Il Fornaio - Sacramento

Review summary

1. D

   Dennis VIP

   Sacramento24 reviews

   5.0

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I had in the past only eaten lunch at this gem of Italian cuisine. We started with the crab cakes. I can honestly say that these were the best crab cakes I have had in Sacramento. The pumpkin aoli was excellent and complimented the sweet crab lumps in the cake. Perfect crunch and completely delicious. The entrées were also top shelf. I had the short rib ravioli in the most delicious cream sauce. My wife had the salmon. It was a perfectly cooked rare. The chef definitely knew what he was doing and the flavor profile was excellent. The only slight miss was the roast potatoes. They needed more flavor. Maybe more rosemary. It just didn’t work with the excellent salmon and spinach. Would I not return because of the potatoes? No! We will definitely be back to try more of this chefs future creations.
   

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2. R

   Rebecca

   Sacramento1 review

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food and service. It was definitely a fine dining experience. My family really enjoyed it.
   

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3. R

   Robert VIP

   New York City22 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 1

   What is the point of having a reservation when you need to wait 20 mins to be seated with no information as “we are a bit backed up”.. “feel free to go to the bar if you want”.. etc. Nope just kept us standing there. Also you are given to choice at the time of reservation or at check in if you want to sit in the main area of shoved into semi open atrium. Terrible management. Great food.
   

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4. P

   Paulette

   Sacramento13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our evening was fantastic, our waiter Jose was awesome the entire time. We started with calamari, two had lasagna, one had the salmon and one had a seafood variety. All were outstanding. For dessert, Jose recommended the Spumoni and brought us four spoons. We enjoyed a variety of cocktails. Another special night.
   

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5. L

   Laetesia

   Sacramento1 review

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Better than my first experience. The braised short rib ravioli was spectacular. I was pleasantly surprised. The patio seating was quaint and comfortable. The drinks were well prepared, and the food came quickly. I look forward to going again.
   

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6. J

   Jennifer Rose

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This restaurant is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Sacramento. The decor, the food, the service everything is just incredible.
   

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7. L

   Larry

   Sacramento1 review

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Chef, manager and wine rep went “out of their way” to give us a memorable experience!
   

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8. P

   Pat

   Sacramento17 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We had reservations for 2 tables of six at 4:30. Whenwe arrived we were told we would have to be seated in two different rooms even though the restaurant was less than 20% filled. When we questioned that, the hostess had a HUGE attitude and said that we had a reservation for 12. When we pushed back on that she finally spoke to the manager who finally seated us at two adjacent tables. Until we left at 6:0, no neee see by large tables were filled. Our waiter was very good as was the food. However, first impressions mean a lot and this young woman needs some help with her service level and attitude.
   

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9. S

   Shirley

   Palm Springs5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had a great waiter and the food was delicious. Cannot wait until we will go back for another amazing dinner.
   

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10. DB

    DaveB VIP

    Sacramento4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    We both had Lasagna. It was a very delicious recipe. Sauce was tasty and smooth - not acidic like other sauces. Service was excellent - Rosalinda was wonderful. We’ll be back, especially during Kings season.
    

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