Corks

4342 California St, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
+1 415-650-3002
$$$ Wine bar , Italian restaurant
(111 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Corks in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond offers a cozy, unpretentious spot where Italian food and wine share equal footing. This wine bar and Italian restaurant feels like a quiet retreat from the busier streets nearby, attracting locals who appreciate thoughtfully prepared dishes alongside carefully curated wines by the glass.

The atmosphere leans toward warm and intimate rather than flashy. Inside, a mix of soft lighting and simple decor invites slow dinners or relaxed evenings with friends. Many visitors end up lingering past their first glass, drawn in by the attentive, familiar service—often from the family owners who care for guests with an easygoing kindness.

Expect authentic Italian fare that showcases fresh, handmade pastas and classic regional flavors. Popular dishes include pillowy gnocchi and hearty pasta options like fettuccine all’Amatriciana or a rich prosciutto and vodka sauce. Starters like the Prosciutto e Burrata plate combine salty, creamy, and peppery notes, making a balanced companion to the wine list’s local and Italian bottles. The menu also nods to less commonly seen items like Bottarga, rewarding those curious about traditional Italian cuisine beyond the usual pasta offerings.

It’s the kind of neighborhood place where portion sizes are generous enough to satisfy without overwhelming, encouraging sharing and tasting. Charcuterie fans will appreciate the well-thought accompaniments—fresh buttered bread, spiced jams, and thoughtfully paired cheeses that add to the texture and flavor contrast on the plate.

Service at Corks prioritizes genuine hospitality, though service speed can vary, especially on moderately busy nights. The music tends more toward lounge-style covers rather than traditional Italian tunes, which lends to a relaxed, contemporary vibe rather than an old-school trattoria feel.

This spot works best for those looking to unwind over a carefully matched glass of wine and substantial food—whether a quiet midweek dinner or a weekend evening out with friends. Seating by the window offers people-watching opportunities on California Street, especially on cooler evenings when the interior’s snugness is most inviting.

Overall, Corks fits naturally into its Richmond neighborhood context: a dependable place for locals who value genuine Italian flavors, thoughtful wines, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages slow enjoyment rather than rushing through a meal.

Highlights
Has bar games
Has fast service
Has great wine list
Has quiz night
Popular for
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves wine
Best for
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

111 Reviews
Hugh Neville

07 Jan 2026

This is a lovely authentic neighborhood spot hidden right in our neighborhood. Giuseppe and his son take very good care of their guests and we thoroughly enjoyed the Italian cuisine including the sizable appetizers, and homemade pasta and desserts. Great wine selections by the glass. More people should know about this place.

Emily Yates

06 Jan 2026

A hidden gem!!! All handmade pasta, the most delicious wine and sauces, and the most lovely owner. Our favorite spot for years!

Hanna Elliott

14 Dec 2025

We stopped in here on a whim planning to just grab a glass a wine and ended up staying and having a full dinner. They have a fun selection of wines and authentic Italian food. Pastas are prepared fresh and they have menu items that you don’t see often, like Bottarga! Everything we ordered was delicious and the owner was kind and welcoming. We sat inside by the window because it was a chilly SF evening but there is outside seating and a parklet for a nicer, warmer day. Will return!

Thomas Buttner

01 Dec 2025

Delightful little spot. Great food and wine. Server was super nice and attentive. Very happy discovery. We'll have to come back for the old school Italian music other reviewers mention. Our playlist was lounge covers of American top 40. I'd prefer Italian!

Helen

29 Nov 2025

Had a craving for some charcuterie and opted to try out this spot. Their charcuterie was amazing- bread was freshly buttered and warm, the spiced jam was a nice touch and the cheese tomatoes were very unique. Tried 2 of their pastas and they were very flavourful and were generous portions. The only complaint would be the slow service, they were moderately busy but we didn’t get waters or menus for about 10 mins after sitting down. This was quite slow and we also waited quite long for the food after we had ordered. Would still give them another chance and try other menu items, perhaps before a meal time rush to see if they could redeem themselves on the service aspect. Great food overall.

Spence Blood

29 Oct 2025

The gnocchi is simply incredible and Alejandro will have you taken care of with some amazing wine options. The hospitality, ambience, and food make this one of the best italian spots in SF.

Ellie Trebino Kelm

15 Oct 2025

Excellent wine selection but the real stars are the homemade pastas and charcuterie. Unbelievable quality and some of the best pasta we’ve had outside of Italy! Our favorite neighborhood wine spot.

Azadeh Nematzadeh

28 Sep 2025

I can't believe I have never heard of Corks and found it by walking by it one evening. The best past in SF and the best gnocchi I have ever had. And I have eaten in many good Italian restaurants. The wine collection is great as well. Beautiful ambiance, very cozy, and lovely owner.

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