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Il Fornaio
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Il Fornaio
8.2
This Italian institution brings authentic breakfast to Beverly Hills with house-made pastries, wood-fired breads, and traditional Italian breakfast fare. The aroma of fresh-baked focaccia and the skilled baristas pulling perfect espressos create a genuine Italian cafe experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Frittata Rustica, Cornetti alla Crema, Uova Benedict Italiano
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Italian breakfast with house-made everything
Who should go: Italian cuisine enthusiasts and pastry lovers
When to visit: Weekday mornings for fresh-baked goods
What to order: Cornetti, frittata, cappuccino
Insider tip: Free 2-hour parking available nearby
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour parking in nearby structure, valet $15 during peak hours, street parking limited but possible before 9am
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, business attire common during weekday breakfast
Noise level: Moderate buzz - comfortable for business conversations, gets livelier during weekend brunch
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, reservations recommended for groups of 4+
Weekday lunch: No wait before 11:45am, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent selection including fresh pastas, frittatas, and seasonal vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and pasta dishes, ask server for daily vegan specials
Gluten-free options: Some options - risottos and salads available, but limited given bread-focused menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the Italian cafe atmosphere is romantic without being overly formal, and sharing fresh pastries creates a nice ice-breaker
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday mornings usually fine for walk-ins, weekend brunch expect 20+ minute wait after 9am without reservation
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - high chairs available, kids love the fresh pastries, and staff is accommodating. Best before 11am when it's quieter
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian breakfast experience with superior house-made breads and pastries you won't find at typical brunch spots
Skip if: You want American-style breakfast classics or bottomless mimosas - this is traditional Italian morning fare
Il Fornaio
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Luxury Dining Elite
Established Italian trattoria featuring wood-fired pizzas from an oak oven alongside house-made pastas and rotisserie meats. The authentic Italian experience includes fresh-baked bread made twice daily on premises.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Pizza Rustica, Wood-Fired Specialties
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Oak wood-burning oven creates authentic Italian char
Who should go: Business diners and Italian cuisine aficionados
When to visit: Power lunch or romantic dinner
What to order: Margherita pizza, Caesar salad, tiramisu
Insider tip: Monthly regional Italian specials showcase hidden gems
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, complimentary validation with $50+ spend, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Business casual to elegant, no shorts or athletic wear, jacket recommended for dinner
Noise level: Lively but refined - conversations flow easily at most tables
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12-1:30pm), immediate otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent selection including wood-fired veggie pizzas and house-made pastas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese, ask server for pasta options
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF pizza dough and several marked pasta dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic lighting, not too loud, impressive without being stuffy. Request booth seating for intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes, dinner unlikely. Bar seats are first-come with full menu available.
Is it kid-friendly? Welcomes families before 7pm with kids menu, high chairs available. After 8pm leans adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Italian atmosphere and business dining compared to trendy pizza spots. Wood-fired oven beats most competitors.
Skip if: You want quick casual pizza or modern fusion. Try Pizzana for trendy or Joe's for classic NY-style instead.
Il Fornaio
7.6
This Italian chain location serves traditional recipes with imported ingredients, featuring an in-house bakery and extensive wine list. The spacious dining room and patio offer reliable classics from wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Grilled Norwegian Salmon, Butterscotch Budino
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: In-house bakery with fresh bread daily
Who should go: Families and business lunch groups
When to visit: Happy hour for best value
What to order: Wood-fired pizza, fresh bread basket, tiramisu
Insider tip: Join for Monday night regional menu specials
Hours
Monday12pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm