Via Aurelia - Reviews

My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional across the board. The service was next level; I felt like royalty, yet the staff was incredibly nice, friendly, and easy to talk to. The cocktails were unique and tasty. I had never ordered duck before, but I panic-ordered the duck ragu pasta, and it was delicious. I couldn’t have eaten it faster. I highly recommend this place.

We had the privilege of being the first to try the new tasting menu, and honestly, it blew us away. Every single dish was incredible, thoughtful, balanced, and full of flavor. We’ve eaten at a few Michelin-star spots before, and this easily holds its own. The service was just as impressive. Huge thanks to Chef David Nayfeld and the team for such an unforgettable night. We’ll definitely be back soon!

My experience at this restaurant was an exquisite experience from start to finish. The refined flavors were exceptional, complemented by impeccable service and an atmosphere that whispers quiet luxury. It was the simple joy of excellence. We had such a wonderful anniversary and excellent food. Thank you, I will definitely come back.

My experience at Via Aurelia was a breath of fresh air for the San Francisco dining scene. The food was excellent, the service was warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere was fantastic. I've been to many SF restaurants, but Via Aurelia is truly punching above the market. I can’t wait to return on my next trip to San Fran!

My dinner at Via Aurelia was a truly blown away experience from start to finish. The space is gorgeous, offering an atmosphere that is both elegant and comfortable, making you want to linger. I began with the Panzanella, which was delightfully fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. The Pappardelle con Sugo di Cinghiale was a rich and comforting dish that evoked pure enjoyment. The Anatra (duck) was expertly cooked, featuring a harmonious blend of familiar and new flavors. For dessert, the Affogato provided a simple, sweet, and perfectly executed ending. Even the non-alcoholic drinks were fantastic – complex, refreshing, and clearly crafted with care. While I don't drink, the wine list appeared phenomenal based on the staff's knowledgeable descriptions. The service was top-notch: warm, knowledgeable, and genuine, reflecting a team that clearly loves their work. Via Aurelia stands out as one of the best dining experiences I've had in San Francisco, and I eagerly anticipate my return.

Inspired by a review in the SF Chronicle, I was eager to try this new restaurant in the Mission Bay area. We visited in October 2025 and, without reservations, were comfortably seated at a nice corner area of the bar. We began with drinks, including a refreshing West Coast IPA from Cellarmaker. For starters, we enjoyed the Sformato di funghi, a chanterelle custard with Brentwood sweet corn soup. It was beautifully presented and tasted like a delicious, signature soup. We also received complimentary bread served with a rich, peppery spread and fine olive oil. We shared the scallops with a minestrone risotto, which I also liked. The service was very friendly and attentive, and all the workers seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs. I'm looking forward to returning.

My experience at this restaurant was the best dining experience I’ve had in a while! The highlight for me was the cocktails; they are some of the best in the city, hands down. It’s rare to find cocktails that actually pair well with dishes, but they nailed it! The food is also next level!

From the moment we entered Via Aurelia, we were warmly welcomed, and it was clear we had found a new favorite spot in SF. My husband and I dined here last week and were thoroughly impressed. The ambiance and vibe were perfect, complemented by the wonderful staff. The food was extraordinary, with perfectly sized portions prepared with care and passion, offering incredible flavors. The menu provided a wide variety of dishes, making it great for sharing or individual enjoyment. Even the suggested cocktail pairings exceeded expectations. The cocktails themselves were next level, a truly mind-blowing experience, ranking among the best we've had globally. We've already booked our second dinner and are bringing friends to share this exceptional place.

My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was good, with both the hare pasta and boar pasta being enjoyable, and the table service was very good once sorted, the overall value felt off. The drinks were particularly expensive at $18 each for small portions, and the entrees were around $50. A significant issue was the reservation; we arrived before our booked time and our table had already been given away, leading to an awkward 10-minute wait. The music was very loud, making conversation difficult, and the tall seats were uncomfortable. The ambiance is incredible, and the waiter was excellent, but the initial reservation hiccup and the high prices compared to similar restaurants make it a questionable choice for the price point.

My experience at this newly opened restaurant was a mixed bag. The food and service were solid, but the experience was irretrievably marred by a middle-aged woman in a bad yellow suit. She gave away our table prior to the 20-minute grace period expiring, even though we had communicated ahead that we were running behind and would need that time. She was extraordinarily obstinate when questioned as to why she gave our table away. This was weird for a restaurant that just opened.