Critics-at-Large The smart way to pick the best places to eat, stay, shop, have fun and to do business with because you are the critic! It is truly the people's choice!
   
Il Fornaio, Portland, OR P33
 
A Top Pick in the Area
 
Having just eaten at their restaurant in Walnut Creek, California, earlier this month, I thought I might give the Portland restaurant another chance. 

Good choice!

At least today, the waitstaff was excellent, attentive and very congenial...no sign of the previous "Attitudes." 

The food is still excellent, if a bit more than you might pay at comparable Italian restaurants in the area, but the menu is perhaps a bit broader as well. 

The bread is baked on the premises and is excellent. 

My only complaint (and it is minor) is with the "Polenta with Funghi" appetizer.  The description on the menu extolls the virtues of several different kinds of mushrooms.  When the dish arrived, it was more a dish with a large amount of polenta with relatively few mushrooms. 

Food: A. Attitude: A. Ambiance: A. Parking: A. Service: A. Value: B.

Il Fornaio Overall grade: A
115 N. W. 22nd Avenue, Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 248-9400
Date of visit: 10/1999 Rcvd: 11/1/1999
Submitted by: HCG, Tualatin, OR C2 R199
 
Of Il Fornaio, The Oregonian says:  "If all chain restaurants were this good, the world would be a better place."

Well, maybe.  IF you like indifferent waiters and hosts/hostesses with an attitude.

Actually, the food is good, but certainly no better than a half dozen other Italian restaurants I can name in Portland...and the prices are just a bit high compared to their competition.

I've only eaten at Il Fornaio three times, sort of a "three strikes and you're out" scenario.  I probably won't return until I learn of a change in attitude or something that will give me reason to return.

Food: A-. Service: C. Attitude: D. Parking: A. Value: B-.

 
Il Fornaio Overall grade: B-
Date of visit: 10/1998 Rcvd: 5/29/1999
Submitted by: HCG, Tualatin, OR C2 R34
Critiques from readers represent the views of the writer and do not reflect any opinion by Critics-at-Large. Similarly, advertisement from advertisers represent the views of the advertiser and do not reflect any endorsement by Critics-at-Large.
 
Help us grow! Submit a Critique
Copyright © 1999 Critics-at-Large. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.
updated 11/3/99 Comments & suggestions to: webmaster@criticsatlarge.com