Albona Ristorante Istriano

Message from Albona Ristorante Istriano

Home-cooked cuisine from a little-known Adriatic region highlights this intimate North Beach restaurant.
  • Notable Wine List
  • Intimate Dining Room
  • Decadent Desserts

ALBONA, the first and only Istrian restaurant on the West Coast, boasts a cozy dining room bathed in a rosy glow, accented by the mahogany woodwork and reflected in the beveled mirrors. Intimate seating and background music add to the ambience. Albona Restaurant?s uniqueness is derived from it?s distinctive roots in the European town of Albona, Istria, built on a high hill overlooking the gateway of the Adriatic Sea, sharing cultural and political soils with Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The culinary infusions are mostly from the Italians, but also from the Austrians, Hungarians, Slavs, Spaniards, French, Jews, Greeks, and Turks. While cumin, pasta str udels, sauerkraut, etc. are usually not associated with Italian cuisine, in Istria they reflect the unusual dishes and recipes of that region.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Albona Ristorante Istriano

(510) 488-3767

545 Francisco St San Francisco, CA 94133
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Editorial Description by Citysearch
In Short
This small eatery features burgundy banquettes, ornate mirrors and an intimate atmosphere fostered by longtime owner Bruno Viscovi. The menu is based on the traditional dishes of Istria, a peninsula in the northern Adriatic Sea near Trieste. This cuisine features a unique group of Northern Italian dishes with Eastern overtones, such as the house-made ravioli stuffed with raisins and pine nuts, and the braised rabbit with juniper berries.

19 Reviews of Albona Ristorante Istriano in San Francisco

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Great Italian  5 Star Rating - World class

By Mrs. L. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 581

I couldn't believe how amazing the food is here. They offer Free Valet, which rocks... the food is so good. The service is excellent. The prices are a little high, but still reasonable.

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Latest reviews by Citysearch: (read all 18 reviews on Citysearch)

excellent and slightly unusual cuisine 5 Star Rating - World class

By janet57

My husband and I have loved Albona for its intimate setting and wonderful food/wine. We have spent 3 new years eves there. Recently,Michael took over and I can not say how pleased we are! The food and service are better than ever. A true gem

Pros: intimate,you can talk
Cons: none
Posted 09/19/08

I love this restaurant 5 Star Rating - World class

By chxit34

I've been coming to Albona for the past 8 years and it never dissapoints. The food and service are simply top notch. This is a great place to go on a date, to celebrate something special, or just enjoy a teriffic meal. Allow me to make a recommendation--try the pork loin and strudel. The insalada is amazing too. Decent wine list as well.

Posted 06/26/08

An unforgetably intimate experience 5 Star Rating - World class

By jgriscom

Combine exquisite Italian cuisine with intelligent service like Michael Bruno, and you've got Albona. If you appreciate an intimate environment with wonderful personal service and fantastic food, then this is your place. We let Michael take the wheel for our food and wine and he did not let us down. Rabbit, veal, and pork where all amazing...a feast for all the senses.

Pros: service, food
Cons: none
Posted 02/20/08

Amazing 5 Star Rating - World class

By khorton245

This is one of the best restaurants that I have eaten at in years. I travel alot for work and have the privledge of trying a lot of great restaurants all over the country and Albona is now one of my top 3 restaurants in the entire country. It has excellent food, amazing service and tons of personality.

Pros: Amazing food, great service and tons of personality
Posted 11/11/07

Awesome hidden gem of a restaurant 5 Star Rating - World class

By cas100

I have tried this restaurant several times now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Each time, I have enjoyed the exceptional service and the unusual food combinations. The Risotto with Prosciutto & Saffron is quickly becoming a new addiction! I found the atmosphere relaxing with the noise level low enough to have a wonderful conversation with tablemates or the friendly staff. I have tried both the pork loin as well as the lamb and found the meat melted in my mouth and the various flavors tickled all of my taste buds. What is there not to like about this hidden gem of a restaurant!

Pros: GREAT food, Awesome service
Posted 09/25/07