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Il Fornaio - Del Mar, Del Mar, CA

Il Fornaio - Del Mar

4.4
4.4
2129 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals. Bottles of wine from small, regional wineries are uncorked to complement the dishes, which have been crafted in the custom of Italy's chefs, bakers and homemakers. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Repeat winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

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2 people

10:00 PM


Booked 34 times today
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (858) 755-8876

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Roberto Gerbino

  • Private party facilities

    Il Fornaio in Del Mar offers private dining for parties of 8-250. With spaces from our outdoor Enoteca Wine Bar to our Ocean View Main Piazza there is a fit for every need. Come celebrate with excellent service in warm and stylish surroundings serving extraordinary authentic Italian food and wine.

  • Private party contact

    Tanya Coffey: (858) 755-9384

  • Neighborhood

    Del Mar

  • Cross street

    15th Street

  • Parking details

    Valet

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,129 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. DavidD

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our favorite Italian restaurant - good food, good service, and a great view of the ocean
  2. GeorgeH

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff were so nice! They placed rose petals on our table for our anniversary.
  3. KarthikB

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, awesome food and great service! Highly recommended
  4. Ally

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very nice server AMAZING pasta and super beautiful restaurant...def would come again! Only downside is hard to find free parking...first hour free tho!
  5. SydY

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was amazing and chef Carlos did not disappoint! Food was fresh and delicious. Would absolutely return.
  6. Samblu1

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, the service was outstanding (thank you Isela)! and the price was very reasonable! Probably one of the best views of the ocean in Del Mar. Could you really ask for anything more?
  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food5service1ambience2
    Our server was terrible. Asked us if we wanted refills on drinks and then we spent our evening trying to get his attention to refill our drinks. Our food was kind of cold and it was the worse experience we've had in the 24yrs we've been going. The only save was Ana taking over and assiting us, she use to work at the Coronado location and he's now at the Del Mar location, she's a gem of a person and the only reason I'll even go back to this location.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    Our entire party of 4 agreed the food was tasteless lacking seasoning and flavor. Prices aren’t cheap. As a result, this was a poor value and experience for us.
  9. JeanneG

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As usual, a beautiful experience on Del Mar Beach. We have been coming for 25 years and is still a favorite.
  10. CarolineK

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience4
    I've been coming here for years. The food was good, but the service was very slow tonight. Not sure where the disconnect came from, but the waiter just said "they were very busy".
  11. TammyM

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was great, service was a bit slow, but so was the restaurant, it was about 1/4 full if that, so I don’t think they had a lot of people working. Our food was great, we love the carpaccio, and the desserts were amazing too! What I really like about this place are the views… get there at sunset, it’s amazing!
  12. Percivalf

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Omg, the pasta dishes are amazing and so good. The waiters are nice and attentive. Definitely will be coming back!!!
  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Terrible experience with the waitress, everything we were asking she was not accommodating at all. I have been a regular at this place but don’t see myself coming back. The waitress seemed sick too as she was coughing non stop while we asked our questions that she kept saying they cannot serve us with. Awful experience and sad to see as I have loved this restaurant
  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Hostess was rude and had an attitude. Seating was difficult and we were told we couldn’t sit outside even though we had reservations. So no ocean view. Service was extremely slow. Wine glasses were DIRTY with fingerprints. Food took so long to arrive we got it to go. Asked for water several times, they kept forgetting. Food was overpriced for quality. When asked about certain dishes we hardly got an explanation or idea about the ingredients. Zucchini is FRIED, they failed to mention that significant fact.
  15. AnthonyC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    They seated the 5 of us at a table set for 7. I had to explain 4 times, that since there were only 5 of us, to please take away 2 place settings. Usually the server asks the question, and then removes any additional place settings. I am not sure why I had to notify them but having to ask the wait staff 4 separate times to remove to the two extra place settings, was very annoying.
  16. StevenT

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    On our arrival the self-entitled teen hostess with a too tight black dress took us to a terrible table. When we asked for a better table by the window she said they were saved for reservations, we said we HAVE a reservation, she rolled her eyes and said "I know that "and moved us into the main dining room where she attempted to seat us at a table for four beside a pillar blocking the view, we asked to sit at a window table for four and she snottily said "there saved for larger groups" even though she was attempting to sit us at a same size table for 4 !! Definitely NOT a warm welcome, terrible first impression, she should NOT be a hostess. Based on the waiters' recommendations we order an appetizer, the bruschetta was just okay, 3 pieces, 1 a little soggy for the salsa topping, 1 a little crisp from over toasting and 1 was perfect. Then he recommended 2 mains, we ordered both, my partners was good but not great, she didn't finish it. My pasta was at molto al dente, undercooked, the 5 shrimp were small. I was expecting better for sure. Then we ordered Sorbet, 2 scoops for dessert, the chocolate was very good, we sent back the vanilla due to freezer burn, it was granular not smooth at all, replaced it with toffee, it was good. So food is a 4/10 at best. It is a very loud room and we finally got tired of raising our voice to converse in the dining area so we went outside to the patio and had a night cap. We cannot recommend this venue at this point, there are too many choices for this overall experience to be acceptable. the only good thig was the location and ocean view. The wine was good. We will not be back.
  17. carolD

    Portland

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food is delicious Excellent variety. Noise level very high
  18. Elle

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I asked ahead for a nice table for my friend’s birthday. We were sat next to the service station . I asked to be moved to the patio with ocean view and they moved us. I had to get up and find a waitperson to wipe the table down after asking our waiter to wipe it down- he said he would but never came back to do it. Service was poor, food was ok. Not what one would expect from such a well known restaurant. I’ll never go back for the food. The bar is nice though. Good staff there.
  19. EdwardB

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Fresh pasta makes the meal even better. The seafood pasta had the freshest scallops and shrimp, highly recommend.
  20. LABJMB

    Minneapolis

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best raviolis I’ve had in a long time. Great atmosphere- we’ll be back
  21. ClaudiaR

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated Easter and enjoyed a beautiful view to accompany the excellent food and service. The calamari was fresh and lightly breaded, the lamb chops were fantastic, salmon was delicious and the pasta dish had a wonderful sauce.
  22. Arthur

    San Diego

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an excellent experience! The covered patio offers great views from almost every table. The service is efficient and well mannered. The food is extremely well prepared. No bad options. The diverse wine list also doesn't disappoint.
  23. jeffreyd

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    very special 40th wedding anniversary: had the Easter feast
  24. mschiap

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Good as always. I have eaten here maybe 20 times over the 20 plus years Ive lived in North County. The menu is more limited than years past, but all the dishes at our table (Lasagna, seafood fettuccini, chicked Marsala) were delicious. Great place to bring out of town visitors for sunset views.
  25. ElizabethH

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a fantastic meal. Always enjoy returning for fun or a business meal. Great views at sunset.
  26. NickK

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic. Great place for a meal and view of the sunset. Highly recommend.
  27. marinaV

    San Diego

    19 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    Took my nieces who are visiting me from Chicago for both their birthdays this afternoon. We waited 20 minutes before our server took our order. No one on staff paid the slightest bit of attention to us. Managers and servers were in abundance and there were only 3 tables of guests - however they were pre-occupied with a culinary photo shoot they were filming. The bread (which we paid for) was hard as a rock. The vegetarian pasta special was the only entree that was good. My butternut squash ravioli was completely cold in the inside. I sent it back and there was no apology whatsoever. My niece’s margarita pizza was tasty but super soggy. The only plus was the server brought then each a vanilla ice cream cup with a candle for their birthdays. Will not be back and it’s sad. This used to be one of my faves. They just don’t care about customers or serving quality food.
  28. SumeerC

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice place with good value for money. The food quality is good. The covered patio seating offers great views of the ocean and sunsets.
  29. JuliaE

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was delicious and our waiter was exceptional!!!
  30. Sdcamon

    San Diego

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    I ordered the tomato salad that had a surprising spiciness to it. Not a fan of a spicy salad and it would have been nice if the waitress knew that - she had to ask the chef. She did offer to change it. My lasagna was a bit dry and the lasagna noodles were limp. Tasted like it was heated in a microwave. Waitress was very nice and chocolate dessert was delicious.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    I remembered how good the pasta was years ago and came back for it. I was let down! It wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped. The restaurant is a nice place to go to still.
  32. Norwichman

    San Diego

    83 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    83 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    My wife and I were there for a mid-week lunch. We had one beer, water, two salads and a basket of bread for $44. Service was attentive, it was quiet, and the view was spectacular as always. In a noisy world this place mid week is heaven. Decent value for money and we left full.
  33. BretnBarb

    Phoenix

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food, excellent service from Roberto. The beet salad was yum and all the entrees cooked perfectly. Even the warm bread was so good we got two orders.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    We were only given 2 menus for 3 people upon being seated. No server came to the table after being seated for some time. After 20-25 minutes, we went up to the hostess stand to request a server. For the location and prices the location itself and service were sub-par.
  35. TPBeach23

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Server was really slow for us, we sat on the patio by the fireplace and couldn’t catch his attention easily. Otherwise everything was wonderful! We’ll be back.
  36. BarbaraM

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    food and service was very mediocre. Extremely loud environment. Comfortable booth.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, service was great and the view was beautiful.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Das Essen war sehr lecker!
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    It was ok! Always wanted to go to this place but the calamari came out cold and rubbery, the brussels weren’t crispy and also cold. We decided we liked the wine best and just got the check. Skipped the meal.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience1
    Not great. We were seated next to the kitchen, even though tables were open, which wasn’t great. Also, a very expensive meal for what it was.

FAQs

Il Fornaio - Del Mar is rated 4.4 stars by 2129 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

10:00 PM


Booked 34 times today
Google Map for Il Fornaio - Del Mar

1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

Additional information

  • Cross street

    15th Street

  • Neighborhood

    Del Mar

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Valet

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Roberto Gerbino

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (858) 755-8876

  • Private party facilities

    Il Fornaio in Del Mar offers private dining for parties of 8-250. With spaces from our outdoor Enoteca Wine Bar to our Ocean View Main Piazza there is a fit for every need. Come celebrate with excellent service in warm and stylish surroundings serving extraordinary authentic Italian food and wine.

  • Private party contact

    Tanya Coffey: (858) 755-9384

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  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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