Sorso Italian Wine and Small-Plates Bar Opens in Downtown Orinda Theatre Square

Downtown Orinda welcomed a vibrant addition to its evening hospitality landscape on Wednesday as Sorso, an Italian-inspired wine bar and small-plates kitchen, officially opened its doors in Theatre Square. Occupying the renovated ground-floor promenade suite formerly held by Starbucks at 2 Theatre Square, the independent venue introduces a warm neighborhood gathering spot designed for commuters walking from the adjacent Orinda BART station as well as families attending performances at the historic Orinda Theatre.

Hospitality partners reimagined the 1,850-square-foot corner suite over a six-month architectural remodel approved by the Orinda Planning Department, installing custom walnut wine racks, acoustic cedar ceiling baffles, and a wrap-around marble tasting bar overlooking the central plaza fountain. The opening menu emphasizes small-production Italian varietals from Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sicily paired with California Central Coast selections, alongside house-made focaccia, burrata crostini, artisanal charcuterie boards, and seasonal Lamorinda farmers' market salads.

Orinda Chamber of Commerce board members and City Council economic development liaisons noted that activating prominent corner storefronts during evening hours has been a core objective of the city's Downtown Streetscape Master Plan program. By extending foot traffic past 5:00 p.m., plaza restaurants and boutique retailers benefit from shared dining patrons and outdoor patio animation along Moraga Way and Brookwood Road.

Sorso operates Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., offering both walk-in plaza seating and advance table reservations for groups of six or more. Residents can review the rotating wine list, autumn antipasti pairings, and upcoming winemaker tasting nights through the Theatre Square directory at orindatheatresquare.com or by visiting the host stand on the plaza level.