Vega - CA 94110

419 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
+1 415-285-6000
$$$ Italian restaurant , Restaurant
(490 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Vega is a full-service Italian restaurant tucked into the heart of Bernal Heights on Cortland Avenue, offering a warm, approachable setting that feels both casual and intentional. It’s the kind of place where the owner is often visible, greeting regulars by name and creating a neighborhood vibe that extends beyond just a meal.

The atmosphere blends a rustic charm with a welcoming energy—comfortable enough for a casual weeknight dinner yet with an attentiveness that makes special occasions feel right at home. Whether you're dropping by for brunch or settling in for dinner, Vega delivers Italian classics with a sincere, non-fussy touch.

If you’re looking to savor authentic Italian dishes with some thoughtful flavor layers, the menu offers standout choices like the Calamari E Cannellini and the Papardelle Ragu, which locals speak about for their hearty sauces and perfectly cooked pasta. The Four Cheese and Pizza Capricciosa pizzas come up often as reliable picks, especially if you want something shareable. For something a bit more substantial, options like Polenta with Meatballs or the Salmon Risotto show the kitchen’s care in balancing comfort and refinement.

Regulars appreciate how the kitchen is generous with sauces and portions, adding a sense of richness without overwhelming the palate. Brunch is another solid choice here, featuring approachable takes on classics like Eggs Benedict and French Toast. The complimentary bread—often sourdough with olive oil—makes for a reassuring start to any meal.

Visitors who favor a space that feels intimately connected to the neighborhood’s pulse will notice how Vega draws repeat guests, many of whom are locals who appreciate the authentic Italian experience without the pretense. The owner’s presence helps foster a relaxed but attentive atmosphere where staff know the menu well and make diners feel genuinely welcome.

For a quiet, steady dinner spot with Italian soul in Bernal Heights, especially during the cooler evenings or weekend brunch hours, Vega sits comfortably as a place where you can ease into good food, earthy wines like a bottle of Sangiovese, and a community vibe that feels less touristy and more crafted from local roots.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

490 Reviews
Scott Sweeney

29 Dec 2025

The Boscaiola was one of the best dishes I’ve ever had in the Bay, maybe top 5 for me The gnocchi was the perfect texture and give, with a fresh richness to the sauce of white truffle oil and porcini. the sausage brought out a hearty, crunchy fatness to it all that had me kissing my fingers chef style ! What a wonderful time here all around. The owner, Vega, was there, and she was so welcoming, generous and fun to talk to! As well as our amazing waitress Julia. We also had the canneli and calamari, I’m a bit more of a softer bean sort of gal but the calamari was perfectly seared and lightly seasoned with a powerful punch. My friend’s dishes, the veal cutlet/mashed potatoes + the zucchini rigatoni were delish dishes as well that they ate up in a split second. Great dishes. BUT I truly was blown away by the Boscaiola, highly recommend. The bread was fresh and wheaty in a cottage core classic style. paired so well with everything, including the beets and burrata. The burrata when eaten at same time as beets was perfect, burrata by itself was great but could have used more seasoning. ALSO! Divine Wine Wednesdays = HALF OFF the bottle of wine, amazing deal

Rômulo Santos

26 Dec 2025

Fantastic experience at Vega. I had the opportunity to meet the owner a while back and decided to stop by to prestige her restaurant and have a nice Italian dinner. Vega did not disappoint. It is certainly one of the best Italian places in the city, counting also with a pretty friendly and attentive staff. We had the sautéed calamari with beans, polenta with meatballs (absolutely divine), a four cheese pizza and also a seafood pasta dish with squid ink. They were all delicious. To me the highlight was the flavor and aroma from their tomato sauce used in their meatballs. Certainly homemade, fresh and very aromatic, it was delicious. The pizza had a nice crust I liked the pairing of the cheeses and the thinly sliced pears, the pasta was also delicious and had a very garlicky taste that I personally loved. As in our dessert, we really enjoyed their Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. To sum up, Vega is a gem and definitely worth your visit.

R M

28 Sep 2025

So I'm not the first one to review Vega nor will I be the last one. I certainly wish I could give out halve points to be fair to them. Honestly I love this place , the location, the setting it just calls your name. The owner is always there friendly just like the touch and as I speak some Italian it does get an extra welcome response. I think I ate at least 10 times there over the last two plus years and I'm not tired of their food. It's also remarkable that they have increased their prices dramatically, eating out at Vega is still adorable and the quality of the food remains high. What to try u might ask. Well anything you crave that night. Saltimbocca, any of their pasta dishes, their meatballs, mussels, a salad ... you really can't go wrong. Add a glass of their house , at $8 for a Sangiovese you can't complain, could you now. I would give this place a 4.5 all around if I could..

Fook-Main Heng

19 Sep 2025

Authentic Italian food in the heart of Bernal heights. Went there for dinner - absolutely loved the halibut catch of the day and the ragu papadelle. Restaurant was not stingy with the sauce and it was really tasty. You know the food is good when the owner knows the regulars and greets them ! And a lot of the diners were regulars which says a lot about the food !

Christine Tripp

16 Sep 2025

This spot is always on my list when I visit SF! They have the best Rigatoni al Forno. I dream about it!

Victor

16 Sep 2025

Really awesome Italian restaurant and was even able to be seated without any wait outdoors. The partially enclosed seating area combined with patio heaters were great to help stave off the SF cold air and light rain. Started with warmed artichoke hearts as an appetizer to share with 2 people and it was delicious, albeit on the expensive side for a single artichoke heart cut in half with a salad. Ordered the Wild boar stew special and it was fantastic. Great flavor but still fork tender. For dessert the tiramisu and the white peach torte were both fantastic. Some of the best Italian dessert I’ve had anywhere in the U.S.

Gracey Ripa

12 Sep 2025

I walked in on a busy Friday night and the staff immediately found me a spot in a cute nook. The pasta was handmade and delicious. The burrata was refreshing. I can’t wait to come back!

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