Il Fornaio, in Del Mar and Coronado is Italian fine dining, its 23 locations mostly in California.  The brand started out as a bakery in the Lombardia district of Italy and the logo proclaims it as an authentic Italian Restaurant and Bakery. It’s still evident in their freshly baked bread with every meal and the enchanting desserts offered.

The freshness doesn’t stop at the bread and rolls. The pastas are made in-house daily and all sauces, soups and dressings are made from scratch. Most locations have wood-fired grilles and rotisseries. I really love Il Fornaio’s long-standing “Festa Regionale,” a brilliantly conceived monthly culinary and wine tour through one of the 20 districts of Italy.