Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Acquerello – San Francisco
Acquerello - San Francisco
Photo from Acquerello
Acquerello at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#474 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#28 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
700
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Culinary artistry
- Attentive service
- Elegant setting
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Inconsistent quality
- Slow service
The restaurant Acquerello invites you to an exquisite Italian dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. You’ll discover an upscale, historic, and romantic atmosphere perfect for a memorable evening.
Known for its great dessert, this establishment also boasts a great wine list to complement your dinner. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply seeking a refined meal, you’ll find the ambiance and offerings truly exceptional.
Overview: Introducting Acquerello
Acquerello often provides a refined dining experience, frequently lauded for its culinary artistry and attentive care. Guests consistently highlight the exquisite food and the professional service that elevates the occasion.
However, some diners find the overall atmosphere a bit formal, and the value proposition can be a point of discussion. While the ambiance often sets the stage for a special occasion, a few remarks suggest it can feel a touch stuffy.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
700
Reviews
80.7%
Satisfaction
99
negative
36
neutral
565
positive
Acquerello generally earns high marks, with a strong overall score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 80.7%. This indicates a largely positive reception, with many guests leaving pleased.
The culinary offerings stand out, consistently impressing diners, while the attentive care from the staff also receives considerable praise. Delving deeper, the Food (8.5) is clearly a highlight, frequently described as artistic and flavorful.
The Service (8.3) also performs well, ensuring a smooth and professional dining experience. While the Ambience (8) contributes positively to special occasions, the perception of Value (5.4) is more mixed, suggesting it might not resonate with everyone.
These insights are drawn from 700 customer remarks, including 565 positive and 99 negative observations.
What people like
- Exceptional culinary artistry
- Attentive, professional service
- Elegant dining setting
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Occasional slow service
Acquerello presents a compelling option for those seeking a refined dining experience. With a strong recommendation score of 8.5, it generally delivers on its promise of sophisticated cuisine and polished service.
If you prioritize an elegant setting and expertly crafted dishes, it’s certainly worth considering. However, be prepared for a significant investment, as the value proposition can be a point of contention for some.
While the culinary journey is often praised, occasional inconsistencies and service delays have been noted. It’s a destination for a special occasion, but manage expectations regarding the overall cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Acquerello
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are clearly impressed! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction of 85.5%, the culinary experience here is largely celebrated. Out of 400 total comments, a whopping 342 rave about the inventive courses, outstanding flavors, and beautiful food presentation, especially praising the tasting menu and wine pairings.
However, not every dish hits the mark. While only 39 comments express concern, some found the portions to be small and the desserts underwhelming. A few also noted inconsistencies in food quality and, in rare instances, even raised food safety concerns, suggesting there's a little room for improvement.
Food
400
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
39
negative
19
neutral
342
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tasting menu exceptional
- Flavors truly outstanding
- Presentation truly beautiful
What people don't like
- Portions can be small
- Desserts sometimes underwhelming
- Food safety concerns
Often praised
- foodEverything - from the food to the service to the atmosphere - was truly exceptional
- wine pairingWe enjoyed an excellent dinner with the standard 4-course menu a la Chef and wine pairing. The service and kitchen worked together very skillfully, professionally, and were well-trained.
- tasting menuI savored every tiny bite, as its intense flavor made even the smallest morsel incredibly satisfying and mouthwatering. As is typical for a Michelin-starred establishment, one can anticipate a cost of approximately $300-400 per person, after tax and tip, for the tasting menu. This price point can vary depending on beverage choices and any additional supplements.
- wine pairingsThe sommelier was of the highest caliber. I always believed Burgundy wines were the best, but the wine pairings served here, all Italian wines, were absolutely superb. Even for foreigners with limited English, there was no inconvenience or unfriendliness whatsoever.
- quailI had the opportunity to try many dishes from both menus. Standout dishes from the regular tasting menu included the passion fruit lobster, black cod, quail, and the pastas. The bread service was a highlight, as I enjoyed five slices, and the dessert cart was a delightful addition after the excellent sweets already on the menu.
- vegetarian menuAdditionally, the lack of a dedicated parking lot was surprising, though a garage across the street offered a safe-ish alternative. Overall, it was a pretty good and wonderful experience, and I would go back to try another feature vegetarian menu.
- dishesHands down one of the best fine dining experiences all around. Every dish is not only tasty with balanced/harmonized flavors, but also creative in presentation. I especially enjoyed the starter (beef carpaccio) and risotto.
- courseWe immediately reserved with Acquerella and it was an all around amazing evening. Each course was served as an art piece with superior attitude, ambiance and architecture - we were treated to a charmingly unique experience of unhurried exceptional cuisine.
- dessertsThe desserts were great and they even give a couple of more deserts
- presentationMy experience at this restaurant was truly a fantastic fine dining experience. Everything we ordered was incredible and beautifully presented, with the culurgiones and the duck being particular standouts. The wine pairing featured some of the most exquisite wines we had ever tried.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe sommelier was excellent and very helpful, consistent with the service in general, which was friendly and unobtrusive, perfect really. So, a beautiful place with perfect service, but with food that needs some work to match the other two characteristics.
- dessertThe pina colada inspired dessert gave a weird aftertaste
- dessertsLowlights were definitely the desserts
- A5 wagyu upgradethe A5 wagyu upgrade, however, was underwhelming.
- Italian winesThe wine sommelier is a standout; provide him with a budget and your wine preferences, and he delivers an amazing selection. The only minor flaw was that the staff was a bit too attentive, and the wine selection was limited to only Italian wines.
- affogatothe affogato is very pretty, but it is way too sweet.
- breadThe bread game could have been stronger though.
- coconutwith coconut at the bottom (like the coconut had gone bad).
- dessert cartThe dessert cart is too sweet
- duckduck which was tough and inedible
If you're seeking an exceptional culinary journey with inventive dishes and superb wine pairings, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that portions can be on the smaller side, and while rare, some past experiences have noted minor inconsistencies or underwhelming desserts.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.5%. With 137 positive remarks out of 168, guests frequently rave about the attentive service, amazing staff, and excellent service, often noting personalized touches that make their experience special. However, its not all perfect, as 27 negative comments point to areas for improvement.
Some diners experienced slow service, felt understaffed situations, or found staff interrupting conversation. A few even mentioned an unfriendly reception desk' upon arrival.
Service
168
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
137
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Personalized service
- Excellent explanations
What people don't like
- Service can be slow
- Unfriendly reception
- Staff interrupted conversations
Often praised
- serviceThe aperitif, initially too sweet, became delicious with the affogato. Overall, the food was great, and the service was even better, especially our charming sommelier. The wine pairing truly tied the entire meal together and made the experience worthwhile.
- staffEach dish was unique, well presented, and full of flavor. The staff was attentive and did an excellent job describing each dish to us. My only complaint is just the proximity to the table next to us; it was hard to listen to them complain about every dish and the wine they chose to order while we were having such a nice meal.
- sommelierIt's rare to experience such skill, professionalism, and friendliness nowadays. The charming sommelier was also very good; the wines paired perfectly with the served flavors. One should plan for $250, - USD per person, which is quite expensive even for Frisco standards, but it's worth it.
- ServiceService throughout the five hours was excellent
- chefThe abalone risotto is definitely my favorite, it tasted amazing! The chef is awesome and the service is excellent. I would love to come back again when I visit SF.
- teamGianpaolo and his team were all so efficient and a pleasure to watch
- wait timeWait time:No wait
- Four serversFour servers simultaneously delivering each dish
- FrancoFranco took incredible care of us
- GiancarloGiancarlo shared wonderful details about the dishes
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by really bad service. For the entire 3 hours of dining, no one bothered to ask me how I felt about the food.
- staffowner doesn’t appreciate their staff enough
- serverserver strictly asked us to only pick up a few
- NissaIt took at least 30 minutes from the time we arrived to get our first course, and there was a long wait between courses as well. A couple who arrived an hour later than us, with a different server, finished their meal 30-45 minutes before us, which highlights how slow Nissa was. She was also quick to leave the table as soon as she finished describing the course, making it difficult to ask her to take a picture of us.
- acknowledgementtook quite some time before we were really acknowledged
- attentionno one checked how we’re doing
- between coursesIn between courses was a long wait also
- first courseThe food was great, but our server, Nissa, was very slow. It took at least 30 minutes from the time we arrived to get our first course, and there was a long wait between courses as well. A couple who arrived an hour later than us, with a different server, finished their meal 30-45 minutes before us, which highlights how slow Nissa was.
- food attentionNo one asked me how I feel about the food
- interrupting conversationInterrupting our conversation multiple times
Overall, the service here is a strong point, making for a memorable dining experience. While there are occasional hiccups like slow moments, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely be well taken care of. If you value attentive and friendly staff, its definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, contributing to a wonderful dining experience. With a good score of 8 and 79.3% customer satisfaction, its clear guests appreciate the atmosphere. Many of the 73 positive remarks highlight the elegant dining vibe, beautiful setting, and old-school charm, creating a calming and welcoming space for a memorable evening.
However, not everyone found the ambience flawless, with 16 negative comments. Some guests felt the dress code was restrictive or inconsistent, while others noted a dark and stuffy' feeling or issues with table proximity. Occasional noise disruptions also detracted from the otherwise elegant atmosphere for a few diners.
Ambience
92
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
73
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant atmosphere
- Beautiful setting
- Calming vibe
What people don't like
- Strict dress code
- Dark, stuffy feel
- Close tables
Often praised
- atmospherehistory seems to linger with the look, feel, and smells of an older building with the dark wooden beams
- experienceIt's an experience...not just a meal !
- ambianceWe immediately reserved with Acquerella and it was an all around amazing evening. Each course was served as an art piece with superior attitude, ambiance and architecture - we were treated to a charmingly unique experience of unhurried exceptional cuisine.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambiencefood, service and ambience continue to delight
- placecouldn’t have chosen a better place to spend a special night
- dining experienceIt definitely elevates the dining experience
- settingThe setting was elegant and perfect for a fine dining experience
- Michelin experienceGreat way to experience Michelin without doing the full thing.
- anniversaryIt was the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary.
Frequently criticized
- dress codeThe service was over the top; the waiters were very attentive and anticipated my every need. The atmosphere was nice but a bit pretentious, with a restrictive dress code. What was absolutely outrageous was the price.
- atmospheredon't want to sit next to a kid in a tee shirt and sweat pants
- dark and stuffyroom to be a little dark and stuffy
- elegancelast hold outs of elegance in SF has fallen
- intoxicated womanheavily drunk woman vomitted at table next to us several times
- kitchen soundscould hear "corner" or "behind" at a pretty regular clip
- library feelingHas a bit of weird “library” feeling
- management yellingmanagement yelling at the server
- noiseThe staff was attentive and did an excellent job describing each dish to us. My only complaint is just the proximity to the table next to us; it was hard to listen to them complain about every dish and the wine they chose to order while we were having such a nice meal. I know it’s nothing anyone can control, but that was the only downside to our night.
- parking lotThe restaurant does not have a parking lot
For an elegant and charming dining atmosphere, this place largely delivers a special experience. Be mindful of the dress code and potential for a slightly formal setting. It's definitely worth considering for a memorable evening.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, things are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 indicating an average experience, and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather low 32.5%. Based on 40 customer remarks, some guests felt the value and experience were well worth the price tag, especially for a prix fixe menu or a special occasion. Many found it to be money well spent and an outstanding experience.
However, a significant portion of the feedback, with 17 negative remarks compared to 13 positive, suggests that the price and cost are often considered too high, with many feeling its "overpriced" and doesnt justify the expense. The wine pairing specifically came under fire for its cost, with some finding it absolutely not worth it, leading to a general sentiment of not getting enough for the price point.
Value
40
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
17
negative
10
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the experience
- Money well spent
What people don't like
- Too high price
- Overpriced wine pairing
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- priceThe duck breast is so tender and the halibut melts in your mouth like a marshmallow. Oh, we also got the caviar supplement (not salty at all because of the beets at the bottom) and it’s totally worth every penny! It’s one of the few fine dining restaurants that I would come back despite the hefty price.
- Price per personwell worth it
- experienceoutstanding experience
- moneyMoney well spent!
- pre fixe menu$275 pre fixe menu for 2 star in SF is quite a steal
- price per personyou will pay 95$ extra but that’s worth it
- price tagWell worth the price tag w.r.t. what to expect in Michelin offering
- prix fixecelebrated our anniversary with the $150 4-course prix fixe
- time and moneyIt is time and money well spent
- valueit's an amazing value
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a delicious and wonderful Italian course meal. While the price is a bit expensive, it is definitely worth trying at least once. For the course meal, they offer wine pairing that matches Italian wines.
- overpricedway overpriced for what you get
- price pointWe had high hopes for Acquarello, and sadly, we had a very underwhelming experience for a restaurant at this price point. There was noticeable inconsistency in the quality of the dishes, and a general sense of lack of excitement.
- Michelin stars restaurantthat one definitely not worth 2 stars
- costthe cost is too high for me to experiment
- healthcareowner doesn’t appreciate their staff enough to cover their health care
- markuproughly a 5.7x markup where as most other Michelin Stars in San Francisco are around 3.3x markup
- meal for 2A meal for 2 people with wine pairing cost us $821
- pricesWhile the food offered surprising and delightful tastes, the duck was tough and inedible, which was odd. The service was superb, and the wine list was extensive, though with eye-popping prices. However, the atmosphere was marred by patrons in casual attire, which detracted from the expected elegance for a Michelin two-star establishment.
- wine pairingThe wine pairing for the tasting is absolutely not worth it.
If youre seeking a special occasion and are prepared for a significant splurge, some find the overall experience to be worth it. However, be cautious, as many feel the high price, especially for wine pairings, doesnt always deliver the expected value, potentially leaving you underwhelmed.
How are the prices at Acquerello?
On average, you’ll spend around 125 per person – from 69 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $101+ category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s definitely a higher-end experience.
The pricing is quite consistent, with all guests spending in this premium bracket, so no budget surprises here!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, and the premium price point, we feel the pricing is fair for a special, higher-end dining experience. Its definitely a place for a treat!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Acquerello
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Experience, Worthy of Stars
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. Every single bite of food was scrumptious. We opted for the 4-course menu and left feeling completely full.
The service was phenomenal, exceeding all expectations. The desserts were a highlight, and the surprise of additional desserts at the end was a delightful touch. Celebrating our anniversary, the restaurant added special touches like a custom greeting card, an extra dessert for our celebration, and a box of biscotti to take home.
These thoughtful gestures truly set it apart from other restaurants with good food. My only minor point was that the 4-course menu felt shorter than expected, but overall, it was a great experience with phenomenal service. A bonus is the parking garage right across the street.
- food10
- 4 course menu6
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Dinner with Excellent Service
I had an amazing dinner at Acquerello! The food was absolutely delicious, and the young lady who served us was so kind and attentive, making the whole experience feel extra special. The atmosphere was elegant but still warm and relaxed, which made the night even better.
Definitely a spot I’d love to come back to!
- food10
- young lady who served us10
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
A Culinary Delight with Exceptional Service
My experience at the restaurant was a true delight! I opted for the tasting menu, and it was pure bliss. The menu featured caviar, cod, and truffle pasta, followed by a selection of Italian cheeses.
Each dish was incredibly refined. My compliments to the chef, Suzette. The staff was very professional.
Bravo to the entire team, including Giancarlo!
- tasting menu10
- caviar9
- cod9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Michelin Star Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly incredible, encompassing the food, service, and atmosphere. I opted for the standard tasting menu, while my friends enjoyed the vegetarian menu. I can confidently say this is the best Michelin star restaurant in SF for taking vegetarian guests, as they offered such inventive courses and even distinct desserts.
I had the opportunity to try many dishes from both menus. Standout dishes from the regular tasting menu included the passion fruit lobster, black cod, quail, and the pastas. The bread service was a highlight, as I enjoyed five slices, and the dessert cart was a delightful addition after the excellent sweets already on the menu.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Fine Dining Experience
Hands down one of the best fine dining experiences all around. Every dish is not only tasty with balanced/harmonized flavors, but also creative in presentation. I especially enjoyed the starter (beef carpaccio) and risotto.
The duck breast is so tender and the halibut melts in your mouth like a marshmallow. Oh, we also got the caviar supplement (not salty at all because of the beets at the bottom) and it’s totally worth every penny! It’s one of the few fine dining restaurants that I would come back despite the hefty price.
- dishes10
- presentation9
- beef carpaccio9
What Acquerello offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Acquerello, and what dining options are available?
Yes, reservations are required and highly recommended for dinner at Acquerello. You can enjoy a full dine-in experience with table service, and dessert is also available. For your convenience, takeout options are also provided.
What accessibility features and parking options does Acquerello offer?
Acquerello ensures a comfortable visit with wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. When it comes to parking, you have several choices including free street parking, paid street parking, and a paid parking garage nearby for your convenience.
How does Acquerello rate overall?
Acquerello holds a strong overall score of **8.2** with **80.7%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.5) and **Service** (8.3) are highly regarded, while **Ambience** (8) is good, and **Value** (5.4) is considered average.
What are the standout features of Acquerello's dining experience?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s exceptional culinary artistry, with dishes often described as creative and flavorful. The attentive and professional staff, including highly skilled sommeliers, also contribute significantly to a memorable experience.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Acquerello?
Some diners find the experience to be on the pricier side, with the overall value being a point of discussion. Additionally, a few guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in dish quality or slower service during their visit.