Il Fornaio — Restaurant in Beverly Hills

We chose this restaurant because it was centrally located and convenient after visiting the Art Park and holiday lights on Rodeo Drive. It was Sunday evening, and we thought there would be less busy because we made a reservation outside peak dinner time. Both the restaurant and we were very surprised! Shortly after being seated, there was an influx of walk in patrons. Apparently they were short staffed; our server was slammed, assisting with tables in our section, and the outdoor patio.

We noticed that several of the managers were seating tables and taking first drink orders. Our server remained cheerful, but service got a little slow. It took little time to get our bread basket. We did not get utensils, so when we received out dinner, we had to flag the bus boy because our server was assisting another table - or he just forget we requested utensils when we received our dinner cocktail.

Our meals were cooked to order and delicious, presentation good, portions generous and filling. I chose seafood linguini (a popular dish that night) and my husband chose Gnoche Norcina. The delays in between courses worked in our favor though, we were able to pace ourselves so that we could enjoy after dinner espresso and dessert. Because of the unexpected rush, my husband's after dinner espresso was cold by the time he got it. But our server cheerfully took it back and returned with a warm ready to drink espresso to compliment his Cannoli Sicilia.

Presentation of desserts was in order. I enjoyed an Affogato, which was gelato, whipped cream, chocolate espresso beans, with a side of espresso to warm the beans. It was quite enjoyable, but the espresso could have been a little warmer. The filling was fabulous; however, my husband had to dunk his Cannoli because they were crunchy instead of soft shell. The espresso didn't quite soften them enough, so he took half the order home and enjoyed them later that evening.

Our server continued to stop by the table to check on us, but again would forget what we requested. We are patient patrons but it just wasn't an ideal night for a quick bite to eat. If it had not been chilly that night, we would have chosen a patio seat. This is not our first visit to this chain of restaurants, we have visited other locations pre-COVID. We returned because we have been happy with service and food in the past -- and it was chilly night perfect for pasta. We will visit again.

As with many restaurants, COVID protocols were in place here. We did not notice enforcement of the 6 feet social distance rule, but there were plastic dividers to separate us from patrons at row of tables to our right . We were not asked for our vaccination card but had it in our possession. All servers and staff wore masks, and patrons were wearing masks when they were not enjoying a meal or drinking. I imagine in different circumstances, and because we don't generally dine out during peak times, that this would be a less...

Last Sunday (July 2025) 4 of us decided to have lunch at Il Fornaio Beverly Hills, we paid for 4 people:$250.00 and note: No Alcohol... we asked to sit outside ... big mistake ... took 25 minutes to have a waiter coming over ... we only ordered tap water, Diet Coke and lemonade: $6.00 non refillable.... Then finally waiter came and we asked what to order: he said: well ... food here is not what used to be.... Right there we should have left. I ordered what they call: "gamberoni" which means " Shrimp with large legs... well... they charted for 6 small shrimps (which were not the real gamberonis they used to serve) $60,00 - it was a very deceptive dish... shrimp... the entire lunch was served after 45 minutes waiting ... all same time and cold... nothing was good... also we needed to go inside the restaurant because waitress doesn't come unless u ask them. They are not attentive, they never came to ask us if we needed anything, no salt, no pepper, olive oil and Parmesan came because we asked and they don't live at the table. They remove immediately... the Cesar salad was $20.00 and the lettuce was so small, also there was no dressing and the bread was old and mushy... the pizza was salty and poor quality of mozzarella and the dough was so hard that not even my dog wanted ... the lasagna was served cold and the meat did not taste good ... the chicken alla bolognese was terrible as well... again ... if we needed anything one of us had to get out of our chair and go inside to ask if any waitress could help us, they not even bother to ask if we wanted dessert... (thank God we did not waste more money on it). Experience was horrible and we called the manager Maria afterwards to comment... she was terrible and start screaming at me over the phone, what a horrible experience and how can a manager of Il Fornaio be so disrespectful and rude to a customer that spent $250.00 for a terrible service and meal and still hang up on me? my advice : don't waste your $$$ there I...

Super rude waiter . "The bold big dude " - not that owner will ever care - the waiter is there for long time i can tell - im from restaurant business .He was yelling at next table : you didn't ask for bread you dont get bread after nice couple next to us asked after they ordered their meal- we ordered meal and appetizer and still no bread on our table 😉 - we were told we have to pay for it . 5 min later next table ordered all steaks and got bread for free .few tables after that too - we started paying attention out of boredom. We regionally entered restaurant with child to get happy hour food pizza as advertised in window - they told us - not today - after that attitude changed into ice - and both dishes were thrown on table in front of us , our appetizer went of plate , bruschetta flew 😀 . Nobody ever checked on us after food landed - however we were followed because we took the check and wanted to give it to someone else then our waiter for manager to read my complaints. It was ripped out of our hands by the hostess both by our waiter .

First time even in nice restaurant they treat you like that. No class in middle of Beverly hills - keep complaining here ,people do read reviews !!!

I have never lived more arrogant service and I work in restaurant

Edit : we left tip 20% with note next time no tip for bad service- not that it matters but please do start tipping badly if the service is not tip top friendly just because u r in Beverly hills - I would get fired for this kind of service everywhere I...