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    Il Fornaio

    3.9 (1.3k reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    IL FORNAIO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Il Fornaio

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    Grigliata di Pesce Misto*
    Andrew T.

    Our friend had wanted to eat Italian food in Irvine, and we came across this place on OpenTable after years of glossing over it as east coasters who have high expectations about their italian food, and we were very happy! Il Fornaio's service, food, and ambiance blew us away! The food was hearty and filling (and priced reasonably in this day and age!). Staff were welcoming, polite, and respectful in terms of giving us time to order, sit back, and relax, while making sure we were tended to. Definitely worth going to when in the area!

    CALAMARETTI FRITTI
    Noemi M.

    Il Fornaio in Irvine is one of our favorite Italian restaurants, and we were lucky to get a last‑minute reservation today on Mother's Day. Parking is easy with the validated structure, and the restaurant's location is beautiful. We were seated right away and placed our drink and food orders. We ordered several appetizers and entrées -- our usual favorites are the calamari, Caesar salad, rigatoni alla vodka, and spaghetti with marinara. Their bread is always delicious. The calamari and salad arrived promptly; the salad was great, but the calamari was only warm and not as crispy as we had requested. Unfortunately, things slipped a bit after that. Our entrées took a very long time to arrive, and only two pastas were brought out -- one of which was the wrong dish. When the manager came by, I clarified what we had ordered and let him know we were still missing a pasta. The remaining dishes eventually arrived and were delicious, but by then the first two people were nearly done eating. Il Fornaio is usually very consistent for us, so I'm hoping this was simply an off night due to the Mother's Day rush.

    Shrimp pesto
    Bonnie S.

    Tried to get an early dinner reservation for Saturday but there were no openings. My husband and I arrived around 4:50 and a very nice gentleman opened the doors early and seated us. We were starving this day because our son had games and our last meal was at 9am! We were immediately offered water and bread by Tony. OH yum! The bread was warm and fresh with flavorful olive oil and vinegar to dip it in. We ordered the calamari- delicous soup of the day- can't remember what it was called! Had leek, potato, mushroom and it was such a mild flavored comfort meal. loved it. linguine mare- good amount of seafood, very well made, yummy! shrimp pesto pasta - can't remember actual name, amazing and honestly best pesto ever!! la colomba - a refreshing drink that was well balanced tiramisu - we can't help ourselves, this was perfect and authentic tasting. Overall a wonderful experience, Tony was a great waiter, so sweet and attentive even though he was so busy. Service is not super fast if you're in a rush which we were not. We got to enjoy our meal and each others company without feeling like we are getting kicked out. The restaurant itself was bright, beautiful, clean and aesthetic but also warm and romantic.

    Margherita
    Pamela M.

    My family and I had dinner here on not so busy Monday night in their patio area. We made a reservation through OpenTable to guarantee a patio seating since according to that and Yelp, dogs were allowed. Upon checking in, we were told they only allow service dogs but they can make an exemption seeing how tiny our dog was. Apparently a server was bit by a dog before. Anyway, our server was Arturo. He did well pronouncing the Italian words. He was also able to make our baby girl smile a few times with his whistles. He offered us a complimentary assorted bruschette that has tomatoes, olive oil and cheese. They were pretty good. On their drinks menu, we were trying to look for beer. They do not have that on the menu, but our server knew all the draft beers they offer. We ordered an 805 and a Peroni to go with our food. My husband and I shared a pizza as an appetizer. He ordered Agnello al Limone, which is the lamb one. I ordered Linguine mare, basically the pasta seafood. The pizza was ok, we've had better. The lamb was very delicious and tender. I would definitely come back for that. The pasta was good. Overall, we had a great time. Update: I just realized they gave us the wrong pizza. This isn't what we ordered. No wonder we weren't feeling it.

    Bruschette Assortite
    Anh D.

    Went for happy hour on Thursday and there was plenty of seating (you can sit at the bar, regular tables near the bar, or outside). Tried several items on the happy hour menu and they were all pretty good. We also wrote that we were celebrating a birthday and the staff definitely had a nice little treat and we're so kind and helpful! Clean restaurant and restroom as well. Parking is validated or you can valet.

    Arlene E.

    Service.. every one very nice.. from waiter... servers... hostess... We knew we couldn't finish full meals so my daughter and I split everything.. thank you for splitting the dishes for us prior to serving I would love to sit in patio seating one of these times... looked pretty outside Indoor patio seating looked fun too Bread and oil vinegar- love the crusty bread**** Ciliegini -Spaghetti with fava bean puree Insalata de Pere with Gorgonzola cheese... yummy...***** Budino di pane alla gianduia for dessert With dk choc gelato ...sooooo yummy... a perfect way to finish off a meal and leave beyond Was my second time in 6 years... only because I live in the central valley... otherwise believe me... I'd be here more often

    Dining
    Aaron A.

    Nice team dinner! Had a group of 25 and our server, Alejandra was friendly and efficient. The entrees were varied and offered a little bit of everything. The NY Strip steak entree was a little underwhelming so would not order it again but appreciated the atmosphere and the fact that the restaurant validated the valet parking!

    Carlton R.

    Great! This restaurant is located in a very nice area and has a great outdoor seating setup. The staff here is friendly and very accommodating. The food was delicious. They have daily happy hour specials which changes each day. It was a nice touch! Will definitely be back when I'm in the area.

    Dave L.

    This place was a real surprise. Absolutely beautiful location and free parking validation for 3 hours. Servers and wait staff were outstanding from the get go. Had the hand made pasta ala vodka which is perfectly al dente and texture between the deep rich vodka sauce to the bacons bits was excellent. Next was the Pomodoro bolognese which was equally good . My only issue was the pizza which was pretty horrid for a Margherita. Barely any greens and amateurish and looks like a regular cheese pizza that just added some extra toppings. Overall a great dinner and atmosphere just skip the pizza

    Mushy gnocchi
    Robert P.

    My guests loved their chicken and veal parm, but my gnocchi was mushy and tasteless. Had to struggle to get through it. The sauce was great but I ordered gnocchi not a bowl of sauce. The waiter was nice and attentive, but spilled a little wine each time he filled my glass. I resolved to pour my own. Fornaio is a wide open floor plan with a lot of glass. Not at all intimate. The bar is too modern for my taste...can't imagine they stock Schlitz or PBR. All in all a little too sanitary for me.

    Linguine Mare Chiaro
    Lisa K.

    It's been a hot minute since dining at Il Fornaio but since they were open during lunch on Father's Day, we decided to return to the restaurant after several years. The inside of the restaurant is bright and airy which is lovely on a nice summer day. The open kitchen concept i felt very Italian as well. The restaurant was decently busy on Sunday afternoon which was nice to see as well. Don't forget to bring your parking ticket in for validation at the podium. I started with their house salad which actually was very tasty and had so many toppings on it which was awesome. I don't remember what the preset dressing was but I opted for olive oil and balsamic which was delightful. For my entree, I got the Linguine Mare Chiaro which was plated with plenty of seafood including clams, shrimp, scallops and mussels. The mussels tasted a bit fishy to me but the rest was great. The pasta wasn't quite what I was expecting. I envisioned a much lighter volume of sauce but felt like the noodles were drowning in the Tomato-base sauce. Honestly it wasn't worth the calories for me so I just ate a few bites of the pasta and went straight for the seafood. To end our lunch we shared a Tiramisu which was delicious. Overall a good experience and the staff were all very nice too.

    Salmone alla Griglia*
    Owen C.

    Il Fornial offers a warm and welcoming dining experience with flavorful dishes and friendly service. The calamari was a standout crispy and perfectly cooked without the rubbery texture you often find elsewhere. The pizza had a well balanced flavor and an excellent crust that held up nicely. The white fish was tender with a soft, buttery sauce that paired well without overpowering it. The beet salad had great flavor, though a bit more toasted walnuts would have added an extra layer of texture. For entrees, the salmon was another highlight the crust was excellent, and the potatoes were crisp and seasoned well. The spinach, however, was a bit underwhelming and could use more seasoning or punch. Service was pleasant overall; the servers were kind and welcoming. Appetizers took a little longer than expected, but entrées arrived promptly.

    Our complimentary anniversary dessert

    Such beautiful ambiance. Great attention to detail by the staff - truly wonderful service! I went for me and my boyfriend's anniversary, and they even put up a cute little anniversary sign & got us a complimentary dessert that was delicious. Food was incredible. Best pasta I've had in a while

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    Il Fornaio Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Il Fornaio

    Is this place dog friendly as well?

    I would say NO

    Is there gluten free pasta as an option?

    Yes. It's on the website and states options avail for gluten free pastas

    Everyone is talking about the free bruschetta or calamaretti on Yelp. How do you get that?

    When you are in the restaurant, you can check-in on the restaurant's page in the Yelp app and show your screen to the waitstaff

    What is the corkage fee?

    Our corkage fee is $25 per bottle.

    Is there a kids menu?

    Yes, we do have a kid's menu!

    Do they have the Seafood Pasta dish at the Irvine location?

    Yes! We have the Linguine Mare Chiaro which is thin pasta with clams, mussels, prawns & scallops in roasted cherry tomato sauce,crushed red pepper, garlic & trebbiano wine.

    Is there self parking?

    Yes! In the parking garage near the restaurant but they validate for the valet parking.

    Do they do happy hour?

    Yes, we do have happy hour! It is Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm in our designated bar area only.

    Do they make their own pasta in-house?

    Yes they do!

    Is corkage fee free on Friday?

    No it is not

    Does anyone know what their corkage fee is?

    I just called today and it is $25.

    Is there happy hour? If so what time.

    4:30-6:30. If you plan to go, call ahead just to be sure. Super yummy!

    View All 17 Questions

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    While waiting in a long line to receive my diploma, I decided to check Yelp for a lunch spot after…read moreCommencement. I came across the Terrace, located near the university, which featured a lovely patio and scenic views overlooking the golf course. When we arrived around two in the afternoon, the restaurant was nearly empty. The interior was stylish, but I preferred sitting outside to enjoy the view. A large group of golfers was having lunch nearby. Since it wasn't crowded, our server easily arranged a table for seven. One downside was a man who continued to smoke on the patio despite being told it wasn't allowed, though fortunately, he didn't smoke the entire time. My man and I shared a Mexican Mango Mule, which was especially refreshing after the lengthy ceremony. We sampled several dishes--calamari, chicken wings and fries, beef tacos, and chicken tacos--in order of preference, from most favorite to least (though none were bad, just varying in appeal). The kids enjoyed a bowl of Bolognese and seemed satisfied. To top it off, the staff surprised me with a complimentary brownie and ice cream to celebrate my graduation. The service was excellent, the venue was perfect for lunch, and the food was delicious!

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    Our renovated dining area features a full bar & opens to a patio with tables, a couch by a fire pit, and stunning golf course views.
    Our renovated dining area features a full bar & opens to a patio with tables, a couch by a fire pit, and stunning golf course views.
    Kimchi fried rice
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    The Event Loft

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    This review is long over due. I was one of many brides in the pandemic that pushed their wedding…read more2-3 times.. I booked Adina I believe in 2018 and she is not only professional but she is sweet, humble, and genuine. She worked with us every step and hurdle the pandemic caused. Meaning canceled venues, pushed wedding dates, special requests and even changed wedding design. I can't relay enough of my gratitude to her and her team. When the day of happened all that I dreamed of came to life. She worked with our budget and was realistic with us on what was worth getting to achieve the look and experience we wanted on our special day. All of our guests not only loved the venue, which is one of the exclusive venues of Event Loft, but they said the food and staff were impeccable. We have guests that continue to tell us that the venue was a gem to find and that everything was well scheduled. We booked everything with Event loft, except for the DJ and sofreh designer. She was very kind to the other vendors and helped them when needed. We have the most memorable photos, video and the flowers were beautiful and excellent quality. I couldn't imagine not having Adina and her team working our wedding. I simply can't thank them enough.

    Adina and Sara saved our day! 2 weeks before our wedding we had to change our venue and Adina and…read moreSara came to our rescue. I contacted them on a Sunday morning and they responded within the hour. That afternoon they were able to show us the space at the Gray Matter Museum. We decided to think on it for a day but after discussing it further with Adina and ensuring we could use our same plans, wedding designs and ideas it was a no brainer to have our wedding at this venue. Adina was so helpful throughout the process and the venue was so absolutely stunning. It fit my wedding design so perfectly and I felt like it was truly meant to be. Our wedding was a dream and we couldn't have pulled it all together without their quick responses and help to make our day amazing.

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    Arboretum and Botanical Garden

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    Stunning, relaxing, and well-kept views. It's a great spot to get close with nature and enjoy an…read moreoutdoor stroll. BTW: visiting the garden is FREE! And so was parking when we came. I came on a really hot day, so I only saw about half of the place, but it was such a nice time by the ponds, creeks, and little lake. Beautiful wildlife to admire, too -- turtles, ducks, fish, and tons of dragonflies and other lovely creatures peacefully about. We spent a lot of time admiring a group of docile ducks and enjoying the shade by the water. They also have an online plant shop for those interested in gardening (with a great ongoing deal). Planning on purchasing from there and picking up so I have an excuse to stop by again. Loved my time here. Expect to enjoy yours too!

    Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a free attraction at Cal State University Fullerton. I'm not sure…read moreabout the weekdays, but my boyfriend and I came during the weekend and parking was free when we went to pay at the ticket stations. Yay! From the parking lot it was easy to follow the signs along to the garden. The garden had areas that represented Woodlands, Mediterranean, Dessert, and a Cultivated Collection. There were walking paths but I still recommend closed toed shoes since it's a bit sandy. They had many benches throughout for resting or handing out and admiring nature. We spent about an hour here, but to be fair I'm not that into nature. I GOT A BUG BITE and it swelled and was super itchy. Sigh. I think someone who super loved nature or wanted to take their time to hang out could take 2-3 admiring all the plant life. My FAVORITE moments here was when we came across wildlife. My favorite were the rabbit, turtle, and crane. It's beautiful. Great spot to get some steps in and absorb some sunlight.

    Photos
    Little squirrel friend
    Little squirrel friend
    Dried flowers, check near the back entrance and you can grab some when you leave
    Dried flowers, check near the back entrance and you can grab some when you leave
    So beautiful

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    So beautiful

    Il Fornaio - italian - Updated August 2026

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