Il Fornaio - Carmel

Il Fornaio - Carmel reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. N

   Nadia VIP

   Central Coast123 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Awesome, authentic & delicious Italian cuisine👍👏. Beautiful & cozy venue👍. In the heart of Carmel by the sea. Excellent services, from the hostess Michelle warm reception to the attentive, friendly & great services. we dine almost weekly, this time we had the delicious Ravioli & chicken parmesan, Bietole salad. Never disappointed…Everything is delicious served with care & friendly attitude. We love il Fornaio & all the team!! A must exceptional dining experience.👍🙏
   

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2. M

   Melissa

   Dallas4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Service was awesome! Dining room was a little chilly due to a hall door being propped open
   

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3. A

   Andres

   West Palm Beach1 review

   4.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Was rhere last year and the food was better in my opinion. The pappardelle alla norcina con pollo was ok. But it was like a soup of pesto in the dish, probably enogh for one or two more dishes. There is a sign on the door that does not allow animals inside, and sure enough there was a couple with a dog inside.
   

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4. D

   Dan VIP

   Orlando85 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The service was great the ambience too. seated right away with the OpenTable app reservation. The salmon didn’t appear to be fresh and that little bit of more or less fish taste, which I’ve not had in a long time. The rest of the dinner and appetizer was fine. The caprese was better than average, but not the best and the Caesar salad was blah according to my guest
   

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5. S

   Sheri VIP

   San Francisco10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 23, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Garrett was our server and he was excellent. From best to end he made sure we were comfortable and had a great experience. Food was excellent. Large amounts and well worth the price.
   

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6. K

   Karen VIP

   Sacramento13 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   I would have liked more variety. The food was just ok. I would not eat breakfast at your restaurant again, but I would definitely have dinner because I love the Italian food.
   

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7. J

   Jefferson VIP

   Central Coast38 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 19, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I like Il Fornaio - I have gone countless times to this and other locations. The reduced review is because the special Bistecca - 22 oz bone in steak - was very cold. It was rare, which I normally get. I have never had one come out like this. It ended up being pretty tough, and I couldn't get the meat off of the bone. I would have sent it back, but was under a very strict time constraint. I am hoping this was just a one off. The others in my party were happy with their meals.
   

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8. F

   Fred

   Central Coast13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 19, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We have dined at more than one Il Fornaio over the years, while traveling. (There is not one near our home.) We have not been to this location in over 10 years, but we were treated like old friends. While they are a small chain, each one has the feel of "owner's pride and style". A true sense of being uncommon in a world where very little seems special anymore. The host who seated us, Andy, seemed to treat everyone like he was truly glad we came "today". We believe he is the manager and his energy was shared by all the staff. Our server, Ramon, carried the same vib, with a guest monitoring style that left nothing to chance. He was always there and timed our food choices so nothing ever got cold. The short rib ravioli, in cream sauce was unusual, outstanding, and we would have it again. The cream sauce was a fine balance without too much cheese. Texture stayed fluid and never got sticky. We had a prosciutto and cheese antipasto from the daily speicals, which was excellent. Finishing off with "Gelati Misti" a serving of dark chocolate gelato, vanilla gelato and strawberry sorbet. Excellant gelato. Among the best outisde of Italy or Spain.
   

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9. J

   Jeff

   San Francisco14 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 16, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Really disappointing: soup was lukewarm, salad with chicken for 29 bucks was tiny and the pasta/bruschetta was marginal. Oh and the beer was very flat, waiter said they constantly have problems with carbonation. Service was great. Just disappointing.
   

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10. N

    Nadia VIP

    Central Coast123 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Superb all around👍👏. First, gracious & friendly reception by the wonderful hostess, beautiful venue, Delicious Italian cuisine (anything on the menu is delicious), great & attentive services, with Italian music to complement the gem of a restaurant👍👏. We REALLY enjoy everything about Il Fornaio. Even the coffee is perfect!! A real gem & must enjoy when you visit Carmel by the bay!!
    

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