Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Amarena – San Francisco
Amarena - San Francisco
Photo from Amarena
Amarena at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#46 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
420
Reviews
92.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Cuisine
- Attentive Service
- Intimate Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High Price
- Limited Menu
- Billing Issues
The Italian restaurant Amarena in San Francisco’s charming Russian Hill neighborhood invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for a casual evening out.
Known for its exceptional desserts, Amarena promises a sweet ending to your meal. Whether you’re looking for a delightful dinner or a relaxing lunch, this spot offers a welcoming ambiance where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Amarena
Amarena offers a generally positive dining experience, often praised for its pleasant and intimate atmosphere, making it a charming spot. Guests frequently highlight the attentive and kind staff, contributing to a wonderful overall experience.
The culinary offerings, particularly the authentic Italian dishes, also receive considerable acclaim. However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the premium price point, feeling that certain dishes didn’t quite justify the cost.
There are also occasional remarks about a somewhat limited menu selection and isolated issues with service, such as billing discrepancies or an unaccommodating waiter.
Excellent
9
out of 10
420
Reviews
92.9%
Satisfaction
22
negative
8
neutral
390
positive
Overall, Amarena achieves an impressive restaurant score of 9, indicating an excellent dining establishment. This high rating is strongly supported by an equally excellent customer satisfaction rate of 92.9%.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 420 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 390 positive comments outweighing just 22 negative ones, painting a very favorable picture. Diving deeper, the Food (9.1) and Service (9.1) both stand out as excellent, receiving high praise from patrons.
The Ambience (9) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, rated as excellent. However, the Value (5.8) score is notably average, suggesting that while the quality is high, some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with their expectations.
What people like
- Authentic Italian Cuisine
- Attentive, Kind Service
- Intimate Atmosphere
What people don't like
- High Price Point
- Limited Menu Options
- Billing Issues
Amarena presents a compelling case for those seeking quality Italian dining, backed by a strong recommendation score of 9.1. If you prioritize excellent food, attentive service, and a charming atmosphere, this restaurant is certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests find it on the higher side, and the menu selection is somewhat focused. For a delightful, intimate Italian experience where quality is key, Amarena generally delivers, but manage expectations regarding variety and cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Amarena
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are clearly impressed, with an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic 92.9% customer satisfaction. Based on 221 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the delicious, authentic Italian dishes. Highlights include the exceptional handmade pasta, rich flavors, and high-quality ingredients that truly deliver a memorable meal.
However, a few areas could see improvement, noted in 13 negative comments. Some found the meatballs disappointing due to a thin, flavorless sauce, while others felt the grilled octopus was overcooked. There were also mentions of a skimpy portion for the veal and some general disappointment with certain pasta dishes not meeting expectations.
Food
238
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Delicious handmade pasta
- Exceptional flavors
What people don't like
- Disappointing meatballs
- Overcooked octopus
- Skimpy veal portion
Often praised
- foodAs a first-time visitor from San Diego, I can confidently say this place is 100% worth it. My experience was fantastic, thanks to the cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and great food. It's a place that truly lives up to expectations.
- wineThe atmosphere was super cozy, making it perfect for a date night or drinks with the girls. They have a large selection of appetizers and wine, which is a big plus. I highly recommend this place, especially for vegetarians!
- pastaI love this little neighborhood gem! I often come with a book, my dog, and we sit outside for a glass of wine and some pasta!
- lasagnaTheir bolognese and lasagna are out of this world
- bruschettaMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! We enjoyed some amazing pasta dishes, excellent wine, and delicious bruschetta. We tried three different pasta dishes and their salame dessert.
- Italian foodAfter 16 days in the USA, I finally found authentic Italian food that made me feel like I was back in Italy. The staff were professional and kind, and the food was excellent.
- orecchietteMy go to order with the orecchiette
- pastasWe ended up ordering four different pastas and sharing it
- breadThe service was excellent, and my lasagna was incredible. I also loved the bread. While I didn’t love the meatballs, finding the sauce thin and lacking flavor for my taste, and wishing for a better non-alcoholic drink selection beyond Coke or Diet Coke, these were minor points.
- dessertMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful, especially enjoying dessert and wine with a girlfriend! 🍷 Our server, Stefano, was amazing and kind.
Frequently criticized
- meatballsI also loved the bread. While I didn’t love the meatballs, finding the sauce thin and lacking flavor for my taste, and wishing for a better non-alcoholic drink selection beyond Coke or Diet Coke, these were minor points. The absolutely excellent main course, bread, and beer, coupled with top-tier service, more than made up for it.
- Aperol spritzwe werent a fan of. Flat, weird and not very aperol-y and not very spritz-y
- Polpo Alla GrigliaPolpo Alla Griglia which had a nice char and smoky finish. In our opinion it was slightly overcooked and not the freshest (since it got mushy)
- Scaloppine di VitelloScaloppine di Vitello — the portion size for which was very skimpy.
- cold meatordered a plate of cold meat
- drink selectiondrink selection for someone that doesn’t drink alcohol could also have been better
- food qualityfood quality did not fully live up to the premium price point
- menu selectionGiven the prices, I did not feel the dish was worth the cost, as I was truly expecting to be wowed by the quality. 🍽️ The menu selection is noticeably limited, which was a disappointment as I was hoping for a good steak option but couldn't find one that was suitable. The limited focus, while potentially good, didn't work in my favor this time.
- non-alcoholic beveragesMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with the main plate and the bread being absolutely amazing! I only took off a star because the meatballs were really disappointing, and they don’t have a real selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The service and atmosphere both received a perfect 5/5, and the food overall was rated a 4/5.
- pastawasn’t amazed by the pasta
If you're seeking authentic, delicious Italian cuisine, especially handmade pasta, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes, like the meatballs or octopus, might not always hit the mark for everyone.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic 94.7% customer satisfaction, it's clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 95 comments, 90 rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and amazing servers like Stefano, often highlighting the owner interaction and genuine hospitality.
While overwhelmingly positive, a handful of 4 comments noted minor hiccups. These included mentions of an unfriendly server or a rude waiter in isolated instances, and one guest felt the service was awful. However, these seem to be rare exceptions to an otherwise stellar experience.
Service
95
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Amazing servers
- Engaging owner
What people don't like
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThis was my first time here, and I absolutely LOVE the food, the ambiance, and the service is the best! Our server, Alessia, did an amazing job recommending wine and food selections.
- staffMy experience at Amarena was wonderful. The food was excellent and down-to-earth, complemented by a charming ambiance and warm, inviting staff. It's truly the quintessential neighborhood favorite, and I make a point of returning each visit, even while living away from San Francisco.
- ServiceService:5
- Italian staffItalian staff and feel of Noni’s cooking!
- experiencemade sure I had a great experience
- ownerchatted to the owner
- serverStefano, the server, was amazing and kind
- Anna MarieIt’s a friendly place serving world-class Italian cuisine. Anna Marie was outstanding. Thank you, and we can’t wait to visit again.
- StefanoStefano is one of the severs and so amazing
- StephanoStephano was incredible
Frequently criticized
- refundI was charged twice on my card yesterday for $193. I am still waiting for you guys to refund me back!
- serverWhile the restaurant wasn't crowded, we were seated very closely together by the windows, which felt a little cramped. Our server wasn't the nicest guy lol. However, the food and wine were pretty good.
- serviceThe service is honestly just so awful
- waiterThe waiter was so rude
If you value a dining experience where you're treated like family, this place is definitely worth a visit. The service is consistently praised for being attentive and warm, making it a standout feature. While a rare off-day might occur, you can generally expect top-notch hospitality.
Ambience (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 63% of the guests
The ambience here is truly a standout, earning an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 93.8% customer satisfaction! Guests consistently rave about the cozy and warm atmosphere, often describing it as a beautiful restaurant and a neighborhood gem. With 76 positive remarks out of 81 total, its clear the vibe is a huge hit.
On the flip side, a mere 2 comments out of 81 noted minor issues, specifically mentioning the acoustic being a bit noisy and some seating' feeling cramped. These are small points, but good to keep in mind if you prefer a very quiet or spacious environment.
Ambience
81
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, warm atmosphere
- Beautiful rustic interior
- Ideal for date night
What people don't like
- Noisy acoustics
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe limited focus, while potentially good, didn't work in my favor this time. 🥩 The service was fine, and the restaurant provides a pleasant, intimate atmosphere. 🤔 Overall, Amarena is a charming Italian spot, but the food quality did not fully live up to the premium price point, and the menu selection was too limited for my preferences.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThis was my first time here, and I absolutely LOVE the food, the ambiance, and the service is the best! Our server, Alessia, did an amazing job recommending wine and food selections.
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding. It's truly the best restaurant in San Francisco hands-down. I consider it a hidden gem, and the prices aren’t crazy either.
- ambienceambience, especially during the sunset glow
- hidden gemSuch a hidden gem in the nob hill neighborhood
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The vibe is good, the food is good, and the service is good too! It's a really good place for a date and chatting.
- vibesthe vibes are immaculate
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
Frequently criticized
- acousticThe acoustic is a little in the noisy side
- seatingseated everyone really closesly together by the windows and it was a little cramped
If a charming, cozy, and beautiful atmosphere is high on your list, this spot is a must-try. It's perfect for a date night or a relaxed evening, offering a truly inviting vibe that guests consistently adore.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 5% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.8 score and 50% customer satisfaction based on 6 opinions. On the bright side, guests often praise the appealing happy hour deals and note that the general prices arent crazy, with some even feeling they dont reflect the level of excellence. However, an equal number of voices express concern, feeling that the experience didn't fully live up to its premium price point.
Some found certain dishes not worth the cost, expecting more for their money. Plus, a significant issue with a double card charge left one customer waiting for a refund, which is definitely a dealbreaker.
Value
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good happy hour
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- High price point
- Not worth cost
- Double card charge
Often praised
- pricesPrices do not reflect the level of excellence
- happy hourPlus they have a good happy hour.
Frequently criticized
- card chargeI was charged twice on my card yesterday for $193. I am still waiting for you guys to refund me back!
- costI ordered a spaghetti dish, which was a decent serving but felt only okay for an Italian restaurant. Given the prices, I did not feel the dish was worth the cost, as I was truly expecting to be wowed by the quality. 🍽️ The menu selection is noticeably limited, which was a disappointment as I was hoping for a good steak option but couldn't find one that was suitable.
- premium price pointdid not fully live up to the premium price point
If youre looking for a good deal, aim for their happy hour, as general prices can be a bit hit-or-miss. Be mindful of the overall cost, especially if youre expecting a wow factor, and always double-check your bill for any unexpected charges.
How are the prices at Amarena?
You’re looking at roughly 49 per person – reported by 105 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Digging into the numbers, we see prices are a bit spread out. While the average is in the $41–$50 range, a good chunk of diners spend less, often in the $21–$30 bracket. This suggests a nice mix of options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, especially with options available for different budgets. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Amarena
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Pasta Dishes!
Four of us had dinner there on October 31, 2025. We all had pasta dishes that were fantastic.
- pasta dishes10
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Romantic Vibes, Okay Pasta
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a romantic date vibe. The atmosphere was great, and the service was excellent. While I loved the wine, the pasta itself wasn't amazing.
- atmosphere8
- service9
- wine8
- pasta4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Charming, Welcoming, and Delicious!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The room was charming, and the service was incredibly welcoming. I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food, and I especially appreciated the availability of gluten free pasta.
It truly made my night. Thank you!
- room9
- service10
- food10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Risotto and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! I had the most amazing risotto dish I’ve ever had, and it was absolutely delicious. The service was amazing as well.
I would highly recommend this place!
- risotto dish10
- food10
- service9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Rigatoni and Attentive Service
I really enjoyed my dinner experience here. The rigatoni Hollis with mushroom pancetta in creamy sauce was so good. The dishes were perfectly cooked, and the service was attentive and well-paced.
I will definitely come back.
- rigatoni Hollis10
- mushroom pancetta10
- creamy sauce10
What Amarena offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Amarena?
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Amarena?
Amarena offers a delightful blend of atmospheres, making it a versatile choice for your dining needs. You’ll find it to be romantic and cozy, yet also casual and trendy. This unique combination ensures a comfortable and inviting setting for any occasion, perfect for a date or a relaxed meal.
What dining options and services are available at Amarena?
What dining options and services are available at Amarena?
At Amarena, you have several convenient dining and service options. You can enjoy table service for lunch or dinner, and don’t forget their great dessert. For flexibility, Amarena also provides delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in services, including outdoor seating. Reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner.
What is Amarena's overall rating and what are its strongest aspects?
Amarena holds an excellent overall restaurant score of 9. Its strongest areas are Food (9.1), Service (9.1), and Ambience (9), all rated as excellent by patrons.
How is the value for money at Amarena?
While Amarena excels in many areas, its Value score is average (5.8). Some guests feel the pricing is a bit high and doesn’t always align with their expectations for certain dishes.
Does Amarena offer a wide variety of food options?
Amarena is praised for its authentic Italian cuisine, but some diners have noted a somewhat limited menu selection, particularly if looking for specific items like steak or a broader range of non-alcoholic beverages.