Il Fornaio

Italian Restaurant $$ 4.2 (1032)


Il Fornaio is recognized for its inviting ambiance and a menu that boasts a wide array of authentic Italian dishes, including handmade pasta and classic pizzas. Regulars appreciate the quality and freshness of the food, which reflects true Italian culinary traditions, though some customers have noted occasional inconsistencies in service.

Overall:

4.5

(837 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.0


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (650) 853-3888

Address: 520 Cowper St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" Il Fornaio has been my go-to place for Italian food for years now. The pasta is consistently good, and the tiramisu is the best in town. I usually dine on the patio, which has a charming vibe. However, during my last visit, the service was a little slower than usual, but I still love this place! " (*Curated Review*)

" I’m a returning customer, and Il Fornaio never fails to impress! The rigatoni alla vodka is a must-try—creamy and perfectly spiced. The atmosphere is lively and the service, while sometimes busy, is always friendly. The prices are reasonable for the quality. I’d recommend this place again anytime! " (*Curated Review*)

" Had a lovely dinner at Il Fornaio with my partner. The food was good, but the service was a bit slow at first. The pasta was well-prepared, and the ambiance was cozy. Overall, a pleasant dining experience, but room for improvement on service speed. " (*Curated Review*)

" I’ve been coming to Il Fornaio for years, and I can honestly say, it never disappoints! Their ravioli is absolutely exquisite, rich filling, and perfect sauce. It’s a great choice for a romantic dinner. The waitstaff is always courteous, and the ambiance feels like a little slice of Italy. Can't wait to return! " (*Curated Review*)

" I have mixed feelings about my recent visit to Il Fornaio. While the ambiance was nice and the service was generally good, my main course was very bland. The pasta lacked any real flavor, and it was unfortunate given the positive reviews I've seen. I might try another dish next time, hoping for a better experience. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (827)

" I had a mixed experience at Il Fornaio. The pizza was decent, but it lacked the crunch I expect from a good Italian pizza. The service was friendly but not very attentive, as I had to ask for my drink twice. The atmosphere is lovely, especially if you sit outside. Overall, it’s a nice place, but I think the food can be hit or miss. " (*Curated Review*)

" Il Fornaio exceeded my expectations! Every dish was bursting with flavor, and the staff was so accommodating. I have to mention the eggplant parmesan—it is delightful, with just the right amount of seasoning. The atmosphere felt refined yet inviting. I'll make sure to share this gem with friends! " (*Curated Review*)

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