Il Fornaio Del Mar
Nestled on a rising embankment along Hwy 101 in Del Mar, the Il Fornaio offers a birds-eye view of the Pacific along with some exquisite gourmet Italian food.
"Il Fornaio's food is great and can be ordered from the bar or from inside the restaurant. "
Price Range: 
Summary
Within the main dining hall there is plenty of seating, yet each table conveys an intimate quality for small gatherings or romantic evenings. Families are no stranger to these environs either, as larger parties can also be accommodated for. Outside is a closed in terrace that reveals the deep blue sea in the backdrop. Heat lamps are also spread throughout for when the nights get somewhat chilly.
A delectable assortment of Italian cuisine is offered for brunch, lunch and dinner. In the morning, the scent of fresh breads plume throughout the restaurant. A variety of gourmet egg dishes and benedicts filled with seafood, meats or veggies are offered. For lunch and dinner, pastas are topped with simmered sauces and surrounded by veggies, meats or seafood.
Consider starting off with the Antipasto della Casa. Although, the "per-person" charge is slightly confusing, this is a great blend of grilled veggies, smoked seafood and fresh cheeses. If you're feeling indecisive, try the Lasagna Ferrarese. To drink, wines from local vineyards as well as Italian selections are available by the half-glass, glass and bottle.
Amenities
- Wine Bar
- Outdoor seating
- Wine Specialist
- Fresh Food
- Small Atmosphere
- Premier Location
- Easy Parking
- Healthy Options
- Ocean View
- Outdoor Heating
- Parking Structure
- Personal Wines Allowed
- Reservations Recommended
- Romantic Dining
Il Fornaio Del Mar
Il Fornaio Del Mar
Neighborhood:
Del Mar
Location:
1555 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
Phone:
858.755.8639
Hours of Operation:
Check website for details
Restaurant Website:
www.ilfornaio.com
Additional Info:
Beautiful outdoor patio with ocean views
*Some images shown above are not actual photos from the restaurant, but category representations. Visit the restaurant's web site for actual photos.
Il Fornaio Del Mar Information
Restaurant Quick Facts
- Enjoy sipping on wine and dining on delectable Italian dishes at the Il Fornaio in Del Mar set on top of the Del Mar Plaza.
- The perfect setting for a romantic date or dinner after a day at the Del Mar Racetracks.
- Choose from the extensive wine list or bring your own bottle of wine.
- Sit at the outdoor bar overlooking the sparkling ocean, great for a drink after a hard day at work.
- A friendly staff will assist you with any questions.
User Review Average
Overall Menu Location Ambience Service
100% recommend this to a friend.
Rating History
Sort Reviews By: Date | Ratings | Positive Reviews First | Negative Reviews First
kevin
Mar 08, 2010
at 9:03 pm
Points:
0
Member since: March 2010
xxx.xxx.37.243
Would recommend to a friend
Date of Stay: February 2010
Went with: spouse/partner
Went for: lunch
Type of visit: leisure
Il Fornaio Del Mar Restaurant Review
The Il Fornaio Del Mar restaurant is in a dream location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has a gorgeous outdoor patio which serves food and alcohol. This is a great place to be at sunset as the sunset here is usually amazing. The food at Il Fornaio is Italian from the many different regions of Italy. The pizzas are like from Naples and the pastas are super. You could be eating in Florence or Venice.The fish and meat dishes are all excellent. The service is just like in Italy. Most of the waiters have been working at the restaurant for a long time and are able to recommend and describe the dishes with accuracy. The desserts will not disappoint. I recommend the tiramisu and the cantucci cookies with an expresso. The prices are very reasonable for such a quality restaurant. If you can't afford a trip to the Via Venetto, you can go to Il Fornaio and get a real Italian experience. You will not be disappointed.
Was this review helpful?
0 user(s) thought this was helpful
Britt S. S.
Oct 13, 2009
at 10:19 am
Points:
53
Member since: October 2009
xxx.xxx.85.203
Would recommend to a friend
Date of Stay: October 2009
Went with: spouse/partner
Went for: lunch
Type of visit: leisure
Re: Il Fornaio Del Mar
Il Fornaio is a fantastic italian restaurant with a beautiful view of the pacific ocean.
Everyone is so friendly there. We started our dinner off with insalta caprese for the two of us to share along with a nice bowl of minestrone for each of us. The soup was served piping hot. (I hate when I order soup and it is just barely hot). Our entrees came and tasted as good as they looked. My husband ordered the lasagna and I had the pasta primavera with chicken. There was plenty of food in fact we both took our leftovers back to the hotel and heated them up for a late night snack.
The restaurant has outdoor seating with heaters. Great place to sit for one of those incredible San Diego sunsets.
Was this review helpful?
0 user(s) thought this was helpful
Rudy Minsto
Oct 02, 2009
at 1:58 pm
Points:
77
Member since: October 2009
xxx.xxx.16.135
Would recommend to a friend
Date of Stay: October 2009
Went with: spouse/partner
Went for: lunch
Type of visit: leisure
Re: Il Fornaio Del Mar
The servers were extremely busy the night we ate at Il Fornaio yet that did not stop them from being attentive. We started out sharing thei signature Caesar Sald (holding the extra anchovies)- that was just the right amount of salad between the two of us. Their warm crusty bread dipped in olive oil is a meal in itself! Next, I had the Cannelloni al Forno and my wife had the Sea Bass, which was recommended by our server. OUTSTANDING! No room for dessert though they did look pretty tempting. We finished the evening off with a couple of lattes and we were good to go. From our dining experience, we received fantastic food along with really good service.
Was this review helpful?
0 user(s) thought this was helpful