Service is perfect, ambiance and lighting-also perfect. The food is almost always delicious. We go here often, so perhaps the reason I say almost is that we notice even the slightest variations in taste. We wouldn't keep coming back unless we loved it, which we do! Great neighborhood spot -highly recommend!!
Rachel A.
Food, ambiance, and service is always spectacular here. As a local that has tried many Italian restaurants in north beach and Russian hill, Amarena is very underrated for the area- I come here regularly and am always impressed. We typically get the lasagna, and gluten free Pappardelle, but have thoroughly enjoyed the other items we've tried.
Libby S.
Amarena in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood offers a charming slice of Italy. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a neighborhood favorite. Their impressive wine list complements the authentic Italian flavors perfectly.Start your meal with the fresh and flavorful burrata appetizer, setting the stage for the homemade wild boar pappardelle, bursting with the savory ragu. Finish with a delightful tiramisu, reminiscent of Rome.With impeccable service and authentic cuisine, Amarena is a must-visit for anyone seeking an Italian dining experience in San Francisco.
Aretha D.
Perfect place for my birthday dinner!! The quality of the food, the hospitable service, and the cozy & intimate ambiance helped make my birthday unforgettable! The wine flowing and my friends kept raving over how phenomenal their dishes were. My seafood risotto was SO delicious. Please make this a permanent dish and not just a special, it deserves a longer life on the menu!
Paulo, the owner and host, brings a warm and welcoming charm to each meal. His wine and food recommendations are subperb. The servers are attentive and gracious. The small plate eggplant is so flavorful you'll wish it was an entree! The special sole with caper sauce let each sautéed flavor melt in the mouth. This is a small venue so reservations are recommended. You won't be disappointed!
Kathleen A.
Came for a dinner with friends on a Monday night. There is a fair amount of seating but not a large amount so I recommend making a reservation for busy dinner days. We started with a few appetizers- the caprese and the polenta. I thought both were good but the polenta was a stand out. We ordered pastas for our mains all of which were good. I went with the brown butter sage ravioli. So good but on the sweeter side if you don't like sweetness with your pasta. The other star of the show was the Amarena ice cream to finish- high recommend!
Kentucky
Amarena is a classic Russian Hill trattoria. Crowded and pretty noisy on a busy Saturday night, our service and food/wine was as always excellent. The small plates, pasta, main courses and wine list has something for every taste that you would repeat in a down home but sophisticated trattoria.
Michelle Wright
A great place to have dinner with a significant other or family. The food is so fresh and delicious. The service is great, and everyone is super friendly. I’ve been here a few times. And I’m sure I’ll come back again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Burrata, Panna Cotta
CarolineW
This place is such a local gem, with a wonderful menu and very attentive staff. It's a cozy, place on the corner in Russian Hill. We had a great experience and will be back soon. Grazie Amarena!
Andrew Selvo
The ideal image of your local Italian restaurant.Great appetizers, great mains, great wines. I have come here multiple times with my wife and family, as it has something for everyone.For all the ostentation of SF Italian food. Amarena brings the cuisine back to its roots.P.S., the owner is actually Italian! Ask him about Italy.
Amazing food, will be returning. I lived in Italy for a year and this felt just as
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Pappardelle Al Cinghiale
CarolS
My first time at Amarena. It was a a visit with an old friend who was in town, and was perfect. The service was wonderful, the food delicious, and the ambiance and setting was chill enough to talk at length and get caught up. Will definitely go back.
C.
The grilled octopus was wonderful. Highly recommend. Aperol spritz was great. Really welcoming and friendly staff and owner. The ambiance is amazing, really cool place to have a date or hang out with friends and family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
NickW
Paulo & Amarena feels like Europe; in the simplicity of the environment to the exceptional cuisine. If you're looking for Chicken Parm or heavy entrees, do not come here. If you're looking for authentic italian dishes, executed with perfection, come here.
We had an amazing Valentine's Day dinner at Amarena! The food was phenomenal and the staff was incredibly kind, diligent, and professional. Highly recommend for a romantic night out!
Service is perfect, ambiance and lighting-also perfect. The food is almost always delicious. We go here often, so perhaps the reason I say almost is that we notice even the slightest variations in taste. We wouldn't keep coming back unless we loved it, which we do! Great neighborhood spot -highly recommend!!
Food, ambiance, and service is always spectacular here. As a local that has tried many Italian restaurants in north beach and Russian hill, Amarena is very underrated for the area- I come here regularly and am always impressed. We typically get the lasagna, and gluten free Pappardelle, but have thoroughly enjoyed the other items we've tried.
Amarena in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood offers a charming slice of Italy. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a neighborhood favorite. Their impressive wine list complements the authentic Italian flavors perfectly.Start your meal with the fresh and flavorful burrata appetizer, setting the stage for the homemade wild boar pappardelle, bursting with the savory ragu. Finish with a delightful tiramisu, reminiscent of Rome.With impeccable service and authentic cuisine, Amarena is a must-visit for anyone seeking an Italian dining experience in San Francisco.
Perfect place for my birthday dinner!! The quality of the food, the hospitable service, and the cozy & intimate ambiance helped make my birthday unforgettable! The wine flowing and my friends kept raving over how phenomenal their dishes were. My seafood risotto was SO delicious. Please make this a permanent dish and not just a special, it deserves a longer life on the menu!
Paulo, the owner and host, brings a warm and welcoming charm to each meal. His wine and food recommendations are subperb. The servers are attentive and gracious. The small plate eggplant is so flavorful you'll wish it was an entree! The special sole with caper sauce let each sautéed flavor melt in the mouth. This is a small venue so reservations are recommended. You won't be disappointed!
Came for a dinner with friends on a Monday night. There is a fair amount of seating but not a large amount so I recommend making a reservation for busy dinner days. We started with a few appetizers- the caprese and the polenta. I thought both were good but the polenta was a stand out. We ordered pastas for our mains all of which were good. I went with the brown butter sage ravioli. So good but on the sweeter side if you don't like sweetness with your pasta. The other star of the show was the Amarena ice cream to finish- high recommend!
Amarena is a classic Russian Hill trattoria. Crowded and pretty noisy on a busy Saturday night, our service and food/wine was as always excellent. The small plates, pasta, main courses and wine list has something for every taste that you would repeat in a down home but sophisticated trattoria.
A great place to have dinner with a significant other or family. The food is so fresh and delicious. The service is great, and everyone is super friendly. I’ve been here a few times. And I’m sure I’ll come back again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Burrata, Panna Cotta
This place is such a local gem, with a wonderful menu and very attentive staff. It's a cozy, place on the corner in Russian Hill. We had a great experience and will be back soon. Grazie Amarena!
The ideal image of your local Italian restaurant.Great appetizers, great mains, great wines. I have come here multiple times with my wife and family, as it has something for everyone.For all the ostentation of SF Italian food. Amarena brings the cuisine back to its roots.P.S., the owner is actually Italian! Ask him about Italy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Paccheri Dell' Alpino, Ravioli
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing food, will be returning. I lived in Italy for a year and this felt just as
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Pappardelle Al Cinghiale
My first time at Amarena. It was a a visit with an old friend who was in town, and was perfect. The service was wonderful, the food delicious, and the ambiance and setting was chill enough to talk at length and get caught up. Will definitely go back.
The grilled octopus was wonderful. Highly recommend. Aperol spritz was great. Really welcoming and friendly staff and owner. The ambiance is amazing, really cool place to have a date or hang out with friends and family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paulo & Amarena feels like Europe; in the simplicity of the environment to the exceptional cuisine. If you're looking for Chicken Parm or heavy entrees, do not come here. If you're looking for authentic italian dishes, executed with perfection, come here.
We had an amazing Valentine's Day dinner at Amarena! The food was phenomenal and the staff was incredibly kind, diligent, and professional. Highly recommend for a romantic night out!