Il Fornaio Del Mar

Not busy, server changed before ordering - no prob but he did not offer the high level quality of service we typically get. My chicken parm was presented terribly, it sat in the window for 15 min or so and looked terrible with a smidge of pasta thrown on the plate, no garnish. We had a guest otherwise I would have refused it. Hey servers, the guy drinking that ice tea is probably the one giving you the tip, do t make him ask for a refill. If you are offering a second drink to the table- fill his ice tea first! The manager did come by twice, again we had a guest so didn't want to create a scene. Frankly our server should have seen my dish looked like a 12 yr old prepared it with crispy edges.

Nice spot, friendly staff. Food was just okay. Salad had way too much oil, ravioli was overpriced and relatively tasteless . Pizza was great....

We haven't eaten there for at least five years. It was as good as I remembered. Also very impressed with Enoteca area which has been enlarged since our last visit. The food was delicious, options plentiful and the server was a lovely young lady.

We had the Pappardelle alla Norcina con Pollo and the Linguine Mare Chiaro.

The Pappardelle had a rich truffle aroma and a creamy sauce — the chicken and mushrooms were tender and full of flavor.

The Linguine Mare Chiaro featured fresh seafood in a light tomato sauce with great balance.

Both dishes were beautifully presented and well-prepared.
We sat outside by the fire, which made the atmosphere warm, cozy, and classic.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

 The food here is usually good not great. Love the Plaza. I love the views. Nice little band playing outside on the deck. Problem was that we were in the covered outdoor patio, which  extremely too loud to carry on conversations. Lots of large tables, so good energy, but you cannot hear people at your own table talk. However, the service was great.

Table of 10 twenty-somethings on the patio pretty much screaming. We moved tables to inside. Management didn't have the courage to say anything. More like an Applebee's

Great Italian flavors and atmosphere! Many tables provide a view of the Pacific Ocean and the service is excellent!

We made a reservation to celebrate my mom’s birthday, and the staff and service were excellent. Everyone was kind and attentive. Unfortunately, the food was very disappointing. We visit the Coronado location quite often and expected the same quality here in Del Mar, but it didn’t come close.

I ordered the beef in wine sauce, and the meat was bland and a bit cold. The lasagna, on the other hand, was very hot on the outside but completely cold on the inside, almost as if it had been pre made and just reheated in a microwave. It also had no real meat flavor, it mostly tasted like mushrooms.

We didn’t want to say anything at the moment since it was a birthday celebration and we didn’t want to ruin it, but honestly, no one at our table was happy with their meal. Hopefully things improve, because we really enjoy Il Fornaio in general but we probably won’t be coming back to this location anytime soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

I took my wife to celebrate her birthday and the food was bad. Lasagna was terrible and will not come Back again.

I went in for a to go order, the service was amazing. The hostess Michelle was absolutely a joy. She helped me figure out what I wanted to eat. The food was absolutely delicious. I recommend this place 100%.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

il Fornaio was an amazing perfect choice to celebrate my daughter's 21st birthday with friends and family. They were so lovely from the hostess to the wait staff just so so nice and friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious, the view was beautiful. I wish I could eat there every night. Thank you for a wonderful experience

Food is not as good as before.
The atmosphere is great if you sit in the Plaza.
Service is always good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Franco was an awesome server! Very helpful and attentive! The food was also great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great location with a ridiculous view of the sunset. Definitely more foo-foo than traditional Italian dishes, but they're fantastic and if impeccable quality. Service was top notch with a smile, and the atmosphere was fantastic.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

This place is a culinary crime scene. The rigatoni tastes like someone whispered the word “tomato” over a bowl of hot water. The gnocchi is soggy, drenched in oil, and floating in what can only be described as dumpling soup.

The arancini was literally cold, and the cheese inside wasn’t even melted. That should have been our warning sign not to order an entree.

Our server was an absolute gem and the only thing keeping this meal from being a total tragedy. We left halfway through, mostly out of self-preservation. Honestly, they could serve SpaghettiOs straight from the can and it would be a massive upgrade.

But hey, to each their own. Maybe some people like their pasta seasoned with disappointment.