Il Fornaio - San Jose

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

Review summary

1. D

   Debbie

   San Francisco4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   It's a great location in downtown San Jose!! Walkable to California Theatre, National Civic, Hammer Theater, SJ Convention Ctr, Center for the Performing Arts, and a 20-25min walk to SAP Ctr (Shark Tank!!)!!!
   

   Is this helpful?

2. C

   Christine VIP

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

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

   Really enjoyed Il Fornaio in San Jose! Went there for a Saturday lunch. It was in a pretty building that looked vintage with beautiful tall ceilings, nice ambiance, and window seating. The service was impeccable. They continually kept our water glasses filled without us asking. The food was delicious. Ordered the octopus appetizer, pear salad with chicken, and beet salad with salmon. Appetizer was delicious...octopus cooked perfectly! Firm, but not chewy...very flavorful. It was chopped and tossed with other unexpected things like potatoes, greens, and other vegetables. Both salads were great! Salmon and chicken were cooked perfectly. The pear salad was the best pear salad I've ever had! The pears were warm and tasted of hints of cinnamon. Very great experience! I would definitely go back! The other items I saw being served to other customers looked delicious...even better looking in real life than the pictures online. Great job Il Fornaio San Jose!
   

   Is this helpful?

3. S

   Sharlene

   Sacramento3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 30, 2025

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

   It wasn’t a busy night, so the waiter was very nice and split our check 6 ways. Normally they do 3 checks per table he said. Good food, very nice wine selections!
   

   Is this helpful?

4. C

   Carol VIP

   San Francisco2 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 27, 2025

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

   We went there after a mantinee performance at the San Jose performing arts center. We got there at 2:20. Our lunch was very good however when we tried to order dessert we were informed that the kitchen has been closed. We were given no warning of the imminent closure and would have ordered dessert early had we known. Also I had tried earlier in the week to change our reservation time and called three times but no one answered. I had called during regular open hours. In short food is good but service is lacking
   

   Is this helpful?

5. K

   Katherine

   San Francisco5 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 27, 2025

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

   The food was amazing but the service was only average. Our waiter was very busy with other tables and kept us waiting a few times (to place our order or bring us the check). He forgot to offer us Parmesan cheese on our pasta entrees and failed to mention that they had run out of the lava cake when he brought us the dessert menus. The overall experience was amazing, however. It was a wonderfully quiet place to catch up with an old friend, taste authentic Italian food, and relax in the ambiance of what feels like an Italian villa. We will definitely be back! I love Il Fornaio!
   

   Is this helpful?

6. L

   Linda VIP

   San Francisco78 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 27, 2025

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

   We had dinner before seeing a performance at the Center for Performing Arts. We enjoyed our food and wine. The service was excellent. It was a Saturday night and there were several people waiting for a table so we were very glad that we had made a reservation.
   

   Is this helpful?

7. D

   Donald

   San Francisco10 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

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

   Our Easter brunch was a great experience. Delicious food choices, well-prepared, and well-presented. Everything was hot and of good quality. One exception...the dessert table could be better...everything was made out of cake, so not much choice there. Service was very good. The charge of parking our vehicle with the valet was the only down-side. Twenty dollars (after validation from front desk) for the guests who spent a little over an hour in the restaurant. Hmmm...not cool.
   

   Is this helpful?

8. J

   James

   Las Vegas5 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

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

   Normal restaurant experience is usually quite good, but the holiday buffet left a lot to be desired. Crowded, noisy, with lukewarm food that was not up to their usual standards. Stick with their regular meal service, you'll be much happier.
   

   Is this helpful?

9. A

   Alan

   San Francisco3 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

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

   Easter brunch was disappointing. Purportedly hot buffet dishes, even at the carving station, were lukewarm at best, some were cold. Service was spotty and largely missing in action. Desserts were flavorless. This restaurant might be good for dinner, but we will not return for brunch at Easter or any other holiday.
   

   Is this helpful?

10. c

    charles

    San Francisco5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

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

    All food except the carving station was very good. Cold roast beef and pork was disappointing and unexpected!
    

    Is this helpful?