So beyond impressed by this lovely place. The host fit us in for dinner without a reservation on an obviously very busy night. No smoke and mirrors. This place is classic and wholesome, not trendy. The food is excellent with fresh tasting ingredients - We had the Caesar, bruschetta, truffle pesto mushroom squid ink pasta dish, and cacio e pepe. The servers were knowledgeable and support staff (bussers runners etc) were quick and so on top of anything we needed. We felt like we were treated like family there. We will make a reservation next time but are so grateful we got to eat here.
I wasn't a fan that they didn't take the reservation. The place is very crowded all the time and we waited like 45 minutes for a table for 4. The place was loud anyway but the food was pretty good and it had a great, modern decor. It was a bit more on the expensive end, but prices were quite reasonable around $22 for a pizza that 2 people could share.
What a pleasant surprise to find this small restaurant. We had tickets brand thin lit and walked to the look to the right of the restaurant when it opened at 5pm. Small restaurant but cozy. We ordered two pasta dishes which were very tasty. We asked for one dish to be a little spicy which they made special. Also we ordered a bottle of wine and ended up with the most amazing cheesecake ever. I will be back to try other dishes on the menu.
the service the food was excellent.
Never had a bad meal. That said, at my last visit my steak while tasty, was very tough which is really odd for a ribeye.
Nice atmosphere and large outside patio with heaters and a nice Santa Monica spot for locals. Good comfort Italian food. We enjoyed the fetticini pesto with shrimp and scallops. The branzino special was large and moist and nicely displayed. The salads are fresh and delicious and all the portions are generous and nicely plated. The wine selection is great. Some nice super tuscans and multipulcianos. Also enjoyed a glass of port with some terrific deserts.
I've eaten here couple times. Food is generally good but the Rigatoni Bolegnese tasted like it was out of a can. This was surprising. Parking is hard to find, but that's Santa Monica...
The very best Italian restaurant my husband and I ever went to. Caesar salad unbelievable. Mira Monte delicious. Always sat outside on the patio. Beautiful! Joseph is wonderful, so is Michael. Terrific neighborhood restaurant.
Amazing food, friendly staff, good service, reasonable price, cozy atmosphere, and overall a fantastic experience. Would come back again, highly recommend for a date night! So happy we came here, thanks Il Forno for a great night!
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.