Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Bocconcino – San Francisco
Bocconcino - San Francisco
Photo from Bocconcino
Bocconcino at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 114 of the guests
#235 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#16 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
682
Reviews
86.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Italian
- Great Service
- Cozy Ambiance
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Unprofessional Service
- Noisy Crowded
- Inconsistent Food
The Italian restaurant Bocconcino in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood offers a truly delightful dining experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Known for its exceptional culinary offerings, this spot truly shines with its great dessert selection, ensuring a sweet end to your visit. Whether you’re planning a dinner out or a casual lunch, Bocconcino provides a welcoming setting with excellent service options.
Overview: Introducting Bocconcino
Bocconcino offers a generally pleasant Italian dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and the quality of its pasta . Many guests appreciate the genuine feel of the place, making it a go-to for an authentic meal.
However, some experiences point to challenges with the dining environment. While the service frequently receives commendation for being friendly and attentive, there are occasional reports of less professional interactions.
The price point is often seen as reasonable, especially given the quality of the food, contributing to a sense of good value for many diners.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
682
Reviews
86.7%
Satisfaction
67
negative
24
neutral
591
positive
Bocconcino achieves a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.5, indicating a well-regarded establishment. This positive sentiment is echoed in the Customer Satisfaction, which stands at a good 86.7%.
These figures are based on a substantial 682 customer opinions, with 591 positive remarks outweighing 67 negative ones. The individual topic scores further illuminate this picture: Service leads with an impressive (8.8), closely followed by Food (8.5).
The Ambience also scores well at (8.3), creating a warm setting. While Value (6.9) is considered good, it’s a more moderate aspect compared to the others, suggesting it meets expectations rather than exceeding them significantly.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Welcoming attentive service
- Cozy warm atmosphere
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Unprofessional service issues
- Noisy cramped space
- Inconsistent food quality
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a genuine Italian feel and a focus on well-prepared dishes, Bocconcino is certainly worth considering. The strong 8.7 Recommendation Score suggests that most patrons leave satisfied and would encourage others to visit, particularly for the fresh pasta and welcoming staff.
However, be mindful that the dining space can sometimes be noisy or feel a bit cramped, and while service is generally excellent, isolated reports of less professional interactions exist. It’s a solid choice for a cozy Italian meal, but manage expectations regarding potential noise levels.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Bocconcino
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction of 86.7%, it's clear many diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 377 total comments, a whopping 327 rave about the authentic Italian food, homemade pastas, and fresh ingredients, often noting the generous portions.
However, not every dish is a home run. There were 34 negative comments, with some mentioning small portions, bland side flavors, or even cold food. A few also pointed out poor quality pasta sauce, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
377
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
34
negative
16
neutral
327
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Fresh homemade pasta
- Generous delicious portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions reported
- Bland flavors sometimes
Often praised
- foodAs visitors from Ireland, we had our dinner here tonight and it was a fantastic experience. The pasta was incredibly fresh, and the food tasted amazing. The owner was exceptionally nice and went above and beyond to make us feel at home.
- pastaI highly recommend this stop for a good pasta. The excellent attention and vibe come complementary, making for a great dining experience.
- lasagnathe highlight of the evening was, unequivocally, the lasagna
- FoodFood tastes just like at home
- wineIt had a tasty light sauce. There were five of us and everyone approved heartily of their wine, meals and desserts. Service was very friendly and attentive.
- Italian foodThe pastas and risotto we ordered were all very nice, with no complaints. We enjoyed very good Italian food, complemented by a nice salad. The waiter was friendly and helpful, and we found it to be pretty good bang for your buck.
- pesto ravioliI had the pesto ravioli, which was incredible
- risottoThe risotto was the tastiest that I’ve ever eaten
- Italian cuisineit redefined what I thought possible in Italian cuisine
- TiramisuWe had lasagna, pork chop, pasta, Tiramisu and lemon sorbet.
Frequently criticized
- foodI’m giving this GEM 2 stars for review recognition only. What a fun way to celebrate Italy’s worst adaptation of cuisine. It’s impressive.
- pizzaThe pizza is actually flatbread with too much dough
- saladthe salad was disappointingly overdressed
- BologneseBolognese tasted sour and burned and had no flavor
- Caesar saladdefinitely skip the Caesar salad - needs a little effort
- bad quality and cold foodthe food was bad quality and cold
- baguettebaguette was so hard it almost chipped my tooth
- bland sidea bit on the bland side
- breadserved cold, hard bread
- chicken Parmchicken Parm which tasted like it was microwaved
If youre looking for a place with generally authentic and delicious Italian food, its definitely worth a try, especially for the homemade pastas. Just be aware that a few diners have experienced inconsistencies in portion size or flavor, so manage your expectations.
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning an excellent score of 8.8 and an impressive 90.1% customer satisfaction. With 155 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the friendly staff, attentive courteous service, and warm hospitality, often feeling like they receive personal service from the owner and team. However, a small number of 15 negative experiences mention a rude and unprofessional manner from staff, with some feeling they received preferential treatment or hostile and unprofessional service.
These isolated incidents suggest occasional inconsistencies in an otherwise stellar performance.
Service
172
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
155
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Personalized owner interaction
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unprofessional, hostile service
- Perceived preferential treatment
- Rude staff remarks
Often praised
- serviceWhile everything else was fine, it wasn't particularly memorable. Overall, it was a solid meal with fresh ingredients and really nice service, but the food didn't entirely hit the mark for me. I'd still recommend giving it a try for yourself!
- ownerWe received a sampling of various menu options, and it was some of the best Italian food I've had. To top it off, the owner was also hilarious, and we had great interactions. Although I am just passing through on business, I will definitely bring my family back to San Francisco with this being a 'must visit' on our trip.
- staffFrom the moment I walked in the door, a member of staff was concerned about where to sit and made space for us right away. I’ve never felt so welcomed, and the food was absolutely out of this world.
- ServiceThere were five of us and everyone approved heartily of their wine, meals and desserts. Service was very friendly and attentive. We couldn’t have asked for a better dinner experience.
- serversSuper cute on the inside and great as a date night spot! I believe one of our servers may have been the owner and he went above and beyond to make us feel appreciated, welcome, and taken care of. We got the Bocconcino Salad, the Gnocchi, and the Pinsa Salsiccia.
- waiterMy waiter even noticed my shirt slipping off the stool and casually fixed it
- attentionI highly recommend this stop for a good pasta. The excellent attention and vibe come complementary, making for a great dining experience.
- chefI experienced true Italian cuisine here. The chef is great and the ambiance is so warm. The food tastes just like at home.
- familytreat me like part of the family
- hostRosario is an incredible host
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marred by hostile and unprofessional service from the waitstaff. One waitress completely abandoned my friend and me, while the other seemed unhappy to serve us, giving us dirty looks and rude treatment.
- ownerowner came on too strong, micromanaged
- owner/chefowner/chef took offense, came by our table to ask if we were “feeling comfortable” in the restaurant and basically asked us to leave
- preferential treatmentgave preferential treatment to others customers
- racistthis guy on the picture he is racist
- reservationhad a reservation at 8pm but arrived by 8:15pm, for which our server also passed remarks
- rude and unprofessional mannerspoking to me in a rude and unprofessional manner
- serverThe owner/chef took offense and asked us to leave. 🙃 We had a reservation at 8pm but arrived by 8: 15pm, for which our server also passed remarks. The place had plenty of space and was still accepting reservations/walk-ins.
- wait staffWait staff were prejudice. My friend and I received a very hostile and unprofessional service
- waiting timetook forever to get us the food
If youre looking for a dining experience where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there are a few reports of less-than-stellar interactions, the overwhelming majority of guests rave about the attentive and friendly service, often highlighting the personal touch from the owner. Expect warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambiance here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and leaving 84.3% of customers satisfied. With 97 positive comments out of 115, guests frequently praise the authentic Italian experience, warm and inviting ambiance, and cozy gem feel, creating a fun vibe that makes you feel right at home. However, a smaller number of 14 comments point out some areas for improvement.
Some found the noisy inside and loud music made it hard to hold a conversation, with the cramped space occasionally contributing to the cacophony.
Ambience
115
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian vibe
- Warm, inviting ambiance
- Cozy, intimate setting
What people don't like
- Noisy inside
- Loud music
- Cramped space
Often praised
- atmosphereI felt like I was transported back to Italy. The tortellini was excellent, and the overall atmosphere was fantastic. I highly recommend this restaurant for its authentic Italian food and atmosphere.
- ambianceI experienced true Italian cuisine here. The chef is great and the ambiance is so warm. The food tastes just like at home.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placethe best place in the SF Italian Neighborhood
- vibethe vibe is super welcoming
- authentic Italian experiencego-to for an authentic Italian experience
- decorThe music, the decor.
- environmentenvironment that isn't pretentious
- experienceit was such a cozy, heartwarming experience
- musicthe music was so lovely
Frequently criticized
- musicmusic was far too loud
- back roomThe back room was very noisy, however.
- conversationMade it hard to hold a conversation
- groupsNot good for groups
- indoor seatingLimited indoor seating
- kidsNot good for kids
- meetupNot good for meetup
- noisy insideA bit noisy inside
- parkingParking is at mercy of north beach and, usually difficult.
- restaurant spacethe restaurant is small, so you are in a cramped space
If youre seeking a lively, authentic Italian atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that it can get a bit bustling and noisy, especially if youre looking for a very quiet, intimate chat.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners found the experience to be quite positive, with a 6.9 score indicating its certainly not bad. Guests frequently praised the "reasonable prices" and "good value, " often noting the "bang for your buck" and even "prices on wine" as particularly appealing. Based on 12 positive comments, people felt they got a satisfying meal without breaking the bank, especially for San Francisco.
However, the overall customer satisfaction sits at a 66.7%, suggesting a mixed bag for some. A few voices, 4 to be exact, felt the experience was "overpriced" or "not up to the mark for the price you pay. " One specific concern even mentioned feeling "punished for splitting a meal, " indicating theres still room for improvement in perceived fairness.
Value
18
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices offered
- Good value provided
- Fair wine prices
What people don't like
- Can feel overpriced
- Meal splitting issues
Often praised
- priceWe were told about this new restaurant, Boccocino, and decided to give it a try! We found the food and wine to be really good, especially considering the very good price for San Francisco.
- pricesThe prices were reasonable
- bang for your buckWe enjoyed very good Italian food, complemented by a nice salad. The waiter was friendly and helpful, and we found it to be pretty good bang for your buck. We came here on a whim because of the Google reviews, and I hope this review contributes to you eating there.
- good valueIt's good food for good value.
- prices on wineGood prices on wine, too
- reasonableI’ve never felt so welcomed, and the food was absolutely out of this world. The staff recommended us a beautiful bottle of wine, and it was so reasonable.
- reasonable priceBy the time we left, all tables were occupied, and the back room hosted a party of 20+. If you're in the area and crave good Italian food at a reasonable price, I highly recommend Bocconino Restaurant at 516 Green St, San Francisco. Rosario Priolini, you have a very fine establishment that treats everyone like family.
- valuewe walked away with a satisfying dinner for 2 for under $50
Frequently criticized
- pricenot Upto the mark for the price you pay
- splitting a mealI feel punished for splitting a meal
If youre looking for a spot where you can generally expect a decent meal at a fair price, especially for the city, this place is worth checking out. Just be mindful if youre planning to split dishes, as that might affect your perception of value.
How are the prices at Bocconcino?
On average, you’ll spend around 47 per person – from 114 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average hovers around 47, our data shows a nice spread: many diners enjoy meals in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges, suggesting good value options. But for those looking to splurge a bit, there are also higher-end experiences available, which pull the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 114 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. It seems to offer a good range of options, catering to different budgets while maintaining quality.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Bocconcino
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Quaint Family Restaurant Perfection
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. We were searching for a small and quaint place, a contrast to the large, noisy establishments in North Beach, and this restaurant was perfect. We enjoyed pasta main dishes, all of which were really tasty, accompanied by a nice glass of wine.
The atmosphere and food were rated a 4, and the noise level was quiet, making conversation easy.
- pasta main dishes8
- wine7
- atmosphere8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
An unforgettable, albeit intense, dining experience
My experience at this restaurant was one of the few that made me moan and cuss while eating my dinner. It was a truly memorable, though intense, culinary journey.
- dinner2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Food and Perfect Wine Pairing
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Lasagna, which was served in a rich Vodka sauce that was absolutely perfect. The wine recommended by the waiter to pair with my meal was also perfect.
The atmosphere was great, and the food was amazing. I totally recommend this place for its great atmosphere and amazing food.
- Lasagna10
- rich Vodka sauce10
- Wine10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Dreaming of Pesto Ravioli!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The quality of the food, the attentive service, and the overall ambiance were all outstanding. I will be dreaming about my pesto ravioli until I return.
- food quality10
- service10
- ambiance10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Authentic SF Gem with Impeccable Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. It's an authentic, charming SF diamond. The owner is amazing, the food is top-notch, and the service is impeccable.
I highly recommend choosing this gem for your dinner!
- owner10
- food10
- service10
What Bocconcino offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Do you need a reservation to dine at Bocconcino?
Yes, dinner reservations are highly recommended at Bocconcino, especially if you plan to enjoy table service in the evening. While you can also visit for lunch, securing a reservation ensures you get a spot at this popular Italian restaurant.
What are the parking and accessibility options at Bocconcino?
Finding parking near Bocconcino can sometimes be difficult, but there is a free parking lot available for your convenience. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, offering both an accessible entrance and seating to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
How does Bocconcino generally rate among customers?
Bocconcino holds a strong overall score of 8.5, with particularly high marks for Service (8.8) and Food (8.5). The Ambience (8.3) is also well-regarded, though Value (6.9) is seen as more moderate.
What kind of food can I expect at Bocconcino?
Guests often praise the fresh pasta, with dishes like pesto ravioli and risotto frequently mentioned. Many find the Italian food to be authentic and comforting, reminiscent of home-cooked meals.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience at Bocconcino?
Some patrons have noted that the restaurant can be noisy, especially in the back room, and the space can feel cramped. There have also been isolated reports of unprofessional service experiences.