Il Fornaio Manhattan Beach

Very nice place to bring a date or family. Prices reflect the elegance, service is alright. Waiter was cool but the guy cleaning up the table is rough around the edges and needs to work on his manners. My portion was a little small, seared scallops & prawns (forgot the Italian name), seafood was a little salty. Overall a nice place if you want to impress someone bring them here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Il Fornaio in Manhattan Beach, part of a global chain renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, offers a variety of dining experiences and unique private spaces like the East Loggia and Sala del Vino. While it’s known for fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and regional specialties, my recent visit left me underwhelmed. The vegetarian options, including pasta and minestrone soup, were fine but not exceptional. The pasta sauce lacked depth, though a side of pesto improved the flavor. The soup was under-salted but easily fixed, and the bread and olive oil were satisfying.

The ambiance was lively, with an open kitchen that created a bustling atmosphere, though it didn’t feel intimate or particularly special for a date night. However, it’s conveniently located with easy parking and could be a great spot for hosting large groups in their well-designed party rooms.

While Il Fornaio has its charm and remains a favorite for many (as reflected in its generally high reviews), my experience didn’t match the hype. Perhaps exploring their seasonal menus or signature wine pairings could reveal the true essence of what they’re celebrated for.

Would I return? For a special group event, yes, but for a personal dining experience, there are other options I’d prefer in town.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

Best ravioli I've had in my life.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Once we finally were able to get someone to wait on us, the food was served quickly and hot! Delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Italian food is amazing and the desserts are delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tiramisù

Solid Italian for higher end chain. Nothing jumped and said wow. At a group meal so menu choices were limited. Espresso Martini hit the spot.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Caprese Salad, Calamaretti Fritti, Salmone Alla Griglia

Great Italian menu. Large dining area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Minestrone Cup

Excellent pizza

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Filetto Al Vino Rosso

Great place for a romantic date night, loved the atmosphere and loved that they had a big parking lot so I didn't have to worry about that. The food was delicious and large in portion.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I couldn’t eat because those workers were really racist just because I wasn’t dressed formally

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Classy yet casual Italian restaurant in Manhattan Beach.
- Cozy atmosphere
- Ample and free parking
- Happy Hour deals
- Fabulous service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Consistently average quality and some vegetarian options. Pasta dishes are reasonable. Minestrone soup is good and the salads are excellent . Italian wine selections are good

Vegetarian options: Pasta vegetarian options are there also g with great tasting Pizza. Good wine selection . Ravioli is OK ( little on the sweet side)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

We had the best waiter- what's unique about him is that he does not write down your order he remembers it in accuracy! The best one. He's the waiter with the slicked-back hair. Love it here!

Food was amazing. William was a great waiter. Attentive. Staff were constantly filling water and taking plates. Well oiled machine. The molten cake and especially the sea salt caramel gelato was the cherry on top. Great atmosphere.

We made reservations and were quickly seated. The food was very good and our waiter was very good and friendly. The wine was a bit overpriced and it was a little more noisy toward the end of dinner due to more people being in the restaurant. Overall our birthday dinner was wonderful.