Il Fornaio - Del Mar

Review summary

1. M

   Marianne

   San Francisco

   20 reviews

   2.0

   20 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

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

   The food was marginal at best. I gave it a 2 out 5. It is not what I would call authentic. I had lobster risotto from the “Specials” menu and I had to hunt through the risotto to find a few pieces of lobster. I could tell it was there though because the dish tasted fishy. Bread is not complimentary, definitely not an authentic touch. The house salad was ok, exactly as described—lettuce, croutons, and a bit of parmigiana cheese. This is chain food, I would not call it authentic Italian as they advertise.
   

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2. B

   Brandon

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 6 November 2024

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

   Great food and ambiance. Views are great from the patio. The sauce on the rigatoni alla vodka was decadent and delicious, and the short rib ravioli was amazing too.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 3 November 2024

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

   Overall, it was a great experience. I have a picky eater, and our server recommended him something off the menu that he loved.
   

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4. D

   Dennis

   Louisville

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 3 November 2024

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

   Awesome place and food service was great also great place to go eat will be back
   

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5. E

   Ella

   San Diego

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on 1 November 2024

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

   Ordered ricotta and bread. The ricotta was great but the bread was stale and hard to eat. Service was also poor. Made a reservation 2 weeks in advanced but staff was not prepared and did not have an open table for me. Also had to wait a total of 20 minutes for the check and get my card back.
   

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6. M

   Maryana

   San Diego

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 27 October 2024

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

   Love the atmosphere at the restaurant and very nice designs
   

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7. S

   Stacey

   San Diego

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on 20 October 2024

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

   Great Food as expected - was informed when we arrived that the table we requested could not be accommodated which was disappointing since we made reservations. otherwise overall average service but outstanding dinner.
   

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8. R

   Rob

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 5 October 2024

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

   Wanted to take my wife somewhere special for her birthday and so glad I stumbled upon this gem! Everything was fantastic - the atmosphere was pleasant, the service friendly and attentive, the food was hand’s down incredible.
   

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9. S

   Susan

   Los Angeles

   41 reviews

   3.0

   41 reviews

   Dined on 30 September 2024

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

   I celebrated my birthday and honestly I was very disappointed. The table was set with a nice note wishing me a happy birthday but that was the only thing that made me feel special. Usually when your water glasses are empty, nobody came around to even check. Our portions were minimal - I ordered the ravioli and was hungry when I left. We asked for bread and when our meal was practically over, the waitress said well I didn’t charge you. My husband and I dined at your restaurant within the last year at the CSA Retirement Chapter and raved about it and looked forward to returning but the service was completely different. We felt ignored.
   

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10. P

    Peter

    Palm Springs

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 29 September 2024

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

    Great location view is awesome. Food top quality and good service.
    

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