a16
(415) 771-2216
2355 Chestnut St
San Francisco,
CA
94123
37.8
-122.442
Neighborhoods: Marina, North
Reviews & Ratings for a16
143 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 143 reviews
Best Italian and wine list
by jeffhol
March 08, 2007
Had a fanstastic dinner there yesterday. The buccatini with clams was amazing with al dente pasta, clams in the shell (rather than the typical shell off canned clams) so you know the clams were alive when cooked, as you find in Italy and wonderful tomato sauce. The porchetta (pork belly) roasted with lots of rosemary and crackling skin was also delicious, but fat phobic Americans should stay away. The wine list is incredible and they feature wines that most restuarants would not do by the glass because of expense, .e.g most restos only do cheap wines by the glass at A16 you can get a glass of wine for $12 a glass of Taurasi that normally retails at $70 and would be on a wine list for $140. Service was efficient and friendly. Seems like the negative reviews on this site result from people who are used to Italian American food. Prices are reasonable with the most expensive entree being $24 and with that you get your choice of side (one word for sides: beans mmm creamy delicious). The food is authentic with pastas that some will consider underdone and meats that some will consider challenging such as tripe, quail, pork shoulder, etc. If you like rustic Slow Food restos in Italy, you will love A16. If you are an adventuresome diner that gets offfal at Asian places, you will love A16. Otherwise, don't bother going and leave the scarse tables to those who appreciate it.
- Pros: Authentic food not common in the U.S. affordable wine list
- Cons: Too many people who like it so hard to get a table
Well worth the drive to SF
by lazde
April 05, 2009
Took a while to get reservations. After eating there, no wonder! Arrived early and sat at the bar. We are really picky on our wines and the bartender had great suggestions which we ended up with for dinner. Staff was excellent, friendly, very helpful. We had the Tuna Conserva Panzanella for starters (WOW), the Salsiccia Pizza, the Pasta Special with spring peas inside (very light)and a Chocolate Budino Tart recommended by our waitress (very light). Served as 3 courses shared by the two of us. Everything was amazing! When we got the bill, we could not believe how inexpensive for such great wine and food. Would definitely go back ...
- Pros: Excellent food, excellent service
- Cons: Never an open seat (except early at the bar)
Best Pasta
by taylormelissa27
March 24, 2009
We went on a Saturday night without a reservation. We had to wait 45 min for a table. We grabed a glass of wine, and waited patiently. It was all worth it. The pasta with mint and walnuts was so delicious. I could easily have that dish every day.
bad review
by CSMobileUser2
March 04, 2009
hostess with terrible attitude. Manager unresponsive and wimpy. Wait time too long. Pizza is soggy. I've seen a total deterioration in service and quality over the past year. Save your wait and money for a better restaurant.
Our Favorite Restaurant in San Francisco!
by luvmybasset
January 07, 2009
We've gone to A16 nearly every Friday night for the last year because it's always a perfect dining experience. The food is excellent, the staff couldn't be better and the wine list is divine. It's the perfect way to unwind and start the weekend. Our favorites include the mozzarella burrata, the funghi and margherita pizzas, the maccaronara pasta and the chocolate budino tart for dessert - all delicious!
This restaurant has a great vibe and we love it!
OVERRATED
by chrishemphill
January 06, 2009
Tried this place 4 years ago and haven't gone back until last night - same thoughts - Overrated!!
If you want pizza, there are plenty of pizza places around - Pizza Orgasmica, etc
Italian food - go to North Beach
- Pros: Good atmosphere
- Cons: Food is just ok, Hard to get reservations / Long wait
Bad Experience
by Pianolady
July 09, 2008
Ok, but overrated food. Lamb wasn't as tender as it should be. Atmosphere isn't as good as it used to be.
- Pros: Service
- Cons: Atmosphere
86 A16
by VicRomano
June 30, 2008
I can think of many more suitable names for this over-hyped dog. The food was average. I had the Duroc Pork and a pizza to share as a starter. The pizza was ok, but the Pork was ridiculously average. I am not sure where on the pig its Duroc is, but if its between it's hind legs I believe it. I found the wait staff to be pleasant and hospitable, which is more than I can say for the owners who were arrogant and rude. With experiences like these it will only be a matter of time before I will be picking up my dry cleaning or renting movies at the location that was A16.
- Pros: I didn't get the squirts
- Cons: Arogant Owners
Atmosphere Poor - Lamb Tough - The Emperor Has No Clothes!
by GoodFoodJunkie
June 30, 2008
Not impressed by this restaurant at all. Many better restaurants to choose from in the City. The lamb was tough and we had a very poorly prepared cheese/meat appetizer plate. The worst part is the management/owernship of the restaurant. Apparently you are not allowed to enjoy yourself while eating. We had the misfortune of sitting next to the owner. He kept staring us down everytime we made a joke at our table or had the temerity to laugh. We found out later in the evening that he's the owner of the restaurant. Hope you enjoy your snooty restaurant. By the way, our waitress was wonderful. I fee sorry that she has to work for such a control freak.
- Pros: Waitress
- Cons: Atmosphere - Food
Not Overrated
by yxes2008
February 06, 2008
I have only been to this restaurant once. However, the experince was wonderful. Our server was friendly and answered our many questions regarding the menu options. The sommelier was educated on the extensive wine list, and gave us some history about the winemaker and the varietal we selected. The food was full of flavors, and cooked perfect. The restaurant is not cheap, but I highly recommend it. It's a great location for celebrating something special!
- Pros: Wine/Food/Service
- Cons: Dark setting
doesn't warrant the bold claims
by monkies
January 19, 2008
I've been here a few times now, mainly because my friend lives in the marina. everyone knows it's rated as a great place, so maybe that influences the decision...but i don't get it. it's average. nothing special at all. sure there are some unique items on the menu here and there, but not enough that they are so good i'm blown away or the standards so good it deserves the admiration it gets. it's a trendy hot spot, that's it. food is average, service is average, ambience is average (it's just a crowded little place).
