There’s a reason many consider Italian food the world’s finest cuisine. This place provides an example that proves the point.
Given the menu, the staff, the great location you would be hard pressed to pick a better place to enjoy lunch or dinner.
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Monica for over a decade. Always a lovely atmosphere and great service. The food is usually quite good, especially their freshly made pasta dishes, however, on our recent visit a couple of us was not too impress, the food felt a bit off, not as exciting as on our previous visits. Perhaps, a new chef, yo no se… Nonetheless, we have not given up on them and will certainly visit again— soon…
I rarely leave reviews and I've been to this place a few times, always been pleased. But then I ordered over the phone with Ryan (who was wonderful) and everyone at my office couldn't get enough of their food. I tried the Principessa Salad for the first time and I now have a new favorite salad ever. Perfectly fresh ingredients but the chicken was cooked and seasoned to perfection! I couldn't have asked for a better experience and we now will be ordering from them every time our partners are in town.
Once when I lived in Santa Monica as a young man, I was a regular here. Later, when the restaurant opened a joint venture in Japan, I often went to its Tokyo branch, which closed already.
Decades later, I come here and am impressed by how good the food still tastes as before.
Great neighborhood place with always great service by Michael. Food is above average and sometimes really great. Big menu with lots of variety. Recent special with seared scallops and black squid ink past was spectacular. Saffron risotto was good but a bit dry.
Il Forno is special to me because it's a place where I always feel comfortable as a woman dining alone. My experience in other local restaurants isn't the same--"just an old woman, don't spend a lot of time on her. She won't order right or tip well." At Il Forno, I'm always a valued guest--and have been for more than a dozen years. The food is always good, sometimes extraordinary. The experience is always first rate. Dining at Il Forno is like eating in my Aunt Grace's (Sicilian) kitchen--except the menu is larger. And she would totally approve. You won't be disappointed. Mary
The food was good. Service and staff was great. A bit overpriced for what you get. I got the lamb which was delicious but wish it came with veggies. My friend got the steak, which was tender and well cooked. The staff was very jovial as well.
As all my fans know, there are few things I love more than Shark Tank. However, I also love Italian food. When I'm not watching shark tank I come to Il Forno to get my fix. Come for the bruscetta, stay for the bruscetta. You may also want to get an entree. See my photos for some recommendations.
Excellent food at a very affordable price. I only wish we had longer then one hour to order a dinner power meal.
Great service. Good food and absolutely reasonable prices for the area.
Authentic Italian dishes, professional service and delightful patio. A neighborhood mainstay for 30 years. Original menu by Tonnino Morra still in place for the most part.
Great place. Every time we go for a walk in Santa Monica we come back here for dinner. Very fast service. Very tasty food and very friendly staff.And most importantly, you can sit on the terrace with your pet
I decided to go try Il Forno because of the dineLA special for $29. I am in no way exaggerating when I say, every plate they brought out was amazing. The burrata, the steak, the tiramisu... Even the bread, which came with an irresistible bruschetta style tomato and oil sauce. I must go back for their normal menu.
Great place for a quick bite of most all classic Italian dishes. Pricing is pretty reasonable for Santa Monica. If you pay cash and take your food to go the price reduces about 50%!
Probably my favorite Italian restaurant in Santa Monica. The staffs and servers are so nice, they give off family feel. Food here is amazing! Their rigatoni bolognese is my favorite. Parking is a bit limited in all honesty. I live near by so I walk here but I've had friends who drove here and struggle for a spot. Probably recommend coming on weekdays over weekend for that matter.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes