Inside the Del Mar Plaza at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Suite 301, Del Mar 92014, Il Fornaio brings a culinary tradition that traces back to its founding as a baking school in Italy in 1972. This Del Mar outpost is a repeat recipient of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence and was certified Authentic Italian by the Italian government in 2013 with the prestigious Marchio Ospitalita designation, confirming it as one of the finest Italian dining experiences outside of Italy. The restaurant shares the plaza with upstairs neighbor Pacifica Del Mar, giving visitors two award-winning dining options under one roof with ocean views from both patios. The kitchen turns out housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas from an oak-burning oven, grilled Norwegian salmon with sauteed spinach, Mediterranean sea bass with basil-panko crust, and rotisserie meats alongside seasonal menu changes that keep regulars returning. Desserts follow traditional Italian family recipes, and the full bar serves craft cocktails and a curated Italian wine list. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with brunch available on weekends, Il Fornaio also runs happy hour specials and offers delivery, curbside pickup, and a contactless to-go menu. An on-site event coordinator handles private dining for parties of 13 to 250 in elegant indoor and semi-private spaces, making it a go-to for business functions and celebrations. The restaurant ranks among TripAdvisor's top 10 in Del Mar with over 350 reviews praising the sunset views from the outdoor patio. Guests have access to the multilevel parking garage beneath the plaza. Visitors staying in the Del Mar Village area often walk to Stratford Court Cafe the next morning for a casual breakfast just a few blocks away.