Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » A16 – San Francisco
A16 - San Francisco
Photo from A16
A16 at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#1907 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#115 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
658
Reviews
62.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant A16, an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District, invites you to experience a culinary journey. You’ll quickly discover why it’s celebrated for its great dessert, offering a sweet conclusion to any meal.
This trendy spot combines a casual yet romantic atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dining experience. You can enjoy everything from small plates to a full dinner, complemented by an impressive wine list.
Overview: Introducting A16
Good
6.6
out of 10
658
Reviews
62.8%
Satisfaction
199
negative
46
neutral
413
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on A16
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The food here generally earns a solid 7.1, placing it firmly in the good category, with 69.7% of customers expressing satisfaction. Out of 376 opinions, 262 highlight delicious pizzas, the use of fresh ingredients, delightful house-made pastas, and the standout tiramisu. Many find the culinary experience truly memorable.
Yet, not every dish is a perfect hit, as 87 negative comments reveal some areas needing attention. Concerns include undercooked pasta, an unpleasantly burnt crust on pizzas, bland sauces, or dishes that were simply too salty. It seems consistency can sometimes be an issue.
Food
376
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
87
negative
27
neutral
262
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizzas
- Fresh ingredients
- Excellent desserts
What people don't like
- Undercooked pasta
- Burnt pizza crust
- Inconsistent seasoning
Often praised
- foodWe hosted our wedding reception at A16 as a partial buy out, and it was truly one of the most spectacular nights. I could not be more grateful for the exceptional kindness, amazing food, and service we received. Their event coordinator Angela and Sommelier Oceano went above and beyond to make it the best day of our lives.
- pizzaThe combo of the cheese, mushrooms, crust, and olive oil really elevated the experience. I definitely understand why they got a Michelin star for the pizza alone. I will for sure head back soon.
- wineOn my third visit, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, a true expert in Southern Italian wine. Her warmth and unassuming nature perfectly complement the unpretentious atmosphere of the restaurant.
- pizzas2 pizzas and the Lamb pasta special. Every dish was spectacular.
- tiramisuLe tiramisu et les cannolos sont divins et de première fraîcheur.
- Foodsurprised at how delicious it was
- menuIf I'm looking for the best casual Italian meal, A16 is my go-to. My favorite dish is the maccaronara, but honestly, everything on the menu is excellent.
- pastaMy experience at A16 was fantastic! I enjoyed amazing pasta and fantastic Neapolitan-style pizza in a casual atmosphere. If I'm looking for the best casual Italian meal, A16 is my go-to.
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the real deal Italian food, which was truly authentic. The wine list was impressive, featuring only the best Italian wines.
- burrataThe fresh buchata is just incredible.
Frequently criticized
- foodEven after these items were removed from the bill, the meal still cost over $200. Given the lackluster service and subpar food, it was far from worth it. If A16 cannot maintain service and quality that justifies their high prices, they should reconsider opening for lunch.
- pizzasUnfortunately, it was very disappointing. Our 4 pizzas were all quite disappointing. They were not crispy and not to our taste.
- pastaThe pasta did not appear to be fresh
- meatballsThe maccoronara was completely undercooked, making it impossible to eat and certainly not al dente. Both the meatballs and bread were dry. The only highlight was the funghi pizza, so if you do decide to go, I'd recommend sticking to pizza and a bottle of wine.
- pizzapizza did not taste like Margherita
- saltyvery salty though
- MaccaronaraThe MACCARONARA was disappointing, arriving undercooked and nowhere near al dente or any type of texture that was edible.
- breadThe maccoronara was completely undercooked, making it impossible to eat and certainly not al dente. Both the meatballs and bread were dry. The only highlight was the funghi pizza, so if you do decide to go, I'd recommend sticking to pizza and a bottle of wine.
- qualityA16 quality was compromised by expansion
- English menuThere's no English menu soo please have a note of it.
If you're seeking authentic Italian flavors, especially their highly praised pizzas and desserts, this place is a strong contender. However, be mindful that some pasta dishes or other mains might be a bit inconsistent, so consider focusing on their celebrated specialties for a truly satisfying meal.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Service here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.2 indicating it's pretty average, and customer satisfaction sitting at 55.6%, which is definitely mixed. Many guests rave about the friendly and attentive waiter and staff, often highlighting exceptional service and knowledgeable bartenders, as seen in 80 positive remarks out of 144 total. They appreciate the warm welcome and accommodating nature of the team.
However, there are also 60 negative comments pointing to areas needing improvement. Some experiences mention slow service, rude staff, and long wait times, especially for reservations or getting seated. Guests occasionally felt rushed or found the staff unresponsive, impacting their overall dining experience.
Service
144
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
60
negative
4
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Warm welcome
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceHer warmth and unassuming nature perfectly complement the unpretentious atmosphere of the restaurant. While I've experienced some better Italian dishes elsewhere, this place offers a complete package: great food, wine, service, and atmosphere. The pizzas were a standout, as was the Berkshire pork.
- staffThe service is consistently impeccable. The staff happily offers wine pairing recommendations and demonstrates a simple, friendly approach reminiscent of traditional Italian hospitality. It's worth noting that during busy weekend hours, the ambiance can become quite lively and noisy, which may not suit those preferring a quieter dining experience.
- ServiceService is great
- serverserver was attentive and friendly
- hostessThe second pizza had both cheeses but still had a burnt crust. The hostess comped our pizza due to these issues. This was my first time dining here, and I won't return, as there are better pizza options in SF.
- reservationThe restaurant was full and the food was amazing! We mixed up our reservation and were worried that we wouldn’t be able to dine there but Di made it work. Jill topped off the night with her great personality and charisma.
- waiterWe had an awesome waiter...who was super friendly, attentive
- DiThe restaurant was full and the food was amazing! We mixed up our reservation and were worried that we wouldn’t be able to dine there but Di made it work. Jill topped off the night with her great personality and charisma.
- JeffOur first server, Jeff, was fantastic—attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly.
- JillWe mixed up our reservation and were worried that we wouldn’t be able to dine there but Di made it work. Jill topped off the night with her great personality and charisma. We will be back!
Frequently criticized
- serviceEven after these items were removed from the bill, the meal still cost over $200. Given the lackluster service and subpar food, it was far from worth it. If A16 cannot maintain service and quality that justifies their high prices, they should reconsider opening for lunch.
- waiterLooking around, other tables had barely touched pizzas, indicating they were not great. When I asked for an actual warm pizza, the waiter took ours back and returned with the same pizza, which was virtually the same temperature. When I pointed this out, he apologized and offered to take the pizza off the bill.
- serverThe dining room was also incredibly loud—we could barely hear each other across the table. We were there for my partner's birthday, which was noted in our reservation, but our server failed to acknowledge it. I understand places get busy, but recognizing a special occasion is such a basic hospitality gesture—it left the night feeling impersonal and overlooked.
- staffThe server was rude and dismissive. We had to flag down random staff just to get plates. The wine they recommended was spoiled and sour.
- greetinghe never said “hi welcome to join with us” or any sort of pitch
- hostessMy experience at this restaurant was marred by a terrible hostess. Despite having a reservation, we had to wait 20 minutes past our scheduled time to be seated.
- waitif you have one they still make you wait.
- waiting timeWe spent $290 for two people at this restaurant, and while the food was decent—better than mediocre but not exceptional—the service was chaotic and disappointing. We arrived around 3: 15 PM on a Saturday afternoon when the restaurant was more empty than full, yet it took a long time for anyone to come to our table. Over the course of the meal, we were served by four different servers, none of whom seemed coordinated.
- PlatesSimple requests like spicy oil, bread, or even placing our order had to be repeated multiple times. Plates from previous courses weren’t cleared before new ones arrived, leaving us juggling them around. Toward the end, a female server with clear glasses brought the bill while I still had a full glass of wine.
- ReservationsReservations never work.
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service, its a bit of a gamble here. You might encounter an exceptional team, but be prepared for the possibility of slower or less attentive interactions, especially during busy times. Its worth a try if youre flexible, but perhaps not for a time-sensitive or special occasion where flawless service is a must.
Ambience (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Many diners appreciate the restaurants charming ambiance and casual atmosphere, often praising its authentic feel and relaxed setting. With 64 positive remarks out of 104 total, theres a clear appreciation for the decor and cozy vibe. The overall score for ambience is an average 6.5, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 61.5%, suggesting a generally pleasant but not universally adored atmosphere.
However, the ambience isn't without its drawbacks, with 29 negative comments. A recurring concern is the loud noise level, making conversation difficult, especially in the dining room or during busy times. Some also mentioned issues with cold drafts from the back door or cramped seating, impacting the overall experience for those seeking a quiet, pleasant dinner.
Ambience
104
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming, authentic vibe
- Relaxed casual setting
- Lovely back patio
What people don't like
- Very loud noise
- Difficult to converse
- Cramped seating
Often praised
- atmosphereOn my third visit, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, a true expert in Southern Italian wine. Her warmth and unassuming nature perfectly complement the unpretentious atmosphere of the restaurant. While I've experienced some better Italian dishes elsewhere, this place offers a complete package: great food, wine, service, and atmosphere.
- ambianceIt was a romantic, classy dinner with my family. I highly recommend this spot if you're looking for delicious authentic Italian food and a perfect ambiance. Thank you to the hostess for her warm welcome and for seating us in the best spot, and to our servers for their kind and very helpful service!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placethe place is bustling with life
- restaurantmatches the unpretentious restaurant.
- vibeI visited A16 around 2021–2022 when they earned their Michelin star and absolutely loved it, enjoying the great food and great vibe. Unfortunately, things have gone downhill since then.
- Italian restaurantmy favorite Italian restaurant in the world
- ambienceThe ambience is charming and carefully designed
- authentic feelMy experience at this restaurant was pretty good overall. It offered an authentic feel with a twist, and the dishes went beyond your average Italian fare. We enjoyed the asparagus pizza and bean soup, and were happy with both.
- back patio areahad a table in the back patio area
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereExtremely loud dining experience
- conversationIt was very hard to maintain a conversation
- loudit’s loud inside
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility:Not everything.
- ambianceit can get noisy during busy weekend hours
- ambiencesoaking wet in sweat. It was so hot. No ventilation
- back doorfreezing cold because they had the back door open
- back of the restaurantthe back of the restaurant gets super noisy
- banquettesat in the back on the banquette and it was freezing cold
If youre looking for a lively spot with a casual Italian vibe and dont mind a bit of noise, this place could be a great fit. However, if a quiet, intimate dinner is what you seek, you might find the high energy and noise level a bit much.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks found a silver lining, noting non-exorbitant prices and even a quality/price ratio that felt right, especially when dining for under $60 a person. A few customers appreciated the overall total experience for the price, suggesting you can get Michelin-level service without the huge bill. However, with a low score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a mere 20.6%, it's clear these positive sentiments are in the minority, based on 7 positive remarks.
On the flip side, the conversation around price and cost is overwhelmingly negative, with 23 critical remarks out of 34 total. Many felt the restaurant was extremely pricey and overpriced, with some even calling it too expensive for a mediocre food. The general sentiment is that the pricing has gotten out of sync with the quality, leading to a feeling of poor value for money.
Value
34
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
23
negative
4
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Non-exorbitant prices
- Good quality/price ratio
What people don't like
- Extremely pricey
- Overpriced food
- Too expensive
Often praised
- PriceAffordable and a great little taste
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- non-exorbitant pricesMy experience at this restaurant was akin to receiving Michelin service without the exorbitant prices. Our group of four enjoyed a variety of dishes, including the Arrabbiata pizza, Salsiccia pizza, meatballs, squid ink pasta, and steak.
- pricethe price was good
- quality/price ratioThe vibe in the evening was great, though it can get very busy at dinner. Overall, it offers a good quality/price ratio. The service was good, and it was easy to get a table before 6 PM.
- total experienceThe wine, salads, and main entrees were all very good. While it might be a bit pricey, it was well worth the total experience, especially considering this is San Francisco. The atmosphere was also rated highly.
- under $60 a personunder $60 a person
Frequently criticized
- priceThe atmosphere was also excellent, rated at 5 out of 5. However, the bill for two light eaters came to $180, which felt too high for the overall experience, making it not special enough for the price.
- billEven after the raw pasta and undercooked beans were removed from the bill, the meal still cost us over $200.
- priceswouldn’t recommend for the prices
- pricingMy partner and I ordered some pizzas to go. The experience was disappointing as the pizzas were soggy and small for the ridiculous high pricing. It was one of the worst pizzas I’ve ever had.
- CotognaWhile the atmosphere was pleasant (rated 4/4), and the food was decent (rated 3/4), the prices have become excessive and are no longer in sync with the quality offered. It's now more expensive than Cotogna, which is a far superior restaurant. Consequently, I no longer dine at A16.
- Each meatballEach meatball is 4 dollars which seems kind of steep.
- OverpricedOverpriced.
- better restaurantsplenty of better restaurants in SF
- checkreceived the check was 559.45
- costFor the cost, we expected better service and hospitality
If you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your spot, as many find it overpriced for what you get. However, if you catch it on a good day and manage to keep the bill down, some have found decent value. Just be prepared for the possibility of a hefty check.
How are the prices at A16?
On average, you’ll spend around 59 per person – based on 97 guests. That places this Italian spot in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps even a bit on the higher side.
Whats interesting is the spread: while many diners find great value in the $31–$40 range, a significant number also choose to indulge, spending 101 $ or more. So, while the average is 59, there’s a good mix of experiences available, from more casual to quite premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
For an Italian Restaurant, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It seems to cater to a range of dining experiences, from a solid mid-range meal to something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about A16
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Delivery
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Soggy Pizzas, High Price
My partner and I ordered some pizzas to go. The experience was disappointing as the pizzas were soggy and small for the ridiculous high pricing. It was one of the worst pizzas I’ve ever had.
We would not return.
- pizzas1
- pricing1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good food, needs better service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by good food, with a perfect score of 5/5. However, I wished the staff could have been kinder and provided more explanations about the strange Italian food. It would be helpful to add short descriptions for the dishes, at least for appetizers and main courses.
- food10
- strange Italy food6
- staff4
- short description4
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Lovely Date Night Experience
Had a lovely date night! We split the meatball appetizers and one of the pizza. Our server was knowledgeable and the atmosphere was lovely!
- meatball appetizers8
- pizza8
- server8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Food and Service at A16
My dinner experience at A16 on Chestnut was fantastic. The staff were incredibly accommodating, even moving our reservation up an hour on a busy Saturday. We also switched tables a couple of times due to the heat near the ovens, and the staff never made us feel like a burden.
The vibe is casual but stylish, and we felt comfortable even in our tourist biking clothes. The food was excellent; the salsiccia pizza was one of the best I've had, the orecchiette pasta was fantastic, and the kids loved their butter noodles. The desserts truly stood out, with the tiramisu being the best I've ever had.
My wife enjoyed her cannelloni, though it has a hint of lemon, and the kids' vanilla sorbet was a hit. The wine list is strong, and we enjoyed a great Montepulciano. Service was outstanding throughout the night, with plates cleared quickly and waters refilled nonstop.
The only minor downside was the meatballs, which were a bit bland compared to everything else. Overall, it was an amazing experience with excellent food and a lively atmosphere.
- accommodating staff10
- casual but stylish vibe8
- salsiccia pizza10
- meatballs4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
3
Disappointing Wait, Okay Food
My experience at this restaurant was marred by a terrible hostess. Despite having a reservation, we had to wait 20 minutes past our scheduled time to be seated. The hostess was not proactive, and we had to follow up twice to inquire about our table.
The restaurant did not offer any compensation, like a complementary appetizer, for the extended wait. On a positive note, our waitress was nice. The food was just okay; it wasn't the best but also not the worst.
- waitress8
- food5
- hostess1
- wait time2
What A16 offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at A16 in San Francisco's Marina District?
At A16, you can enjoy a casual, trendy, and romantic atmosphere perfect for lunch, brunch, or dinner. They offer table service, counter service, and even catering. You can also opt for outdoor seating, dine-in, or convenient delivery and no-contact delivery options, making planning easy.
What are some popular offerings and highlights at A16?
A16 is celebrated for its great dessert, excellent coffee, and an impressive wine list. Beyond that, you’ll find a diverse menu including small plates, cocktails, beer, and late-night food. Vegetarian options are also available, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.