Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Monterey / Carmel
  5. Carmel
Il Fornaio - Carmel, Carmel, CA

Il Fornaio - Carmel

4.3
4.3
2073 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Il Fornaio means the Baker in Italian. Located in downtown Carmel, Il Fornaio offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list. Enjoy wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made and imported pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; antipasti and a wide variety of desserts made daily from scratch.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (831) 622-5100
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Gabriel Rodriguez
  • Catering
    Catering services through our take-out retail area are available and include: • Boxed Lunch – sandwich, salad, Italian cookie and drink packaged individually. • Platters – pastries, sandwiches, salads or cookies. Perfect for any social or business meeting held at your location. <br />Larger off-site full service catering is also available by request. Please contact our on-site Event Coordinator for more details.
  • Private party facilities
    Il Fornaio offers distinct dining options for large or small groups. We will assist in creating a special menu perfectly suited for the needs of your group.
  • Private party contact
    Event Coordinator: (877) 352-2788
  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,073 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

2,073 Reviews
  1. JoeDine

    San Francisco

    133 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    133 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had a very nice meal here while we are in Carmel. It is a very reliable restaurant. The food is good. The service is good. And the prices are not that bad.

    Is this helpful?

  2. brianw

    Portland

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We dine here every few weeks being locals. The food is consistently good and prices are decent ( for Carmel especially) the hostess was courteous and our server , Sierra, did an excellent job as well. Highly recommended to visit. Thanks.

    Is this helpful?

  3. EdibleAdventures

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We enjoyed a delicious meal attentively served on a busy Friday night. It rates more than a "very good" but I wouldn't call it overall outstanding. Excellent fits best. The lasagna however was outstanding and the delicate thin lasagna noodles with the creamy béchamel sauce was delectable. I would highly recommend Il Fornaio to anyone looking to have a great pasta dinner. The Calamari, was underwhelming but the pasta, Caesar salad and the service was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Pasta42

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If I need only one word, it will be excellent or wonderful all the time

    Is this helpful?

  5. Missus

    San Joaquin

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The steak and rib eye tasted old, the waiter was not friendly nor attentive. I have eaten here several times over the past 10 years. I even had my wedding reception here. This recent visit has left me unsure if I'll be back. I am disappointed because I have fond memories of this place.

    Is this helpful?

  6. MJAYCEE

    Las Vegas

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It was a nice restaurant but they didn’t accommodate my request for a table outside patio. They didn’t provide a reason but we saw others were being seated outside after we were told no outside dining.

    Is this helpful?

  7. kristenL

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was positively delicious along with outstanding service. Overall this restaurant is an absolute value.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Wilhelmus

    Phoenix

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    The food was bad. Nothing tasted fresh , like they just heated it up We will not go back to this restaurant .

    Is this helpful?

  9. rorover

    Minneapolis

    25 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Haven’t been in a long time. Thought we’d give it another try. The atmosphere is great. The food is disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  10. MercedesC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience3
    It was a bad experience, first we came with the hostess and she tolds us she didn't have any table available, when there was many available, ok I have to say that we first went to the Acquarium, and we were tired, but not that bad to be rejected, so as I thought, I made a reservation here by opentable, and guess what? Yes there was space available, so we went again and obviously they put us at the back. Then the waiter didn't offer us bread, so we asked, an then imediately told us, but the cost is 2 dollars, really it's a shame the treatment we received, the food was good, but really the personal are very elitist it's a shame that in these days, people treat you bad, is the first time somebody treat us like that!

    Is this helpful?

  11. Whimsy

    Sacramento

    59 reviews

    4.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Very vibrant scene in the heart of Carmel. There is nothing here that is different from any other IlFornaio and bring on the ocean quite sad that 6:30 at night they were out of Branzino, should have had a backup plan knowing this is a very busy spot especially during Car Week.I did tell the manager and he wasn’t aware. The staff was very friendly!

    Is this helpful?

  12. JohnD

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    What a mistake. Service was incredibly slow - 25 min to place a drink order - and downhill from there. Then appetizer and entree were served cold and when the entree was sent back, they simply layered hot tomato sauce on the cold pasta…which became mush. Unacceptable. Then further service delays to even get the check. Will never return and would encourage others to avoid.

    Is this helpful?

  13. JohnM

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome during Car Week Friday night!! Lovely atmosphere, outdoor, food, wine, the best and laid back. A favorite anytime!!

    Is this helpful?

  14. Dawna

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our waitress was wonderful. Loved having a end table where it was quiet. Nice place to eat in Carmel.

    Is this helpful?

  15. TimE

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always never fails to impress with both food and service

    Is this helpful?

  16. virginia

    Houston

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We always celebrate being in Carmel at this wonderful restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    Très mauvais service Cuisine très moyenne Personnel pas du tout sympathique Nous avons attendu longtemps pour manger A ne pas refaire du tout

    Is this helpful?

  18. AnarahuginnLonA

    Kincardineshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fabulous food and service. Really great restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, recommendations and food! Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  20. BruceC

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    I would go back - happily. Good food, good service, pretty place, and convenient in Carmel Village. A good date restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  21. KarenP

    Tahoe

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite dining experiences in Carmel. Always wonder and never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  22. GrantP

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food was good-a little disappointed We were celebrating my husband’s birthday, which we told them-no mention of celebration Not sure we’ll return

    Is this helpful?

  23. JeanneB

    San Francisco

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful dinner at Il Fornaio in Carmel. Kathy was an excellent server. She was very attentive, friendly, and did a wonderful job. We look forward to enjoying Il Fornaio again! The food was delicious. I recommend pizza margarita!:) Great place to celebrate a birthday! Thank you Kathy!

    Is this helpful?

  24. MichaelB

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    So so place, inferior to typical Il Fornaio. Will not go there again

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had an amazing experience at Il Fornaio in Carmel. Wonderful service and the food was delicious. We have found our new favorite dinner spot.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Steak overdone and tough on our visit. Salad & calamari were amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dining experience in all facets! Service, food, environment.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Fantastic Italian food. Great wait staff and good options on menu.

    Is this helpful?

  29. LaurelM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Just really disappointed in the dessert....described as being spumoni, layered with cherries and pistachios, along with chocolate and raspberry syrup, but really just regular spumoni on a plate with a bit of the syrups next to it. Very disappointing, especially for $15 !!

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy our delicious meals and appreciate the prompt and friendly service. We are never disappointed when we eat here. We brought friends with us this time and they thoroughly enjoyed this dining experience too. Looking forward to our next visit during the 2024 Bach Festival.

    Is this helpful?

  31. MartinC

    Sacramento

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always good here, great choices. We had a fun server today who was very engaged and focused on great service

    Is this helpful?

  32. TiffanyS

    Hawaii

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful table outside and our server Sergio was fantastic! Our lunch was amazing and we are looking forward to going back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  33. MikeM

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Italian food, upscale restaurant, good service.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Nice

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    2.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Wait staff issues we arrived on time waitress appeared took our drink order didn’t bring waters even after we asked Took 20 minutes for drinks restaurant was not busy at 5:30 Took our dinner order Another long delay Asked if we wanted salt and pepper for salads said yes never saw the salt and pepper Bright dessert menu we were going to order but she maverick came back to take our order Food was good service was not

    Is this helpful?

  35. MichaelM

    Seattle

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    Service was poor because of short staff! No excuse as servers need to realize that attentive and being pleasant results in money in their pockets Being a great server is just like being on stage and if they get it rewards are directly related

    Is this helpful?

  36. Gringo

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! We will be back! I had the beet salad and salmon with veggies which was a lot of food. I took home leftovers and enjoyed it 2x!

    Is this helpful?

  37. Amir

    Toronto

    189 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    189 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food as always but slow service. It has a nice patio as well.

    Is this helpful?

  38. HannahS

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2023

    overall2food5service1ambience4
    Server was the rudest we’ve ever had. He was horrible. We were so nice and having the best night. He treated us so poorly and made us feel like we were such a bother and inconvenience. We didn’t hardly ask for anything. He barely paid attention to us and never said thank you or smiled. It was such a sad experience to celebrate our daughter’s 16th there. The food was amazing as was the atmosphere. A very sad and disappointing night.

    Is this helpful?

  39. TinaM

    San Francisco

    73 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved having a window table in the evening. Lovely carpaccio, pasta, fish.

    Is this helpful?

  40. NancyC

    Phoenix

    69 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Unfortunately we didn’t have a good experience on this visit. It will be our last. Poor service at the bar because our waitress took a break while we were there. The person who filled in for the original waitress was terrific. We were there for breakfast but missed the cutoff of 12:00 by 3 minutes. It took a long time for the food. Just not the Il Fornaio we used to enjoy. No ambiance. Seemed like people were robots.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • 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 Fornaio - Carmel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 622-5100.

Il Fornaio - Carmel is rated 4.3 stars by 2073 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 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Il Fornaio - Carmel

Ocean Avenue & Monte Verde St, Carmel, CA 93921

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–8:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Gabriel Rodriguez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (831) 622-5100
  • Catering
    Catering services through our take-out retail area are available and include: • Boxed Lunch – sandwich, salad, Italian cookie and drink packaged individually. • Platters – pastries, sandwiches, salads or cookies. Perfect for any social or business meeting held at your location. <br />Larger off-site full service catering is also available by request. Please contact our on-site Event Coordinator for more details.
  • Private party facilities
    Il Fornaio offers distinct dining options for large or small groups. We will assist in creating a special menu perfectly suited for the needs of your group.
  • Private party contact
    Event Coordinator: (877) 352-2788
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo