Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Acquolina – San Francisco
Acquolina - San Francisco
Photo from Acquolina
Acquolina at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 144 of the guests
#1995 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#120 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
799
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tableside pasta
- Quality Italian
- Outdoor dining
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Hidden fees
- Service issues
The restaurant Acquolina, an exquisite Italian restaurant nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to experience authentic flavors. You’ll discover a truly memorable dining experience, from its romantic and cozy atmosphere to its trendy vibe.
Known for its great dessert, Acquolina also boasts a fantastic wine list and excellent coffee, ensuring every visit is a delight. Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch or a special dinner, you’ll find a welcoming spot here.
Overview: Introducting Acquolina
Acquolina offers a dining experience where the culinary focus shines, particularly with their pasta and pizza dishes, often prepared with a flair that guests appreciate. The ambience also receives praise for its pleasant setting, especially the outdoor options.
However, the overall experience at Acquolina can be a mixed bag. While the food generally satisfies, some find certain dishes lacking.
More notably, the value proposition and aspects of the service can be points of contention for diners.
Good
6.5
out of 10
799
Reviews
61.5%
Satisfaction
259
negative
49
neutral
491
positive
Looking at the numbers, Acquolina holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it squarely in the average category. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 61.5%, indicating a mixed reception among guests.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 799 customer opinions, with 491 positive remarks balancing against 259 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.3) is clearly a strong point, often described as a highlight.
The Ambience (6.8) also contributes positively, offering a pleasant backdrop for meals. However, the Service (5.9) appears to be an area needing attention, and the Value (3) is consistently noted as a significant drawback, impacting the overall perception.
What people like
- Engaging tableside pasta
- Delicious pizza and pasta
- Pleasant outdoor ambiance
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Automatic gratuity concerns
- Inconsistent service
Acquolina presents a compelling case for its culinary offerings, especially if you appreciate a good show with your meal and well-prepared Italian staples. With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, it suggests a generally positive experience for many, making it worth considering for its strengths.
However, be prepared for potential drawbacks concerning the overall cost and service consistency. If you prioritize excellent food and a nice setting over strict budget adherence, Acquolina could be a good fit.
Otherwise, you might find the value proposition challenging.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Acquolina
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a good 71.3%, many diners rave about the delicious pizza, authentic Italian food, and incredible pasta. Out of 422 total opinions, a whopping 301 were positive, highlighting the quality and flavor of the dishes.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 87 opinions mentioned some downsides, with concerns about undercooked pasta, bland food, and soggy pizza. Some also noted that dishes could arrive cold, suggesting theres a little room for improvement in consistency.
Food
422
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
87
negative
34
neutral
301
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious authentic Italian
- Excellent pizza and pasta
- Live pasta preparation
What people don't like
- Food can be bland
- Pasta sometimes undercooked
- Pizza can be soggy
Often praised
- foodWe had a special night out for my son’s birthday. We loved watching them make the Parmigiana SP tableside and the food was delicious. The waitstaff was super nice and even danced with him while they brought out a birthday dessert.
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around an amazing pizza experience. The food was great, with the pizza and salad being particularly noteworthy.
- FoodFood is still good
- pastaThe highlight was undoubtedly watching the pasta being made in a giant Parmesan wheel right at our table – it was a true show and an unforgettable experience. The flavors were rich and perfectly balanced, and the pasta was cooked to absolute perfection. Every dish we tried was memorable, and the staff consistently made us feel welcome and taken care of.
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, centered around their great Italian food. I particularly loved the Focaccia Caprese pizza, which was simple and true to its core.
- pizzasOur group of four adults and one child spent about $175, which included the mandatory 20% gratuity for larger parties and drinks for the adults. We found the pizzas were large enough to split. My husband and daughter shared a Diavola pizza, which they both thoroughly enjoyed.
- tiramisuMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The food was delicious, specifically mentioning the Maremma pizza and tiramisu. I appreciated the limited menu, which is something I always prefer.
- dishesGustando i piatti di questo locale vi sembrerà di essere in Italia.
- wineService, wine and atmosphere is good
- bruschettaThe bruschetta was so fresh and tasty
Frequently criticized
- foodMaybe it’s because it was a busy night, but the server never brought out our appetizers. The food was just not good, especially the ravioli. We also sat outside and the heat lamps did not keep us warm.
- pastaHowever, the food and service fell short. I encountered some basic mistakes in serving the food: my pasta was lukewarm, and my plate and mushrooms were cold. The dish got cold quickly, and I believe it should have been served on a hot plate.
- pizzasauce was sparse, bland toppings sort of distributed haphazardly, and pizza was cut unevenly
- calamarioverfried calamari and a few overfried prawns came out first
- pizzasThe pizzas are very expensive and absolutely bland, the dough looks like cardboard... and the ingredients are flavorless!!!
- drinkMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. They got every part of my order wrong, from the dessert to the drink and even the main course. To make matters worse, the waiter was rude and unhelpful.
- drinksthere was a bit of an untruth regarding the drinks
- meatballsmeatballs which just tasted like microwave frozen meatballs
- mushroomsboth my plate and mushrooms were cold
- saucethey forgot to add sauce, it was dry
If youre craving authentic Italian flavors, especially pizza and pasta, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few experiences mention inconsistencies, the majority of diners leave happy, so youll likely enjoy a delicious meal.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 5.9 and 54.5% customer satisfaction. Many guests, based on 104 positive remarks, absolutely loved the welcoming staff and impeccable service, often praising attentive waitstaff and amazing service that truly elevated their dining. When theyre on their game, the team really shines!
However, with 82 negative comments, theres clearly room for improvement. Some diners reported slow service and long waits, noting inattentive staff and even rude behavior. These instances suggest that consistency can be an issue, leading to a less-than-stellar experience for some patrons.
Service
191
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
82
negative
5
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long wait times
- Rude staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceWe were seated in a charming tented area off the sidewalk. The service was immediate and super friendly, and our food arrived very quickly after ordering. The food itself was very good!
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! From the moment we walked in, the service was great and the staff was very friendly. We started with the bruschetta, which was incredibly fresh and tasty.
- ServiceService was snappy and efficient
- wait timethe wait time if you are dining in
- everybodyeverybody was super friendly
- serverOur server was so friendly and welcoming
- waiterOur poor waiter was apologetic and very gracious.
- waitstaffThe waitstaff were attentive and friendly.
- welcomeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The pizzas were excellent, the welcome was very friendly, and the service was very good. Thank you for a great time.
- Customer serviceCustomer service was my favorite part of our dining experience.
Frequently criticized
- servicenothing to do with customer friendliness and service
- staffnot a single explanation from the staff
- waiterThe waiter was very forgetful when asking for request.
- waiting timeHaving worked in management for hospitality and food service, I can say with confidence this was some of the worst service I've ever had. We waited 5 minutes for our server to even approach our table; he didn't greet us but just stood there with his tablet and stared until we took the initiative to speak. We placed our appetizers, drinks, and entrees all at once.
- waterkept asking for more water for the table but they would just ignore it
- long waitincredibly long wait for my food
- reservationAfter making a reservation for a table at the desk, we were asked to wait a short time. However, the table was then given to someone else shortly after.
- serverhe said, "Now you guys are done with most of it," with no apology, nothing.
- tabletable was simply given to someone else
- ServersServers seem like they weren't happy working there.
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially mixed service experience. While many rave about the friendly and attentive staff, others have encountered frustratingly slow or inattentive moments. It might be worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.8, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%. Many guests rave about the wonderful atmosphere, especially the outdoor seating and prime location overlooking Washington Square Park. With 78 positive remarks, terms like vibe, views, and Italian dinner experience frequently pop up, highlighting a warm and inviting setting.
However, not everyone finds it perfectly serene. With 34 negative comments, some find the atmosphere quite noisy, often due to loud music or a general high noise level. Issues with the unisex bathroom, including long lines and cleanliness, also detract from the overall experience, suggesting there's room for improvement despite the generally positive feel.
Ambience
117
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
34
negative
5
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location/views
- Vibrant outdoor seating
- Warm Italian vibe
What people don't like
- Loud music/noise
- Unisex bathroom issues
- Parking difficulties
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this beautiful place was exceptional. It was hands down the best Italian restaurant in San Francisco for me.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambienceambience that can't be beat
- placeHowever, a point of contention was the automatic inclusion of a 20% gratuity. Despite this, it remains a pretty nice place for pizza and other food.
- Washington Square ParkI enjoyed a delightful lunch at a sidewalk table overlooking Washington Square Park. The bruschetta impressed me, and the Diavolo pizza and the salad exceeded my expectations.
- ambiancethe service to the ambiance was top-notch
- beautiful locationThe restaurant is beautifully located on the corner of Stockton and Union Streets
- locationLovely location, with seating on the side street
- outdoor seatingThey do offer outdoor seating and I imagine on a beautiful day it would be a great option as it overlooks the park.
- seatingseating on the side street, looking toward the square
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is OK given the fact that those waiting in line will be seated outdoors on chairs facing your table!
- parkingFinding parking around this area is difficult, especially on weekends. The food is okay.
- bathroomonly one bathroom with a very long line and lock doesn't work
- loudThe views and daylight added a beautiful touch to the dining experience. We actually left a place down the street because it was too loud and stuffy, so I'm very glad we chose this restaurant. I highly recommend it!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Italian placeI thought this was an Italian place.. that gives it an American Sports Bar feeling
- Noise levelA bit noisy
- Spotify playlistReally weird Spotify playlist
- bar stoolshad to sit on bar stools
- bathroom doorthe bathroom door sticks
If you're looking for a lively spot with great outdoor seating and a vibrant Italian vibe, especially near Washington Square Park, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially noisy environment and possible waits for the single bathroom.
Value (3 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
While the overall sentiment leans negative, a few diners found some silver linings regarding value. Some appreciated that the price was not too overpriced for the neighborhood, noting beer and wine prices were reasonable. A specific spaghetti dish even felt worth every penny to some, based on 8 positive comments.
However, the value here is a significant concern, reflected in a poor score of 3 and poor customer satisfaction at just 11.6%. Many of the 56 negative comments highlighted issues like mandatory tip policies, overpriced dishes, and various service fees or credit card surcharges that left guests feeling it was a tourist trap rather than a fair deal.
Value
69
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
56
negative
5
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair neighborhood price
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- Mandatory tips
- Overpriced food
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- priceorder it from the kitchen, as opposed to table side preparation - same pasta, better price.
- pricesPrezzi molto buoni
- $39 spaghetti$39 spaghetti with parmigiana and it was worth every penny
- beer and wine pricesThe crust had a great exterior, though I personally found the interior crust a bit thin and soft, but the sauce and cheese were perfect. The waiters were very attentive, and the beer and wine prices were reasonable. Overall, it was a really great experience and a pleasant surprise, especially since it didn't appear in my pizza search.
- not too overpricedThe cacio e pepe was particularly great. While the restaurant is a little expensive, it's not too overpriced. As a nice gesture, they even provided a complimentary coffee.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe service was meh, as I didn't even receive a water refill. The food was described as bland and overpriced. Overall, I would not recommend coming here.
- billWe've had delicious pizzas in Morocco for $5 or less. The only downside was when we said we had enough, they immediately presented the bill, and we felt pressured to leave. Our beer wasn't finished yet.
- gratuityThey charge 20% gratuity for even 4 people which is insane
- pricesles prix sont incroyable de 23 à 32$ minimum
- 20% tipeven with a party of 4, there is a 20% tip added to the bill by default
- overpricedMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a feeling of being overpriced. An additional 20% for gratitude, plus credit card fees and tax, resulted in an extra $150 for us on the tip alone.
- taxvous rajouter 8% de taxe
- tipOur beer wasn't finished yet. They also charged a 20% tip, which we felt was too much because it's already very expensive for us. This was not a problem, and they adjusted it immediately.
- 20% gratuity20% gratuity was already included on our bill without any notice
- CC Processing Feebill came with a "CC Processing Fee"
If youre sensitive to hidden fees and high prices, this spot might disappoint. Be prepared for potential automatic gratuities and surcharges, as many guests felt the overall value was poor. Its probably best to manage your expectations or consider other options if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Acquolina?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 144 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.
While a good chunk of guests spend in this mid-range sweet spot, there’s also a noticeable number who opt for a more premium experience, with some spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 144 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant of this caliber in San Francisco. It offers a good balance for those looking for a quality meal without necessarily breaking the bank, while also catering to those who want to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Acquolina
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Underrated Gem with Fantastic Service!
This underrated gem should not be missed. We initially planned to go to Tony's, but upon approaching, it was clear there was a long wait time. We decided to stop in front of Acquolina instead.
Inside, we found plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. The smell was fantastic. Our server, who was from Naples, provided a relaxed dining experience, which was especially nice as we had just returned from vacationing in Italy.
He didn't rush us, repeatedly saying, "stay, no rushing necessary. " To show his appreciation, he gave us a small dessert gratis. We loved it and highly recommend Acquolina!
- seating8
- smell9
- server10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Forced Gratuity Unacceptable
On November 16, 2024, our server, Marvin, added a 20% gratuity to the bill for our party of 4. This is completely unacceptable. Restaurants in California should not be able to force tips for such a small group.
Tips are meant to be voluntary, not a sneaky add-on. While I was prepared to leave a 20% tip anyway, being forced to pay it without asking feels dishonest and shady. Customers deserve the choice, not to be strong-armed into paying.
- Customers deserve choice9
- gratuity2
- party of 42
- force tips1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Charming spot with great pizzas, but watch the extra fees
We had a very good meal : -) The place is very warm and inviting in a nice neighborhood. We ate at a large table outside, which was a bit unusual as the alley is sloped, but we were still comfortable. The service was very friendly and the pizzas were excellent.
A small note: be careful about the additional tax for tables of more than 5 people. It is indicated on the menu, but frankly, given the prices and other supplements already added (mandate tax + ordinary tax + tip), an extra 20% is exaggerated, which is why I'm removing one star.
- meal9
- place9
- neighborhood8
- additional tax3
- supplements3
- extra 20%2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Fantastic Pizza, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The waiter and staff were very nice and great hosts. I couldn't get halfway through my water without it being topped off, which speaks to their excellent attention to detail.
The pizza was fantastic, and it's now my new favorite thin crust pizza. My wife and I (mostly me) ate the whole thing! Unfortunately, they are not located in my home state of Iowa.
- waiter and staff10
- attention to detail9
- pizza10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Expensive and Mediocre Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was mediocre, and the prices were super expensive. Despite the restaurant being empty, the service was terrible.
The Spotify playlist was also really weird. I would recommend going to Tony's across the street instead.
- price2
- food3
- service1
What Acquolina offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Acquolina in North Beach?
At Acquolina, you’ll find a delightful blend of atmospheres, from romantic and cozy to casual and trendy, perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine with options for outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and even no-contact delivery. They also offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring you can visit at any time of day.
What special offerings and accessibility features does Acquolina provide?
Acquolina boasts a great wine list, hard liquor, happy hour drinks, and cocktails, alongside excellent coffee. You’ll also find vegetarian options and happy hour food. For your convenience, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Acquolina generally perform?
Acquolina has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 61.5%. Its Food (7.3) and Ambience (6.8) are well-regarded, while Service (5.9) is average and Value (3) is a notable concern.
What are the culinary highlights at Acquolina?
Guests frequently praise Acquolina’s pasta , especially the tableside preparation, and their pizza for its quality. The bruschetta and tiramisu also receive positive mentions.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Acquolina?
Yes, customers often mention the price as being high, with issues like automatic 20% gratuity and additional fees. Some also report service inconsistencies, including long waits or forgetful staff.