Il Fornaio - Walnut Creek

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

Review summary

1. t

   tucker VIP

   San Francisco46 reviews

   5.0

   Dined today

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

   Yesterday was Mother's Day madhouse. Il Fornaio handled the crowds beautifully. The staff was wonderful and personable. Food was delicious. Service was remarkable.
   

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2. C

   Charles VIP

   San Francisco39 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   Quality and ambiance was great -- as per usual; the service (particularly the host) was fantastic this Mother's Day! I arrived an hour ahead of reservation and the quickly found a place for us.
   

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3. T

   Thomas

   San Francisco19 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   We had a really great meal. The service was excellent as well (Edward). The pastas, the risotto, the wine - molto bene!! We have eaten here quite a few times and it's a really solid restaurant. Being Mother's Day it was quite busy but they took good care of us. No doubt we will be there again-I would go back just for the Gelato!
   

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4. C

   Cheryl

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   Service was top notch and food was delicious! A little disappointed that crème brûlée was no longer on the menu, but we will be back soon.
   

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5. N

   Nancy

   San Francisco11 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

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

   I definitely plan to go back! The food was flavorful, beautifully prepared and plated. The ambiance was warm, inviting and elegant. Service was attentive and pleasant.
   

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6. C

   Christopher

   San Francisco6 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   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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7. A

   Allen

   San Francisco5 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   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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8. l

   laurie

   San Francisco23 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 2 days 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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9. G

   George VIP

   San Francisco11 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 7 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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10. R

    Rick VIP

    San Francisco11 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 4 May 2025

    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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