Cute, inviting atmosphere — this wine bar has a cozy vibe that makes it feel like a great spot to relax. Unfortunately, the service felt extremely rushed. It almost felt like the moment we took our last bite, our plates were cleared and the check was brought over, which took away from what could’ve been a more enjoyable experience.
The food was good, but nothing especially memorable or standout. Overall, a pleasant setting with decent food, but the pacing of service made the visit feel hurried rather than leisurely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
SERRAO JANELLE SYLVIA
I enjoyed every moment here. The latte was smooth and the croissant was fresh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Skyler Everitts
Highly recommend for good food and good atmosphere. Have been here a couple of times now!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J G
Pros: food and wine were good. Same with service.
Cons: it is small and the tables are very close together. So it is loud and not intimate. Also a bit brightly lit. Not a place for a date.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
victoria torres
Horrible service.
Nassim Ghajar
Absolutely loved our experience here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Parmandeep Chaddha
The girlfriend liked it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great Hill
Why can’t you give zeros???
Inovino might just be San Francisco’s premier restaurant for anyone who enjoys being publicly humiliated by a host with a grudge. We showed up for our confirmed 7:00 pm reservation, only to be told that—surprise!—it wouldn’t be honored because the host didn’t feel like working past 9:00 pm. Apparently, the owners hadn’t staffed properly, so instead of handling it professionally, the staff decided the solution was to torch the customer experience right in our faces.
Let me translate: at Inovino, your reservation is basically a polite suggestion, and your presence as a paying guest is viewed as an annoying obstacle to their workplace soap opera. Imagine spending your time getting ready for dinner, arriving on time, and then being told: “Yeah, nah, we’re mad at our boss, so you don’t get to eat here.” It was less “hospitality” and more “petty meltdown in real time.”
San Francisco has world-class restaurants run by people who actually understand food and service. Inovino is not one of them. This is amateur hour in a city that doesn’t tolerate amateurs. Do yourself a favor and book literally anywhere else—unless, of course, you’re in the mood for a masterclass in how to alienate customers, sabotage your own business, and turn dining into a cringe reality show.
Avoid Inovino. Unless your idea of a good night out is being treated like collateral damage in a staff tantrum, in which case—bon appétit.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Francesca Pomeroy
Daily Happy Hour 2-5. 25% off the entire menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex
A hidden gem. The owner has curated a truly unique collection of wine, which is perfectly enhanced by the warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. Their recommendations are always on point and the option for a 3oz pour makes it easy to try multiple new wines throughout the night—we always find a bottle or two to take home.
I came at 4:45 for the happy hour which lasted until 5. When we sat down and asked if we could have the happy hour menu they said it was too late. When we said that it wasnt 5 pm, the waitress laughed and left. I then ordered a small wine and was charged double for the big glass. Waitress was quite rude and standoffish. I dont think i would come back here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Robert Kaestner
SF Eater recommends this place. I do not know why. Small selection of wines by the glass and an offbeatcselection as well. While that may sometimes be good, we tasted 5 wines and none were very good. Thexservice was poor too. Tinned seafood is pricey. Best part of visit was the meat charcuterie. Not recommended, especially in a town full of good wine.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Noah Dahl
Very charming and cute hole in the wall Italian spot! We were immediately greeted by a kind and attentive server who was from Italy and made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. We ordered delicious spreads of meats and cheese, nuts, and the amazing picked cauliflower, carrots, onions, and bell peppers with whole star anise in the mix.
While the meat and cheese board was out an order of stuffed squash blossoms came which was the perfect accompaniment with a side of tasty marinara.
Next was a lamb ragout, porcini and black truffle gnocchi, and a spinach/ricotta pasta dish.
We were ELATED. We capped the evening off with a delicious serving of tiramisu which was plenty to split among three (especially after tasing a considerable portion of the menu )
Great food, easy street parking, attentive servers , broad wine selection and terrific food! Will be back!
Cute, inviting atmosphere — this wine bar has a cozy vibe that makes it feel like a great spot to relax. Unfortunately, the service felt extremely rushed. It almost felt like the moment we took our last bite, our plates were cleared and the check was brought over, which took away from what could’ve been a more enjoyable experience.
The food was good, but nothing especially memorable or standout. Overall, a pleasant setting with decent food, but the pacing of service made the visit feel hurried rather than leisurely.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
I enjoyed every moment here. The latte was smooth and the croissant was fresh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Highly recommend for good food and good atmosphere. Have been here a couple of times now!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pros: food and wine were good. Same with service.
Cons: it is small and the tables are very close together. So it is loud and not intimate. Also a bit brightly lit. Not a place for a date.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Horrible service.
Absolutely loved our experience here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The girlfriend liked it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Why can’t you give zeros???
Inovino might just be San Francisco’s premier restaurant for anyone who enjoys being publicly humiliated by a host with a grudge. We showed up for our confirmed 7:00 pm reservation, only to be told that—surprise!—it wouldn’t be honored because the host didn’t feel like working past 9:00 pm. Apparently, the owners hadn’t staffed properly, so instead of handling it professionally, the staff decided the solution was to torch the customer experience right in our faces.
Let me translate: at Inovino, your reservation is basically a polite suggestion, and your presence as a paying guest is viewed as an annoying obstacle to their workplace soap opera. Imagine spending your time getting ready for dinner, arriving on time, and then being told: “Yeah, nah, we’re mad at our boss, so you don’t get to eat here.” It was less “hospitality” and more “petty meltdown in real time.”
San Francisco has world-class restaurants run by people who actually understand food and service. Inovino is not one of them. This is amateur hour in a city that doesn’t tolerate amateurs. Do yourself a favor and book literally anywhere else—unless, of course, you’re in the mood for a masterclass in how to alienate customers, sabotage your own business, and turn dining into a cringe reality show.
Avoid Inovino. Unless your idea of a good night out is being treated like collateral damage in a staff tantrum, in which case—bon appétit.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Daily Happy Hour 2-5.
25% off the entire menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A hidden gem. The owner has curated a truly unique collection of wine, which is perfectly enhanced by the warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. Their recommendations are always on point and the option for a 3oz pour makes it easy to try multiple new wines throughout the night—we always find a bottle or two to take home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Just had drinks and snacks
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Love their amatriciana!
I came at 4:45 for the happy hour which lasted until 5. When we sat down and asked if we could have the happy hour menu they said it was too late. When we said that it wasnt 5 pm, the waitress laughed and left. I then ordered a small wine and was charged double for the big glass. Waitress was quite rude and standoffish. I dont think i would come back here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
SF Eater recommends this place. I do not know why. Small selection of wines by the glass and an offbeatcselection as well. While that may sometimes be good, we tasted 5 wines and none were very good. Thexservice was poor too. Tinned seafood is pricey. Best part of visit was the meat charcuterie. Not recommended, especially in a town full of good wine.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Very charming and cute hole in the wall Italian spot! We were immediately greeted by a kind and attentive server who was from Italy and made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. We ordered delicious spreads of meats and cheese, nuts, and the amazing picked cauliflower, carrots, onions, and bell peppers with whole star anise in the mix.
While the meat and cheese board was out an order of stuffed squash blossoms came which was the perfect accompaniment with a side of tasty marinara.
Next was a lamb ragout, porcini and black truffle gnocchi, and a spinach/ricotta pasta dish.
We were ELATED. We capped the evening off with a delicious serving of tiramisu which was plenty to split among three (especially after tasing a considerable portion of the menu )
Great food, easy street parking, attentive servers , broad wine selection and terrific food! Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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