Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Norcina – San Francisco
Norcina - San Francisco
Photo from Norcina
Norcina at a glance
San Francisco Marina District
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#1181 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#83 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
626
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great food
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Service issues
The Italian restaurant Norcina, nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Marina District, offers a delightful culinary journey. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic Italian flavors.
Known for its great wine list, this trendy spot invites you to unwind with friends or family. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed dinner or a lively brunch, Norcina provides a welcoming setting where you can savor delicious small plates and expertly crafted cocktails.
Overview: Introducting Norcina
Norcina offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many guests praising the delicious pizza and the overall ambiance . The staff often receives commendation for being friendly and accommodating, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies in service and concerns regarding value.
Good
7.5
out of 10
626
Reviews
72.5%
Satisfaction
136
negative
36
neutral
454
positive
Norcina achieves a solid overall score of 7.5, indicating a good dining experience, with customer satisfaction also registering well at 72.5%. This positive sentiment is drawn from 626 customer opinions, comprising 454 positive remarks against 136 negative ones.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring a strong (7.8), frequently highlighted for its quality and variety. While Ambience (7.5) and Service (7.2) also rate as good, there are nuances.
The atmosphere is generally appreciated, but service can be a mixed bag, with some guests noting attentiveness while others report slow delivery or issues with reservations. The primary area for improvement is Value (3.4), which falls into the poor category, suggesting that many find the pricing to be on the higher side for the overall experience.
What people like
- Delicious Italian food
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Hidden fees
- Inconsistent service
With a recommendation score of 7.8, Norcina is a place worth considering if you prioritize good food and a pleasant setting. It’s particularly noted for its Italian dishes and inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for a relaxed meal or gathering.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding the cost, as value is a recurring concern. If you’re seeking a consistently budget-friendly option or are sensitive to potential service inconsistencies, you might want to explore other choices.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Norcina
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.2%, many rave about the delicious Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta. Standouts like the Rigatoni Alla Norcina, Nor-sting-ya pizza, fresh focaccia, and even DIY s'mores frequently earn high praise across 291 positive remarks.
However, not every dish is a home run. Some of the 65 negative comments mention soggy pasta, watery sauces, or greasy pizza. A few diners found certain dishes lacked flavor or that portions were surprisingly small, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
377
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
65
negative
21
neutral
291
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Italian food
- Excellent pizza, pasta
- Creative fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Soggy, bland pasta
- Greasy, ordinary pizza
- Small, disappointing portions
Often praised
- foodWe visited on Sunday morning and were delighted by an incredible meal. The food was amazing, and we especially want to thank Angelo for making us feel so welcome, as if we'd been coming there forever. We are seriously looking forward to returning soon!
- pizzaThe truffle raviolo was pretty good and the corn carmelle exciting, but the star of the meal was the pizza! It was saucy, cheesy, and spicy, with a little hint of sweetness from the ricotta and hot honey. It's a great spot to sit outside and people watch on a lovely sunny day.
- pastaNow, we don’t go anywhere else when craving Italian. We always get the norstingya pizza and switch up the pasta and appetizers. Ps.
- drinksI caught a seat and had an amazing drinks + apps night! I got the spritz flight and really loved all the apps we got – you can't go wrong with anything.
- prosciutto pizzagot the prosciutto pizza and mushroom pizza which I liked
- crustThe crust was delicious, a little on the thinner side
- menuEvery guest was raving about the food, the ambiance, and the attentive service. Chuck was instrumental in helping us plan the perfect menu and wine list for the event. I cannot recommend this place enough for a tasty meal or a big event.
- wine listIt's the best spot in the neighborhood for any occasion, offering something for everyone on the menu. The great wine list and the presence of the sweetest dog, Franklin, who greets you and supervises passersby, added to the charm. The chef is a true gift to San Francisco, and the GM is an absolute entertainer.
- Italian foodMy recent experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best Italian food in California. The wine list was well-priced, and the atmosphere was fun.
- appetizersThe spritzes were watery. The appetizers were tasty, but the main courses were very disappointing. Everything could have used salt.
Frequently criticized
- pastaThe pasta was pretty average though. Didn't taste quite cooked enough
- foodthe food was terribly mediocre
- drinksthe drinks were weak and wildly expensive
- pizzaThe pizza was bland and it only had very few of the ingredients
- meatballsMy experience at this restaurant was marred by dangerously luke-warm meatballs. Despite the owner's claims, the facts are that we were seated at a table when the restaurant wasn't busy.
- pastasfour different pastas, all of which were undercooked, excessively oily, and lacked flavor
- Aperol SpritzAperol Spritz, which was pre-made and tasted artificial
- Bianca pizzaBianca pizza was actually very oily
- Cacio De PeppeCacio De Peppe hardly had the cheese or pepper flavor
- Campanelle AmatricianaCampanelle is too salty
If you're craving Italian, this place is definitely worth a try, especially for its highly-praised pizzas and pastas. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, there might be some inconsistencies in flavor and portion sizes.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.2. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.1%, many guests rave about the attentive service, friendly staff, and the helpful GMs and owners who go above and beyond, often providing great recommendations. With 94 positive remarks out of 138 total, there's a clear lean towards positive interactions.
However, not every experience is perfect. Some diners encountered slow service, issues with reservations or the booking system, and poor pacing during their meals, making them feel rushed. A few also noted unfriendly servers or long waiting times, contributing to the 37 negative comments.
Service
138
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
37
negative
7
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Helpful GMs/owners
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Reservation issues
- Poor dining pacing
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was good overall, though it's not a place I'll likely repeat. We were the only ones there for a late lunch, and the service was good. By the time we left, all of the outdoor seating was full.
- staffThe staff is super friendly and accommodating.
- ServiceService:5
- ownerThe owner, Kaitlynn, offered to make a pizza specific to my dietary needs.
- serverOur server went above and beyond interacting with each of our party members
- waiterthe waiter moved us to a high-top table, which was super nice
- ArturoArturo was very attentive
- customer servicerefreshing on what excellent customer service looks like
- reservationGet a reservation, it’s a busy little spot
- Angelo, the GMAll of these were absolutely 10/10. Additionally, Angelo, the GM, is awesome!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at Norcina for brunch with a group of 5 was marred by consistently poor service. Despite being the only group in the restaurant at 11: 30 am, our entrees arrived at staggered intervals, with two people finishing their meals before the others even arrived.
- managermanager said yes only if our kids don’t need a high chair
- reservation” Curiously, during our entire time at the restaurant, no one was seated inside. It was disappointing that our reservation was not honored, for what seemed like no reason other than having a child. The food was excellent, and I highly recommend the pistachio pizza for a unique balance of flavors.
- serverdidn't see the server for over 30 minutes
- serversDespite being told there was only one available time, the place was completely empty. The servers were not lovely, and the food was terribly mediocre considering the price. On a positive note, the restaurant was very well-designed and aesthetically pleasing.
- DishesDishes arrived well before we had finished the previous ones
- ServiceThe only dish we actually enjoyed was one of the pizzas. Service was slow, though the staff was generally polite. In the end, we spent $500, and it simply wasn’t worth it.
- booking systemI was charged a $120 cancellation fee due to a disservice caused by the booking system. When I tried to reach out to the restaurant to clarify this issue, they did not even bother to reply.
- brunch serviceThe brunch service left something to be desired.
- cancelled reservationFor people without firm plans, I wouldn’t recommend booking this restaurant. I got charged $40 for 2 for a cancelled reservation. I mean, for a restaurant in Marina, I’m sure you had a full seating on Friday night and weren’t hurt by my canceled reservation.
Overall, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag, but leans positive. You're likely to encounter friendly, attentive staff and helpful management, making for a pleasant visit. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like slower service or reservation hiccups, especially during busy times.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.5 and leaving 72.7% of customers feeling good about their experience. Many rave about the thoughtful restaurant design, lovely outdoor seating, and the overall cozy atmosphere. With 64 positive opinions, guests frequently mention the good vibes and how the place feels like a hidden gem, making for a warm and fun visit.
However, it's not without its quirks, as 16 negative opinions point out. Some found the indoor space a bit cramped, and loud music occasionally made conversation tough. There were also comments about uncomfortable chairs or stools, and a few outdoor seating issues like slanted tables or chilly drafts, suggesting some areas could use a little refinement.
Ambience
88
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
16
negative
8
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great outdoor seating
- Cozy atmosphere
- Charming design
What people don't like
- Cramped indoor space
- Loud music
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThey offer a Buffalo mozz option for those with cow milk sensitivities, which is a thoughtful touch. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I highly recommend eating here!
- vibessuper super cute vibes
- vibethe vibe is always amazing
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceblown away by the... ambiance
- outdoor seatingI enjoyed my pizzas at the outdoor seating of the bar next door
- placeThey have a large selection of cocktails and the pizza was very tasty. This is the perfect place to meet my friends!
- ambienceThe ambience is great
- experienceI wanted to express my gratitude for a truly fantastic experience at your restaurant. We visited on Sunday morning and were delighted by an incredible meal.
- parkletthe parklet is cozy, clean, and out of the sidewalk enough to feel private
Frequently criticized
- chairsThe chairs (stools rather) were uncomfortable.
- crampedcan feel a bit cramped inside
- dogtried to bit my dog unprovoked
- door opena bit chilly since they keep a door open
- kids running aroundwe can’t have kids running around and screaming
- loud musicvery loud music which made it extremely difficult to talk
- musicThe music was way too loud making it hard to communicate.
- not the most comfortable chairnot the most comfortable chair
- off leash dogaggressive off leash dog roam around outside
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating is quite uncomfortable
Overall, if you're looking for a spot with great vibes, especially for outdoor dining, this place is a strong contender. Just be mindful that the indoor space can feel a bit snug, and the music might be a tad loud for some, so choose your seating wisely.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a few bright spots! Some guests really appreciated the inexpensive corkage fee and found certain items, like the wine list, to be super reasonably priced. A few even felt the price was spot on for what they received, making it their go-to for good value, as seen in 5 positive remarks.
However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with 18 negative comments out of 23 total. Many felt the servings were too small for the prices, describing the situation as borderline scammy or not worth the high cost. Hidden fees, cancellation charges, and the general feeling that it wasn't worth the time and money were significant concerns, contributing to a rather poor overall score of 3.4 and a low customer satisfaction of 21.7%.
Value
23
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
18
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inexpensive corkage fee
- Reasonably priced wine
- Price spot on
What people don't like
- Too pricey for servings
- Hidden/cancellation fees
- Not worth the money
Often praised
- corkage feeappreciated the inexpensive corkage fee
- pricethe price was spot on for the amount we got
- reasonably pricedsuper reasonably priced
- valueNorcina is our go-to pasta and pizza place in the neighborhood. It is so good - so worth it!
- wine listWell priced wine list
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price, there are so many better dining options in arm’s reach. Each dish we ordered was “meh” - like the tiny-portioned tortelli sitting in watery sauce.
- hidden feeThe "Funky fungi" dish wasn't to my taste, but I must commend their crust, which is definitely on point. A significant downside was the 6% hidden fee, which is sadly becoming common in San Francisco. Despite this, I'll definitely be back for the margherita.
- $500Service was slow, though the staff was generally polite. In the end, we spent $500, and it simply wasn’t worth it. Sadly, we won’t be coming back.
- Highly pricedHighly priced
- cancellation feecharged a $120 cancellation fee due to a disservice
- chargeI'm being charged $10 per person for the favor
- dining optionsso many better dining options in arm’s reach
- parmesancharges 3 dollars for a thing of parmesan
- pricesOlive Garden food at Michelin star prices
- quality and priceborderline scammy on quality and price
If youre looking for a bargain, this might not be your best bet, as many feel the prices dont match the portions or overall experience. While some find specific items reasonably priced, be wary of potential hidden fees and consider if the value aligns with your expectations before booking.
How are the prices at Norcina?
You’re looking at roughly 55 per person – reported by 84 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide spread. While the average is 55, a lot of guests spend less, especially in the $41–$50 range, but there’s also a good number who opt for a more premium experience, spending $71–$80 or even more. So, it offers a mix of experiences!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s an Italian restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Norcina
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Italian Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was terrific, and the Italian sausage Pasta was amazing – the best I've ever had. The focaccia with olive tapenade was also awesome.
If I lived here, I would be a regular, but alas, I'm heading home to Australia. Ciao!
- service10
- Italian sausage Pasta10
- focaccia with olive tapenade9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Food, Average Experience
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing, particularly with the food. The salad with quinoa was far too acidic and completely lacked any sweet component, suggesting it was dressed without proper care. The rigatoni was extremely average.
To top it off, the olive oil cake was overcooked, dry, and stale; it was barely edible, and I ended up throwing half of it away. While the service received a score of 4 and the atmosphere a 4, the food score of 1 really overshadowed the positives. The wait time was non-existent, and the noise level was loud but still manageable for conversation.
However, the poor quality of the food, especially the dessert, made for a very unsatisfactory meal.
- rigatoni5
- Service8
- Atmosphere8
- salad with quinoa2
- olive oil cake1
- Food1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Margherita Pizza Star, Hidden Fees a Detractor
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The Margherita pizza was great, truly a highlight. However, the pasta was just average, and the meat+cheese board was pretty good.
The "Funky fungi" dish wasn't to my taste, but I must commend their crust, which is definitely on point. A significant downside was the 6% hidden fee, which is sadly becoming common in San Francisco. Despite this, I'll definitely be back for the margherita.
- Margherita pizza9
- pasta5
- meat+cheese board7
- Funky fungi3
- hidden fee2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Our Favorite Italian Spot!
Norcina has become our favorite go-to Italian restaurant in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is adorable, the staff are lovely, and the food and drinks are just so good. Whenever we try a different Italian restaurant in the area, we always remark how the food is better at Norcina.
Now, we don’t go anywhere else when craving Italian. We always get the norstingya pizza and switch up the pasta and appetizers. Ps. Rosie says hi to Franklin!
- atmosphere10
- staff10
- food10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Excellent Food, Poor Kid-Friendly Seating
As a small business owner, I hate to leave negative reviews, but I was really disappointed with our experience at Norcina. We were on vacation with our toddler and had made a reservation for an early dinner at a table inside. I had specifically commented when making the reservation that we would need a high chair.
Upon arrival, we were told we would have to be seated outside because “it’s too small inside. ” Curiously, during our entire time at the restaurant, no one was seated inside. It was disappointing that our reservation was not honored, for what seemed like no reason other than having a child.
The food was excellent, and I highly recommend the pistachio pizza for a unique balance of flavors. However, I would advise against considering dining here with children.
- food10
- pistachio pizza10
- reservation2
- seating3
- dining with children2
What Norcina offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Norcina?
Norcina offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service. You can enjoy a full bar onsite, featuring hard liquor, wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails, alongside delicious small plates. It’s an inviting spot for any meal.
What service options and accessibility features does Norcina provide?
Norcina offers convenient service options like delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in, with outdoor seating available. It’s fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restroom. Planning is simple, as Norcina accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are recommended.
How does Norcina score overall?
Norcina holds a good overall score of 7.5. Its strengths lie in Food (7.8), Ambience (7.5), and Service (7.2), though Value (3.4) is an area where customers express significant concerns.
What are the common complaints about Norcina's value?
Many customers find Norcina to be highly priced, with some mentioning hidden fees, expensive drinks, and a perception that the quality doesn’t always match the cost, leading to a poor Value score.
Is the service at Norcina reliable?
Service at Norcina receives mixed feedback. While many praise the friendly and attentive staff, others report slow service, issues with staggered food delivery, and problems with reservations or cancellation fees.