Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Il Fornaio - Carmel, Carmel, CA

Il Fornaio - Carmel

4.6
4.6
2325 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Ocean Avenue & Monte Verde St, Carmel, CA 93921

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
Il Fornaio means the Baker in Italian. Located in downtown Carmel, Il Fornaio offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list. Enjoy wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; house made and imported pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and house made soups; antipasti and a wide variety of desserts made daily from scratch.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–8:30 pm Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:00 am Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 7:30 am–9:00 pm Sun 7:30 am–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (831) 622-5100
  • Website
    https://www.ilfornaio.com/location/il-fornaio-carmel/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Gabriel Rodriguez
  • Catering
    Catering services through our take-out retail area are available and include: • Boxed Lunch – sandwich, salad, Italian cookie and drink packaged individually. • Platters – pastries, sandwiches, salads or cookies. Perfect for any social or business meeting held at your location. <br />Larger off-site full service catering is also available by request. Please contact our on-site Event Coordinator for more details.
  • Private party facilities
    Il Fornaio offers distinct dining options for large or small groups. We will assist in creating a special menu perfectly suited for the needs of your group.
  • Private party contact
    Paris Lohman - Event Coordinator: (831) 622-5108
  • Location
    Ocean Avenue & Monte Verde St, Carmel, CA 93921
  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Il Fornaio's Daou Wine Dinner

    $125.00 per person

    Jun 19, 2025 only
    Indulge in a 5-course Italian feast perfectly paired with premium Daou wines. Enjoy dishes like mesquite seared ahi tuna, housemade spinach & beet gnocchi in a porcini mushroom cream sauce, braised duck in an orange-demiglace & other chef-curated specialties. With expert wine insights shared throughout the meal, you & your guests are in for an unforgettable evening. $125 per person | price does not include tax, tip & surcharge 3% SURCHARGE – PLEASE NOTE THAT A 3% SURCHARGE WILL BE ADDED TO THE BILL. THIS SURCHARGE IS NOT A GRATUITY FOR THE STAFF BUT ALLOWS US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE QUALITY EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS & BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM AMID RISING COSTS & REGULATORY INCREASES. GRAZIE MILLE FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING & SUPPORT.
    Il Fornaio's Daou Wine Dinner Photo

Private dining

Menu

Il Fornaio - Carmel's menu was last updated 2023-10-05.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,325 people are saying

Il Fornaio - Carmel reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Il Fornaio in Carmel delights with its "delicious Italian cuisine" and "great service," offering a charming venue with stunning sunset views. The attentive staff, especially servers like Francisco and Sergio, enhance the dining experience. While a few encounters faced delays, the overall ambiance and menu remain a "gem" in Carmel.

2,325 Reviews

  1. Sheri VIP

    San Francisco10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Garrett was our server and he was excellent. From best to end he made sure we were comfortable and had a great experience. Food was excellent. Large amounts and well worth the price.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Karen VIP

    Sacramento13 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    I would have liked more variety. The food was just ok. I would not eat breakfast at your restaurant again, but I would definitely have dinner because I love the Italian food.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jefferson VIP

    Central Coast38 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I like Il Fornaio - I have gone countless times to this and other locations. The reduced review is because the special Bistecca - 22 oz bone in steak - was very cold. It was rare, which I normally get. I have never had one come out like this. It ended up being pretty tough, and I couldn't get the meat off of the bone. I would have sent it back, but was under a very strict time constraint. I am hoping this was just a one off. The others in my party were happy with their meals.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Fred

    Central Coast13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have dined at more than one Il Fornaio over the years, while traveling. (There is not one near our home.) We have not been to this location in over 10 years, but we were treated like old friends. While they are a small chain, each one has the feel of "owner's pride and style". A true sense of being uncommon in a world where very little seems special anymore. The host who seated us, Andy, seemed to treat everyone like he was truly glad we came "today". We believe he is the manager and his energy was shared by all the staff. Our server, Ramon, carried the same vib, with a guest monitoring style that left nothing to chance. He was always there and timed our food choices so nothing ever got cold. The short rib ravioli, in cream sauce was unusual, outstanding, and we would have it again. The cream sauce was a fine balance without too much cheese. Texture stayed fluid and never got sticky. We had a prosciutto and cheese antipasto from the daily speicals, which was excellent. Finishing off with "Gelati Misti" a serving of dark chocolate gelato, vanilla gelato and strawberry sorbet. Excellant gelato. Among the best outisde of Italy or Spain.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jeff

    San Francisco14 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Really disappointing: soup was lukewarm, salad with chicken for 29 bucks was tiny and the pasta/bruschetta was marginal. Oh and the beer was very flat, waiter said they constantly have problems with carbonation. Service was great. Just disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Nadia VIP

    Central Coast122 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb all around👍👏. First, gracious & friendly reception by the wonderful hostess, beautiful venue, Delicious Italian cuisine (anything on the menu is delicious), great & attentive services, with Italian music to complement the gem of a restaurant👍👏. We REALLY enjoy everything about Il Fornaio. Even the coffee is perfect!! A real gem & must enjoy when you visit Carmel by the bay!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Amber

    San Antonio1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We come all the time. Hannah does a wonderful job each time. Always looking forward to going back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kara VIP

    San Francisco24 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A really pretty location, felt less like a chain than other Il Fornaio i have been to. Our server was so so nice, food was great.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Cam

    Hawaii5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice restaurant. Nothing over the top, basic service and nice white table linens.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Andrea

    Atlantic City9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious and service was great. Busy place but very organized and well run.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Il Fornaio - Carmel offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 622-5100.

Il Fornaio - Carmel is rated 4.6 stars by 2325 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Monterey / Carmel
  5. Carmel

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Il Fornaio - Carmel

Ocean Avenue & Monte Verde St, Carmel, CA 93921

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Carmel
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–8:30 pm Mon–Fri 7:30 am–10:00 am Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat 7:30 am–9:00 pm Sun 7:30 am–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Gabriel Rodriguez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    https://www.ilfornaio.com/location/il-fornaio-carmel/
  • Phone number
    (831) 622-5100
  • Catering
    Catering services through our take-out retail area are available and include: • Boxed Lunch – sandwich, salad, Italian cookie and drink packaged individually. • Platters – pastries, sandwiches, salads or cookies. Perfect for any social or business meeting held at your location. <br />Larger off-site full service catering is also available by request. Please contact our on-site Event Coordinator for more details.
  • Private party facilities
    Il Fornaio offers distinct dining options for large or small groups. We will assist in creating a special menu perfectly suited for the needs of your group.
  • Private party contact
    Paris Lohman - Event Coordinator: (831) 622-5108
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo