Il Fornaio

302 S Market St, San Jose
(408) 271-3366

Recent Reviews

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Bilguun Ganhuyag

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of gold and rose, my partner and I made our way to Il Fornaio, where the promise of an Italian culinary adventure awaited us. Nestled in the heart of San Jose, this charming restaurant beckoned with its warm glow and inviting aromas, a perfect setting for our weekend escape.

Stepping inside, we were greeted by an ambiance that exuded Italian elegance. The rustic decor, adorned with wooden beams and soft lighting, enveloped us like a familiar embrace, whispering tales of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. The gentle hum of laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a vibrant tapestry of joy and connection.

We began our evening with a shared appetizer of Bruschetta al Pomodoro, each bite a delightful burst of fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze atop perfectly toasted bread. It was a beautiful introduction to the meal, awakening our palates with its vibrant flavors.

For the main course, I chose the Osso Buco, a slow-braised veal shank that melted like butter with each forkful. It was served atop a bed of creamy risotto, the delicate saffron infusing warmth and richness into the dish. My partner opted for the Fettuccine Alfredo, a classic that was executed flawlessly. The silky pasta was enveloped in a luscious sauce, rich with butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano, embodying the comforting essence of Italian cuisine.

As we savored our meals, the attentive staff wove seamlessly through the dining room, their hospitality as warm as the Italian sun. They offered thoughtful wine pairings, and we chose a delightful Chianti that perfectly complemented our dishes, enhancing the flavors of each course.

To conclude our enchanting evening, we couldn’t resist the allure of dessert. The Tiramisu arrived—a decadent masterpiece that was both light and indulgent. Each spoonful was a heavenly blend of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, leaving us in a blissful state of satisfaction.

As we lingered over our dessert, the atmosphere felt alive—a celebration of love, laughter, and the simple joys of life. Il Fornaio offered us not just a meal, but a memorable experience, a moment frozen in time where culinary delights and romance intertwined.

In reflection, our visit to Il Fornaio was a delightful escape into the heart of Italy, where every dish told a story and every moment was cherished. We left with hearts full and spirits lifted, eagerly anticipating our next visit to this enchanting haven of Italian cuisine.

Lin N

The worst il Fornaio I've ever been to. The lasagna is not fit for consumption. It is pure mush. I can't believe they allow this to be served. I also got food poisoning after eating it, so there's that. Never again.

Mark Lenox

I have eaten dinner here many times over the years. It’s my go to location in downtown San Jose. Last night I went a little off my normal meal and went for the grilled salmon and a caprese salad. Finished it off with a scoop of dark chocolate gelato. I was not disappointed. Service is always good and the atmosphere is really nice.

Do be careful when walking around in this area at night. The homeless crowd is a bit of a problem and I’ve been hassled before. Be aware.

Crux

25’0515

- good

Sara Miller

I was with a large group and there were several other large groups so the kitchen must have been busy. But my meal came out (“lobster” ravioli) and it was literally slopped on the plate. Very unappetizing appearance. Especially as there were no sides. The worst, it tasted and looked more like langostino than lobster. Not worth the price. Very disappointing.

Craig and Rocky !

Our son had been here before so he wanted to go here as a family for Mother's Day. After being seated at a table and given beverages, they informed us they were doing a buffet for Mother's Day and not doing their regular food service. We mistakenly did the buffet without asking the cost 1st. HUGE MISTAKE!!!! It was $75 a person. The food was just ok so the price was a total ripoff. We were really looking forward to a wonderful Italian meal for Mother's Day and it ended being a total bust.

Ayushi Srivastava

Food - Spectacular, 5/5! Pastas were soo good, fresh, Al dente, taste in the dish was heavenly

Service - Had to ask again for a beverage, there was a waiter who actually looked back and glared at what I'm thinking was the manager, but it could have been me? Weird as hell.

Atmosphere - Good, tables are set a little bit too close but I'm not complaining.

Jaime

Very convenient when staying downtown. Overall good food but not “amazing.” The location really helps this restaurant. Staff was very friendly but they could use some more help.

orwin ploss

Good lunch spot, solid value.

Michael Kim

Excellent salad and seafood linguine. 👍

K Windrunner

Noodle was a bit overcooked. Other than that, it was great.

Cassondra Arnett

Great experience at a work event here. The short rib ravioli was delicious. Nice portions, attentive service, but my favorite had to be the bartenders. Personable, creative, and patient with a large crowd of people. Overall the entire staff was amazing and food delicious!

APRIL Z

I appreciate the vibe and food in the Santa Clara location better but this one is right in downtown SJ.

Sibille Treffkorn

The atmosphere is very nice, the staff friendly, and the food delicious. We will be back.

W S

As an institution, I'll Fornaio has been serving the corporate world of San Jose for many many years. My visit was by no means any different. The place has character. It's like stepping back in time. Staff are great; friendly and attentive. The food however, hasn't really moved with the times. It's nothing amazing not exciting. It's by no means bad, just, okay. I realised after that I didn't even take any pictures of the meal. I was likely so unimpressed with what was being served. I can't comment on prices as this was a corporate event with the company paying, but I'd like to hope that its prices also didn't change with the times as I wouldn't want to pay today's fine dining pricing at a place like this.

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