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AcquerellovsBenu
Both restaurants are rated very highly by writers. On balance, Acquerello is preferred by most writers compared to Benu. Acquerello has a TripExpert Score of 92 with endorsements from 14 reviewers such as Fodor's, Frommer's and San Francisco Chronicle.
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
Benu Concierge Fodor's
Travel + Leisure Gayot San Francisco Chronicle Condé Nast Traveler Zagat
The Infatuation
Not For Tourists goop Show All Reviews
22 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA
From $50/night
Concierge "Chef Corey Lee showcases his culinary virtuosity in an elaborate 13-course tasting menu that masterfully blends Eastern and Western techniques."
Fodor's "Chef-owner Corey Lee launched his contemporary American restaurant much to the delight of food-obsessed locals and travelers alike." Full review
Travel + Leisure "A bowl of wild-salmon roe with puffed buckwheat conjures taste memories of cold soba." Full review
Gayot16.0
"Benu's chef is Corey Lee, former chef de cuisine of The French Laundry and opening sous chef at Per Se." Full review
San Francisco Chronicle4.0
"He takes the authentic textures of Asian ingredients, mixes them with his Western training, and gives everything a breathtaking twist." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Chef Corey Lee showcases his culinary virtuosity in an elaborate 13-course tasting menu that masterfully blends Eastern and Western techniques." Full review
Zagat "It's a "once-in-a-lifetime" dining experience that's "worth the high price."" Full review
The Infatuation "Dinner at Benu isn’t entirely about having a lot of money – it’s about how you like to spend the money you’ve got." Full review
Not For Tourists "Ultra-creative tasting menus worthy of a very special occasion."
goop "A full-fledged tasting menu kind of place, a reservation here is best reserved for a special occasion." Full review
