Reviews for Il Fornaio in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

Food was delicious, it was a little slow but that's not surprising they seemed understaffed for a weekend. Our waitress was... super patient and explained the menu items well! We ordered the Burrata Con Prosciutto, the Ossobuco Di Maiale (pork shank), andthe Cannelloni pasta, all were delicious! They have a 3% surcharge on current prices as well. Read more

We have lived in Carmel for over a year now and we just discovered this little gem ????!! Off the lobby of Pine Inn, they have... incredible Italian food. The calamari is so fresh and decadent as it’s served with warm marinara. The flat breads are to diefor. I mean so flavorful and filling. It was enough for two people to share. To top it off…they have a happy hour to beat theband. I mean $5 beer, $7 cocktails, and $12 entrees is such a rare find in what can be an city of luxury. The reason I’m notgiving this a 5-star rating is because the bartender left a lot to be desired….BUT DON’T LET IT DETER YOU!! So, tell yourall your friends to meet you HERE!! STAT! Read more

We made reservations ahead of time for this place and had high hopes. But the service was awful. Our waiter was rude and grumpy.... He was short with us and never came to check up on us after we ordered. The food was mediocre. The drinks from the bar weresubpar. We won’t be coming back. Read more

We love the San Jose location. This was our first time at the Carmel location. Lunch for 2. Beautiful outdoor patio, very good... service. Salad excellent. Pasta excellent. Best tiramisu I've ever had (but it's not a dessert I get often, so you may have adifferent opinion). Lunch was around $55, priced right IMO. Read more

Food was outstanding! Best butternut squash ravioli I've ever had!

This place looked really nice inside. It gave me a fancy but not fancy vibe at the same time. It was hard getting a table for 9... in other surrounding restaurants so I loved that this place take big groups. The servers were very nice and friendly but Ihonestly wouldn’t go here again. It’s very expensive and all the food was so unseasoned. It was a good experience though.Their patio and outside dining area looked beautiful as well. Read more

It's a 1/3 success ratio for this chain... Another hit and miss after the superb experience at the Palo Alto joint and the... disastrous experience in the Santa Clara center. This place will give a tough competition for the last spot with the Santa Clarajoint. The servers will ensure to make you feel out of place by there intentional lack of attentiveness for you, they startsprofiling guests right from the reception desk, which was quiet unwelcoming... Coming to the food, it was served very late eventhough the restaurant was not much crowded, the bread provided was super cold and hard, the chicken in the pasta was also notfresh. Think twice before you plan a visit… Read more

Beautiful restaurant with lovely ambiance and great service .Dogs are welcome on the rooftop and there is a handicap accessible... entrance. We sat on the rooftop which was gorgeous. Flowers all around and plenty of heaters if you get cold. Our server Ramonwas fantastic and very attentive. He definitely added to our good experience by suggesting meals and wines to compliment. I loveall the seating options for if you want a more casual dinner or something fancier. The brussel sprouts starter was delicious. Ihad the gnocchi and would order it again for sure. I don't think I'd take my kids here because it felt more like a date nightatmosphere but I'll definitely go back and recommend to visitors. Read more