Il Fornaio - Del Mar

Name: Il Fornaio - Del Mar
Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA, United States, 92014
Telephone: (858) 755-8876
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2129 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 3, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 34 times today

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

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
Website
https://www.ilfornaio.com/location/il-fornaio-del-mar/
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

Location
1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
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

Featured in

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Calamaretti Fritti$20.00
baby squid, lightly floured & deep fried; served with spicy marinara
Bruschette Assortite$14.00
garlic grilled ciabatta with 3 toppings: caponata; roasted cherry tomatoes; pesto & stracciatella cheese
Piatto di Salumi$20.00
sliced meats including mortadella with pistachios, prosciutto di parma & spicy salame; served with caponata, stracciatella cheese, grilled ciabatta & marinated olives
Burrata con Prosciutto$17.00
imported burrata with prosciutto, arugula, ciabatta croutons & basil olive oil
Polpettine$19.00
beef meatballs baked in tomato sauce; topped with fresh ricotta & grana padano
Tartara di Tonno*$19.00
ahi tuna, white balsamic dressing, avocado, spring onions & micro arugula; served with grilled ciabatta
Carpaccio*$18.00
thinly sliced raw certified piedmontese beef, shaved grana padano, capers & wild arugula; drizzled with lemon olive oil
Cavolfiori$13.00
roasted cauliflower with roasted garlic & rosemary olive oil
Fiori di Zucca$17.00
fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with mozzarella & parmigiano reggiano; served with tartar sauce & spicy marinara
Pinsa$19.00
light & crispy flatbread topped with amatriciana sauce, provola affumicata, pork guanciale & fresh basil
Cestino del Pane
basket of Il Fornaio fresh baked bread with extra-virgin olive oil & balsamic vinegar
- Serves 4$2.00

Pasta Fresca

fresh, handmade pasta; gluten-free options available

Rigatoni alla Vodka$20.00
pasta tubes with bacon, vodka-cream-tomato sauce & grana padano
Fusilloni$19.00
large corkscrew pasta with roasted tomato sauce & burrata
Amatriciana$22.00
pasta tubes with pork guanciale in a lightly spiced tomato sauce with basil, onions & calabrian peperoncino; tossed with pecorino
Tagliatelle Bolognese$21.00
egg pasta ribbons with traditional meat ragu & grana padano
Linguine Mare Chiaro$32.00
thin pasta with clams, mussels, prawns & scallops in roasted cherry tomato sauce, crushed red pepper, garlic & trebbiano wine
Casarecce Pesto e Pollo$25.00
short pasta twists with sautéed chicken, sundried tomatoes & traditional pesto cream
Lasagna Ferrarese$27.00
pasta sheets layered with meat ragu, porcini mushrooms, grana padano & béchamel; baked in the oven

Ravioli Freschi

Ravioli Lucana$26.00
spinach ravioli filled with italian sausage, ricotta, grana padano & fennel; topped with fresh tomatoes, spicy tomato sauce, imported peperoncino & stracciatella cheese
Ravioli di Magro al Limone$26.00
ravioli filled with rainbow chard, kale, onions & pecorino cheese; tossed with creamy lemon vellutata

Minestra e Insalate

Add to any insalata: chicken $10, salmon* $12, shrimp* $12

Minestrone di Verdure$9.00
seasonal vegetable soup made with vegetable stock
Insalata Cesarina$13.00
romaine lettuce, grana padano & croutons with housemade caesar dressing
Insalata Bietole$14.00
organic red & gold beets with red wine vinaigrette, wild arugula, toasted walnuts, goat cheese & lemon-olive oil dressing
Caprese Tradizionale$16.00
sliced heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil & mixed olives; drizzled with basil olive oil
Insalata Regina$14.00
wild arugula, couscous, avocado, tomatoes, red onions, capers & raisins with lemon-olive oil dressing
Insalata di Pere$14.00
baked pear salad with organic baby lettuces, seedless red grapes, gorgonzola, pecans & pomegranate dressing

Pizza

thin-crust pizza using housemade dough

Margherita$18.00
mozzarella, tomato sauce, oregano & fresh basil
Pizza Parmigiana$19.00
provola affumicata, tomato sauce, grilled eggplant, grana padano & fresh basil
Capricciosa$20.00
mozzarella, ham, artichokes, mushrooms, kalamata olives, tomato sauce & oregano
Cristina$22.00
fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved grana padano, mushrooms & wild arugula; drizzled with white truffle oil
Fradiavola$19.00
mozzarella, italian sausage, tomato sauce, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions & spicy peperoncino

Griglia

authentic italian specialties from our rotisserie & grill

Salmone alla Griglia*$33.00
grilled norwegian salmon with lemon & extra-virgin olive oil; served with sautéed spinach & roasted yukon gold potatoes
Branzino al Limone*$45.00
mediterranean seabass fillet with white wine lemon caper butter sauce; served with sautéed haricots verts & roasted yukon gold potatoes
Pollo Toscano$29.00
free-range chicken seasoned with rosemary; served with sautéed haricots verts & yukon gold potatoes
Braciola di Maiale$39.00
roasted pork chop wrapped with pancetta in a white wine demi-glace; served with pear-mustard compote & roasted yukon gold potatoes
Pollo ai Funghi$30.00
chicken breast lightly pounded & roasted with mixed mushrooms & marsala wine sauce; served with grilled asparagus & mashed potatoes
Costata al Pepe*$46.00
grilled 8oz center-cut ribeye filet topped with creamy brandy peppercorn sauce; served with grilled asparagus & mashed potatoes
Grigliata di Pesce Misto*$36.00
mixed grill of fish fillet, scallops & prawns, topped with lemon-olive oil sauce; served with sautéed spinach & roasted yukon gold potatoes

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

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

DD
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
GH
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.
KB
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
A
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!
SY
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.
S
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?
OT
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.
OT
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.
JG
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.
CK
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".
TM
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!
P
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!!!
OT
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
OT
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.
AC
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.
ST
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.
D
carolD
Portland
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food is delicious Excellent variety. Noise level very high
E
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.
EB
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.
LA
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
CR
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.
A
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.
j
jeffreyd
San Diego
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
very special 40th wedding anniversary: had the Easter feast
m
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.
EH
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.
NK
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.
V
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.
SC
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.
JE
JuliaE
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was delicious and our waiter was exceptional!!!
S
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.
OT
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.
N
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.
BB
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.
OT
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.
TP
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.
BM
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.
OT
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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Das Essen war sehr lecker!
OT
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.
OT
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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 3, 2023

10:00 PM

Booked 34 times today

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

Website
https://www.ilfornaio.com/location/il-fornaio-del-mar/
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

Featured in

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Il Fornaio - Del Mar

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Carpaccio

Capricciosa

Lasagna Ferrarese

Antipasti

Calamaretti Fritti$20.00

Bruschette Assortite$14.00

Piatto di Salumi$20.00

Burrata con Prosciutto$17.00

Polpettine$19.00

Tartara di Tonno*$19.00

Carpaccio*$18.00

Cavolfiori$13.00

Fiori di Zucca$17.00

Pinsa$19.00

Cestino del Pane

Pasta Fresca

Rigatoni alla Vodka$20.00

Fusilloni$19.00

Amatriciana$22.00

Tagliatelle Bolognese$21.00

Linguine Mare Chiaro$32.00

Casarecce Pesto e Pollo$25.00

Lasagna Ferrarese$27.00

Ravioli Freschi

Ravioli Lucana$26.00

Ravioli di Magro al Limone$26.00

Minestra e Insalate

Minestrone di Verdure$9.00

Insalata Cesarina$13.00

Insalata Bietole$14.00

Caprese Tradizionale$16.00

Insalata Regina$14.00

Insalata di Pere$14.00

Pizza

Margherita$18.00

Pizza Parmigiana$19.00

Capricciosa$20.00

Cristina$22.00

Fradiavola$19.00

Griglia

Salmone alla Griglia*$33.00

Branzino al Limone*$45.00

Pollo Toscano$29.00

Braciola di Maiale$39.00

Pollo ai Funghi$30.00

Costata al Pepe*$46.00

Grigliata di Pesce Misto*$36.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

FAQs

How is Il Fornaio - Del Mar restaurant rated?

Is Il Fornaio - Del Mar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day