Carmel-by-the-Sea Restaurants - IL Fornaio

Il Fornaio Offers Elegant Dining Serving Award-Winning Italian Cuisine

The term "Il Fornaio" is Italian for "the baker." Appropriately enough, the company that has grown from two California bakeries into a chain of 20 full-service restaurants throughout the western US began life in Barlassina (Lombardia) Italy as a baking school. Il Fornaio is not a cookie cutter type of restaurant chain, however. Each location is unique, tailored to the community it serves. In Carmel, that means authentic Italian cuisine in an upscale-yet-casual atmosphere by an attentive, friendly staff.

The first two weeks of each month, Il Fornaio features the signature cuisine of a particular Italian region, paired with the wines produced in that area. But the everyday menu items are what keeps customers returning. One favorite is Pollo Toscano, rosemary-seasoned free-range chicken served with sautéed seasonal vegetables and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes. The thin crust, wood-fired oven baked pizzas are popular as well and a standout dessert is a classic Italian house crafted tiramisu.

Among locals, Il Fornaio is also known as an excellent spot for an after work gathering. The restaurant also has extensive banquet facilities: one 60-person venue and two that accommodate 30. The outdoor ocean-view deck is popular for wedding ceremonies as well.

Coffee Shop 7:30am-12pm for take out; Lunch/Dinner 12:00pm-8:30pm (9pm Fridays & Saturdays) daily for patio dining and take out.