Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana
(650) 853-3888
520 Cowper St
Palo Alto,
CA
94301
37.448
-122.1589
Neighborhood: University South
What People Are Saying About Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana
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In Short
Situated next to the Garden Court Hotel, Il Fornaio draws a steady crowd with its Tuscan-style courtyard and bright, modern European ambience. Simple appetizers like bruschetta and carpaccio shine. Fresh toppings make the thin-crust, wood-fired specialty pizzas a reliable choice. The house-made ravioli is also memorable, with fillings like eggplant, butternut squash or fresh Maine lobster. For dessert, try the affogato al caffe--espresso poured over two scoops of vanilla ice cream, topped with fresh whipped cream.
User Reviews
SalC
June 09, 2009
Absolutely revolting, disgustingly smelly restroom that smelled of throw-up that has got to be vintage since it was out of this world. As soon a I ran out of there I flagged down an employee and told her all about it. An indifferent response is what I received. At the open kitchen, it should have been a red flag for me that not one Italian was on site. All the chefs were of Spanish decent. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this decision of going cheap really reflected on the food. Bland boyond compare must have been how things translated from "tone it down" with the over-spicy. It's not the chefs' fault, I think that mess was more management's fault. For insrance, how can you f-up a salad? Trow lettuce and cheese on a plate, dressing on top and charge $15 - still a bleeping disaster zone? It was cut in small pieces, the lettuce, smothered with whitish goo. Absolutely disgusting! The server couldn't care less about our expetience, even though we didn't bother eating 90% of our entrees. Tell me please, how can prodciutto be bland? They managed to do that too. After that disastrous meal, we were graced with an over $150 bill for 2 people. 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 non-alcoholic drinks. No dessert, we were tired of the torture.
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Anonymous
May 02, 2006
This restaurant has a great reputation and has a wide selection. Ambience is good as the up-and-coming and the young and restless as well as the wealthy and aged show up. But I am not a great fan of their food. I think it is mediocre. More hype than substance. PROS: good ambience, great place to take a client or a loved one on a date CONS: so-so food
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March 09, 2006
Before I went to Il Fornaio I heard all these things about how great it is. But it is really not that special. The food was way over priced. You can go to any restaurant in North Beach and get much better food.
read full reviewThe Details on Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana
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Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Breakfast, Hotel Restaurants, Romantic Dining, Brunch, People Watching, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
