Il Fornaio- Mountain View

Review summary

1. D

   Douglas

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   3.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   We noted on our reservation that it was for an anniversary. The server noted that, which was comforting, and stated they would give us a free sweet. At the end of the meal he asked if we wanted an "anniversary dessert". We picked one. When the bill came we were charged the full price for the dessert. I didn't bring it up, partly because I didn't want to hear an excuse like "oh what you picked wasn't included". And if the restaurant has some special inexpensive item that they use for this situation, he should have simply brought it to the table. If one is going to ask about special occasions, and then mentions they will do something, and then they do not execute on it, I think that is bad. I don't want to be put in the position for asking for an offered free item that subsequently isn't given. Either it was carelessness or deception. In any case it left a bit of a bad taste after what I had hoped would be a somewhat memorable meal.
   

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2. D

   Dale

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

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

   We had a party of 7 and they sat us against the wall by the kitchen service area, so we had to listen to clanking dishes our entire evening. This was annoying and made it difficult to have a conservation with anyone that’s wasn’t sitting directly across or next to you. Not a bad restaurant, however it was an awful place to seat a large party. Don’t believe we’ll be back.
   

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3. J

   Jane

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 16 December 2024

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

   Celebrated a friends birthday . The staff made the experience so nice . The food was plentiful and very good
   

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4. L

   Linval

   San Francisco

   14 reviews

   4.0

   14 reviews

   Dined on 15 December 2024

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

   Our table was not comfortable because it was too close to the front desk. Restaurant staff were walking back and forth between the table and the front desk which was distracting and unnecessary. I never experienced this kind of problem while having many dinners at the other restaurant in Palo Alto. In the future I will eat at the other location.
   

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5. I

   Ina

   San Francisco

   36 reviews

   4.0

   36 reviews

   Dined on 14 December 2024

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

   Great server, Esteban. Really made the evening fun. VERY loud , food fine no complaints, 6 people all happy w their meals. Server saved the day by making sure everyone was happy and everything taken care of.
   

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6. JB

   JumanaB

   San Francisco

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 6 December 2024

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

   Had a great time ! Hidden spot that we did not k or about it before ! We will be back again for sure :)
   

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7. D

   Dede

   VIP

   San Francisco

   173 reviews

   5.0

   173 reviews

   Dined on 4 December 2024

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

   As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and a wonderful table. Our server made sure we were happy with everything that was served. We both had the lasagna and a salad. It was delicious to the last bite. I love Il Fornaio! I’ve been coming here for years and never intend to stop
   

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8. R

   Richard

   VIP

   Phoenix

   113 reviews

   4.0

   113 reviews

   Dined on 1 December 2024

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

   Varied menu and great service made for a successful night out with our grandkids. Very good pizza, two interesting pastas and a nicely prepared salmon.
   

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9. E

   Emily

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   62 reviews

   5.0

   62 reviews

   Dined on 1 December 2024

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

   We had extra special service. The food was very good and we were respectfully and promptly served.
   

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10. S

    Sylvia

    VIP

    San Francisco

    154 reviews

    4.0

    154 reviews

    Dined on 29 November 2024

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

    We had Thanksgiving here for the second year in a row, mostly on the strength of last year’s experience—since the menu was identical. I asked that we be seated in a warm area, and the hostess accommodated us. My main complaint was the service and pacing of the meal. One waiter took our order, but a succession of other waiters brought out our various courses…with almost no time between courses. Also, the parties on both sides of our table experienced some confusion with what they ordered, so that items of ours went to them…and vice versa. To be fair, it was a busy night, but it’s a distinction that affects service quality. The food was very good, with come caveats: the squash soup was only warm, not hot, and the croutons were not very tasty or appealing. Make them smaller, crispier, and more seasoned next time. The salad—which was excellent last year—was a big disappointment: the dressing lacked any tang, and I had only half a grape, a small piece of walnut, and a negligible amount of cheese on mine. The turkey entree was excellent! Generous portions, good variety, and well prepared. Last year, it was served on a platter so we could serve ourselves, and this year it was all individually plated. Last year’s pumpkin pie was truly underwhelming; this year’s was a big improvement, but I think it would be better if the crust didn’t get soggy. I had the wine flight, which was not only delicious—a truly great selection!—but also a great value. So, overall I was pleased, but I think you’ll need to up your game if you want to equal last year’s Thanksgiving experience.
    

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