Il Fornaio Manhattan Beach

You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of sunny Italy without leaving the USA at the renowned Il Fornaio. Located on the border of Hawthorne in the Manhattan Beach area, this venue is a harmonious blend of a high-end restaurant and a cozy bar. The establishment is famous for its commitment to authentic traditions: here, they prepare handmade pasta, bake pizzas in a real wood-fired oven, and serve exquisite risotto.

Il Fornaio. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Il Fornaio is more than just a place to eat; it is a recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, ensuring guests access to an exceptional list of premium wines and craft cocktails. The interior exudes the warmth of classic European dining, while the outdoor terrace allows you to enjoy the mild California climate during brunch or dinner.

Special attention is paid to the freshness of ingredients. The menu features everything from traditional rotisserie meats to a wide selection for vegetarians and vegans. Thanks to its high ratings and impeccable service, this spot has become a favorite choice for both business meetings and romantic dates.

For more information, table reservations, or organizing private events, you can use the following contact details:

The primary reason to visit Il Fornaio is for a gastronomic journey. Be sure to try the signature warm Caprese with Rosso Bruno tomatoes and soft mozzarella, or order the Antipasto di Pesce — a luxurious platter of fresh seafood. Watching the chefs at work in the open kitchen adds an element of spectacle to your visit, highlighting the impeccable cleanliness and freshness of the products.

If your visit coincides with the monthly Festa Regionale, you'll have a unique chance to taste exclusive dishes from specific regions of Italy. These culinary cycles are personally curated by Chef Maurizio Mazzon, offering guests rare recipes and wines that are hard to find on the regular menu. For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend the homemade cakes prepared according to traditional Italian "nonna" recipes.

For those looking for a celebration venue, the restaurant offers private dining areas with the option to design a custom menu. It is a popular choice for weddings and corporate events. Additionally, the venue is family-friendly: high chairs and special menu options make dining with children comfortable. You can also order takeaway to enjoy an Italian-style picnic on the coast.

Getting to this corner of Italy is quite easy, as it is located in a lively area on Rosecrans Ave. If you are driving from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the trip will take about 30–40 minutes. Guests are provided with convenient free parking directly on the complex premises.

If you prefer public transportation, use Metro or Beach Cities Transit bus lines, which stop near the building on Rosecrans Avenue. From the Manhattan Beach waterfront, a ride by taxi or Uber/Lyft services will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

For travelers staying in Hawthorne itself, the drive is only 5–10 minutes. The restaurant building is fully accessible for people with limited mobility, and its outdoor terraces make it a prominent landmark on the street.

The brand's history began back in 1972 in the Italian town of Barlassina, Lombardy. It was originally an elite baking school created to preserve and pass on traditional Italian bread-making techniques. Just a few years later, in 1975, the first retail bakery opened in Milan, quickly winning over the hearts of locals.

Il Fornaio entered the American market in 1981 through a licensing agreement with Williams-Sonoma. The first locations opened in San Francisco and Beverly Hills. A turning point came in 1987 when the first full-service restaurant, Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, opened its doors in Corte Madera, California, transforming the chain from simple bakeries into hubs of fine gastronomy.

Venetian Chef Maurizio Mazzon has been responsible for the menu's authenticity for decades. Under his leadership, the famous Festa Regionale program was launched, introducing guests to the culinary traditions of all twenty regions of Italy. Today, Il Fornaio is a symbol of quality, combining family recipes with a professional approach to winemaking, recognized by Wine Spectator awards.

A standard lunch or dinner at this establishment typically takes 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to enjoy your main courses at a leisurely pace, try the signature pastries, and appreciate a glass of fine wine.

If you plan to attend one of the Festa Regionale themed evenings or are visiting with a large group, it's best to allow 2–3 hours. For those organizing a private event or family celebration in a private room, the program can last 4 hours or more.

The establishment welcomes guests daily, offering both daytime service and evening dinners. Please note that on weekends, the restaurant opens only in the evening:

From Monday to Thursday, the doors are open from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. On Friday, hours are extended until 10:00 PM. On Saturday, guests are welcome from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is recommended to book a table in advance, especially during evening hours and on Fridays.

After an exquisite lunch or dinner, it is worth taking a stroll around the area. The neighborhood offers plenty of options to continue your evening: from cozy sports bars to local cultural landmarks that help you soak up the atmosphere of this California suburb.