Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek Restaurant - Walnut Creek, CA

Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek

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Address:
1430 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Neighborhood:
Walnut Creek

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Cuisine:
Italian

Price: $30 and under

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Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.ilfornaio.com
Email: info@ilfornaio.com
Phone: (925) 296-0100
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Sunday: 11:30am - 4:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm; Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Italian
Executive Chef: Mario Radilla
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Fireplace, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: Delivery service available for orders over $100 in the Walnut Creek area.

Getting there

Cross Street: North Broadway
Public Transit: BART
Parking: Street Parking
Parking Details: Valet located in Broadway Pointe Plaza, entrance located on Duncan off North Main. Cost is $6.00 with validation.

A word from Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek

Il Fornaio means 'the baker' in Italian. This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; housemade pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and housemade soups; a… wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2007.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Diner Reviews

"We had a party of four and all of us enjoyed every course except maybe the triamaso which was a bit on the bitter side. The bushetta sampler was excellent as was thin sliced beef appetizer. The 4 entrees were prepared very well and was just the right size portion for all of us. The only negative was the service wasn't up to standards e come to expect from Il Fornio. The server seemed a bit uninterested and didn't follow up during the meal. The restraunt has been running a special based on the different regions of Italy but our server didn't even bring it up until I asked about it and even the wine specials were not brought up until I asked. I would think a restaurant of this caliber would suggest these themes the chef's had put together."
Dined on 3/7/2014
"My friend took me here tonight for my birthday, per my request. The service was very good and the ambience quite enjoyable. The appetizer of peppers, eggplant, goat cheese was great! Unfortunately, the food went downhill from there. The pasta dish with mushrooms that we ordered was cold by the time we got it. The grilled mixed seafood platter was ridiculously over-salted, even the broccolini. I have been to this location a few times and had much better meals in the past."
Dined on 3/7/2014
"I took my daughter there for her birthday lunch and she had an infant in a stroller. I shared both of these needs and they were very accommodating--put us in a quiet, secluded area so we had room for a stroller, and ease to exit to the ladies room to care for the infant if needed. They did a nice gelato birthday sundae too. Felt very taken care of."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"We chose Il Fornaio for a special birthday celebration Though the noise level was a little high (they were very busy that evening), it wasn't too loud to converse The food and service were great - a good time was had by all!"
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Very nice dishes and don't forget they bake their own very educated bread. Start with their excellent bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Then split a nice salad or some freshly made pasta. Then try some veal scolpini for the main dish. Finish with a nice scoop of house made gelato. Yummmm."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Brunch met our expectations, although nothing in particular gave us the "WOW" factor or made us want to rush back there. Still, all in all, the server was attentive & personable. Nice experience."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"From the time we arrived, we received great service. My minestrone and mushroom pasta were delicious. They serve 2 sizes of pasta dishes which is much appreciated."
Dined on 2/24/2014
"I've dined at Il Formio at its various locations throughout the years and always felt that you could count on a predictably good Italian dinner. Not so at this visit. Both my friend and I were completely underwhelmed by our dinners. The salad was soggy and way too overdressed, and my dinner, the cannaloni, was drenched in sauce and cheese with little substance beyond that in terms of flavor or chicken. There's too many really good restaurants to choose from in this area to risk another poor meal at il Forniao it was that disappointing."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Service was outstanding and food delicious and we were had time for a nice long lunch and visit."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Good ambiance. Good service. Good food. What more do you need to enjoy a night out wit your sweetie and friends."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"We had a wonderful dinner as we took our Grandson who just turned 18. The food was very good however the waiter we had was so very hard to understand. The three of us could not understand him. When he explained the dessert cart we did not know what anything was so we chose by looks. We had to have him explain more than once each part of the dinner and still we came away not knowing what he said. The ambience is very good but not outstanding because of the noise level at times."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Our table of eight was well accommodated. Pleasant staff and nice menu."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Il Fornaio Walnut Creek is comfortable, has a great range of menu choices and a wine list that offers good lower-priced options as well as splurge options, and the food and service are consistently very good. The parking is easy too. We've sat at the bar and enjoyed the service there as well. It's always a pleasure to dine at this restaurant."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"Went there for lunch but arrived to early, so brunch was the only option. Ok menu for brunch, however our food arrived lukewarm and the butter for our pancakes was nearly frozen. Nice waitress but very slow service. A friend suggested that I should have waited for the lunch menu or go there for dinner, I should have listened to their advice."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"the Duck was awfull. The server was over worked, little attention to us during meal, I would have sent the duck back, but never had a chance to. My wifes tenderloin was good, but she had to share it with me. Not your usual experience."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"I've been a number of times for lunch - Walnut Creek is a "meeting half way" with my daughter who lives in San Francisco. The food is consistently good. My daughter loves the Vodka Sauce and I absolutely agree. It's creamy and rich. I really enjoy the mushroom Pappardelle. We always end with sharing a Rosina al Cioccolato which I highly highly recommend. I love the outside seating away from the street. The only draw back is that the service is only mediocre. I've only been at lunch so dinner service may be better but our waiter went missing a number of times, we poured our own wine through out the meal, had to flag him down to ask for a desert menu long after our lunch plates had been removed from the table."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"I like this restaurant because it is so close to shopping. We arrived on time but were told along with others we would have to "wait" while the servers got clocked in. We had specified a nice table on the reservation but much to my chagrin were escorted to the claustrophobic back of the restaurant. Believe me, I know this restaurant & this is not the place to be seated. This night we had a nice server but I would say 3 /4 times you get servers who really hate their jobs & treat you as such. The food is hit & miss & deviations outside your usual order can be disappointing & expensive. My husband noted that the "presentation" of dishes was sloppy. The consensus after a $110 + tip meal for two was it was just "OK" but NOT worth the $."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Fresh pasta and delicious! One of my favorite places and it never disappoints."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"Arrived at 5:00 pm for early dinner and hostess seated us to a table of four situation in the middle of two tables for 2s. Since one of our guests used a cane and seating could be a problem in the middle, we asked for another table. Restaurant was almost empty and there was a lot of empty tables of fours. However, hostess in red, grabbed the menus and proceeded to move us without a word to another table near the window which was great. No words -- just body language! What was her problem?? No words were exchanged between her and us. Just her bad body language. She should NOT be a hostess."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We had such a lovely evening here. The service, food and atmosphere were all great. We had a combination of pasta dishes, and all were well prepared. The wait staff were friendly and attentive. It is so nice that this mainstay in Walnut Creek remains a solid "go to" place."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"My friend and I had an excellent luncfh with excellent service. We really like Il Fornaio. They're brunch is also excellent."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"This is a favorite standby for my family and friends. We go monthly for the Regional Special Menu and we're never disappointed. The menu ranges from semi-complex to simple family fare. A great place to go with a group of friends or family to celebrate."
Dined on 2/5/2014
"When I walked in I was greeted with a pleasant "Hello". The staff was all very welcoming as well as efficient. The food was excellent and was delivered in a prompt manner. The server was knowledgeable and attentive. I definitely will return."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"For a chain establishment, Il Fornaio displays consistent charm and deserves a 3.5 rating The staff are friendly, well trained, and attentive. Part of the fun is visiting with the same servers that we’ve enjoyed over the years. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Food is good, not fabulous. Many hot dishes arrive at a tepid temperature. Two items that have disappointed are the arugula and beet salad and the traditional Italian dessert, zabaglione. In winter there is a blazing fireplace and in spring and summer the large doors open to watch the passersby on their way to Broadway Plaza. From 4-6pm, they feature a happy hour with half price appetizers and glasses of wine. Valet parking is $7, or 3 hour free parking is in the lot above"
Dined on 1/31/2014
"My girlfriend and I go here every year for Christmas. It is always festive as they are always full and there a plenty of large groups using the restaurant for parties. It is simply decorated for the holidays but elegant."
Dined on 12/6/2013
"A friend of ours who is the manager of one of our favorite places in San Francisco used to be the manager of El Fornaio in Corte Madera and he told us that the flatbread pizza with prochutto was super....and it really was wonderful...combined with a spinach salad and a nice glass of wine, we had a delightful light dinner...figured a former manager of one of the restaurants knew what he was talking about...."
Dined on 1/25/2014
"while a fairly large establishment, the zoning and table configurations, help this restaurant retain an Italian bistro feel. The menu lacked expected Italian fare and was instead replaced with dishes described in complicated foodie speak terms. Having said that, the salmon spinach salad I had was excellent and the portion generous. I'd go back if I was in the mood for California cuisine but not for Italian food. If you can't smell the garlic passing by...it ain't an Italian restaurant."
Dined on 1/18/2014
"Service and food excellent at Passport special dinner (Trentino-Adige)."
Dined on 1/19/2014
"I met a friend here for Brunch; since she lives across the Carquinez Bridge and I in the East Bay Hills, it was a convenient place to meet. Parking was easy, lots of shopping nearby, and many choices in the menu for Brunch / Lunch. She usually has a salad, but when saw the offerings, switched over to an omelette. Our waiter, Michael, took excellent care of us. I have numerous food allergies and he was careful to review the menu with me both before and after I had made my selection. I travel frequently and know that I can always rely on Il Fornaio for its high standards and consistency. It is a place we know we can dine at leisure, enjoy ourselves and never feel rushed!"
Dined on 1/19/2014
"Compared to the other Il Fornaio locations - San Jose Downtown, Palo Alto, etc., this location has the worst service by far. For an ala carte entree price north of $25, you expect the basics - explaining the specials, getting drink orders served before the meal, etc. None of these happened. The waiter and helpers only wanted to get our orders, then clear our table as fast as possible. For the birthday guests, they brought out a couple of scoops of Spumoni, then charged us for them. Really! Other pet peeves... when asked to take my plate, either ask me to keep my silverware of just take them and replace. Don't take them offer my plate and put them back on the tablecloth for me OR not replace. Come on, guys! This isn't Denny's."
Dined on 1/18/2014
"I used to be a regular at the Il Fornaio near Levi's Plaza in San Francisco back in the day. The restaurant in Walnut Creek is beautiful and the service was great. I had high hopes when I walked in. An extensive selection of gluten free options (for my companion) and a lovely wine list. I appreciated the fact that there were many options for ordering just a glass of wine. The food, however, was disappointing. I had the lasgna and my companion had the gluten-free pasta with a variety of mushrooms. I think I've had better food at Pasta Pomodoro, frankly. I will likely try it again, though since the other aspects of the experience were good. Plus, it's kind of harsh to judge the whole food experience on just two dishes."
Dined on 1/16/2014
"The food is authentic from the regions of Italy! Service is wonderful! The wine selection is very rounded!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"My family and I had a really nice evening. We enjoyed all of our selections and our server made us feel very welcome. I especially liked our table (I requested a table away from air vents and the kitchen). This was our first visit and I would've selected a table near the fire place but now we have something to look forward to for our next visit. We will definitely come again."
Dined on 1/10/2014
"Salad was soggy, tiny portion of ravioli which was nothing special. , place was sooo loud we couldn't enjoy a conversation. Waiter was somewhat attentive. Prices were average although you didn't get much. We would not recommend or return here."
Dined on 1/11/2014
"Il Fornaio is one of the few chains that still makes you feel like it is a chef driven restaurant unique to each location and in some ways it is. They stay current and keep their restaurants beautiful even though most have been open for well over 10 years. The consistency as to why they were a success in the first place is remarkable. Hats off to the operations team at Il Fornaio for executing such excellence."
Dined on 1/10/2014
"It's a place we always take out-of-towners to, especially in the summer when you can sit outside. Everything is great; sometimes it's slightly too loud for any kind of romance, but generally, a really nice restaurant."
Dined on 1/10/2014
"Table reserved for 7 was very cramped...restaurant wasn't that busy so no reason to not give us more room"
Dined on 1/9/2014
"I am noticing over the past few years that the portions are getting smaller. My dinner group has decided to no longer want to frequent Il Fornaio because of that and the increase in the prices."
Dined on 1/7/2014
"Everything went smooth, the food was great, service was on spot and the mighty was lovly. They took really good care of me and my date and made is very special with a few side notes as in it was her birthday and that she is gluten intolerant so they were very carefully"
Dined on 11/30/2013
"Their bread is still good, everything else has gone way down hill. Food was mediocre not particularly tasty. Pasta was clumped together -- inexcusable for Italian restaurant. One dish was lukewarm. Server completely unprofessional walking around in one of the dirtiest coats I have ever seen. Too bad, this used to be a place you could count on solid, if not a great meal. I fear this was our last time, at least in Walnut Creek and perhaps for chain. Again, too bad; I have enjoyed, especially with with kids over the years."
Dined on 1/4/2014

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