Il Fornaio

Excellent food, wonderful service and facinating ambiance. I know it's a darn chain, but they seem to get it right nearly every time. Located in an historic property n LODO, you get the feel of old Denver. The food is interesting and reasonable. The wait staff keeps an eye on your table so all you need to do is motion if you are in need. Don't you hate it when you get to the point you have to yell out the waiter's name and he/she suddenly plays deaf? The woman who keeps up with the bread and water must be psychic here! She watches the tables like a hawk! Pros: I love the ambiance and service. Food is interesting and not over priced. Cons: Hidden off the 16th Street Mall, we forget about it. more

Outstanding service, wonderful food, lovely, romantic ambience. We were seated on the patio, waiters were outstanding, knowledgeable, friendly, relaxed. We were extremely impressed, from the bread and oil-and-vinegar dip to the INCREDIBLE dessert of a creme brulee with chocolate mousse that was probably the FINEST dessert I have ever had at a restaurant. I would highly recommend this place! Pros: Excellent service, Wonderful food, Nice ambience Cons: Can't think of any! more

The Lodo location is amazing.I used to go years ago, and came back to it recently.The food is superb, this restaurant definitely uses the highest quality ingredients.The Chef even came out to talk to out table.The surprise is that he's really Italian.He cooked in Italy for 15 years before coming to the United States.His standards seem very high.We attended the wine dinner, where he had more liberty with the menu- The food was like nothing I've never tasted--and completely authentic. I used to be skeptical because of the multiple locations, but this is far better than most ""mom and pop"" Italian restaurants in town, which are overrated, expensive, with overcooked pasta most of the time.My only complaint is, it took the server over 10 minutes to take a drink order; although the busser came with fresh bread in the meantime. Pros: great menu, cooked to perfection, beautiful restaurant Cons: , need drinks faster, call for reservation more

If you're looking for something a little more specialized then this is the place. Friendly staff and very prompt yet unobtrusive service throughout. The wine list is good and the menu is both varied and comprehensive. Great calamretti as an appetizer, and the pasta entrees may look a little small by 'normal' standards, but the quality makes up for that - very good. It's just an addition to nibble, but a big bonus is the wonderful crusty European-style bread... and with top quality olive oil - magnifico!! Well worth a visit! Pros: unhurried service, knowledgeable staff, good wine list more

The restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy a well-cooked Italian meal. The bread is amazing and 2 apps I would recommend are the eggplant and the prosciutto w/ fresh mozz with olive oil. You have to like prosciutto though because there is a lot. The patio is nice but the interior has plenty of charm and a large fireplace in the center. I found the service to be prompt and they have a very nice selection of wine. Pros: wine list, bread, great apps more

We visited il Fornaio while on vacation in Denver - absolutely everything was incredible. The atmosphere is romantic and perfect for couples or groups. The wine list is extensive and the chef was incredibly accommodating. We requested a Southern Italian dish, which was not on the menu, and he produced an absolutely exquisite dish. The service was also perfect; we never once had to fill our own wine glasses. Pros: romantic decor, reserve wine list more

We visited Il Fornaio after going in a difference city, but were disappointed. Our service was poor and food was average. Italian food at these prices should be way above average! And our waiter...worse than Denny's. more

On a recent business trip to Denver, I had an opportunity to dine at Il Fornaio, and the experience was a good one. The ambiance, service, and menu were amazing. Located near the 16th Street Mall, Il Fornaio offers a comfortable environment to enjoy excellent, authentic Italian food. I highly recommend Il Fornaio if you have the opportunity. Pros: location, cuisine, service Cons: parking more

Great atmosphere and service. Restaurant is known for unique specials from various regions in Italy. The bread basket is bottomless and features three different homemade breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip. The staff is attentive and knowledgable and the wine list is reasonable. Pros: attentive staff, fresh bread, patio more

Serves more traditional dishes, as they would serve in Italy. Afterall the companies headquarters are in Italy. Can be pricy, but worth it. Great wine selection. Their meat selections are wonderful. pasta selection different. if you are looking for lasagne, baked ziti or spagehtti, this is not the restuarant for you. Menu changes regularly, so you can always go back and try something new. Pros: Authentic menu, Good wine list Cons: Expensive more

Fantastic atmosphere in this Lodo gem. Best authentic Italian around. Bread is to die for. Service was impeccible. I took my parents who visiting from out of town. My father is from Palermo, Sicily. He said the minestrone was great! Try the spinach salad and any pasta dish. Pros: great food, impressive, service more