back in 2003. My friends and I would always have their salads for lunch. You tell them what ingredients you want, they mix it up right there in front of you, and package it up all pretty to go. All salad lovers will be addicted to them I promise! Now, for Happy Hour, my company used to come downstairs to hang there every Friday! Awesome waiters/waitresses and bartenders and still are! ...And finally for dinner! Even before you appetizers or main course meal arrives, their bread with oil/vinegar is delicious and will get you full fast! Gnocci is my favorite on their menu. And I love ordering the cucumber martini to compliment it! One advise I could give is: Beware of the parking. It can be a little fruturating. Do not park in the structure. Make sure you valet your car :) Cheers!
(4)
Alexis T.

We had already been to the Pasadena Il Fornaio and liked it. But now we like this location even better. It's smaller and not the "warehouse" feel of the Pasadena restaurant. It has a beautiful, large patio dining area with bocci ball courts you can use. (We couldn't because a group function was taking place at the time.) The server, Akram, was super-friendly and helpful. The house chardonnay was nice, and reasonably priced at $7.50/glass. Loved the penne pasta with bacon! Salad was fresh and chopped with tasting dressing on the side. All around a "win-win"!
(5)
Maximus Decimus Meridius M.

This is really a 2 1/2 star review. This place is an enigma. We stopped here on our way back from San Diego to L.A. after a little road trip and i was really looking forward to stopping here for a nice relaxing meal. Unfortunately, things don't always turn out like you plan them. Stop laughing. So we sit down... I ordered a glass of some new white wine they were promoting. Don't ask me to spell it or identify it. it's white and is normally (*always*) served cold. Oh wait. let me back up. We sit down. We wait 10 minutes before anyone a) talks to us b) brings us water c) acknowledges our existence. 20 minutes after we first sit down a waiter comes and takes our order. I order the wine. 10 minutes later my wine arrives. I take a sip. It's warm. I ordered the "Pizza Cristina". This is not a pizza. there is no cheese other than a few tiny drops of mozzarella, i'm not exaggerating, it's really not even clear it's mozzarella, but i'm assuming that's what it was. there is no sauce, it's prosciutto, with shaved parmesan, and apparently, no sauce or cheese. Either they served it to me as a joke or this is really the worst pizza i've ever had in my life. Nevertheless, i'm still giving this place 2 1/2 stars because the ingredients were fresh, and i have a feeling i just ordered the worst dish in the history of this restaurant, if not, the known universe. Please people for God's sake, please, please chill the white wine before you serve it. Or waiters, don't let your white wine sit at the bar for 10 minutes getting warm before you get your act together and bring out the wine. Note to Il Fornaio management: Please remove Pizza Cristina from your menu.
(3)
Steve W.

I recently attended a cooking class in Irvine and found it fun and informative. I would have liked to have a "hands-on" experience, but for the price of the class, seeing the chef prepare the food and be served the meal was great. The chef was friendly and offered to answer any question and to show in great detail what was going on with the preparations. The food was great too. The room can be noisy, since there are few materials to absorb sound. I have also eaten there for the Thanksgiving offerings and found it very good. the service I received was excellent and the waiter was kind. I recommend Il Fornaio in Irvine.
(4)
Keri L.

I have been here several times for business meetings. I had to take my hubby for dinner because I love it so much. The food and service here is exceptional. We were seated right away and were taken care of the entire time. I love how fresh the food tastes. Many of their dishes are organic. We had ordered a pizza and salad to share. The pizza is not a typical American pizza. We had ordered the one with prosciutto and cheese. No red sauce which my hubby loved. The crust was thin and crispy. We had ordered the spinach salad (the menu used an Italian name), it was very tasty as well. My business meetings are always at lunch time. I love their salad with scallops and shrimp. It is always fresh and the seafood is scrumptious! If your looking for a meal that makes you feel like you are visiting an Italian mom's kitchen, this is the place to go.
(5)
Kathleen P.

I'm a regular here. My office is in the building next door and my challenge is to not overuse the restaurant. Terrific pastas, great pizzas. Fast, friendly service. They do a great job of moving people through at lunchtime. Their happy hour is also amazing -- $5 pizzas, wine and beer.
(4)
Amy D.

I went to Il Fornaio for the second time last week for lunch. I went for the first time for dinner about 2 years ago. I don't know why it took me so long to come back because I remember being happy with my dinner. Anyway, I went to lunch with my husband and friends. I ordered the Ravioli Alla Luccana filled with sausage, fennel and of course cheese (ricotta I believe) in a spicy tomato sauce (dish also came with salad options, I chose the caprese). When the plate was put in front of me by the waiter, the aroma coming from my pasta got my mouth watering. You can smell hints of red pepper spice coming from the sauce. All the flavors of sausage, fennel, red pepper, tomato and cheese all seem to marriage nicely in one bite. I definately recommend. Another dish I recommend that my friend got was Cappellaci di Zucca, a butternut squash and walnut filled ravioli in a light tomato and browned butter sauce and crispy sage. I have tried similar dishes like this at other restaurants but I thought Il Fornaio was the best! The ravioli was made to hold more filling than the usual ravioli, so you got a nice bite of fresh creamy butternut squash taking "front and center" of the dish and pasta in the background as it should be. I definately will go back again and hopefully I won't wait so long this time.
(5)
Terry H.

The Friday night wine tasting events are the best deal in town and give you a chance to try some terrific wines. For $20 you get five generous pours of a variety of wines and numerous appetizers. Have been for several of these monthly events and make it a priority to go. So glad I joined their email list for these events.
(4)
Jackie K.

Eh. Not my cup of tea. This place has nice decor, plus one star. Good service + full bar, one more star. Pricey food and lacks flavor, small portions too! =/ Honestly, I would rather go to Olive Garden and get bigger portions for a cheaper price. This is a nice up-scale kind of restaurant. A bit classy. Located in a weird area though. Next to a 24 hour fitness and a bunch of skyscrapers.
(2)
Luke L.

awesome experience last evening. Great bar tender and excellent manager. I was offered a free ap since I was staying at the Marriott next door then the manager send over a free dessert! Pasta was cooked perfect and flavors were spot on. I have to say the people here made the most impact. When you are a business traveler it is nice to feel like you are at home. Go give them a try, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Dim A.

Great atmosphere and service. Perfect place for first date...very romantic. Great food(they make a lot of their own pastas and raviolis). If you like Olive Garden you won't like this restaurant. Yes, it will be more pricy than Olive Garden but it's so worth it. I think the price is just right for the atmosphere, quality of food, and area. If you like seafood ...it's very fresh here. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because sometimes food comes out a differently than when I last ordered it but it's not a generic chain restaurant so it's understandable. Kinda reminds me of Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach.
(4)
Joyce A.

It's usually difficult to write about Italian food because you're either wowed by it or just as well off making it yourself. For my daughter's birthday, I really wanted something special to go to and this was pretty close to it. Walking into the space impressed me right away- I always prefer tables to booths and not a booth in sight! The kitchen is open so you can see your food being prepared if you want. In truth, the waiter (Arturo) & server's service was really good and that is why I gave the place 4 stars. Bread with olive oil & balsamic vinegar on request was out almost as soon as we were settled in. For starters it's a good idea to get the ANTIPASTI DELLA CASA, which is charged PER PERSON . We got a two person plate and it was enough for a tasting & sharing by 4 people.. It had prosciutto with melon, green olives (look out for the pits), grilled artichokes, caponata (almost a chutney of peppers & eggplants), cured meats, caprese (mozzarella on tomatoes with basil) & chunks of cheese (something Grande?) and Bruschetta . The BEEF CARPACCIO was very nicely done, with just enough capers & cheese. We got a bottle of Veneto Pinot Grigio Cristo, which was just okay. Nice soft citrus aroma, clean taste, light (less $ than getting each one a glass) for the meal. The portions of food were ample to share or have alone. The lentil soup I though was flavorful but I like my soups a little looser. LINGUINE MARE came with enough seafood (scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels) with a hint of heat from pepperoncino (crushed red peppers) .CANELLONI FORNO had bechamel sauce, mushrooms, chicken - I thought the sauce was a little sour but overall the dish was alright. RISOTTO came with chicken, porcini mushrooms but the bitterness of radicchio almost ruined the dish for me. Maybe it can be requested without the radicchio. The TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE came with a hearty meat sauce. The birthday dessert of TIRAMISU was classic, not overly sweet nor heavy on the cream. We also had the AFFOGATO (ice cream in a cup with a sauce of espresso poured on it). The BUDINO (Bread pudding with figs, golden raisins & Vanilla ice cream scooped on top) was excellent - more custard than dense bread. We were also told about wine & dinner tasting menus/events. They also have an area for private parties.
(4)
Ron S.

Went here again tonight. I had a great time. Still 5 STAR EVERYTHING. Don't miss this place.
(5)
Louie M.

Hidden within Irvine's corporate streets lies a gem... Come here to enjoy the company of real people and simply enjoy life! Though, the architecture and overall design is still standing strong after 21 years, the fantastic people working here is what makes this place genuine. What made our visit most memorable weren't the authentic details or fresh baked bread (yummy), it was the sincere care and appreciation we experienced while dining this evening. At the bar, Bobby made our visit fun, and what was meant to be an hour, quickly turned into two. And I can't forget to mention that they have a real "Inigo Montoya" here ;-) Then, what was already a fun evening, turned great, when just as the evening was coming to a close, we were introduced to the restaurant manager Jeff. We can't say enough about him. He treated us to a sincere history lesson and grand tour of the facility. This is a great fellow and asset to this organization! In short, these people are diamonds in the rough. Grazie mille Bobby and Jeff!!! P.s. Please bring back the Rosemary & Sea Salt Rolls :-)
(5)
Dcjo N.

Been here a few times, the food is ok...nothing special or to brag about. It's nice to have free valet but location is not easy to find and if you self-park, its a ways to walk. I've heard there's a good wine selection, but since I'm not a wine connoisseur - I wouldn't know.
(2)
Sagy A.

Il Fornaio earned Five start for the quality of food, but mostly for the service. I had a first date on the patio which was perfect spot for the sunset... The bread basket is out of this world, the wine selection is great, and the food was original and tasty. will definitely come back!
(5)
Jim M.

On Tuesday night we attended the monthly tasting at Il Fornaio, Irvine! Marcello is a fantastic host! As soon as we arrive, we feel like we have just entered a private home and we are always greeted. Jeff did a wonderful food demonstration! We met the new manager, Martin........he will be a great asset to the family here at il Fornaio, too! Peter, our waiter, was very personable and has a great sense of humor! Bravo, Il Fornaio!!!! We will be back for dinner next week!!!!
(5)
Emilie A.

I have been to this restaurant MANY times. Every time I have made a reservation for dinner, we have had a wonderful time. The food is excellent and the service is always on point! HIGHLY recommended restaurant!
(5)
Catherine T.

Went here for lunch w/ some co-workers. The place is crowded but clean and well lit. The portions are just right for lunch, especially considering it is pasta. However, for the amount of food, it is definitely a little pricey. I had shell pasta w/ sundried tomatoes and broccoli in a light wine sauce. When the food first came out, I was a little disappointed by the way it looked b/c it looked so bland. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I started eating. The wine flavored the sauce well and I didn't need to add any salt. The sundried tomato and brocooli added some color and flavor to the dish. There were fresh garlic cloves, however, like the sundried tomato, there should have been a little more. I tried my co-workers' tomato cream sauce pasta. The sauce was bold, but not too creamy. I actaully had a little food envy. The penne pasta came w/ bits of bacon. The bacon was cut up too small and kind of got lost in the color of the tomato cream sauce. Our group did not see the happy hour specials until we got a flyer on the way out. The happy hour specials were $5 for most drinks and appetizers. Definitely need to go back for the happy hour!
(4)
Dennis C.

I've always had a pleasant experience here. Their food is not bad, but not the best I have had. It is the service and ambiance that keeps me coming back. It is a little tucked away so give yourself a few minutes in case you get lost your first time here. I highly recommend taking a lady here on a date to get the desert trio and some wine.
(4)
Jeff L.

7/3/2010 Il Fornaio was the site of my 10 year wedding anniversary dinner. We selected Il Fornaio after visiting about a half dozen local restaurants including Prego, Flemings, etc. We made the choice based on ambiance, food, overall value, and customer service. We tried meals and met with event managers at all these restaurants and just felt that Il Fornaio was top notch across the board. The event manager here is Adrienne S. and she was fantastic. She helped us with setting our private party of 24 adults and 6 kids by meeting with us on several occasions prior to the dinner. Very responsive and customized our menu exactly within our budget. It felt that she appreciated our business even though it was not the most expensive outing. This was much appreciated after our experience with other event manager especially up in the Newport Coast area. We had our dinner in the outside patio area and the ambiance was lovely. The enclosed area allowed us to watch the children without worries. We were able to set up a long table to very comfortably accommodate all of the adults. And we also set up a children's table along with buffet table for the appetizers. Two servers helped us exclusively throughout the night and were attentive and friendly. We pre-selected a three course (not including appetizers) dinner of soup or salad, with choices of steak, seafood pasta, and chicken, and dessert for our guests. The food was very good and enjoyed by all. Il Fornaio has a fair corkage policy of four bottles and we also purchased another 6 bottles of wine from the restaurant. Note: the house white is fantastic. An incredible value... This was the second event we've held at Il Fornaio (first private). And based on our experience, we will be returning for years to come.
(4)
Mel L.

I love this place! The ambiance is great--lots of natural lighting during the day, romantically lit by candles in the evening. Service is great and the prices are reasonable for your typical Italian restaurant. As a bread fanatic, I like my restaurants to have good bread, and boy does Il Fornaio have great bread. They serve you a basketful of sourdough, olive, and flaxseed wheat bread (something like that) that's deeeeeeeeliciousssss. So in love. It's always warm and fresh out of the oven. My family and I are vegetarians and take care not eat cheeses made with animal rennet, and Il Fornaio is one of the few places I know whose cheeses aren't. So if you're a veggie like me, feel free to splurge on their margherita pizza--which is fantastic--or ask for as many parmesan shavings on your pasta as you like. ;) The vegetable risotto is amazing as well. My mom also has an addiction to their minestrone soup. If you're thinking about dessert, definitely get the vanilla gelato that comes with two wafer sticks and mint leaves. The gelato's sooo creamy, silky, smooth and the vanilla scent is wonderfully fragrant but not overwhelming. Perfect.
(5)
Troy C.

The food was great. Me and my co-workers went for our team dinner. I will be back.
(5)
Stephanie K.

Dinner is great, although really the price is too much. I work in the immediate area, so I tend to hit up this place for lunch and/or a coffee. For lunch I get a salad- a small salad you can pick any 5 ingredients and they'll toss it for you, and it's not too expensive- about $8. The coffee is great- I always love their mocha. There is such a difference between the quality of coffee and chocolate from Starbucks. I am addicted to these little delights! I've also been for happy hour- with $5 martinis, $3 beer and $5 appetizers (including generous pizzas), you can't go wrong.
(3)
Gloria L.

Service - not as good as the B. H. location Food - ok; nothing special
(3)
Deborah D.

My meal was delicious! It featured homemade pasta and seafood. I also had a flight of wine. Our server was very nice. It is not a quiet atmosphere. It was a little difficult to talk over the noise. A great place for food but not for quiet conversation. Our group was laughing and having a great time, so we blended right in!
(4)
Emma C.

Definitely an upgrade to your local Olive Garden, I was rather surprised that an Italian chain restaurant could be taste so authentic. Ambiance is rather romantic with dim lighting and rustic decor. Complimentary freshly baked bread is accompanied by their regional olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Umbria. For appetizers, the bruschetta is a must-order! As for entrees, the Tagliatelle Bolognese, which was truly fantastic and robust with meaty flavor! My favorite was the Organic Spinach Ravioli, which was bursting with minced sausage and spinach and served in this mouthwatering fresh tomato sauce with a strong burst of basil and garlic flavor! Totally deeelish. We passed on the desserts since we wanted to save our stomachs for something lighter. However, I must say that Il Fornaio is probably my best experience at a "chain" Italian restaurant, come here if you're craving consistently decent Italian food for a pretty decent price.
(3)
Toni B.

I love this place. The food is always amazing, the servers are so nice and there is nothing on the menu that isn't delicious!
(4)
Gracie L.

This was my second time dining at Il Fornaio, and was not disappointed either time! First time, I wasn't too hungry, but was dining with friends. So, I ordered a salad. The second time, I ordered the veal, which was superb. Cooked just right. I also like the fact that they offer half-sized glasses of wine. Hmmm, someone with Asian flush must have made that suggestion. :-) Since I have that issue as well, I am not deterred by ordering a half-glass. It was just right. The ambiance was just lovely as well.
(4)
Terry S.

Location is random, in a corporate center next to 24-hour fitness but the food is good. It's not like eating in Italy so don't get your hopes up. Average at the best.
(3)
Hualin H.

Always freshly made pasta; reminds me of the simple and yet flavored pasta dishes I had in Venice, Florence, and Rome, Italy while traveled with my teenager children ten years ago. The staff at Il Fornaio makes great efforts in welcoming and greeting us like old friends. It's a place we went dinning frequently for it feels like visiting a dear friend's home and it happens that the friend cooks italian real well, the way we love.
(4)
Sean W.

I love Il Fornaio. The food is good, the menu is extensive, and the continuously changing regional influences (seasonally?) in the menu ensure that things never get boring. All of this adds up to a quality dining experience. Besides the delicious and skillfully prepared food, other highlights of Il Fornaio include the delicious bread and- most importantly- the ability to order a large number of wines by the glass OR half glass. Call me a wine nerd, but there is not much I enjoy more than being able to scan a menu and put together my own wine pairing. Being able to try 5 or 6 different wines by the half glass over the course of the meal = a very happy (and tipsy) customer.
(5)
Dye Dye H.

Food was great! Just be warned, a bit expensive and I would not dress too casually.
(4)
Alice Y.

Kinda pricey, but if you're willing to shell out a few bucks for a nice Italian meal, then this is it. First off, our waitress was as Italian as Italian can get. Not only did she throw napkins across our laps while saying "Wheeee!", she told us she loved us after giving us our check. Maybe it was to get a few extra bucks, or maybe she was just being Italian. I just know that she definitely earned a few extra points for this place cause she made me laugh. The food is also fuhreaking delicioso. I got some sort of chicken salad and it was perfectly tossed with the perfect amount of dressing. It wasn't swimming in dressing and the croutons were extra crispy. It was about $16 which is a bit overpriced for a salad, but worth the try. They have a pretty well rounded menu so I will definitely be back to try something new. This place was a tad bit hard to find because it's like a hidden gem in the middle of all these huge business buildings. But we were able to self-park in the parking structure and get validation so all was well. Nice place for a date/dinner party/nice family dinner/celebratory dinner/birthday dinner/need I continue?
(5)
Amara O.

So... I came to this restaurant for a charity event and didn't really know what to expect. I thought I would have to pay for food and the sort, but I guess it was donated!? So, I didn't expect the food to be that great since it was free, but, I was sadly mistaken. It was to DIE FOR! I had these tuna stuffed ravioli that were amazing, their polenta which was made to perfection, their napoleon style pizza with tomatoes and artichoke hearts (mmmmmmm), salad, fruit, sangiovese wine, and the works! It was such a good spread, and I would love to thank il Fornai for putting together such a great feast! It wasn't even my event and I had no prior business affiliation with the people that put on the event. But I will definitely be returning to try some of their menu items because of this amazing experience. Great atmosphere, ambience, and food! Well done across the board! :)
(5)
connie c.

I have been to iL Fornaio, especially the Irvine one, many many times, because it's right next to my workplace. i can walk over there in 2 mins. although if I eat dinner (take out) there, usually it means I am working overtime, T_T let's review the cantina first (casual sandwich place next to the restaurant). their sandwiches are awesome. it's about $6.75 each, serving size is not that big, but big enough for girls, and for guys, well, get a bowl of soup / chips. It's on the pricey side for lunch, salad with chicken plus a drink will be little over 10 bucks, sandwich, chips plus drink, around the same. i never bought the salad there, coz i think salad is meant to be an appetizer, not the main entree, =p, the pizza is decent, nothing to write home for. There are two sandwiches there just absolutely blew me out of my mind: my current favorite, the italian cold cut sandwich (salami, bolonga, other italian meat), on a ciabatta bread, so good! altho i can see my lifespan potentially shorten. my other fave is the chicken pesto bellpepper and argula sandwich, they roasted the bell pepper, the combination is quite good, esp. you can ask them to toast up the bread for you, =) now moving onto the formal restaurant, i have 3 fave dishes there, i don't bother to try anything else any more nowadays, why risk screwing a perfect receipe? my new / current love is the Cristina pizza (proschutto, arugula, and parm. cheese) fave pasta dish: the linguini mare chiaro (seafood, little bit spicy and very garlicky) my third choice would be the rotissere chicken, usually i won't order that (since you can get it from costco real cheap), but the one at il fornaio, i approve, esp. when you eat it with the super smooth mashed potato. (but with my fave pizza and pasta dishes ahead, i haven't ordered this in a long long time) the atmosphere is nice at the restaurant, i am not a wine person, so can't say much on that. Ooo, almost forgot, dessert there is excellent!!! my top 2 are the chocolate mousse cake and tiramisu, one time they had a special crepe (comes with berries and cream), i don't like the regular apple crepe (very alcoholy), rest of the dessert are ok, i'd stick with chocolate mousse and tiramisu, oh, and the calamari appetizer is good too. also, all you can eat bread with olive oil and vingarette, =) hohoho
(4)
Deborah W.

We have been coming here for 15 years . The reason why is because it is the best Italian resturant in Southern California. Anyone who has every spent anytime in Italy can attest to that. A couple of years ago we were flying back from Rome after spending several weeks touring Italy; we had an early flight in that night and the only place that we could consider going to dinner was here Il Fornaio - it was where we knew we could go and still feel that we were traveling through the Italian experience. One last thing - I am the daughter of an Italian mother so I know Italian food; Il Fornaio masterfully celebrates authentic Italian cuisine!!
(5)
Tiffany L.

Not the best Italian food I have ever eaten. I had high expectations for this place. This was based on what I had heard from my friends and the Yelp rating. First, the appetizers. Their carpaccio and caprese were good. At this point, I was thinking, "Not bad, not bad." But then came the main course. I was craving something cheesy. So I ordered the lasagna; big mistake! Now, according to the menu, the lasagna was described as being layered with cheese and mushrooms. However, when I got it, there was nothing between the layers of pasta! Basically they just gave me four pasta slices with burnt cheese on top and a very bland ragu sauce. What the heck!
(2)
Sebastian K.

My experience here has been nothing but excellent. Last time I went was probably my best experience. I took my date and the staff was very friendly. We love our food and it was really good. The manager of the restaurant was professional and attending. I was very happy with him, especially because he knowdest that we didn't have bread and he brought it byhimself. The atmosphere is nice, casual/dressy though for what it is people should take note and not be sooo casual (shorts and T-shirts?) come on I know it's California but have some decency for a 4 star restaurant!!!! il fornaio deserves better customers
(4)
Paul C.

I have enjoyed dinners at II Fornaio on several occasions as I travel to the area weekly from North Carolina. On this occasion my wife accompanied me and she enjoyed her dinner; however, the waiter made a mistake on my order and gave me sole fish instead of halibut. I dislike sole and did not eat most of the dinner. As compensation, the waiter offered a free house drink or dessert which I did not accept and made a decision that from here-on I will dine at Prego's.
(3)
Jami K.

First off, parking is not as convenient here as you do have to park in the lot and make sure you get your parking validated. The restaurant itself is beautiful and so spacious. They have private rooms in the back of the restaurant which was a surprise. As for the menu, it isnt that extensive but they do have the basics of italian food. Pricing is moderate-somewhat pricey. They also have complete meal options where you choose a 3 course meal for like $40. I had the Conchiglie al Pollo that cost $16.95. It wasn't that great as the pasta was al dente and not cooked all the way. The sauce was blah. The portion was large tho. Overall the people in my party all thought that the food was just mediocre. I dont think i would ever really come here again as my experience was just average. I would only come here if I was to have a dinner party with a large group as their private rooms were nice.
(3)
flo c.

This is the first time I've been to this Il Fornaio location although I have fond memories of the ones in the SF bay area since my aunt LOVES this restaurant. Anyway, I don't think the menu has changed much in the past two decades, although I think they have tweaked the complimentary bread selections, somewhat. I went with the special of the day, which is a seafood soup. Needless to say, it is Il Fornaio so the actual name of this dish is 100 percent Italian and that means I can't remember 100 percent of it. The soup is perfect for a light lunch because it wasn't too heavy. It had lots of chunks of fish and numerous clams that floated in a tomato-based broth and was partnered with a olive oil-drenched crostini. The description claimed to have more variety of sea creatures, however I don't remember enough of the other ones so maybe they didn't include enough. This soup was delicious and I would most certainly order it again. My dining companion went with the meat-stuffed raviolis and the minestrones. Apparently, the raviolis are good. The pasta dough has pepper imbedded in it, which I though was neat. Maybe I'm just high maintenance, but the bread was on the hard side and rather chilly. I like my free bread warm, thank you. Not a cheap lunch although certainly one of the local business lunch faves around here. My seafood soup was about $15.99, I think. It was very tasty and certainly not a dish I can get just about anywhere though so I guess it warranted the pricey lunch price tag. Don't forget to validate your parking!
(4)
Katharine A.

I ate lunch here with a bunch of business colleagues. Food was mediocre as best. I had lobster ravioli which arrived at the table cold with the sauce already starting to get that thin layer of film on it. GROSS! I sent it back and then waited a long time once it returned to the table waiting for addition like cheese (yes, I do like cheese & seafood--don't judge)and fresh ground pepper. The fillings of the ravioli were dry. Overall disappointing. The highlight of the meal was the bread they serve at the beginning of the meal with olive oil and balsamic. Yum!
(2)
Christina B.

Bakery/Cafe review only, though the restaurant looked nice from the outside. The guys working at the cafe were really nice and helpful. They didn't have the parbaked rolls one used to be able to purchase at local supermarkets, but the loaves they had out were very nice, well-baked, and decently fresh despite our visiting in the afternoon (around 1:30pm). When we asked about the rolls, one guy--possibly a manager? He seemed quite knowledgeable--got on the phone to doublecheck what stores still carried the rolls, and also confirmed to us that yes, Trader Joes stopped carrying their bread altogether, and yes, TJ's is lying if they say their house bread is Il Fornaio under different packaging. It just doesn't taste the same, people. Sigh. Sadly, the local branches of Fresh & Easy and Whole Foods, the two chains that still carry Il Fornaio, do not stock them currently. So this location is my only outlet for the yumminess, and it's a bit awkward being in an office area and next to a 24 Hour Fitness. But at least it's something...
(4)
Korma C.

Love the bread. Great location and atmosphere. Docked it one star 'cause I can never pronounce the menu items and the waiters' Italian accents (whether real or fake) are a little intimidating.
(4)
jonathan s.

there are a lot of these types of restaurants in the area. to me this is similar to prego or bistango but bistango is definitely the best of the group. two paninis are offered for lunch so i split with someone else. note - i never send food back. ever. unless its seriously inedible i will just deal with it otherwise. the bread to one of the paninis was completely burnt and tasted burnt so we sent it back. we didnt even ask for a new sandwich, just new bread. when they returned the bread was even more burned than before. i could not believe how they would let that come back out to us. we finally just asked for a bowl of some sort of sausage tomato cream pasta that was real good. the chicken panini was the good one and came with bacon and chili aioli. i won't come back here unless its being expensed again and im the one who doesnt get to chose the restaurant.
(3)
Veepee V.

I love this place. If you want to have a good experience here, check their web site and go during the regional menus. You will be treated to unique Italian food from a particular region .. from the bread all the way to the dessert. If you just like the regular old "American Italian" food of pizza, lasagna, spaghetti, etc., its going to be pretty much the same here as elsewhere. The regional menus are what I love about this place.
(5)
Jun H.

This is my top recommend for friends who want good local Italian. I used to frequent this restaurant once a month, and I love the regional menus they offer. For the first two weeks of each month, they offer special dishes from select region in Italy and if you get a Passport book from them, you can get a nice souvenir gift. I hardly ever order off the regular menu anymore. My ultimate favorite is the tiramisu. There's also a bar on the side where you can catch the game and get some munchies. I'm not entirely sure how it works but I think I saw free pizza there before. The crowd is full of business people during lunch and at dinner, the clientele range from families to couples. Don't forget to get your parking ticket validated if you chose not to valet. Once I went into the parking structure and the gate was up and it was kind of after-hours so I didn't think anything of it and just parked. When it came time to leave, the gate was down and I had no ticket! The damn machine wouldn't let me out and I tried the call button but nobody answered on the other line. I just drove around in there, waiting for someone to leave and I missed a couple chances because the gate closed on me but then FINALLY, I was able to escape. Don't make the same mistake I did!!
(4)
Mi C.

I was not impressed at all. I have no idea what kind of sauce was on my pasta. Something between marinara and gravy. My colleague asked for the special and got a completely different dish. I would not go back, and I love Italian.
(2)
Marisa M.

Lobster ravioli. Y-U-M. We'd frequent Il Fornaio for work lunches. My fellow paralegal highly recommended the lobster ravioli. I had it once, and I was hooked. I love the ambiance, really laid back (though often you overhear conversations about an adverse ruling, business deals gone sour, etc. etc.). The decor and bocce courts outside really add to the experience. The servers here have always been really good. They give the type of service usually experienced at an even higher-end place. The complimentary array of breads and olive oil set the perfect tone to the rest of the meal. The desserts are all to die for. Great place to check out for dinner. If lunch is your thing, make sure to make reservations!
(4)
Elaine K.

My brother used to work in the building right next to this place so we came here for dinner one night with my dad. This is definitely one of the more authentic Italian restaurants in Orange County (no, Olive Garden isn't real Italian food). It was really dead when we came in on Sunday night. The service was good. I ordered the cioppino in a tomato broth. It was good but pretty skimpy on the portion. I believe they change their menu seasonally and they have a location somewhere in Italy if you're ever in the area.
(3)
Grace C.

great food and great customer service. we were 45 min late for our reservation but they held our table. food was great and sea food was very fresh. they served pretty quick and was able to ask them to make simple stuff that wasn't on menu. they have free wi-fi so helps to check work emails quick during the meal. the only bad thing is that they have valet only parking. if you try to self park, parking structure is very far. and this place is right next to 24hr fitness. as you wait for your car, you'll see bunch of sweaty people around next to you after work out.
(4)
RF G.

Il Fornaio is a special restaurant and a cut above the rest. It is one of the finer Italian Restaurants in Orange County, part of a larger chain of higher-end restaurants. BEEN THERE: Many times over 10 years BEST TIME: DINNER is the time to best enjoy Il Fornaio, this is when the restaurant comes alive. I notice a lot of low reviews from people who experienced it as a business lunch or corporate event ... Dinner at your own table is the best time to enjoy this place. GETTING THERE/LOCATION: It is nestled away within prime Irvine commercial property off Von Karman Il Fornaio has its own edifice, which I really like. PARKING: There is Valet, if you like that. For those that don't like Valet (count me in) there is a parking structure that is a 2 minute walk away. Parking will be validated at the restaurant. STAFF: Generally friendly, but usually busy WAIT: Expect to wait during peak hours, or you can make a reservation at their website . AMBIANCE: Awesome, everything excellent and to be expected of higher-end Italian restaurant. Environment can be busy at peak hours. It's not romantic, however, everything is very well appointed, great circular interior design, high ceilings. It retains its class on top of the hustle and bustle of people. The surrounding grounds in the exterior of the building in the evenings is very nice, love strolling around there after dinner. MENU: Many typical Italian favorites, however also abundant in unique and specialty items. Il Fornaio goes a long way in keeping in their menu active by adding various themes, seasonal or Italian geography specific. As great as those are though, I always end up choosing just typical favorites. For dessert they take out the dessert tray so you can see what you are getting before ordering. SERVICE: Good, but busy. FOOD: Very good quality, taste and good presentation. I've tried different menu items, from appetizers to deserts, and have never been disappointed. PRICE: Considering excellent location, excellent interior decor and building, and food quality, the price is not cheap, but they definitely deliver on those premium prices. BAKERY: They have a bakery/cafe adjacent to the restaurant that is open early on weekdays (closed on weekends). I highly recommend it, and the Cappuccino there is the best in OC, imo.
(4)
bimali b.

I have been here twice and although I wasnt impressed the first time, I did like it much more when I went again. The people are very friendly, they remembered my parents when they had only been there twice and the service was excellent. The food is good, not amazing, but worth going more than once. I love the ambiance and I think, in addition to their desserts, the ambiance is their finest feature.
(4)
Bill F.

Love the regional specialties. Went to another Italian restaurant last night and had to come here tonight because it's so much better.
(5)
Cassie P.

I just had a special event here for my new business. It was held on one of the patios and it was AMAZING! Adrienne, the event planner, did such a great job. Everything was perfect done to the candles on the tables. The food was outstanding and kept coming, the server was attentive but not obtrusive. Highly recommend this for business events!!!!
(5)
Julie H.

Il Fornaio Irvine is led by the most amazing Managing Partner, Marcello Apollonio. From the time you set foot in his "home" you know you'll be well taken care of! The food is authentic and delicious, and the reach of this restaurant is deep in the community. Incredible food, beautiful restaurant led by incredible corporate stewards in the community! Enjoy!
(5)
Surf City M.

I am surely going to come back for the excellent service, atmosphere, and delectable food. Juan is a great host, I will RETURN!
(4)
Hoang T.

ravioli stuffed with spinach and spicy sausage! AMAZING! The meal was very elegant and the taste reflected just that! I thought the menu was well built and i definitely had a hard time choosing what to eat. The service was great so that's always a plus. Valet is available but you can just park yourself and have your parking ticket validated! I want to go back and try more stuff!
(4)
Joa K.

decent italian food. nothing out of this world, but notable enough for me to write a review on! hehe.... not the most agreeable prices.....this place seems like a very business oriented or "adult" place. meaning, you have to have a good, steady income to feel comfortable paying for the food here. i guess it makes sense. this place is located near lots of business - major companies too. one thing i reaaaally liked about this place is being seated outside. you can see the birds, bunnies, and garden that they have. of course, the parking lot right beyond the garden/grass field is lame. but it's irvine......
(3)
Mitra K.

I was brought here by some friends that work in the area for my birthday lunch. The restaurant was pretty empty and I thought that would mean we would get excellent service, we did not. We got decent service, but you know when the waiter disappears, and you just can't understand why? This was one of THOSE situations. The food was decent but we spent most of our time trying to flag down the waiter, get more iced tea or ask for an extra plate (when you know we're sharing - please bring extra plates!) I think I will have to go back again and try a different server to be able to evaluate the food completely, but the steak sandwich was gross and the pasta was a little too al dente for my liking.
(3)
Rogelio H.

For a "high end" chain restaurant, IF is good. Been coming to this particular place in Irvine off and on for the past 10 years or so, mostly during Happy Hour. The lasagna is excellent, as is the service.
(4)
Greg P.

I eat here from time to time for work functions... we'll cruise over here for lunch and occasionally for happy hour. I've rarely had a meal here that I've been a huge fan of. They have a pretty good lunch time deal where you they will mix a salad with your choice of 5 fresh veggies for about $6, plus a few bucks to add meat. Their happy hour drinks are expensive, but they (currently) provide free buffet style food at happy hour time. Generally it's some pizza, pasta, and some type of dessert food. I've had their morning pastries and coffee... never had a reason to complain. They do tend to lean on the pricier side of places for average food, so I'd go elsewhere if I were looking for Italian food, unless you happen to work in the complex.
(3)
G. A.

Happy Hour! Excellent! Bread service with olive oil with a strong flavor, and a smooth balsamic vinegar. Whole pizzas for $5, and I will rave about the flatbread appetizer with goat cheese. And I got to try some pastas too, and the al dente texture caught me by surprise. I loved the fresh basil on the pizzas. They also have drink specials as well- wines, beers, limoncello shots, etc. It was awesome. They stop happy hour service at 6:30PM, so get your order in before that!!!
(5)
Carlo S.

I'm not the type of person that likes chain fine dining as it is almost an oxymoron, BUT!!!! Il Fornaio is the closest thing to Italian cooking that i've seen in a restaurant in the U.S.. They are very consistent and have attention to quality down to their bread... just amazing... some of my favorite memories are playing bocce with my father in their very own legal size bocce court... really takes me back to the old days in Italy.
(5)
Mooki x.

Went for lunch. Was very loud and crowded - probably because it was right before the holidays. Probably not a good idea to come here if you only have 1 hour for lunch. The food was good. Service could have been better but then again, alot of people were there for their holiday lunches in the office. I would probably go back when it was less crowded
(3)
Neil N.

Great quick lunch fix with salad bar; hint, ask for a lil dressing, otherwise you'll get 3 huge spoonfuls that might really dilute the salad, unless you like a LOT of salad dressing. You get to pick up to 5 toppings for your salad. And these are pretty big salads, "Elaine-Benes"-like if you ever watch Seinfeld. But great lunch spot, had this and a drink for just under 10 bucks. Got to see the suits and folks coming out of 24 Hr Sport get their lunch here.
(4)
Michael C.

The Good: Pretty restaurant. Service is friendly and the environment is fancy. The Bad: The food was mediocre. After seeing the prices, I expected something very good, but instead, the food tasted like it was microwaved. Try: Turtei con Aragosta (Lobster Ravioli) Don't try: Spinach Ravioli (good, but some were cold, some were hot), Capunti alla Bolognese (the sauce just tastes weird)
(2)
Lina L.

The restaurant has great ambiance, lots of natural lighting during the day. Price and portion is reasonable but I ordered something that wasn't on the menu because I am a picky person. I had chicken alfredo pasta, it was the most delicious chicken alfredo pasta I've tasted. Nothing compares to this dish. The alfredo was rich with favors. YUM!!!! I think I will have this for lunch tomorrow =X It's also taste great even if it's leftover.
(5)
Phung T.

I like this place, the pizza tastes great and fresh; except I was all other tables have basket of bread except mine. Do I have to ask for it? Or because I'm a party of one Asian female?
(4)
David E.

The ambiance is very nice and the Italian food is authentic tasting and reliable. I rarely have my socks knocked off here but I know what to expect and never leave disappointed. They have monthly special menus (you can get on their mailing list) which are pretty nice. I've gone once when they covered dishes from the area of Italy where my relatives reside. That was a nice culinary experience. The place can get a little loud but overall I am a fan.
(3)
Vince F.

I came here because I always passed by it on the way to the 24 hour fitness and thought I should check it out. The atmosphere is nice and spacious and the area to play bocce was a nice touch. I love the location because it's tucked away among the large office buildings, but I never would have known about the place if I didn't go to the gym right next to it. The location and ambiance are the best parts about it because I can't even remember what dish I got. The food was still good, but for the price, it wasn't as good as what I expected. I still prefer Maggiano's by south coast plaza for Italian food - and it's less expensive.
(3)
Ryan W.

Il Fornaio has been dependably good for the past several years, but I feel as if the quality as somehow declined in some intangible way in recent years. The calamari is top-notch, not too heavily battered or greasy, and served with an excellent slightly spicy tomato dipping sauce. The linguine mare chiaro has been my Il Fornaio signature dish for years, and it remains consistently good. The lobster ravioli is also good, and the sheer variety of breads in the bread basket satisfies the carbohydrate-philic. The tiramisu is also strong. This location has particularly strong servers, but I would stick with the pasta and skip the meaty dishes.
(3)
Brenda R.

First off, food at Il Fornaio is excellent!! I've gone to this location a number of times, however, my dining experience this week had a few odd quirks from the staff. Off the bat- when I checked in, the guy thought I was looking for the party vs. I am the (actual) party. B: Hi, Im Brenda. I have a reservation for a party of 3 at 8pm. GUY: (scrolling through the comp. screen) Oh, nobody from the party has actually checked in yet ma'm. B: That's bec. Im checking in right now. GUY: oh. oh. OH!! Im sorry, I misunderstood. Okay, so that was oddity #1. Oddity #2, was when I asked my server to bring out an addtn'l plate with my entree for my daughter. She actually offered to have a separate portion for her already prepared. Our food was brought out by another person and the server did not check or remember what she had offered to do. ???? Im not being meticulous- it's just expectations are set when you walk in to this kind of reputable restaurant. Quirks I mentioned are really, just that, odd quirks. Any choice pasta you make-- will be divine!! The spaghetti ai frutti di mare & canelloni al pollo are my usual picks + a fabulous glass of wine.
(4)
Avi S.

This place is located in a strange area, but the food is good. It is a classy place where you take a girl on a date. The decor is nice as well. Unfortunately, our waiter was very old, and I had a hard time understanding what he was saying. They also have a full bar that makes good drinks. The butternut squash ravioli is a must if you are a vegetarian!
(4)
Kathleen H.

Great bread and great happy hour special. Order a drink (glass of wine around $10) and enjoy a simple all you care to eat bar of little finger sandwiches, salad, pasta, etc. It's not a bad deal considering all that carbs really fill you up and get your pumped up for a good work out (gym next door)! Actually, what I like the most about this place is its location. The food really is pretty mediocre. I haven't had a lot of memorable dishes here, but the atmosphere is really nice. I love sitting outside and enjoying a nice glass of chardonnay on a warm sunny day. It feels like a little escape, being surrounded by trees and flowers amidst a concrete jungle of tall office buildings and parking structure. The validated valet parking is pretty nice too. Try the HH from like 5-7pm. It's totally worth it.
(3)
Natalie L.

@bakery - cafe latte was good and service was great!
(5)
Christine D.

I enjoyed the food and service at a banquet that was held in the back of the restaurant, and I hope to come back to experience the main dining room. Most of the hors d'oeuvres were pretty tasty, but I don't think everyone would like everything. Some people liked certain things more than others. For me, the sausage had too much gristle and the prosciutto and pineapple pizza reminded me of pizza hut. The bartenders are really friendly and a couple of them were pretty cute!
(4)
T H.

Came here for a seminar and was impressed with the service and decor. The food was decent but nothing that really sets it apart from other upscale Italian restaurants. Good place to conduct business, not overly loud and has a hip vibe to it. Among the Il Fornaio restaurants, Canaletto's at Newport Beach is probably the best overall (try the Branzino Sea Bass, spectacular!) but a very good dining experience here as well.
(4)
Khalid N.

Got the sausage ravioli with some wine and the mixed plate appetizer. Pecorino cheese and mozzarella were very good. Had some wine and finished with a mix of desserts and some espresso. Best of the desserts was the tiramisu. Top it off with waiters chatting with me in Italian (even though mine is pretty broken), and I felt like I was back in Italia for a moment.
(5)
Rosalyn L.

I went to this restaurant years ago (pre- Yelp) and couldn't remember how it was so I went to try it again before seeing Wicked at the OCPAC. Everything about Il Fornaio- from the food to the service was just OK. My friend and I ordered the Caprese Calda to start. It wasn't anything special.. the cheese tasted like your average grocery store bought mozzarella. My friend ordered Barilotti alla Valtellina (whole wheat pasta w/ a variety of veggies). I thought it tasted bland but the cabbage and string beans were a nice surprise to go w/ pasta. I got the Cappellacci di Zucca (butternut squash ravioli w/ crispy sage). The butternut squash filling was sweet, smooth, and creamy. You can choose between 2 size options and although we both opted for the larger size, it came out the size of what I would consider a standard plate at most Italian restaurants. Overall I can't pinpoint any specifics that I didn't like about the restaurant but I know that I'll go to other Italian restaurants before opting for Il Fornaio again.
(3)
Alex P.

Just for clarification, I think there is a smaller bakery/togo like place attached to Il Fornaio, I'm not writing about that one. I'm writing about the actual restaurant. I had been here once before a long long time ago. In fact, it was junior year of high school for Winter Formal. I thought that it was very nice back then and I think the same thing today. It's tucked away beneath some of the larger business building in Irvine and is actually very nice and peaceful. They even have two bocce ball pits in the courtyard, outside of the restaurant, which I thought was a great touch. Surrounding the entrance, there are some great outdoors seating looking out onto the peaceful courtyard and the bocce ball pits. As for the interior of the restaurant, it's very well kept. Extremely clean and very sophisticated, there are several choices for seating. There is a small bar area, which is secluded from the main dining area, the main dining area, seating in the open kitchen, and some private rooms for private parties. Today I found myself there for a business luncheon and was very impressed with everything. The service was very good, with a friendly and efficient wait staff. Like all Italian restaurants they start you off with some bread accompanied by olive oil and balsamic vinegar. While most of the time I love to drench my bread in the vinegar, the olive oil was really fantastic! Fruity and flavorful, it was obvious that this restaurant knew the distinction of when to use the extra virgin olive oil and your standard every day olive oil. Despite the delicious olive oil, I actually practiced some restraint today and didn't eat the entire basket of bread wanting to save space in my stomach for the rest of the meal. I started my meal off with some delicious and perfectly toasted bruschetta with delicious tomatoes, all of the ingredients tasted wonderfully fresh. After having polished those off, there was a nice break to let the first course settle, relax, and get some business taken care of. Unlike some restaurants where it feels like they're trying to rush you out, the nice pause in between the appetizer and entree was perfect. As for the entree, I had the lobster filled ravioli in a tomato shrimp sauce, which was also very delicious. The pasta was cooked to perfection, aldente! The filling was rich and savoury and the sauce was very nicely balanced. I finished off my meal with a very generous helping of tiramisu and a cappuccino. Il Fornaio is definitely good stuff. It's surprisingly affordable considering the demographics and the classy atmosphere of the restaurant. I'm sad it took me so long to try revisit this restaurant but will definitely make a trip back before another decade passes. :)
(5)
Alain T.

I've been here a few times and there's nothing memorable about the restaurant. The food is average and nothing to brag about. The service is good and nicely decorated.
(3)
Annie T.

It was my first time here and I really liked the dish I ordered! It was the large pasta tube with cheese and meat inside. So good! And I also ordered la tempesta and that is my favorite mix drink thus far. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because service here was super slow. We asked to order and no one actually came until 30 minutes later.
(4)
Z C.

I visited the restaurant for dinner. The food was much better than Olive Garden in terms of quality but their primi portions are rather tiny. Thankfully, my brother and I split our dishes with each other so we had enough, as he ordered a dish not from the pasta category. Their pasta is thick and has some life to them instead of being limp. In general, their prices are about one or two dollars higher than Olive Garden but are well worth the money due to the excellent service and food quality. It was hard to find the restaurant and the parking garage is easy to get lost in, especially because it is not clear where the elevators are.
(4)
Moises M.

First of all this place was a bit of a challenge to find, and the location for this place is random for the most part (in the middle of a hotel/ business district next door to a 24 hour fitness?) We arrive and i notice the place has a lovely decor and the kitchen is in plain site, big plus, but there where barely any people in there. As i sit down our server gives us a basket of some tasty artisan bread and makes dip of olive oil and a dark vinaigrette that tasted like a semi alcoholic jam, very yummy. We where there for a little while waiting for our friends to arrive and every 5 mins kept bugging us about our order and continually insisting on ordering and entree. (I couldn't blame him we where taking forever) I order the lasagna and it tasted kinda like a run of the mill pizza which was a huge downer for me considering what the place was putting up for show. Most of my other friends that ate with me got the ravioli and they say that it was not impressed especially when they payed $20 for 5 pieces. I can see why this place hasn't made much noise the food isn't something to talk about (and way to pricey for what they're serving), although the upsides are the breads, the oil dips and the waiters who are very attentive. But we had fun as a group so most of us didn't really care.
(3)
Marian B.

Dine here mostly for lunch meetings since I work in one of the buildings close by. The food is good and the salads are fresh. Wine selection is also good. Nothing too impressive though. It's a pricey Italian restaurant that caters to all the business people in the area. If you want real authentic Italian food, this would be the first place to come to mind. But if you want good food, good presentation, a well known name and a fancy looking place to take a friend or business associate, I would come here.
(3)
Mariel C.

I work in one of the buildings in this area....right across the parking lot, so we come here pretty frequently. We come for lunch....most often when we have people in for in-house interviews. Food is pretty good. Not the best italian ever....but generally good quality. They have a salmon sandwich that I will definately recommend. The real bonus for this place, as others have mentioned, is happy hour. Our office will empty out many Friday afternoons...and you can bet a swarm of us will be haning out here. They put out some good food for happy hour....margherita pizza, pastas, salads....good times. There is also a small cafe type place attached to the side of the main restaurant. This is a great place to go to grab a quick salad, or pick up a coffee when you get the afternoon sleepies. The salads are good because they make them for you right there, and you can basically add whatever you want.
(4)
Jess B.

Good rosemary bread. Not enough vinegar with the oil. Homemade lemonade not so great. pizza was okay but nothing special. The 1 hour wait for the food to arrive was REALLY not special...nor was it appreciated. Don't know if I'll go back.
(3)
Rosalyn E.

oh my, delicious and so pleasant. what a great restaurant. i was about 15 minutes late for my reservation and i thought i was going to have to wait forever, but we were seated right away. we were so appreciative because it was my graduation dinner and my parents had driven from l.a. to irvine. they were super friendly and super awesome!
(5)
Angeline D.

Il Fornaio is the official place for after-work drinks with my coworkers. Never for food, never for dates. Food is pretty mediocre, and the drinks are typical. Nothing out of the ordinary or impressive. I'd probably never invite my boyfriend to eat here. It's simply a nice place to unwind with the girls after a long day. Drab review for drab restaurant.
(2)
J. C.

Another restaurant that I remember when it first opened. I remember when the parking lot was 1/2 dirt still. Anyway, the food is decent & I love the spinish keish they have at the take out section. Do they even have that anymore?
(3)
Stella M.

This restaurant serves real Italian food, so if you like Olive Garden, Buca di Bepo, or Maggiano's you might not enjoy Il Fornaio. They actually cook your dish, they don't have ready made pasta in warming trays, with frozen sauces here, they have chefs preparing your food. I've come here with family and alone with my Hubby, and have enjoyed it every time. I love how they change their menus monthly to celebrate different regions of Italy. It is expensive, so we like to come here for special occasions.
(5)
bentileezy c.

I took my girlfriend to Il Fornaio for a fancier-than-usual night out. Everything was great; food was great, ambiance was classy, waiter was hard to understand (because he was pretty old), but definitely polite and competent. I had the seafood linguine with white-wine marinara and my girlfriend had pasta shells with chicken, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes. We were both very pleased with their service. I asked the waiter to suggest a wine pairing for my pasta, which he did very well. After dinner, the owner (or very high-ranking manager) came out and asked us "have the chefs prepared these dishes the way you like?" I have to say, the overall experience was nothing short of exceptional. As long as they maintain their standards, Il Fornaio is definitely be a 5-star restaurant.
(5)
J C.

I had the rack of lamb... pretty mediocre.. it was pretty dry, and tough..the seasoning was lacking..bland... The service was real slow too, and I had to beg for refills. My buddy also ordered the rack and they overcooked it.. he sent it back and got something else.. it took forever. The crepe dessert was ok.. and the highlight of the meal. I've had much better, and less expensive rack of lamb at Yard House.. The place was also DEAD.. there was only 1 other party there when we had dinner.
(2)
Sandra A.

The first time I ate at Il Fornaio in Santa Monica, I didn't even know how to pronounce the name. But just like the one in S.M., this Irvine one is very good. I had the chicken stuffed noodle with bechamel sauce and mushrooms - don't ask me what the name of it was, i couldn't even pronounce it when I ordered it. Good thing, I'm good at pointing. Anyways, it was very good, except that I forgot I get very full very quickly with a lot of cheese and cream sauce. I guess I ate a lot of deliciously fresh bread while we were waiting. It was so crowded when we went there during lunch. It took a long time before we were served, but we finally got someone's attention so we could get our bread. The bread must have come straight out of the oven, it was soo hot. Then we ordered dessert, and I ordered the crepes with apple filling and ice cream. It was so good with their delicious coffee. It was a great way to end the meal.
(4)
Kelly C.

I walk over from my office all the time. It has a great HH & love going to the bakery side for their salad bar. You can make reservations on open table for this location.
(4)
Jonathan L.

5 years ago, this place was dead empty on Sat afternoons and evenings. Over time, it started to become a weekend destination as well as a weekday dinner spot for local company execs. I ate here in early August of 2008 and the food was really quite good. The selection of Italian wines was very representative of all the Italian varietals (I hate that word, they should just call them "grapes") and they have a truly full bar. The flank steak, risotto, pizzas and traditional pasta dishes are all really good. Service is also really good, the wait staff team up very nicely here. Why only 3 stars when the food and drink is so good? We have a reservation and still waited 40 minutes. That is just unacceptable.
(3)
Albert W.

Not big on Italian (although I love it in Europe) but this place is my favorite among the local italian places. It tastes good, the place looks nice and the price is very reasonable. Great place for a date or just to take your friends out.
(4)
marcus L.

Ate there with my wife. Decent food, and decent price...HOWEVER, I booked on line via opentable.com , and the staff choose to not to correct their mistakes with dining points. So, when I called, the staff was not only unhelpful, also un-professional, and ended up talking to the manager, who stated that he will take care of it.. but he just lied. In conclusion, don't go there. The staff will handle the issue in most unprofessional way possible... well they will just lie to you...
(1)
Maome S.

Better than average Italian place. I recommend the beef carpacio to start and their white prawns as entree. Pricing leans towards the upper end. But that's probably because of its location, nestled in the heart of OC, close to the John Wayne airport and next to the expensive LA Fitness.
(4)
Joo L.

I think maybe my expectations were a bit too high, since I knew that this place made all their pasta in-house. I was thoroughly disappointed by most of their dishes (and service). Let's start with the pros: The Rustichella (Housemade flat bread topped with goat cheese, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, basil, oregano; baked in the oven) was not bad. It's almost like a pizza. The entrance way is beautiful and the patio seating does offer the happy hour menu. It's actually quite fun watching all the healthy people walking (or running) to 24-hour fitness, which is right next to the restaurant. Now the cons: Insalata della Casa was nothing stellar...in fact the problem was the dressing. It was too strong. Secondly, the Barilotti alle Melanzane (Barrel shaped whole wheat pasta tossed with smoked mozzarella, eggplant, tomato sauce and fresh basil) sounded great on the menu...but unfortunately tasted not-so-great. If you like the taste of wheat pasta (which I don't...and our menu didn't mention wheat pasta), then you might like this dish. The servers were nice, but a little frazzled and unorganized. They first sent us the wrong pasta dish, and when they finally gave us the correct pasta dish, they blamed it on the menu, letting us know that we had "an old menu." I want to give this place a higher rating, but I just can't find myself to do it. Maybe I'll try the place one more time and try a new salad and pasta dish to raise the score...
(2)
Chris E.

While Il Fornaio is not the best italian food I've had, it is still pretty good. The one thing I love about this place is the ever changing regional menus that allow you to sample dishes from every part of Italy. I always get the fried calamari here. I'm not sure what it is about it, but it is the best in the area. It's deep fried, but not coated with a huge amount of batter. Be sure to try it. For dessert, I suggest staying away from the traditional tiramisu (though it is very good) and trying the italian creme brulee. It's seasoned with a little fennel, which gives it a nice taste. The service is always great and on point.
(4)
Janet P.

If you offer gluten free, then have it on hand to serve to customers. Disappointed everytime I go (3 times) that they don't have gluten free on hand even though it is on the menu. I always end up having salad and quite frankly, I make a better salad at home.
(1)
Terence T.

This place wasn't bad. I actually goto their San Francisco location a lot for lunch. I got the ravioli, which was pretty good. Some Italian places serve pretty skimpy ravioli, but this place had better sized portions. After your meal, check out the 24 Hour Fitness Ultra Sport right next door! If you go after dinner on a weekend, you can ask the employee at the front desk to let you roam around the gym. It's frickin amazing. =p
(3)
Aaron T.

It was nice. In my opinion nothing to really write home about but good atmosphere for a date and food was good. I thought about only giving three stars because I've had some absolutely amazing food at small hole-in-the wall places lately, but then decided that the server earned the fourth star - he was really cool and friendly which is important in my book.
(4)
Brittany B.

We met up with family here, a very easy place to get into, reservations wise. Finding the place was tricky--its by a gym in a business park. We were seated easily (party of 8) ad brought water. The water was horrendous. It tasted like it came from a rusty faucet by the dumps, in the back of the restaurant. However the bread selection was nice. Nothing to wash it down with, as our waiter took a while asking us for drinks. I ordered the vegan minestrone, and the house salad (garlic croutons, butter lettuce and raddicchio w/ shaved parm and lemon garlic vinaigrette) The soup was awful--the veggies had lost all their flavor, simply reduced to mush, and hardly any broth. The salad was premade, I m guessing, the plate chilled and everything neatly arranged. I appreciate the ambiance , however. The atrium inside is interesting.
(3)
diana m.

went with a friend and ordered the oc restaurant of the week special 3 course meal that was $30...included an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert that made him really full and satisfied :) good prices, good proportions, and best of all...GREAT service~~~ i personally ordered the raviolli alla lucana,,,that was great as well! loved the cheese and the stuffings inside the raviolli! must try!
(4)
D S.

I can only base my review on happy hour and a wine tasting, but this is a wonderful place for both. And, to top it off at a great deal! Apps and select glasses of wine and specialty cocktails for $5.00/each. Wow! I should also mention that the bartenders are very attentive and make great drinks. It's surprising to find a happy hour list that has so many specialty cocktails using premium liquor on its list. The only bummer is that the grilled seafood app is no longer on the happy hour menu. It was a dish of grilled shrimp, calamari and scallops. I guess they realized that it was too much of a steal of a deal. The pizzas are my fav. . . thin crust. There are choices for meat eaters and non-meat eaters.
(4)
Caroline B.

Eaten at the Irvine location of this chain twice. Once with my family on a random weekday and on Valentine's Day. Both times were very good. The food here was very decent both times. I was willing to let the quality on Valentine's Day slide a little, but my boyfriend and I were both very impressed. The canelloni and pasta a la vodka were delicious. I had the same pasta when I came with my parents, but we also had some appetizers and drinks. The carpaccio was very good. Not the best I have ever had, but very delicious. I had the special cocktail, I don't remember what it was exactly but something with vodka and it was purple and it was gross. The service here is also very good. On Valentine's Day it wasn't rushed at all, which was very nice. When I came with my family to an almost empty restaurant, the service was very attentive and definitly went above and beyond. With my leftovers he gave me an entire loaf of bread for the next day. YUMMY! I would definitly tell people to check this place out when looking for a good italian dinner. The place is beautiful and the food is consistantly good.
(4)
Daniel C.

Not as I remembered. Reservations turned out perfect, no wait, however the service and food were just not up to par. To start, we ordered drinks and Calamaretti Fritti (appetizer). The calamari was surprisingly good. I think the spicy marinara sauce made it better than it was, but still was really good. For my entree I ordered the Ravioli alla Lucana which is ravioli past filled with Italian sausage, ricotta, and Parmesan with a spicy marinara sauce. This sounded good and actually tasted good, but wasn't what I thought it was, and the portion was very small for me. I had to eat more bread just so I could actually slowly eat my meal. I could have eaten all the pasta on my place in a matter of minutes. Maybe it was the experience here because I've been here before and to the one in Vegas, and have always enjoyed it and liked it. I just felt the portions weren't that generous, and the service was not great at all. We had to ask for more bread, ask to get another order of drinks, and he didn't even offer fresh Parmesan cheese. I will think twice about coming here again, I really wasn't impressed this time. On a good note, this place does have a great atmosphere and ambiance. It's place to definitely try if you enjoy Italian, and a place to go on a date.
(3)
Josh S.

Nothing special. Its not your normal Italian place, they do serve dishes from all over Italy so you can sample some different tastes from all over Italy. The restaurant itself is big, clean and nice and its centrally located in Irvine to all the major business spots. I'd say it compares favorably to Prego, a few notches above places like Olive Garden, etc. but you can find better small Italian places that aren't chains.
(3)
Lily P.

This restaurant looks incredibly inviting from the outside. Nice soft lights at night grabbed my attention to this place. When I finally decided to come here the food was decent, but the service was beyond horrendous. It's very infrequent when I feel a server doesn't deserve a tip, and this was one of the times, we were ignored by just about everyone, busboy, server, manager WTF?!? I swear age-ism runs rampant because we're young (or like to think we are)... We received so little attention we were going to walk out of the place. It took forever to get anything, and there were not many patrons either, it was an hour before closing so there were still a few tables, but loads of empty ones. Very unfortunate.
(2)
Christina W.

I have an affinity towards this Italian chain. I really enjoy their risotto specials. I've tried their mushroom risotto. Just superb. And they don't stuff your face with a huge plates of pasta. They even make a fantastic Capellini, with angel hair pasta and fresh tomatoes. It's a lighter pasta dish for those carb counters. I've also tried their Caprese salad (tomato, mozarella and basil) and Carpaccio (I like my beef raw, baby.) The raw beef was a salty sucker, but I guess that's the way Carpaccio swings. Overall, a nice romantic spot and great dining experience.
(5)
Derek A.

Overall - 3.5/5 (rounded up) Food - 4/5 (Disclaimer: I don't remember any of the names of the food) The complimentary appetizer bread is very appetizing. I opted for the three course tour of this month's part of italy. Both the starter and second course (baked artichoke and some sort of pasta with a meat sauce) were delicious. I wasn't looking forward to my main course of pork chop, but it was my only choice for the three course other than fish, which i don't care much for. The pork chop turned out to be alright, but it was very heavily seasoned with rosemary, which i didn't particularly like. The potatoes and spinach accompanying it were delicious, however. My girlfriend got a soup appetizer which she enjoyed very much, also from the particular section of italy for this month, and a pasta dish. The pasta dish (something ala forno?) was delicious. I can't ding them much for not enjoying the pork chop, as i tend not to enjoy pork chop, but i thought i'd try it anyway. Service - 4/5 The waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. The bread was aptly stocked, waters consistently refilled, and the courses came out on time, except for the last course, which is the reason for the 4. we waited quite a long time for the main course. Atmosphere - 4/5 The decor overall was pleasing to the eye, especially the exterior and entrance of the restaurant. We were seated near the open kitchen, which made it rather noisy; not necessarily a bad thing, just don't expect a quiet dinner.
(4)
Russel M.

Good solid choice for quality Chain Restaurant Italian. Don't expect to feel like your in Italy but for OC standards this is pretty good.
(4)
James N.

Mediocre service, so-so food. Every time I come here, the service is sub-par. This time, it took three requests and half an hour of waiting to get tapwater at the table. When my main course arrived, it was only warm, not hot. The food is nothing special. The grilled romaine was uninspired. My mezzalune pasta course was good. My oxtails lacked the sort of richness and complexity that one expects from a long slow braise. My brother's cioppino contained seafood which he described as "not-so-fresh" and did not finish. True to the name of the restaurant, the breads and rolls were very good. Although the dishes are a few dollars less than at other fine dining restaurants in the area, Il Fornaio is not a good value. You can do better.
(2)
Sunny P.

This place is A-MAZ-ING! From the food to the wine to the service...this place meets all expectations. WHEN you go, ask for OSWALDO as your server. He gives you just the right amount of attention without intruding on an intimate dinner. His suggestions on entrees all met the standards...especially his taste on wines! I have now found at least two favorites because of him. The Pennoni alla Vodka was my favorite (make sure you're very clear you DO NOT want to share this dish - it's that good)! I will gladly go back EVERY DAY!
(5)
Brad K.

There are a ton of Italian restaurants but very few good ones. By good I mean quality of food, service, and ambience. Il Fornaio has all of these. The place positions itself as an upscale italian restaurant and certain looks and acts like it. I was impressed by the impeccable service from holding the wine bottle and pouring it correctly to the guy using a real crumb brush. The ambience here was excellent and this was most likely a good place that some proposals were made, and hard breakups softened. Like most higher end restaurants the portions are smaller with attention paid to presentation and flavor. At some places this can be kind of a paradox because italien places are known for bright cheery, warm places with more food than you could imagine. So when you go here be prepared for more of a higher end experience where the richness of the food and presentation are factors in both the dining (and paying) experience. Il Fornaio probably isn't for everyone but as far as high class italian food...it's excellent! *Tip: this is a higher end restaurant as such, know what you're getting into before going and maybe dress accordingly.
(4)
Robert C.

With a rotating menu, great ambiance, and wonderful service, this surprisingly spacious restaurant tucked just out of view in the middle of Irvine's main business district is wonderful. I brought my girlfriend here for her Birthday, after she wouldn't let me pay for Valentines day. We were both wonderfully surprised by the great menu. The food here is pretty good. It's rotating, seasonally, as the restaurant prides itself on showcasing the different cuisines of Italy, so it's pretty useless for me to recommend something. The prices are up there, but not horribly so. You can get away spending about 20/person, but I like to enjoy what I eat, so that means some pretty good wine =). Valet and Garage parking are free with Validation. Be kind, tip your Valet. This place is perfect if you want to take someone someplace rather nice, without being overbearing.
(4)
Erin B.

Three stars for the ambiance. I didn't order anything from the menu since I was just there for the free food during happy hour. The wine selection is decent.
(3)
Melania P.

I love the food at Il Fornaio. It is very Delicious, regional menus are very interesting and gives you a chance to really try new authentic dishes. The only comment I would have is service, it is not always that great, just depends which waiter you get assigned to.
(4)
Diane A.

We went there a few times, the first time the food was delicious. The chicken with the lime dish, delish! They had a tour of Italy event and we went on the week they celebrated the food of the Calabria region. Maybe they just don't have good food in that region to celebrate, but the food was not great. I played with my food, pushing it around on my plate not knowing what to do with it. The manager observed this and immediately came over and recommended another dish which was very good. They did not charge for the Calabria tour which was appreciated.
(3)
Erin L.

Came here for a wedding in a little private room in the back. The food here was decent. They serve prociutto wrapped melon & their drinks are hecka strong. Those was the highlight of the meal :)
(4)
Fatty A.

When I was in High School everyone thought this place was fine dining. We came for dates and even prom. Looking back the food was just ok. I was a skinny food moron back then. Today I am just a fat ass who still cannot read and write good. I would definitely recommend this place for youngsters that want to impress there 16 year old girlfriends and want a nice place for a group of young people. Otherwise fat burger down the street will also do that trick for 1/3 of the price.
(3)
esther n.

I wish I could remember more from my experience at Il Fornaio - my family brought me here for my birthday 5 months ago, and I guess I can't say it was an unforgettable experience... They do a great job with *ambience,* keeping their warmth-bringing pizza ovens going even when there aren't many customers (we went on a Sunday night, and since it's in the office district part of Irvine, the whole area was practically deserted). The food, though, doesn't quite meet expectations. The menu selection is okay, and a little seafood-heavy for sure. Too bad the seafood plates aren't very good. (I remember now - DON'T get the calamari). I'd say the whole experience was maybe a touch nicer than what you might get at the Olive Garden, but not much tastier or better than that.
(3)
Grace C.

Get the salmon. It melts in your mouth.
(4)
Andy H.

(Another one bites the dust) I kindly requested some kind of seafood soup because their description caught my curiosity. But they torpedoed it out of the water by presenting me overcooked seafood, served with hot water over a pound of sugar. Maybe I ordered desert and did not know. Perhaps. Or perhaps they are just not good.
(1)
IrvineHousewife I.

Il Fornaio is the first more upscale Italian restaurant that we started visiting when hubby and I were still in college. Well, FYI, that's a long, long time ago when Madonna's fingerless gloves were still hot, ha. Anyways, funny how I still remember that cold winter night while walking back to our car.... ok, enough reminiscing. Ever since the Irvine location opened, we have been there few times, usually with other couples for dinner. I usually don't order the Bruschetta Rustica, but I make an exception here because I think the idea of a bakery next door is appealing, and I could never say no to Ciabatta. The carpaccio has too much olive oil, so I always tell them to take it easy on the drizzle. The Grigliata Costa Smeralda, which is scallops, shrimp and calamari in parsley sauce is something I don't see often, so we order it when we are with company because my kids never liked parsley. The soups are alright, but we stopped ordering salads long time ago, they were not really fresh, and most of the time the dressing is overpowering the taste of the wilted greens, not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Kids like the Fettuccine alla Bolognese, it is as close to spaghetti as they can get. the Cappellacci di Zucca, ravioli with squash and walnuts, is really good, but the last couple times I had them, were too watery. Try their Turtei con Aragosta, lobster ravioli, if you catch the chef on a good day, the sauce will be smooth as velvet, otherwise, a bit overcooked and thick. I have tried the Gnocchi , don't bother, I think mine;s better. Their's is always a bit hard. For desserts, the Budino di Pane, mostly because I could never perfect my own recipe of bread pudding w/ apples. Tiramisu is my kids' favorite, but I personally don't think a big deal of it. I guess overall, it's a decent place to dine for dinner (never tried their lunch). We don't go much anymore because you are sort of spinning the roulette to see which chef is cooking that night.
(3)
Greg B.

This place has some goods bads. Cheap happy hour and salads are definitely part of the goods. The rest of the food is ok.
(3)

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Address : 18051 Von Karman Avenue
Irvine, CA, 92612
Phone (949) 261-1444
Website https://ilfornaio.com/irvine
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 10
Mon : 11:30 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Valet, Garage
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

Pizza

Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.

Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.

Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20^th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.

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Il Fornaio

18051 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA, 92612

Il Fornaio Menu

Antipasti

Minestre E Insalate

Pizza

Pasta Fresca E Secca

Specialita Della Casa

Girarrosto Griglia E Specialita

Dolci

Healthy Meal suggestions for Il Fornaio

Antipasti

Minestre E Insalate

Pizza

Pasta Fresca E Secca

Specialita Della Casa

Girarrosto Griglia E Specialita

Dolci

Lisa T.

Avi P.

Lara D.

Ayesha O.

Linda G.

Diane L.

Ashley F.

Terri V.

Anne N.

Corey M.

Huey S.

MaryAnne S.

Kimberly W.

ThaiTan N.

Nicole M.

Royce Y.

Frankie G.

Marla S.

Sharon B.

Doraine G.

Shelby A.

Yummy Y.

Joane B.

Abra W.

Jeff K.

Shane D.

Grace C.

Scott C.

Debra M.

Jonathan S.

Nathan C.

jae e.

Jen O.

Jennifer C.

Lindsey E.

Tim H.

james V.

Kathy K.

Eric R.

SSS K.

David D.

John C.

Kristin A.

Tara M.

May H.

Madrid M.

Pat T.

Amy L.

Elaine G.

Man S.

James M.

Tami D.

Neluta G.

Liz C.

Sarah J.

Wesley C.

Lena P.

Hannah N.

Rick G.

Ellen o.

Justin H.