Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » AltoVino – San Francisco
AltoVino - San Francisco
Photo from AltoVino
AltoVino at a glance
San Francisco Nob Hill
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 83 of the guests
#798 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#60 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
528
Reviews
77.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Attentive staff
- Cozy setting
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service lapses
- Noise levels
The restaurant AltoVino, an Italian gem nestled in San Francisco’s upscale Nob Hill neighborhood, invites you to experience a truly memorable dining occasion. This trendy and romantic spot is celebrated for its exceptional wine list, perfect for pairing with small plates or a full dinner.
You’ll find a cozy atmosphere, complete with organic dishes and vegan options, ensuring a delightful experience for every palate. Whether you’re seeking a special evening or a casual bite, AltoVino offers a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance.
Overview: Introducting AltoVino
AltoVino offers a delightful Italian dining experience, often praised for its authentic food and unique dishes. Guests frequently commend the attentive service , noting knowledgeable staff who enhance the meal.
The restaurant cultivates a charming ambiance , making it a popular choice for intimate gatherings. However, some diners find the overall price point a bit steep for what’s offered, particularly concerning the wine list.
While generally warm, there have been occasional remarks about service consistency and noise levels, suggesting a mixed experience for a few.
Good
7.8
out of 10
528
Reviews
77.1%
Satisfaction
95
negative
26
neutral
407
positive
Overall, AltoVino garners a solid 7.8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a 77.1% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 528 customer remarks, with 407 positive observations outweighing 95 negative ones. The Food (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, frequently described as authentic and flavorful.
Service (7.9) also receives high marks for its attentiveness and knowledgeable staff. The Ambience (7.3) contributes positively, often noted for its cozy feel.
However, Value (4.3) presents a more mixed picture, with some guests finding aspects of the experience on the pricier side.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Knowledgeable, warm service
- Cozy, intimate ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Inconsistent service issues
- Loud dining environment
With a solid recommendation score of 7.9, AltoVino generally delivers a commendable Italian dining experience. If you prioritize authentic flavors and a charming setting, and appreciate knowledgeable staff, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal out.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill, especially if you indulge in wine, and be mindful that the atmosphere can get lively. For those seeking a consistently quiet and budget-friendly option, you might find aspects of AltoVino less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on AltoVino
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, its clear diners are generally impressed! With a solid score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 81.4%, the culinary experience is definitely a highlight. Many of the 245 positive opinions rave about the "homemade pasta, " "delicious salads, " and the overall "quality of the food, " praising its "authentic Italian" flavors.
However, its not all perfect, as 40 opinions pointed out some areas for improvement. Some found the portions to be quite small or the food overly salty. A few mentioned bland food or inconsistent quality in certain dishes, suggesting a mixed experience for some.
Food
301
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
40
negative
16
neutral
245
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade pasta
- Delicious flavors
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overly salty
- Inconsistent dishes
Often praised
- foodThe food was truly unique and pure Italian, with authentic origins
- wineMy experience at AltoVino was very positive. It's a pretty good Italian dining restaurant with a great choice of wine and a good variety of starters and mains. My recommendation would be the Pappardelle pasta, especially with a glass of Chianti reserva.
- wine selectionLocated in Nob Hill and owned by Chef Nick Kelly and Sommelier Calli Martinez, this cozy neighborhood spot features a modern menu with fresh pasta, local meats and produce, and antipasti. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated with imported Italian wines. I started with appetizers that put me in carb heaven: prosciutto and fig with gnocco fritto, and mushroom mousse with grilled Acme bread.
- panna cottaThe actual fish of the Local Black Cod was alright, but when eaten altogether with everything, it was also great. It was one of the best affogattos I've ever had, and the panna cotta was great too. Personally, I didn't love the raspberry with the panna cotta, but the panna cotta itself was just so good.
- pastasmushroom mousse and 2 different pastas were all delicious
- dishesMy experience at this Italian restaurant in North Beach was fantastic. The dishes are all full of flavor, and the fresh pastas are incredible. They always have good wine options.
- pastaIt's a great neighborhood spot with a friendly and knowledgeable server. The pasta was delicious, and the wine selection was great. I highly recommend this restaurant!
- Spuma di FunghiThe Bolognese Pappardelle and Spuma di Funghi are must try!
- pappardelleThe standout dish of the night was the pappardelle - perfectly cooked with a rich, satisfying sauce
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was rather bland
- portionsthe portions were so small that it was really disappointing
- Amatricianathe Amatriciana lacked the depth and punch
- Ascolanethe highly recommended Ascolane. It was fried olives.
- FoodFood was okayish to poor
- Italian foodOverall, it was not a good experience, and I believe a chain like Pizza Hut would offer a better dining experience. Despite its high rating as a gourmet Italian joint, I've had much better Italian food elsewhere, without the overwhelming cacophony that permeates the place.
- MainMain was a bit of a let down
- MalloredusMalloredus left me disappointed. It was overly salty and acidic
- Neapolitan rum cakeThe portion of each dish was quite small, and the food was overly salty. I also tried the Neapolitan rum cake, and I will definitely NOT recommend it.
- SpaghettiThe Spaghetti is too salty
If you're looking for genuinely delicious, high-quality Italian food, especially the pasta, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that some dishes might come in smaller portions or occasionally be a bit too seasoned for some palates.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines! With a solid score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction of 78%, many guests rave about the excellent service and friendly service from the staff. There are 92 positive remarks highlighting how accommodating and knowledgeable the team is, making for a stellar dining experience.
However, not everyone had a perfect experience. About 20 comments pointed to issues like slow service and feeling the establishment was understaffed. Some also noted inconsistent service and concerns about waiter attitude, suggesting there might be occasional hiccups in an otherwise good performance.
Service
118
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
20
negative
6
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Knowledgeable staff
- Friendly and accommodating
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Understaffed issues
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at AltoVino was a mix of delightful ambiance and service, with some culinary hits and misses. The restaurant itself is a cozy neighborhood Italian spot with a charming ambiance and genuinely warm service. The presentation of the dishes was elegant and inviting, showing clear care.
- staffThe wine list is superb, offering a great selection to complement the meal. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. I absolutely love this place and consider it a great date spot.
- serverThe atmosphere was intimate, and the Italian offerings were both delicious and unique. I ordered a less-common wine off the menu, and our server was incredibly knowledgeable and very accommodating.
- ServiceService was exquisite
- recommendationsOur waiter has been very attentive towards us, but not in an overwhelming way. He explained many of the dishes beforehand, and all his recommendations were on spot. He brought us extra bread, which we really appreciated.
- sommelierBeyond the food, the ambiance and service were exceptional. When we needed wine advice, the sommelier was brought over. Both the GM and owner checked on us, creating a feeling of a cozy, family-owned restaurant combined with fine dining.
- waitstaffwaitstaff who are very knowledgeable about both the menu and the wine list
- CaseyCasey was so knowledgeable. He knew about food, all details about wine
- Chef Nick KellyChef Nick Kelly, his lovely wife Calli, and the whole staff made it warm and welcoming
- GMWhen we needed wine advice, the sommelier was brought over. Both the GM and owner checked on us, creating a feeling of a cozy, family-owned restaurant combined with fine dining. We are eager to return and 10/10 recommend!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was a letdown, scoring 2/5
- Patrons bewarePatrons beware!
- Service levelThe food was only okayish to poor, and the establishment seemed woefully understaffed. Consequently, the service level leaves a lot to be desired. Overall, it was not a good experience, and I believe a chain like Pizza Hut would offer a better dining experience.
- UnderstaffedWoefully understaffed
- calendars aren’t syncedtold “their calendars aren’t synced,” which was clearly a lie
- dessert menuWe waited what seemed like over 15 minutes for wine recommendations after ordering food, and we received appetizers before being able to place a wine order. We also waited nearly 10 minutes for a dessert menu. My medium steak felt very rare, but given how long everything had been taking, I didn't even want to mention it.
- dining experienceThe worst part was that despite enduring the cold and rushing to finish by 6: 45 PM, upon leaving, we observed at least three empty indoor tables and vacant bar seating. This was undoubtedly the most frustrating and disrespectful dining experience I’ve ever had. Regardless of how good the pasta was, I will not return.
- dispute with my credit cardTried to dispute with my credit card company but failed
- finding parkingfinding parking took 30 minutes
- food handlingThe welcoming service and menu explanations that were once standard are no longer there, and staff appear less professional than before. Service has become inconsistent, with some waiters seeming defensive over simple requests and handling food roughly. Hopefully, they can return to the upscale atmosphere and quality service they were once known for.
Overall, the service here is generally a strong point, with many guests enjoying attentive and friendly staff. While a few experiences mention slow or inconsistent moments, the positive feedback heavily outweighs the negative. If you value good service, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.4%. Many guests, accounting for 64 positive remarks, rave about the warm, welcoming atmosphere, often describing it as having a cozy neighborhood feel, a romantic candle-lit vibe, or even an upscale atmosphere perfect for a date spot. The decor and overall vibe are frequently praised.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 20 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the dining room quite loud, and a few were bothered by a terrible music playlist that destroys the ambiance. Issues with outdoor heaters and a general lack of sound absorption were also noted.
Ambience
86
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, romantic vibe
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Stunning decor/view
What people don't like
- Loud dining room
- Poor sound absorption
- Outdoor heater issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The restaurant is quite small but has a good atmosphere and good service. We started with a mushroom starter which was really good.
- ambianceMy experience at AltoVino was a mix of delightful ambiance and service, with some culinary hits and misses. The restaurant itself is a cozy neighborhood Italian spot with a charming ambiance and genuinely warm service. The presentation of the dishes was elegant and inviting, showing clear care.
- ambienceI also thoroughly enjoyed the tender roasted black cod, presented table-side in its salt shell, with late summer squash and cherry tomatoes. The service was lovely, and the ambience was perfect for both a relaxing evening with friends or a romantic date. AltoVino successfully achieves a cozy neighborhood feel while being a destination worth traveling across town for.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- interiorThe vibe and interior is cozy and intimate.
- environmentthe environment was very pleasant
- placeThe staff is knowledgeable and friendly, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. I absolutely love this place and consider it a great date spot. I highly recommend bringing friends and ordering the Fiorentina!
- restaurantLove this restaurant whenever we come to SF
- vibeThe vibe and interior is cozy and intimate.
- Italian restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was that of a classic, boutique Italian establishment. It's a true neighborhood best find with consistently great food and service.
Frequently criticized
- outdoor seatingWhen we offered to eat quickly, they then stated we could only order one course, which felt completely unreasonable. Consequently, we were forced to sit outside. It took nearly 20 minutes for the outdoor heater to be properly turned on.
- Cacophonycacophony that permeates the soul of this place
- Noise levelSuper Noisy
- Part of the cityin a down and out part of the city
- ambiancecontrary to the ambiance
- atmospherethe atmosphere was a significant drawback
- benchVous vous asseyez sur une banquette au stade de la décomposition
- dining roomThe dining room is very loud
- empty tables insidethere were at least 3 empty tables inside
- heatersHeaters aren’t working.
If youre seeking a cozy, romantic, or even upscale setting, this place generally delivers. Just be aware that the indoor dining can get noisy, and outdoor seating might be chilly if heaters arent working. It's worth a try for the right occasion, but manage expectations regarding noise and outdoor comfort.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.3, putting it squarely in the average range. However, customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 26.1%, suggesting a disconnect. Some guests, based on 6 positive remarks, found the quality justified the price, especially praising the affordable wine selection and noting it as a good spot for special occasions where the price felt right for the standard.
On the flip side, a significant number of people, with 15 negative remarks, felt the price-to-value was poor. Many found the overall cost too high, describing items like the wine list and certain dishes as overpriced. Concerns were also raised about the final bill, with some feeling it was excessive or even abusively high.
Value
23
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality justifies price
- Affordable wine selection
- Well-priced for standard
What people don't like
- Poor price-to-value
- Overall cost too high
- Wines are pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was great, and the price was pretty good for what it was, especially the drinks. The Insala and Spuma were amazing.
- quality品質對得起價格
- restaurantThe hall was not loud, and it was perfect for reconnecting with old friends. Value: 5/5 I would say the restaurant is on the pricier side, but the quality deserves the value.
- special occasion spotmore of a special occasion spot
- wine selectionThe wine selection was affordable and thoughtful to pair with the food.
Frequently criticized
- priceHowever, the fish was tasteless and we didn’t like it. Overall, I found it to be expensive for what we had, especially since we didn't have any dessert or alcohol. The recommended dish was Pappardelle Bolognese.
- billUne addition de plus de 220 dollars
- added another $30added another $30 on top of it
- costshame given the cost
- final tabOur final tab was over $300, and I had already tipped 15%. However, our server decided this wasn't enough and added another $30 on top of the bill.
- overpricedsome are overpriced
- price-to-valuePoor price-to-value
- wine listwine list is pricey
- winesLes vins sont excessivement chers
If you're looking for a special occasion spot and prioritize quality over strict budget, you might find the value acceptable, especially with the wine selection. However, be prepared for potentially high costs, as many guests felt the overall price was simply too steep for what was offered.
How are the prices at AltoVino?
You’re looking at roughly 66 $ per person – reported by 83 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range, leaning towards higher-end.
While many guests spend around this average, there’s also a good spread, with a significant number of diners enjoying more premium options, some even spending over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 83 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, the pricing feels quite fair for the quality and experience. We think it offers good value, especially for those looking for a slightly more upscale meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about AltoVino
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Outdoor seating with no heaters
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the lack of working heaters for outdoor seating. Despite the 50-degree weather, multiple staff members offered excuses instead of addressing the issue. It's unacceptable to seat guests outside in cold temperatures without any heating.
- heaters1
- staff members2
- outdoor seating1
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Frustrating Service, Good Food
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly frustrating and disappointing. Despite having a reservation for outdoor seating at 5: 30 PM on a cold, windy San Francisco evening (59°F), and noticing plenty of empty indoor tables, the waitress informed us that all inside tables were “reserved. ” We were told we could only be seated indoors if we finished our meal by 6: 30 PM.
When we offered to eat quickly, they then stated we could only order one course, which felt completely unreasonable. Consequently, we were forced to sit outside. It took nearly 20 minutes for the outdoor heater to be properly turned on.
Ironically, I checked OpenTable and saw a 6: 00 PM bar seating option, which I immediately booked and received confirmation emails for. However, upon mentioning this to the waitress, I was told their calendars weren’t synced, which seemed like a clear lie. The food itself was actually good; the mushroom mousse and two different pastas were delicious.
However, the $50 black cod was rather mediocre. The worst part was that despite enduring the cold and rushing to finish by 6: 45 PM, upon leaving, we observed at least three empty indoor tables and vacant bar seating. This was undoubtedly the most frustrating and disrespectful dining experience I’ve ever had.
Regardless of how good the pasta was, I will not return.
- mushroom mousse9
- pastas9
- black cod5
- indoor tables2
- outdoor seating2
- outdoor heater3
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
9
Amazing Experience, Great Antipasti!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I had the best Antipasti I’ve ever eaten in my life. While the main course was a bit of a letdown, the overall experience was just incredible.
The atmosphere was fantastic, rated 5/5, and the service also received a perfect score of 5/5. Food was rated 4/5, and the price per person was between $50–100, with a wait time of 10-30 minutes.
- Antipasti10
- overall experience10
- Atmosphere10
- Main4
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Average Italian with Good Ingredients
I was recommended this place by my hotel, and it turned out to be extremely average Italian food. While the quality of the ingredients were good, there was nothing special about the sauce. It doesn't justify the price, and honestly, I could cook better food at home.
Overall, it was very average food with good ingredients.
- Italian food5
- sauce5
- ingredients7
- price3
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Perfect Black Cod and World-Class Pasta!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The black cod was cooked to perfection, and its accompaniments were equally outstanding. The pasta is truly world-class.
I highly recommend trying the anchovy appetizer! The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. While there's no bar, they offer a great selection of wines and some beer.
- black cod10
- accompaniments9
- pasta10
What AltoVino offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Trending
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What are the parking and accessibility options at AltoVino?
Finding parking near AltoVino in Nob Hill can sometimes be challenging, though free street parking and paid parking garages are available. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at AltoVino, and do you need reservations?
Expect an upscale, cozy, and romantic Italian dining experience at AltoVino, perfect for dinner or dessert with table service. Given its popularity and great wine list, dinner reservations are highly recommended to ensure you get a spot at this Nob Hill gem.
What is the overall dining experience like at AltoVino?
AltoVino generally offers a good dining experience, reflected in its **7.8** overall score and **77.1%** customer satisfaction. Guests particularly praise the **Food** (8.2) and **Service** (7.9), while the **Ambience** (7.3) is often noted for its cozy feel. The **Value** (4.3) is perceived as more average.
Is AltoVino a good choice for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine?
Yes, many patrons highlight AltoVino for its truly unique and pure Italian food, with dishes often described as authentic and full of flavor. The fresh pastas and specific items like Pappardelle and Spuma di Funghi receive frequent positive mentions.
What should I be aware of regarding the cost and atmosphere at AltoVino?
While the quality is often appreciated, some guests find AltoVino to be on the pricier side, especially concerning the wine list. Additionally, the dining room can be quite loud, which might affect the experience for those seeking a quieter setting.