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Swan Oyster DepotvsAcquerello
Both establishments are rated highly by professional travelers. Overall, Swan Oyster Depot is the choice of most professionals compared to Acquerello. Swan Oyster Depot comes in at #6 in San Francisco with positive reviews from 16 sources including Zagat, Gayot and Fodor's.
Swan Oyster Depot
Concierge
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
BlackBook
DK Eyewitness
Rough Guide
Gayot
San Francisco Chronicle
Condé Nast Traveler
Zagat Show All Reviews
1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109-3606
From $21/night
Concierge "Opened in 1912, Swan Oyster Depot isn't a restaurant, it's a landmark."
i
The stools at the long, narrow counter fill up during the lunch hour, so try to get there before or after noon.
Fodor's "Half fish market and half diner, this small, slim, family-run seafood operation, open since 1912, has no tables, just a narrow marble counter with about a dozen-and-a-half stools." Full review
Travel + Leisure "In business since 1912, this Nob Hill neighborhood joint is essentially a seafood diner." Full review
BlackBook "Tiny, no-nonsense, and bursting at the gills with the freshest seafood ever since 1912."
DK Eyewitness "The clam chowder is considered the best in the city by many, but all the seafood here is fresh."
Rough Guide Star
"Expect no frills at this legendary seafood counter with its huge marble countertop and tiled walls."
Gayot13.0
"The Swan Oyster Depot is a San Francisco landmark: the restaurant has been selling and serving fresh, frill-free seafood since 1912." Full review
San Francisco Chronicle2.0
"For such a small place -- only 18 seats at the counter -- this oyster bar and retail shop has a mega reputation, being named an America's Classic by the James Beard Foundation." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Swan Oyster Depot isn't a restaurant, it's a landmark. Except for the rich, creamy clam chowder, everything here is served cold." Full review
Zagat4.5
""Nostalgics" insist the lively "banter with the owners behind the counter" is the extra sauce sealing its deal as “the Valhalla of seafood."" 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
