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SprucevsAcquerello
Both restaurants are endorsed by professional reviewers. On balance, Acquerello scores slightly higher than Spruce. Acquerello scores 92 with approval from 14 reviewers including Where, Lonely Planet and Fodor's.
Spruce
Concierge
Fodor's
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Rough Guide
Gayot
San Francisco Chronicle
Forbes Travel Guide
Condé Nast Traveler
Zagat Show All Reviews
3640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118
From $41/night
Concierge "The menu is stuffed with incredibly rich fare—foie gras with grape gelée, veal sweetbreads, sliced potatoes cooked in duck fat, and buttered Maine lobster."
Fodor's "The large space, a former 1930s auto barn, shelters a high-style dining room and a more casual bar and library lounge." Full review
Frommer's "Spruce is still one of the exciting new restaurants in San Francisco, but it's best enjoyed from a seat at the bar while tucking into their fantastic all-natural burger and fries." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Chef Mark Sullivan’s awesome house-made charcuterie; and his knack for sneaking hyper-boutique bitterish greens even into meatier dishes like bacon-bolstered sweetbreads lyonnaise." Full review
Rough Guide "Set in a transformed 1930s auto repair shop, Spruce's gorgeous dining room almost trumps its kitchen's glorious (and expensive) New American dishes."
Gayot16.0
"With an ambience that is at once warm and posh, and imaginative dishes borne of impeccable pedigree, big-ticket Spruce somehow manages a playful elegance." Full review
San Francisco Chronicle "Even with minor glitches in food and service most diners walk away satisfied, feeling like they've had a great night out. And at the end of the evening, you really can't ask much more of a restaurant." Full review
Forbes Travel Guide Recommended
"A revamped auto barn with black décor, overstuffed leather seats, an imposing backlit bar and a glowing wine cabinet, Spruce feels like an updated steakhouse." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Spruce is a large designed-to-the-hilt joint that feels like an updated version of your dad's favorite special-occasion steakhouse." Full review
Zagat ""Exceptional" staffers who treat everyone "like VIPs" makes this "elegantly appointed" Presidio Heights haunt perfect for "celebrations and milestone events."" Full review
Acquerello Concierge
DK Eyewitness Rough Guide Gayot San Francisco Chronicle Fodor's Condé Nast Traveler Zagat
goop
Where Show All Reviews
1722 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
From $82/night
Concierge "The beauty is in the details at elegant Acquerello, San Francisco's top contemporary Italian table."
DK Eyewitness "An exquisite wine list, a knowledgable waitstaff happy to recommend food-and-wine pairings, carved glass decanters, and fine linen set the stage for a truly memorable experience."
Rough Guide "Serving Italian fare unlike anything you'll find over the hill in North Beach, this celebrated, terracotta-toned restaurant welcomes polished crowds into its wood-beamed dining room."
Gayot15.0
"Named for the watercolors that line the walls of this intimate former chapel, Acquerello offers cooking that is anything but delicate." Full review
San Francisco Chronicle3.5
"For the meat course, the kitchen features Kobe beef, with tiny caramelized baby squash, a pad of potato puree and a green peppercorn sauce." Full review
i
Diners can choose three to five courses ($70-$96), which could include selections from the cart that displays 10 Italian cheeses and various house-made accompaniments; or a chef's tasting menu ($120) of seven published courses and a few spontaneous additions.
Fodor's "This true San Francisco dining gem is worth every penny." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Editor's Pick
"But most impressive is the cooking. Flavors positively sprawl across the palate in such dishes as Parmesan budino, a custardy Italian-style soufflé served with a seasonal garnish." Full review
i
Reservations are essential.
Zagat4.9
"The experience is "best described as ethereal" say diners who "dress up" to get "pampered" at this "romantic" Italian in Polk Gulch." Full review
goop "Acquerello has been serving upscale Italian in Nob Hill for 25 years now—with excellent food and a decidedly grown-up setting, it’s exactly the kind of place you want to go to for special occasions." Full review
Where "This serene, urbane Cal-Med restaurant is housed in a former 1920s Mission-style chapel." Full review
