After 36 years as a staple of downtown Palo Alto’s dining scene, the Italian restaurant Il Fornaio is closing permanently. The restaurant, known for wood‑fired pizzas, classic pastas, and elegant yet warm ambiance, will serve its final meals on January 18, 2026. For decades, it was more than just a place to eat — it was a gathering place for locals, tech leaders, and visitors alike.
A hub for community and tech culture
Since opening in 1989, Il Fornaio has become part of the fabric of downtown life. Regular guests included Silicon Valley figures such as Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple), who favored its wood‑fired pizzas, and Tim Cook (current Apple CEO), who enjoyed meals and conversations there. Beyond celebrities, many longtime residents — students, professionals, and families — frequented the restaurant for celebrations and daily dinners.
Why it’s closing
The closure stems from lease expirations at the El Prado hotel space on Cowper Street where Il Fornaio operated for decades. The restaurant company chose not to renew the lease and announced the decision quietly, without specifying other business reasons.
Other Il Fornaio locations will remain open, including in Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara and Beverly Hills, and some staff may be offered positions at those restaurants…