06/09/09

we were tired of the torture.

by SalC

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.

• Cons: Absolutely revolting, disgustingly smelly restroom.

02/04/06

Culinary Tour of Italy

by nanomatrix

I like this place.

After decades of sampling Italian cuisine from the North End in Boston to North Beach in San Francisco you learn what works and what doesnt. Il Fornaios current Passport Program works.

Every month we get to sample food from a different region of Italy. And Il Fornaios wine and food parings have been spot on. The current staff are attentive and informative with out being intrusive.

We started their passport program last year and it has turned out to be a very tasty way to learn about the authentic Italian dishes from the different regions of Italy. We certainly look forward to the new menus each month. One other point the Piazza is a great place for business lunches. And the free parking garage across the street certainly solves a lot of problems.

• Pros: Knowledgeable Staff, Range of Cuisines, Good Parking
• Cons: Under $60 Wines

11/09/05

Extremely rude management mars experience here

by kenn227

My partner and I ate dinner in the outdoor area. A family with children had finished their meal & was sitting around while their 3 little kids were running all over under other tables and screaming for over 30 minutes. We asked the waiters to control the kids and we were ignored. When we asked again the manager told us there was nothing he could/would do and sneered at us, saying "We are a FAMILY restaurant", thereby implying that since we were obviously a gay couple it was us who was not welcome. Make no mistake, we were not being oversensitive, he was as cruel as he could be to us. I will not return, and I urge others to avoid this place. PS the food is average & service untrained. There are better places in the area who respect their patrons and who make all feel welcome.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Rude management, Average Food

02/21/05

A lovely and romantic place to dine.

by justineelise

I came here for Valentine's Day and despite being in a fight with my boyfriend I found this place to be perfect. I love the atmosphere and would recommend sitting in the back of the restaurant where the vibe is much more intimate. I had some kind of baked chicken dish. The chicken was very tender and the potatoes and spinach that came with the meal were fabulous. I would go back just to eat the potatoes and spinach.

• Pros: Romantic
• Cons: Expensive

Wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas make this Italian chain a popular lunch and dinner destination in downtown Palo Alto.

by Contributor

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.