Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek

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

Review summary

1. C

   Christopher

   San Francisco6 reviews

   2.0

   Dined today

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

   Il Fornaio – Walnut Creek ⭐️⭐️ (2/5) My experience at Il Fornaio in Walnut Creek was underwhelming. The atmosphere was hectic and far from relaxing—we were seated near the kitchen and felt like we were constantly in the way. The service was rushed, and the overall vibe didn’t match the upscale feel I was expecting. Unfortunately, the food didn’t make up for it. It wasn’t bad, but nothing stood out or felt worth the price. With so many dining options in the area, I probably wouldn’t return.
   

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2. A

   Allen

   San Francisco5 reviews

   3.0

   Dined today

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

   I’ve never come across such a pushy waiter in my life, and I myself have been a waiter at several restaurants for over 10+ years when I was younger. When a patron comes in with 2 elderly parents (both over 80+yrs old) and 2 young teenagers, please train your staff to understand that 2 appetizers and 4 entrees (1 entree for each of the grandparents and 1 entree for each of the 2 kids, and desserts) may be plenty. No need to keep asking me 2 more times, after I kindly refused the first time and coming back again after the order was already put in, if I was sure that I didn’t want to order an entree for myself and feeling the need to explain to him in front of the whole table while trying to celebrate Mother’s Day, that I’m sure I’ll be eating everyone’s leftovers later, just to get him to stop and go away. Also when he asked what kind of soup or salad we wanted, and we asked if they came with the entrees otherwise no thanks we’ll save some room for dessert, he straight up lied and said “Yes it comes with your meals”. It wasn’t until I received the check that we realized that we were charged extra for the soup and salad as well. I understand trying to upsell, again having been a waiter before, but I never in my whole life have ever experienced a waiter straight up lie. I still tipped anyway, knowing that it also goes to the bussers and the bartender who served us our soft drinks, but thanks for helping me remember me why I haven’t been to an Il Forniao in a long while.
   

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3. l

   laurie

   San Francisco23 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   A bit pricey for a salad. Chicken on salad was really dry. Cappuccino was good! Waitress was excellent!
   

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4. G

   George VIP

   San Francisco11 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 6 days ago

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

   We ordered three entrées. One was good, one was mediocre and one was uneditable: lasagna. The calamari was so so. We did not get charged for the lasagna, but the experience deflated the evening. I only take people there irregularly because you can never predict the outcome 
   

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5. R

   Rick VIP

   San Francisco11 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 7 days ago

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

   The food was really good and our server Bianca was excellent. We’d go back again.
   

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6. A

   Andre

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 1 May 2025

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

   We were greeted to our table that has a note saying happy anniversary, which we loved a lot. Our server Scott was amazing. He was really calm, joked around a little and was on top of everything. He was very personable. It was a great anniversary experience.
   

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7. T

   Timothy

   San Francisco4 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 20 April 2025

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

   Food was average, service was great. However charging $4 for a piece of bread was absurd as was charging a service fee on top of everything.
   

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8. M

   Melinda

   San Francisco11 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 20 April 2025

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

   The highlight was the drinks that were well made. The ambience and the service are good . Unfortunately they seated uat a location where the the carts go back and forth. The noise level was not conducive to enjoying a nice Easter lunch. Also, my husband’s foot was in a hard cast and they sat us there. By the time he got to the table and we noticed the carts moving about, it’s more effort to move and change tables. Food is,at best, okay. Everything was under seasoned! Although I can expect guests to add their own salt and pepper, there should be basic seasoning worthy of an eating at a restaurant. I am quite disappointed.
   

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9. K

   Kathy

   San Francisco3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 13 April 2025

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

   The ribbon pasta ragout bolognese and lasagna were good. Our servers were great; as was the manager who went out of her way to help when I lost my parking ticket. They all work seamlessly to accommodate.
   

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10. E

    Eugene VIP

    Sacramento23 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 11 April 2025

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

    Met a former client &!friend fir lunch. Busy day with lots of groups at the tables. Requested and was seated at a shaded outdoor table. Served leisurely as requested. Enjoyed the ambiance, the wine and the food. For sure a return engagement is on the cards.
    

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