Welcome to AltoVino
AltoVino, nestled in San Francisco's vibrant dining scene, is a culinary haven that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Known for its exquisite stuzzichini and secondi, the menu features highlights like house-made Iberico ‘Nduja and a succulent 1-kilo porterhouse steak, expertly presented with roasted bone marrow. Guests rave about the cozy ambiance, making it an ideal spot for intimate gatherings. The knowledgeable staff enhances the experience with exceptional service, ensuring each dish, from vivid pasta to delectable desserts, shines. AltoVino is more than just a restaurant; it's a delightful escape that transforms a meal into a memorable occasion.
- 1358 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States1358 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States Hotline: +1 415-529-2435
Welcome to AltoVino, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco at 1358 Mason St. This Italian restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it's a delightful dining experience that engages all your senses. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by an intimate atmosphere that's perfect for everything from romantic dinners to celebratory gatherings with friends.
The heart of AltoVino lies in its authentic cuisine, where the menu showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Italian recipes and local, seasonal ingredients. Imagine savoring Casoncelli, delicate pasta stuffed with red wine-braised Rossotti Ranch veal shank and short rib, elegantly paired with caramelized onions and summery savoy cabbage. It's a dish that tells a story, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Italy while using the best of what California has to offer.
For those looking to start their meal with a truly unique appetizer, the Spuma di Funghi is a must-try. This rich mushroom mousse, served with crispy toasted bread, sets a luxurious tone for the evening. Many customers rave about their experience, citing the creamy texture and vibrant flavors that make it an unforgettable beginning to their meal.
The pasta offerings at AltoVino are nothing short of spectacular. The Pappardelle with 10-hour Bolognese marries Rossotti Ranch veal with dry-aged beef, a marriage of flavors that melts in your mouth. Other beloved choices like the Cappelletti, filled with roasted squash and complemented by unexpected touches of pomegranate and hazelnuts, showcase the team's commitment to creativity and seasonality.
No meal at AltoVino would be complete without indulging in dessert. The Panna Cotta is a silky delight, paired with poached pears that celebrate the end of your dining experience. Diners consistently mention the wonderful presentation and flavors that not only satisfy the palate but also the eye.
Service plays an integral role in what makes AltoVino stand out. Guests frequently commend the warm and knowledgeable staff, who deftly navigate the menu and wine list, enhancing each dining experience. Whether you're a wine novice or a connoisseur, expect tailored recommendations that elevate your meal to new heights.
In a bustling city filled with dining options, AltoVino carves out a niche as a place where cuisine, atmosphere, and exceptional service come together seamlessly. Whether you're revisiting favorite dishes or exploring new seasonal offerings, including dishes like the La Fiorentina porthouse steak and Cotechino iberico pork sausage, every visit promises to be memorable.
AltoVino isn't just a restaurant; it's a celebration of the best of Italian cuisine wrapped in a cozy, inviting setting. A blend of heartfelt service, exceptional dishes, and a wonderful ambiance will make you want to linger long after dessert. Don’t just take my word for it; visit and uncover the magic of AltoVino for yourself!

10/10 food and service - favourites were def the mushroom mousse, and anchovy butter with veggies (so good when you dip with bread?!?!?) pastas were all great, got the fried stuffed olives, and tiramisu panna cotta were def solid desserts. great for group dinners too, will come back :)

OVERALL: 5/5 Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 - The bar area is casual, but the dining room is very intimate. Had been on the list for a while, so glad we were finally able to make it. The service was exceptional and the food amazing!!!!

Altovino is definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in San Francisco. The service is warm and friendly, with waitstaff who are very knowledgeable about both the menu and the wine list, making it easy to get great recommendations. The atmosphere is comfortable, and the vibe is perfect for enjoying a good meal. The kitchen stands out for the quality of its ingredients, especially the fresh house-made pasta and high-quality vegetables. Must-try dishes include the pork and porterhouse, and the desserts are just as recommendable. The menu changes regularly, which keeps things interesting, and while it tends to get busy on weekends, it’s absolutely a spot worth visiting. I give it a 10/10.

Oh my! Where do I start?! We discovered altoVino when my college friends were visiting me in SF. Not only the food was delicious, the atmosphere was so cozy and welcoming that we stayed there for hours chatting and enjoying ourselves. Food: 5/5 The evening started strong with Spuma di Funghi appetizer. It was creamy and rich perfectly harmonizing the flavor of truffle with the freshness of herbs. It was served with warm oil toasted bread which was the perfect crunch next to the smooth creamy texture of the mousse. From the pasta dishes we tried out Cappellacci which was filled with seasonal flavors of squash. The addition of pomegranates and hazelnuts really brought in some edge with a texture. But the wow of the evening was the creamy mushroom sauce tagliatelle with shaved truffle on top. I think this dish might have been an addition for the SF restaurant week. Lastly, for dessert we tried out Panna Cotta and Zabaione with poached pears. Needless to mention that both tasted fantastic. Presentation: 5/5 All the dishes were plated neatly, effortlessly and tastefully. We did feel like we were in a high-end restaurant. Service: 5/5 Service was amazing! Our waiter has been very attentive towards us but not in an overwhelming way. He explained many of the dishes beforehand and all his recommendations were on spot. He brought us extra bread which we really appreciated. At last, when we paid the bill and were captivated with the conversation of old friends, he didn’t pressure us to leave. He even encouraged our stay with constantly refilling our glasses of water. Atmosphere: 5/5 A cozy corner in SF. We loved everything about the atmosphere. It was not too chic, which made it feel more relaxed and approachable. The hall was not loud and it was perfect for reconnecting with old friends. Value: 5/5 I would say the restaurant is on the pricier side, but the quality deserves the value. Overall Rating: 5/5

Definitely a gem. Hidden in a quiet block, low light, low volume, the environment was very pleasant. Honestly everything was fantastic, but I would give the crown to Pappardelle—the pasta was cooked just right to remain chewiness and the sauce was tangy (in a good way) with a strong note of tomato which I just loved too much. We ordered quite a few and nothing let us down, from appetizers to dessert. I’d come back for more :)

The service was a bit slow but it was Easter evening so our sample experience may be inaccurate. The food was so delicious. The desserts were good but I would focus on starters, antipasti and mains.

I had an excellent dinner experience at Alto Vino sf. The food and service were excellent. Every bite my son in law had came out with a loud Mmmmm! Chef Nick Kelly, his lovely wife Calli, and the whole staff made it warm and welcoming. Delicious food, service and ambiance. Too bad I live more than 70 miles away.

My self and a group of friends ate dinner last night. Everything was excellent and so delicious! Highlights are definitely all of the pastas, but don’t sleep on the anti pasta and starters. The fried olives are a great way to start the meal. The salad was one of the best salads I’ve had in a long time. The anchovies melt in your mouth and also so does the Panna cotta Service was exquisite and so was the wine.