Sorella

The story

Sorella San Francisco: Michelin-Recommended Italian from the Acquerello Team

Sister to a Star

Sorella—Italian for “sister”—is the casual restaurant and bar from the team behind San Francisco’s two-Michelin-star Acquerello. It’s grounded in tradition but contemporary in style, translating the spirit of Italy into a warm, modern experience. The name signals kinship, but Sorella stands on its own, earning a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026.

The People Behind the Pasta

Culinary Director Fernanda Baggio leads the kitchen, supported by Acquerello Chef/Owner Suzette Gresham, who earned one of the first Michelin stars awarded to San Francisco restaurants. General Manager Robert Bowser ensures gracious service, while Wine Director Gianpaolo Paterlini and Owner Giancarlo Paterlini bring decades of expertise. The result is a restaurant that feels both fresh and deeply rooted.

What to Expect

Pasta is the star of the menu, but there are plenty of options beyond flour and water. Begin with antipasto, move through primi, then feast on pasta, secondi, contorni, and dolci. At the bar, craft cocktails infused with Italian flavors, a wide selection of amaro, and regional Italian wines round out the experience. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming—equally suited for a dinner with friends or a drink at the bar.

Recognition That Rings True

The press has taken notice. Eater SF calls Sorella “a star in its own right.” Wine Spectator highlighted the Acquerello team’s more casual sibling. The San Francisco Chronicle named the pastas among the best in the Bay Area, and TimeOut SF appreciates the Michelin-level techniques without Michelin-level prices. The restaurant’s own words sum it up: thoughtful, well-made Italian food, wine, cocktails, and warm hospitality.