Il Fornaio in San Jose, CA, offers an elevated Italian dining experience built around the kind of food that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable.
As an upmarket Italian restaurant, it is known for freshly made pasta, warm bread from its in-house bakery, and a menu that brings together comfort, quality, and care in every detail.
Guests come for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, and stay for the thoughtful service, inviting atmosphere, and the consistently polished dining experience that makes every visit feel special.
Whether you are planning a relaxed solo meal, a romantic evening, or a group celebration, Il Fornaio creates the right setting with table service, seating, a private dining room, and a refined environment that feels both welcoming and distinctive.
What makes Il Fornaio especially appealing is the full experience it provides, not just the food. The restaurant is recognized for great cocktails, great coffee, a great dessert selection, and an impressive wine list, making it a strong choice for everything from a casual midday meal to a special dinner out.
Guests can enjoy alcohol, beer, cocktails, coffee, comfort food, organic dishes, and small plates, with catering available for those who want the same quality brought to events and gatherings. Its atmosphere is quiet, romantic, trendy, and upmarket, creating a setting that suits both intimate occasions and business meals.
With a bar on site, restroom facilities, Wi-Fi, and free Wi-Fi, the restaurant combines style with practical comfort, helping guests feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
Accessibility and convenience are also a priority at Il Fornaio. The restaurant offers a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet, making it easier for more guests to enjoy the experience comfortably.
Flexible service options include kerbside pickup, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, so customers can choose the dining style that best fits their needs. Brunch and dinner reservations are recommended, and reservations are accepted, which helps guests plan ahead with confidence.
Located at 302 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, and backed by a strong 4.20-star rating from 1,469 reviews, Il Fornaio stands out as a trusted destination for anyone seeking excellent Italian cuisine, attentive service, and a refined place to gather, dine, and unwind.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Il Fornaio
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
cannoli | sheep’s milk ricotta | candied orange | limoncello | bittersweet chocolate | pistachios
ladyfingers | mascarpone | espresso | rum |\r\ncocoa powder
pasta tubes | bacon | vodka-cream-tomato I sauce grana padano
beef, pork & veal ragu | egg pasta ribbons | grana padano
clams | mussels | shrimp | scallops | thin pasta |\r\nroasted cherry tomato sauce | white wine | crushed red pepper
spaghetti | roasted tomato sauce | basil I stracciatella
italian sausage in spinach ravioli | fresh tomatoes | spicy tomato sauce | peperoncino | stracciatella
shrimp | sundried tomatoes | large corkscrew pasta | traditional pesto cream sauce
chicken breast | porcini & champignon mushrooms |\r\nwide egg pasta ribbons | truffle oil | grana padano-cream sauce
beef, pork & veal ragu | porcini mushrooms | pasta sheets | grana padano | béchamel
baked potato dumplings | roasted tomato sauce | basil | grana padano | fior di latte mozzarella
fish fillet | salmon | scallops | shrimp | lemon-olive oil sauce | broccolini | baby carrots | roasted yukon gold potatoes\r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
mediterranean seabass | basil-panko crust | roasted tomato sauce | root vegetables | grilled polenta\r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
14oz new york steak | roasted root vegetables & yukon gold potatoes\r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
chicken breast | mixed mushrooms | marsala wine sauce I roasted root vegetables & yukon gold potatoes
free-range rotisserie chicken | rosemary sauce | broccolini | baby carrots | mashed potatoes
8oz beef tenderloin | red wine reduction sauce | \r\nmixed mushrooms | mashed potatoes\r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
norwegian salmon | lemon | extra-virgin olive oil | sautéed spinach | roasted yukon gold potatoes \r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
fried zucchini blossoms | mozzarella | parmigiano reggiano | spicy marinara
fried shrimp & calamari | polenta | vegetables | sage | spicy marinara
piedmontese beef | grana padano | capers | wild arugula | lemon olive oil\r\n\r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
burrata | prosciutto di parma | arugula | grilled ciabatta I basil olive oil
roasted cauliflower | roasted garlic | rosemary olive oil
potato dumplings | truffled mushrooms | \r\ncream sauce | grana padano
beef meatballs | tomato sauce | ricotta | grilled ciabatta
deep fried baby squid | spicy marinara sauce
ahi tuna | white balsamic dressing | avocado | spring onions I micro arugula | grilled ciabatta\r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
garlic grilled ciabatta with 3 toppings:\r\ncaponata | roasted cherry tomatoes | basil pesto & stracciatella
grana padano | croutons | romaine lettuce | caesar dressing
couscous | avocado | capers | red onions | raisins | tomatoes | wild arugula | lemon-olive oil dressing
roasted pears | gorgonzola | candied pecans | seedless red grapes | baby lettuces | pomegranate dressing
fior di latte mozzarella | heirloom tomatoes | basil olive oil
organic red & gold beets | goat cheese | toasted walnuts | wild arugula | red wine vinaigrette
seasonal vegetable soup
rotisserie chicken | spicy salami | applewood smoked bacon | fior di latte mozzarella | avocado | garbanzo beans | red onions | tomatoes | romaine lettuce | white balsamic vinaigrette
Features Pollo Toscano & includes Insalata Cesarina, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Freshly Baked Bread & Tiramisù
Features Salmone alla Griglia* & includes Insalata Cesarina, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Freshly Baked Bread & Tiramisù\r\n\r\n\r\n*Served raw or undercooked, or contains raw or undercooked ingredients. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Hear from our valued guests
I took my girlfriend to eat here for her birthday and Jeremy made it an experience to remember, the food was great and the service was prompt. Definitely recommend for a nice date. Thank you Jeremy and Fornaio!
My wife and I went yesterday, February 14, 2026 for Valentine's Day dinner. We didn't have a reservation and the hostess found room for us and we were truly thankful. We had the Tomahawk steak, mashed potatoes and spinach. It was OUTSTANDING. A host, and the chef himself brought our dinner after thoroughly preparing our table. Our server was also outstanding. We LOVED our evening. Thank you again to all.
This is a nice place for business meetings dinner with various drinks & delicious food. Their serving is very fast & splendid
I travel for a living so see lots of places all over the world. I went at 6PM so it was not too busy yet. I had the Linguine Mare and it did not disappoint! Nice portion size. Huge scallops. Would highly recommend
11 APRIL 2026 We enjoyed another great visit. I always ask for the chicken parmesean, even though it is not on the menu, it is available. February 2026 Sergio was our waiter and he was awesome. I watched him and other crew members (cooks too) work so well together it was nice to watch. The restaurant was neat, clean and well maintained. The service was excellent. The lasagna was very enjoyable with a large portion size. I would gladly return here again.
Loved the atmosphere here. The Italian theme isn’t just in the decor — it carries through with the music and the overall feel of the place, which makes it stand out from your average breakfast spot. It’s got personality without feeling cheesy. I tend to keep my breakfast pretty simple, so I didn’t explore too much of the menu, but I have to say, it looked way more creative than the usual diner options. Lots of interesting twists that you don’t normally see in the morning. What I had was good and hit the spot. The service has also been great — everyone’s been friendly and on top of things. It’s the kind of place that feels easy and comfortable but still a little different. I’d definitely come back to try something new next time.
I loved the ambiance and decorations. We had in mind a fancy date night, and Il Fornaio delivered! However, I would say that the food was not as high-end as the ambiance suggested, although it was still great. The service was prompt, and again, great but not extremely friendly. Overall, I would suggest this place for a mid-fancy date dinner or celebratory group meal.
We enjoyed our time and dinner here very much! The service was excellent. They are tentative , friendly and courteous! One of the waiter, bringing a plastic cup with lids for my 18 months old granddaughter to drink water from instead of drinking from the glass! Food here was very, very good! Fresh ingredients and flavorful! All Pasta dishes was cooked perfectly! We will coming back soon for sure!
I kept it simple with my usual order and went for the grilled salmon along with a caprese salad. Both were fresh and really satisfying. To finish, I had a scoop of dark chocolate gelato, which was the perfect sweet ending. The service here is consistently good every time I visit, and the staff always makes things smooth and easy. The atmosphere is also really pleasant, making it a comfortable place to just sit back and enjoy a meal.
Italian cuisine with traditional menu items like soup salad pasta. Service was a little slow perhaps due to conference rush. Nice ambience in the dining room.
Common questions about Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio is located at 302 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States, San Jose, CA, United States.
You can reach Il Fornaio by calling +1 408-271-3366.
Il Fornaio has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 1469 customer reviews.
Il Fornaio features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Il Fornaio features the following service options: Kerbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Il Fornaio features the following highlights: Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great wine list.
Il Fornaio features the following popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Il Fornaio features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Organic dishes, Private dining room, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Il Fornaio features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Il Fornaio features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
Il Fornaio features the following atmosphere: Quiet, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
Il Fornaio features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, Tourists.
Il Fornaio features the following planning: Brunch reservations recommended, Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
Il Fornaio features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Il Fornaio features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
Il Fornaio features the following parking: Free parking lot, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Valet parking.
Business Features
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