Acquerello Restaurant (which means “watercolor” in Italian) is an upscale Italian restaurant in the Polk Gulch Area of San Francisco, just off Van Ness. For over 20 years, they have been serving traditional dishes from all regions of Italy in a lighter, more contemporary style. Frankly, a lot of the dishes are more American or New American. Co-owners Giancarlo Paterlini and Chef Suzette Gresham-Tognetti work together to provide an unparalleled Italian dining experience. The chef de cuisine is chef Gonzalo Agliozzo, formerly of Quince. Our last visit was in 2026, having had 17 years elapse since our previous one. They earned two Michelin stars in 2025 and are the only starred Italian restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sadly, they are not on the San Francisco Chronicles Top 100 list 2026! Rated 4.4 on Yelp, 4.6 on Google. We have passed by many times over the years and figured it was time for a visit. Reservation are prepaid on Tock, but they are moving to Opentable. Acquerello has a Chef’s Tasting menu ($275), Tasting of Vegetables ($215) as well as 4 course menu. ($165) Wine pairings are available.  They had an optional hidden menu item: lobster panzerotti aka ravioli […]

This post originally from Acquerello Restaurant Review, San Francisco

Via Aurelia is a fine dining Italian Tuscan restaurant in the Mission Bay Area. The owners also run Che Fico. Via Aurelia takes its name from the historic road that traced Italy’s western coast to Rome. 4.4 on Yelp, 4.5 on Google We had to try this hot spot. It was great to see how this neighborhood is taking shape. This restaurant is several months old and situated in a lovely spot. Lots of bar seating for those without reservations. The food was well done and elevated over what you see in most Italian spots. Prices are not cheap but in line with top spots like this. Service was exception and better than we expected. Clearly they are chasing a Michelin star. Foodies should give this spot a try. It isn’t as exciting as we thought. No regrets for coming. We’ve gotten our one and done. Arquet and Rich Table are recent spots we ate at and would go back. Delfina, Penny Roma, Cotogna are Italian restaurants we’d go back in a heart beat. Safety Pluses – Online menu, Delivery services available, online ordering. Food Review: Bread was from Jane the bakery and includes a really dark olive oil and […]

This post originally from Via Aurelia, San Francisco

Why did we dine here? – Great Gold is popular Italian Pizza/Pasta restaurant in Truckee California with locally sourced ingredients. It is located away from downtown Truckee, in a strip mall. We’ve been to their sister French restaurant Tangerine Bistro (Which was okay) and decided to try this spot. The owner has worked for the Flour & Water restaurant group. We dine at Moody’s a lot and hit Red Truck for lunch. Insider Tip – Make reservations during busy periods. Always can order takeout Cuisine – Italian Location – Truckee, CA Opened – 2020 Service – Great Gold had very good and friendly service that helped us navigate the menu and handle any requests. Verdict – Great Gold is a solid bet for decent food in Truckee. Prices are comparable to those in San Francisco, not cheap. We dined at Rich Table the day before and spent the same amount, for better food. Hey, you are on vacation, so eat up! Service is solid, better than expected. Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Maybe. 1 Hour? No Great Gold Signature Dishes – Pizza, Pasta Great Gold’s Menu has a wide range of starters, pasta and […]

This post originally from Great Gold, Truckee

Gnocchi and Salmon to die for. Stella formerly known as Stella Alpina Osteria is a small Italian restaurant located a block from the main Burlingame Avenue shopping area. Located below ground level, most people would never know it was here. The restaurant opened in May 2005, and was featured on PBS’ Check Please TV show. They moved to Burlingame Avenue into a much larger location. Our last visit was in Summer 2026. Stella, which serves Northern Italian cuisine from the Alps, is on the basement level of a commercial building and has some patio seating for warmer nights. They specialize in braised meats, risottos, pastas and ragus. Decor, Vibe – Stella is has nice paintings on the walls. Not too fancy compared to restaurant in the City. Mostly older folks in their 40’s and beyond were dining. Stella Menu is pretty wide ranging with the usual Italian restaurant menu containing many Antipasti, Secondi, pasta, entrees, and other dishes. The menu had not changed a lot except for prices! Signature Dishes – Veal Osso Buco over Mascarpone Polenta, Gnocchi, Salmon Services was friendly and solid but the waiter was overloaded and never refilled us and had to be flagged down. Food Review […]

This post originally from Stella, Burlingame

This post originally from Seattle Restaurant Reviews

Since 1998, Delfina, a bustling neighborhood Italian trattoria has been packing them in. The menu changes daily and they use organic produce and sustain-ably raised meats and fish whenever possible. It is a popular place that requires advanced booking for a reservation or showing up at 530pm for a table at the counter or bar. Our last visit was in the spring of 2025 where we found it as busy as ever. Newly remodelled, the spot is sporting a modern looking interior with a new bar. Decor, Vibe – Delfina has a compact but stylish modern decor, industrial metal tables, wood chairs, cramped seating area for parties of 2. Nice patio area in the back, for when the weather allows.  The place is extremely loud even though you can see quite a bit of sound dampening material on the walls and ceiling. Most of the crowd was couples or small parties of people in their 30’s and 40’s. Delfina Menu Menu changes daily. It features a variety of appetizers from grilled seafood to salads. 8 pasta courses and five entrées. The calamari and spaghetti  are almost always available on the menu. Website Delfina Menu Delfina Food Picks: For the full […]

This post originally from Delfina Review, San Francisco