Highlights
- Bar games
- Great wine list
oChef » Corks – San Francisco
Corks - San Francisco
Photo from Corks
Corks at a glance
San Francisco Presidio Terrace
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#137 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#8 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
264
Reviews
90.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pasta excellence
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
The bar & pub Corks in San Francisco’s charming Presidio Terrace neighborhood invites you to discover a truly exceptional experience. You’ll find yourself immersed in a cozy and trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
With its renowned great wine list, Corks offers a sophisticated selection that will delight any connoisseur. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink or a lively evening, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Corks
Corks offers a truly inviting experience, often described as a cozy and authentic neighborhood spot. Guests frequently praise the delightful homemade pasta and the overall welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable place for a meal.
While the culinary offerings and setting shine, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the overall cost of their visit. The establishment prides itself on a warm, attentive approach to hospitality, ensuring guests feel well cared for.
However, a few experiences suggest that the pace of service can sometimes be a bit relaxed, and the value proposition, particularly concerning certain items, might not always meet expectations for everyone.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
264
Reviews
90.9%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
240
positive
Corks earns an impressive overall score of 8.7 , reflecting a generally strong performance across the board. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction rate of 90.9% , indicating that the vast majority of guests leave pleased.
These positive sentiments are drawn from a substantial number of opinions, with 240 positive remarks outweighing 16 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these ratings. The culinary experience stands out with an excellent Food score (9), highlighting its strength, particularly in pasta and wine selections.
Service also performs exceptionally well (8.7), with staff often noted for their attentiveness. The Ambience contributes positively (8.2), offering a comfortable setting.
However, Value registers as poor (3.2), suggesting that pricing is a notable point of contention for some patrons.
What people like
- Exceptional pasta dishes
- Warm, attentive service
- Cozy, authentic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high cost
- Occasional slow service
- Unimpressive side dishes
If you’re seeking a comfortable, authentic Italian dining experience with a focus on well-prepared pasta and a thoughtful wine selection, Corks is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 9 suggests many find it a rewarding visit, especially for its culinary strengths and inviting atmosphere.
However, be prepared for a potentially higher bill, as the value aspect is a consistent concern for some. While service is generally excellent, occasional slower moments have been noted.
Go for the food and atmosphere, but manage expectations regarding the final cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Corks
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 95.2% customer satisfaction! Out of 168 opinions, a whopping 160 rave about the delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Guests consistently praise the incredible handmade pasta dishes, excellent Italian wines, and standout appetizers like burrata and prosciutto, often finishing with a perfect TiramisĂą.
However, its worth noting that only 4 opinions out of 168 mentioned any downsides. A few isolated comments pointed to issues with certain appetizers and general concerns about food quality'. These seem to be rare exceptions, given the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the main dishes.
Food
168
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
4
negative
4
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Handmade pasta
- Excellent Italian wine
- Burrata and prosciutto
What people don't like
Often praised
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with the pasta dishes. I can confidently say it's the best pasta I’ve ever had. We sampled three dishes: the gorgonzola and walnut with pesto gnocchi, the prosciutto vodka, and the rabbit ragu.
- wineMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a super cozy spot with good wine and fresh pasta. I feel lucky to have such a quality spot in the neighborhood.
- foodThe food was absolutely delicious
- Italian foodWe stopped in here on a whim, planning to just grab a glass of wine, and ended up staying for a full dinner. They offer a fun selection of wines and authentic Italian food. The pastas are prepared fresh, and they have unique menu items like Bottarga that you don’t see often.
- gnocchiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was excellent, and I had the best gnocchi I have ever had. The burrata was amazing as well.
- wine selectionMy experience at Corks was surprisingly positive, especially considering its smaller size. They offer a diverse range of wines, including some unique varietals. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful.
- Italian winesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I enjoyed the handmade pasta dishes and the delicious Italian wines. The atmosphere was very cute, and the dinners were slow and meant to be cherished.
- homemade pastaThis 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. They also have great wine selections by the glass.
- pastasPastas are some of the best I’ve ever had
- wine listhis wine list is always a joyful pleasant discovery
Frequently criticized
- Caprese saladhalf inch thick cuts of rock hard steak tomatoes
- food qualityexpensive relative to what we got in terms of food quality
- mealsMeals came to the table 20 minutes apart
If youre craving authentic, high-quality Italian food, especially handmade pasta and excellent wine, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll have a fantastic culinary experience, with any minor issues being rare exceptions.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The service at this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.7 and an impressive 89.4% customer satisfaction. Based on 42 positive remarks, guests consistently rave about the welcoming owners, attentive staff, and genuine hospitality, often highlighting the friendly service and a pleasant lack of rushing. However, a few of the 47 comments, specifically 4 negative ones, point to some areas for improvement.
There were mentions of slow service, particularly regarding initial wait times for waters or menus, and occasional delays in meal delivery.
Service
47
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owners
- Attentive staff
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceDessert was a tough choice, but splitting the tronchetto and pistachio cake was perfect – both were delicious and not overly sweet. Despite filling up, the atmosphere remained cozy and conversation-friendly, with friendly and welcoming service. We enjoyed a fun peek into the kitchen.
- ownerI initially walked past, but the smell of pasta turned me around. I sat outside and enjoyed a heavenly plate of papardelle with rabbit and prunes, some delicious toasty bread with olive oil, and a glass of red wine that the owner suggested. It's an amazing neighborhood gem that I’ve already told friends and family about.
- staffI had a really cute atmosphere and great staff experience at this restaurant. I've been a few times and have also recommended this spot to friends.
- GiuseppeGiuseppe was very respectful of that.
- Chef MureHe's a long history of successful restaurants
- Giuseppe and his sonThis 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. They also have great wine selections by the glass.
- billno rushing with the ... bill at the end
- experienceWe eat out for the experience and prefer to take our time.
- expertise and passionSo much expertise and passion for food and wine
- foodThere was no rushing with the food
Frequently criticized
- hospitalityexpensive relative to what we got in terms of food quality and hospitality
- servicethe slow service
- waiting timeMeals came to the table 20 minutes apart after being there a full hour
- waters or menusdidn’t get waters or menus for about 10 mins
If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, you'll likely have a fantastic experience here, as the service is generally top-notch. Just be prepared that on rare occasions, there might be a slight wait for initial attention.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot truly shines, earning a solid 8.2 out of 10! Customers are clearly happy, with a fantastic 86.4% satisfaction rate. Many of the 38 positive remarks rave about the cozy, intimate atmosphere, and fantastic atmosphere, often highlighting it as a perfect neighborhood spot or date night spot with great Italian music and a lovely playlist.
However, out of 44 total comments, there were 4 negative observations. A few guests noted that the place was empty at times, and some felt it lacked a chic ambiance or specific décor. One person even mentioned a playlist that didn't quite hit the mark, playing lounge covers instead of authentic Italian tunes.
Ambience
44
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Fantastic neighborhood spot
- Great Italian music
What people don't like
- Can feel empty
- Lacks chic décor
- Inconsistent playlist
Often praised
- atmosphereeven at its busiest, it never got too loud inside and it was still easy to hold a conversation.
- ambianceBeautiful ambiance, very cozy
- neighborhood spotThis 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.
- Italian musicall old school Italian music hits
- Italian wine barThe best Italian wine bar on Richmond District
- ambienceThe gnocchi was simply incredible, and Alejandro provided amazing wine options. The combination of excellent hospitality, wonderful ambience, and delicious food makes this one of the best Italian spots in SF.
- authentic Italian wine bar/restaurantTo finish, the TiramisĂą was the perfect close to the meal. Giuseppe, our host, was as warm and attentive as could be, and his care truly shines through in this authentic Italian wine bar/restaurant. Grazie!
- cozyIt's a cozy spot
- cozy neighborhood spotThe food was authentic Italian, and the atmosphere was fantastic. I highly recommend this cozy neighborhood spot.
- cozy, intimate atmospherea cozy, intimate atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- chic ambianceAs a resident of the Inner Richmond, Corks has been a staple for me over the years. This cozy spot may not boast the chic ambiance of places like Fiorella, but what it lacks in décor, it more than makes up for with consistently delicious pasta dishes. They recently added a few new items, including a mouth-watering duck pasta.
- décorAs a resident of the Inner Richmond, Corks has been a staple for me over the years. This cozy spot may not boast the chic ambiance of places like Fiorella, but what it lacks in décor, it more than makes up for with consistently delicious pasta dishes. They recently added a few new items, including a mouth-watering duck pasta.
- place was emptyThe place was empty
- playlistOur playlist was lounge covers of American top 40
If youre looking for a cozy, intimate Italian experience with a fantastic atmosphere and great music, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its perfect for a relaxed dinner or a date night, though don't expect a super chic, bustling scene every time.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
When we look at the value offered, it appears theres not much to celebrate. Based on 5 customer observations, we couldnt find any positive sentiments or glowing remarks about the pricing or overall cost-effectiveness of the dining experience. It seems customers didn't feel they got a good deal.
On the flip side, the feedback on value is quite critical, with 4 specific concerns highlighted. Diners frequently pointed out the steep wine prices and felt the salad was significantly overpriced for what it was. The general consensus was that the meal was simply too expensive, with one guest citing a 100 dollars tab for a modest order.
This leads to a poor score of 3.2 and a very low 0% customer satisfaction, indicating significant room for improvement.
Value
5
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- High wine prices
- Overpriced salad
- Overall expensive meal
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- 100 dollarstwo dishes, two glasses of wateri wine and a salad...100 dollars
- expensiveWas very expensive relative to what we got
- saladdon’t charge 13$ for a unripe salad
- wine pricespuede haber lloros en la cuenta por el precio de los vinos
If you're watching your wallet, this spot might not be your best bet. The value proposition here is clearly a major concern for many, especially regarding drink and side dish pricing. Be prepared for a potentially high bill that might not align with the perceived quality or quantity of your meal.
How are the prices at Corks?
On average, you’ll spend around 53 $ per person – based on 18 guests. That places this spot in the $51–$60 category. For a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, that’s certainly on the higher end, hinting at a more upscale experience.
Interestingly, the actual prices paid by guests are quite spread out! We see some diners spending in the $21–$30 range, while others went for more premium options, reaching up to the $91–$100 bracket. This suggests a diverse menu with options for different budgets within that higher-end scope.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.
See how this spot stacks up against similar restaurants in San Francisco for value.
Considering the diverse price points and the average, we think the pricing feels fair for a higher-end Bar & Pub experience in San Francisco, especially if it includes quality food and drinks. It seems to cater to different budgets within that premium scope.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Corks
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Amazing Food, Slow Service
I had a craving for charcuterie and decided to try this spot. The charcuterie was amazing, with freshly buttered and warm bread, a spiced jam that was a nice touch, and very unique cheese tomatoes. I also tried two of their pastas, which were very flavorful and generous in portion.
My only complaint is the slow service. Despite being moderately busy, we waited about 10 minutes for waters and menus after being seated, and then a long time for our food after ordering. I would still give them another chance to see if they could improve on the service, perhaps by visiting outside of peak meal times.
Overall, the food was great.
- charcuterie9
- bread9
- spiced jam8
- service3
- waters or menus3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Divine Pasta and Vino!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The pasta and vino were simply divine. It felt like an offer I couldn't refuse, much like The Godfather.
We were a group of 2 people and didn't require a reservation, nor did we have to wait. The price per person was between $30–50.
- pasta9
- vino9
- wait time10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Favorite Spot for Years!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true hidden gem with handmade pasta that is incredibly delicious. The wine and sauces were also top-notch.
What truly makes this place special is the lovely owner. We've been coming here for years and it remains our favorite spot.
- handmade pasta10
- wine and sauces9
- lovely owner10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Pasta and Wine Spot
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The wine selection was excellent, but the real stars were the homemade pastas and charcuterie. The quality was unbelievable, and it was some of the best pasta I've had outside of Italy!
This is definitely our favorite neighborhood wine spot.
- wine selection9
- homemade pastas10
- charcuterie9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Authentic Italian Gem with Great Service
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. They also have great wine selections by the glass.
More people should know about this place.
- Italian cuisine9
- sizable appetizers8
- homemade pasta9
What Corks offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and special features can you find at Corks?
Corks offers a versatile atmosphere, described as romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy, making it suitable for various outings. A standout feature is its great wine list, perfect for connoisseurs. You can also enjoy engaging bar games, adding to the fun and lively experience.
What types of food and drink are available at Corks, and what are the service options?
Corks provides a range of offerings including food at the bar, happy hour drinks, and a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. You can also enjoy happy hour food. For service, you have the choice of outdoor seating, traditional dine-in, or convenient takeout options.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Corks?
Corks enjoys an excellent overall sentiment, with a Restaurant Score of **8.7** and a Customer Satisfaction of **90.9%**. Guests particularly praise the **Food** (9) and **Service** (8.7), while the **Ambience** (8.2) also contributes positively. However, **Value** (3.2) is an area where some customers express dissatisfaction.
What do customers appreciate most about the dining experience at Corks?
Customers frequently highlight the exceptional pasta dishes and the diverse wine selection. The warm, attentive service, often provided by the owner and staff, is also a strong positive. Many enjoy the cozy, authentic atmosphere, finding it a comfortable neighborhood spot.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners at Corks?
Yes, some diners have noted that the prices can be high, with wine prices specifically mentioned as a concern. There are also occasional comments about slow service or longer waiting times, and some found certain side dishes, like salads, to be unimpressive.