Cuisine:

• Italian
• Others
• Contemporary

Acquerello Description:
Dinner entrees range in the low $30 range, as of Dec. 2006. There is also a chef's tasting menu, which costs $110 and includes wine.
This Italian spot takes its name from the tasteful watercolors that decorate the room. The food is authentic, mannered and rich. Chef-owner Suzette Gresham-Tognetti's menu changes often. Begin with a delicate Parmesan budino, a custard-like dish studded with spinach and zucchini. A warm salad of frisée and pancetta is topped with a seared squab breast. Among the splendid pasta dishes is the Swiss chard and ricotta gnocchi tossed in brown butter and sage. Of the entrées, we especially like the filet of branzino atop a warm artichoke and potato salad. The 500-bottle wine list features a notable selection of Italian bottles as well as a number of premium California entries. Co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini and the accommodating staff will help you choose. For dessert, the gold-dusted chocolate cake with toasted almond praline cream is satisfying.