History

For more than three decades, Acquerello has offered an unparalleled Italian fine-dining experience in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood. The restaurant, operated by Giancarlo Paterlini and Executive Chef Suzette Gresham, has been heralded for its cuisine, wine, and service.

Keeping ahead of the ever-changing dining scene in San Francisco, Acquerello showcases its brightest young talent in the kitchen as well as with its wine program. “At Acquerello, we believe that refined luxury is always in style. Our desire is to provide our guests an experience of classic and contemporary Italian tastes in an elegant dining atmosphere.”

Acquerello has received countless accolades over the decades. We were awarded our first Michelin star in the inaugural Sam Francisco Bay Area guide in 2007. The second star came in 2015, and we have retained two Michelin stars for over 10 years.

The wine program earned Wine Spectator's Grand Award in 2012, and to this day, fewer than 100 restaurants around the world have achieved this honor.

World of Fine Wine magazine recognized Acquerello's wine list as the Best Italian Wine List Outside Italy in 2025, and Acquerello was also a Global Finalist in the Best Sparkling Wine & Champagne category.

Acquerello won Star Wine List's International Open in the Best Sparkling Wine & Champagne category to reach the Global Finals in 2025 and 2026, and in 2026, Acquerello is also a Global Finalist in the Best Italian Wine List category

Gambero Rosso declared Acquerello's wine list the Best Italian List in Northern California in 2026.