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A16
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
A16
8.6
Southern Italian cooking anchored by a serious wine program and wood-fired pies. Marina regulars come for burrata, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and seasonal pastas in a lively room with a parklet for casual al fresco meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Burrata with olive oil, Cavatelli with sausage
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Award-winning Southern Italian cooking with a deep, thoughtful wine list.
Who should go: Pizza-and-wine lovers seeking polished comfort
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm or late after 8:30pm
What to order: Burrata, margherita pizza, seasonal pasta
Insider tip: Bar seats are easiest to snag for walk-ins and wine advice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; it’s tight during dinner hours, but nearby residential blocks open after 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but most guests dress elevated for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — energetic dining room where you can talk but expect buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; can walk in easily before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, pastas, and antipasti are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and vegetable starters; pizzas can be modified by removing cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request; pizzas are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — A16’s warm lighting, Italian wine focus, and shared plates make it ideal for a relaxed but polished first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable — the bar and parklet sometimes have same-day availability; weekends fill fast, so reservations are strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — families are welcome earlier in the evening, though the atmosphere skews adult and social after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: More serious wine and regional Italian flavors than nearby pizza-focused spots; stronger hospitality and ingredient quality than casual peers.
Skip if: You’re looking for large-group dining, low noise levels, or quick grab-and-go pizza — it’s better suited to relaxed meals and wine-driven evenings.
A16
8.6
Marina stalwart for Southern Italian cooking, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and a deep Italian wine program. Sidewalk and parklet seating make its pastas and pizzas a reliable al fresco standby from aperitivo to dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.C. pizza, Maccaronara with ragu napoletana, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand–recognized Southern Italian with serious wines and a lively patio.
Who should go: Pizza-and-wine lovers seeking an al fresco evening
When to visit: Golden hour for patio seating and aperitivo
What to order: Burrata; Margherita D.O.C.; maccaronara ragu
Insider tip: Ask about by-the-glass southern Italian rarities curated by Shelley Lindgren.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Chestnut and adjacent blocks; can be tough after 6pm—arrive early or use nearby Lombard garages.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished denim or a sundress fits right in for outdoor dining.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing but still easy to hold conversation, especially outdoors.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; patio tables go first.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; limited daytime hours so check schedule.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple antipasti and pizza options built around seasonal vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes; ask servers for off-menu modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta and pizza crust available on request, prepared with care but not in a separate facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—romantic lighting, attentive service, and shared Neapolitan pizzas make it both intimate and relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for bar and limited patio spots early evening; reservations strongly recommended after 6:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—families are welcome early evening, though ambiance shifts toward adult dining after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Southern Italian dishes and a curated regional wine list that outshine most nearby trattorias.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick service or Americanized Italian—this is a sit-down, wine-driven experience.
A16
8.6
Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and Southern Italian plates anchor this Marina mainstay known for a deep Italian wine list and polished service. Families come for dependable pies, half-size pastas, and an easygoing, neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Salsiccia (sausage) pizza, Funghi (mushroom) pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Bib-Gourmand–recognized Neapolitan pies with a serious Southern Italian wine program.
Who should go: Families who value great pizza and wine
When to visit: Early evening before Chestnut Street peak
What to order: Margherita; salsiccia; funghi
Insider tip: Ask for half-size pastas to share alongside a pie.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Chestnut and nearby residential blocks; meters run until 10pm and spots fill quickly after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—denim and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean polished and date-night ready.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with open kitchen energy; still possible to hold conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though limited menu midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—multiple vegetarian pizzas, salads, and pastas clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited; can modify select pizzas (no cheese) and a few antipasti options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza crust available on request and prepared with separate utensils, though not a dedicated kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—lively but comfortable ambiance, great lighting, and quality wine make it ideal for casual yet impressive first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted, but weekends fill up fast. Arriving before 6pm or joining the waitlist online improves odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common early evening; high chairs available and half-size pastas make sharing easy for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: A16 outperforms others for authentic Neapolitan crusts, a curated Southern Italian wine list, and polished yet family-aware service.
Skip if: You’re seeking deep-dish or classic American-style pizza, or want a quick grab-and-go option—this is a sit-down, paced meal experience.
A16
8.6
Neighborhood standby for wood-fired Neapolitan pies, seasonal pastas, and a Southern Italian wine program. Families lean on flexible seating and straightforward kids-pleasing options without losing adult appeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza (wood-fired), Burrata with Olive Oil, Cavatelli with Sausage & Greens
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Serious pizza and pasta with an approachable, family-welcoming feel.
Who should go: Families who value great pizza and wine
When to visit: Early evening before peak Chestnut Street rush
What to order: Margherita; burrata starter; seasonal pasta
Insider tip: Ask for half-size pastas to share across the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Chestnut or nearby side streets; metered spots turn over more after 6pm, but no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual attire are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for Chestnut Street evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at most tables, but expect some buzz during family hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are comfortably accommodated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pizzas, pastas, and antipasti are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify select pizzas and salads, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request; pizzas not celiac-safe due to shared oven.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual family or group outings than romantic first dates — it’s lively, warm, and often bustling with families.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait at peak dinner times; early arrivals before 6:30pm or late seatings after 8:30pm work best for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families with children are common, and staff provide flexible seating, shareable plates, and simple pizza/pasta options kids enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fired pizzas and Southern Italian wines in a casual, family-forward setting — excellent for group dinners and relaxed nights out.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, romantic Italian dinner or formal white-tablecloth service; it’s vibrant and community-focused rather than intimate.
A16
8.6
Design-forward Chestnut Street restaurant serving Italian pastas with a contemporary bar program. It’s a see-and-be-seen date with chandeliers, cocktails, and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi, Lamb Bolognese, Alfredo or seasonal pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fashionable room with cocktails and richly sauced pastas.
Who should go: Stylish night-out couples
When to visit: Late evening after 8:30pm for a smoother pace
What to order: Gnocchi, lamb bolognese, Alfredo
Insider tip: Grab the corner banquette; it’s the coziest two-top.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Chestnut is limited, but nearby residential blocks often open up after 7pm; valet available on weekends for about $15.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—think dark jeans, button-downs, or cocktail attire for evening dates.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—enough energy for atmosphere but still easy to hold conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or brief bar seating available within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample vegetarian pastas and antipasti, clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited—request modifications for select dishes; olive oil–based pastas possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available upon request, though cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—the moody lighting, polished cocktails, and stylish crowd make it ideal for a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or late evening; bar seating is first-come-first-serve and often available after 9pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—best suited for adults or older teens; no children’s menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: A16 excels at combining craft cocktails and handmade pasta in a lively, fashionable space—perfect for date nights or special occasions.
Skip if: If you prefer quiet, rustic trattorias or large-group family meals, opt for a more casual neighborhood Italian instead.