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IL FARO restaurant & bar

4.9
4.9
314 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Top Tags:
IL FARO means "The Lighthouse" in Italian. We envisioned being just that: a beacon in the Albany neighborhood, a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life. Strength and serenity. Creating food that please all of the senses. We believe food should look beautiful, smell amazing and taste delicious. We know that dining out is more than just a meal; it's a great new glass of wine, a much needed break from work, a romantic evening with promise, a perfectly mixed cocktail and a memorable meal that you will crave.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian, American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

  • Hours of operation

    Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (518) 463-2208

  • Website

    http://www.ilfaroitalian.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Christian Lofaro

  • Catering

    The Chef will work with you to create a perfect catering option

  • Private party facilities

    We love to host private events and would gladly help you plan your ideal party.

  • Private party contact

    Jessica Lamoreaux: (518) 463-2208

  • Location

    698 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204

  • Neighborhood

    Albany

  • Cross street

    Wolfert & North Pearl

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Entertainment

    Local Artists

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 314 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Upstate New York

    Best Overall

  • Upstate New York

    Best Food

  • Upstate New York

    Best Service

  • Upstate New York

    Best Value

  • Upstate New York

    Good for business meals

  • Upstate New York

    Italian

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Filters

  1. g

    gmhrjh

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Il Faro was holding their annual Lunar New Year's dinner and Chef Chris did an excellent job!!!! Service was a little slower with only 1 1/2 servers but still performed with a smile and did not affect the heat/quality of the food. This is not usual staffing for this restaurant but there had been a medical emergency which wiped out a staff member. Il Faro has been operating with an abbreviated menu from pre-pandemic and is doing so to insure that the quality of what they deliver remains high. Special cocktails are delightful and whimsical. I miss the old menu but still enjoy what comes out of Chef's kitchen.
  2. BF

    BigFan

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of favorite places to go! Val was very attentive. The food was fantastic too.
  3. RC

    RichardC

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Bdeen here often ... still holds up for good service and quality food. No complaints here!
  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service, and I love the atmosphere. We stayed and enjoyed dessert and tea, and we and look forward to coming again.
  5. LS

    LindaS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It’s a nice close-to-home, comfortable dinner venue. Since the menu changes weekly it’s impossible to get bored with the offerings. However, it is nice that they keep a few staple menu items.
  6. CH

    ChristopherH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good vibes, food cooked perfectly and a constant changing menu. Staff very friendly. Just an awesome experience.
  7. S

    Sarah

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience. Food was delicious. Service was outstanding and ambiance was wonderful. Will definitely visit again.
  8. B

    Beth

    New York Area

    65 reviews

    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Yes we’ve been here a few times in the last month and each time all was very good from the ambiance to the service and food. It’s easy to go here frequently because the menu changes each week. There are several people who come here weekly or multiple times per week - they are the regulars that eat at the bar or have a drink and get take out. It’s that type of wonderful neighborhood atmosphere. Give it a try!
  9. B

    Beth

    New York Area

    65 reviews

    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great meal here. We had a group of 12 plus another 30+ in the restaurant on a Wednesday night. As you can imagine it got loud. The service and meals were good. Our meals were all a 4 or 5 out of 5, and the mozzarella sticks are the best in the area!
  10. AR

    AmandaR

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a place!!! Food is outstanding. Service was great. Atmosphere was fun but quaint. I would go there all day every day! Fantastic dining experience.
  11. CL

    CaroleL9

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my many visits as usual excellent food (calamari dish a treat) Great service very friendly atmosphere and the owners are the best. Highly recommend😋
  12. WG

    WorthG

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife had the zuppa di mare (shellfish) and I had the farro with mushrooms, peas, and asparagus. Both were very good.
  13. AK

    AmandaK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and delicious food. We enjoyed the chicken parmigiana stacks and the hanger steak. The decor was wonderful for the holiday season.
  14. B

    Beth

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service is always great. That's why we keep going back
  15. HS

    HeatherS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Val, our waitress, was great! And we met one of the owners, Jess, who stopped by multiple times to check in on us. We would love to come back and make this place a “usual” spot!
  16. B

    Beth

    New York Area

    65 reviews

    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brought my 92 year old mother in law. We had excellent meals and service as usual. Great neighborhood gem.
  17. K

    Kerixon

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing gem we found on a visit to Albany. Daily special was the best short rib and polenta you will ever have. We also had a terrific fresh fettuccine and prosciutto with peas dinner which was equally delish! Great wine selections available and dessert to cap off a wonderful experience. Friendly and attentive service by everyone at Il Faro makes this a top pick in Albany for sure … can’t wait to get back there!
  18. GJ

    GeriJ

    Hawaii

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite go to spot! The food was delicious! Great spot to bring our toddler. And we even got a personal welcome from Chef Chris. It’s worth a visit. Your favorite customers!
  19. R

    Regularvisitor

    Orlando

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a great restaurant in Menands that has a limited menu that changes weekly and is dependently good!
  20. JW

    JohnW

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very enjoyable, took home half of each entree, a great Manhattan and we’ll be back.
  21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    29 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The restaurant was short staffed and the food took a very long time to come out but the wait staff were kind, empathetic and did comp us a drink and dessert for the extended wait. The food was excellent and worth the wait.
  22. PS

    PatrickS

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    Amazingly welcoming hostess who made us feel special immediately. Scotch was overpriced but food was priced right and delicious. Amazing meatloaf and penne vodka. Wine selection was unimpressive. Very very loud unfortunately. Would still go back
  23. CL

    CaroleL9

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an excellent meal, wonderful service friendly staff and atmosphere.
  24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As usual we enjoyed our dinner at ILFaro.
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was recommended to me quite some time ago. When my sister wanted to treat me to a birthday dinner, I chose Il Faro. The place is charming. The owner, Jess, was very pleasant as was our server, Val. The meal was excellent! So fresh and very well cooked. I appreciated that our seafood was served on a bed of nicely sautéed, well seasoned spinach instead of pasta. After I chose my dessert, I was told it was on the house for my birthday. I took it home to eat later. It was delicious. I like that they change the menu weekly. I would highly recommend Il Faro to all my friends and family. I can’t wait to go back.
  26. SG

    SiaG

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food and service! Can’t wait to go back!
  27. SL

    SLH15

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unique food choices, everything very flavorful and delicious. Some very good specials and great adult beverage selection.
  28. HB

    HeatherB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful small restaurant with a warm atmosphere and excellent food and drinks. Will definitely be going back to check out the rotating menu- I look forward to seeing what's up next!
  29. ME

    MEY2MAY

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was delicious and the wait staff were very friendly . Would definitely go back
  30. R

    Robinovitch

    New England

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Their lasagna was recommended by the server but had very little meat and too much cheese.
  31. JB

    JohnB

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Quaint restaurant with a basic neighborhood setting. The food was good, not spectacular. The service was extremely pleasant.
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always amazing
  33. LH

    LorrieH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, service ect, ect, was absolutely amazing. Wish I lived in the area so I could attend there frequently.
  34. V

    Victoria

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Excellent service, great food! Will definitely be going back!
  35. SD

    SheilaD

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for the very first time for our 20th anniversary. We were the first guests that day. We were treated to anniversary wishes and complimentary Prosecco’s. Salads and entrees were delicious. We cannot wait to return! Thank you for a lovely dining experience ❤️
  36. MS

    MatS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Unique and comfortable spot with great food.
  37. C

    Christine

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was excellent! Everyone was super friendly. We went for our first wedding anniversary and were offered a complimentary drink to celebrate. The service was also very fast. We had an appetizer, main course, dessert, and we left in about 1 hour. We will definitely be back soon! We are telling all of our friends.
  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great family run restaurant. Creative chef and great mixologist behind the bar. Great folks.
  39. F

    Foodie94

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff at IL Faro is phenomenal and attentive. Jess is the absolute sweetest and makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in the door and the food is always in point, the menu changes every week and let me tell ya, they know what they’re great at and absolutely kill it!!! 10/10 recommend IL Faro.
  40. FM

    FeedMePhilly

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely excellent across the board. This place was recommended to us by a local and it did not disappoint. We were able to relax and enjoy our meal and drinks. The food was delicious and the cocktails were so good, we decided to stay and hang at the bar after our meal for a nightcap. Highly recommend and would return when we are in town again.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

IL FARO restaurant & bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (518) 463-2208.

IL FARO restaurant & bar is rated 4.9 stars by 314 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Google Map for IL FARO restaurant & bar

698 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Wolfert & North Pearl

  • Neighborhood

    Albany

  • Hours of operation

    Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Private Lot

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Christian Lofaro

  • Entertainment

    Local Artists

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.ilfaroitalian.com/

  • Phone number

    (518) 463-2208

  • Catering

    The Chef will work with you to create a perfect catering option

  • Private party facilities

    We love to host private events and would gladly help you plan your ideal party.

  • Private party contact

    Jessica Lamoreaux: (518) 463-2208

Featured in

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