0 Followers
Acquerello
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Acquerello
9.2
Since 1989, this Nob Hill landmark delivers refined, contemporary Italian through polished tasting menus and an award-winning cellar. Service is choreographed yet warm, making it a destination for milestone dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal tasting menu progression, Aged Parmigiano risotto, Petit fours & mignardises
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9.4
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Two-star technique and cellar depth in an intimate, serene room.
Who should go: Special-occasion diners and oenophiles
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing and sommelier time
What to order: Seasonal tasting; supplemental risotto; wine pairings
Insider tip: Request the cheese cart guidance for rare, off-menu selections.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for a fee; limited metered street parking nearby, especially tight after 6pm in Nob Hill.
Dress code: Elegant attire recommended—jackets for men and cocktail attire for women; business casual may pass but lean dressy.
Noise level: Low—conversations remain private, with a serene, library-like ambiance.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential—tables book weeks in advance; walk-ins almost never accommodated.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service offered; dinner-only format.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasonal vegetarian tasting menu available by request.
Vegan options: Limited—chef can adapt some dishes, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free adaptations possible with advance notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for serious or milestone occasions rather than casual first dates—elegant, quiet, and high-stakes atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—reservations are required and book out far in advance; last-minute seats are rare.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children—no kids’ menu, formal pacing, and quiet dining room. Suitable only for older teens accustomed to fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Acquerello excels at refined, multi-course Italian tasting menus paired with one of the city’s deepest wine cellars, ideal for anniversaries and milestone celebrations.
Skip if: Skip if you prefer casual Italian, flexible à la carte dining, or a lively, noisy scene—this is polished and formal dining.
Acquerello
9.0
Two-Michelin-star Italian institution led by chef-owner Suzette Gresham, serving refined seasonal tasting menus in a hushed Nob Hill dining room. Precision cooking, deep cellar, and polished service make it a special-occasion anchor for serious Italian dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal risotto, Tajarin with truffles (seasonal), Parmesan budino
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Two-star Michelin tasting menus with old-school hospitality.
Who should go: Anniversary and milestone dinner seekers
When to visit: Mid-week evenings for calmer dining room
What to order: Tasting menu, wine pairings, seasonal risotto
Insider tip: Ask the sommelier for half-bottle cellar picks to explore more labels.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is available for around $20; street parking in Nob Hill is scarce and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Formal to smart elegant; jackets recommended for men, cocktail attire or equivalent for women.
Noise level: Low – conversation is easily held in a hushed dining room environment.
Weekend wait: Reservation required weeks in advance; walk-ins are not accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable – the restaurant is only open for dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a full vegetarian tasting menu is available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited – not a dedicated menu, but advance notice allows the kitchen to create options.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free adaptations available with prior notification.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for milestone anniversaries or serious relationships; the formality and price point can feel overly intense for a casual first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No – reservations are essential; tables are booked weeks in advance and there is no walk-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; no kids’ menu, long tasting menus, and a hushed atmosphere better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: Acquerello excels at refined, Michelin-level Italian tasting menus with deep wine pairings and polished, formal service.
Skip if: Skip if you want casual Italian dining, a la carte flexibility, or a lively social atmosphere.