Il Fornaio

09/27/08

One of the best!!

by monofsteel

I don't know what some of the others were talking about in there reviews but they were so wrong about this restaurant. It was some of the best food i have ever had. the price was just right for us. My server was knowledgeable in the great wine they had and was able to help us choose the right wine to go with our dinner. Was a little loud, but its a busy place with many people so we understood. We can wait to go back and bring friends!

09/05/08

loud cafeteria-like atmosphere, food is average or less than average

by wavewriter

First off, this place doesn't deserve three stars, but 2 seemed too low. 2.5 would be more appropriate. I've been here many times because my friends seem to always want to eat here. I've decided that it's time to veto their selection. I have never had a great meal here and the noise levels ruin the atmosphere. What happened to a little nice music playing in the background? I don't know why but it seems everyone has to yell when they talk here. But back to the food - I've even thrown up after eating here (may have been that the food was just too rich, as I typically eat a very strict vegan diet). I think this place is often packed because of its location, nothing more. The bar is very popular and the bread is good, but the service is anywhere from moderate to poor. Oh! And the fact that families take their children here and let them RUN AROUND in the restaurant making nuisances of themselves really annoys me. PARENTS, IT SHOULD BE A PREREQUISITE FOR DINING OUT WITH YOUR KIDS THAT THEY KNOW HOW TO BEHAVE IN PUBLIC. My dining experience should not be adversely affected by your arrogant disregard for others.

• Pros: bread
• Cons: atmosphere, food, service

01/01/07

Pasta dish was terrible, service wasn't much better

by jasper33

I had heard a lot of great things about Il Fornaio, specifically about their homemade pasta and wine list. We made reservations for New Year's Eve and although it was busy, we got right in. We ordered an appetizer and a salad, which were fine, and my husband ordered the lasagna which was good. I ordered the lobster ravioli and it was terrible! It had way too much citrus/orange rind in the sauce and it even smelled bad. I started to eat it, however, the waiter took so long to check with us that my husband was almost done with his meal by the time we could say something about my pasta. The sauce was awful and the quality of the lobster in the raviolis was bad. Service was very slow, it's nice to be able to enjoy your dinner not in a rushed way, but this was slooooow.

They did comp us a dessert for the terrible pasta dish but they should've comped the $20 lobster ravioli! We won't be going back.

• Pros: Wine list
• Cons: Terrible pasta, slow service