How is Albona Ristorante Istriano restaurant rated?

Name: Albona Ristorante Istriano
Address: 545 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94133
Telephone: (415) 441-1040
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

Albona Ristorante Istriano

4.4 (889)

$31 to $50

European

545 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133

About this restaurant

Romantic
Innovative
Neighborhood gem

Albona Ristorante Istriano serves cuisine from the small nation of Istria. Istria is located on a peninsula in the Adriatic sea. The cuisine here is an interesting mix of Italian and Eastern European with local culinary traditions mixed throughout. The atmosphere of the restaurant is distinctly Mediterranean, with Grecian decor and styling. The menu at Albona Ristorante Istriano has cuisine that is entirely unique, and diners are unlikely to find its specialties anywhere else. One such dish is a half-braised rabbit with onions, juniper berries, honey, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, all served with broiled polenta and baby carrots. Another popular item is the pork loin stuffed with sauerkraut, apples, plums and prosciutto, served with red cabbage sauté. Albona Ristorante Istriano also has an extensive wine list, with vintages from all over Italy and California.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
European, Italian
Hours of operation
We are open 7 days a week 5 to 10 p.m
Phone number
(415) 441-1040
Website
http://www.albonarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Samuel Hernandez
Private party facilities
Luncheons and Dinners 7 days a week.

Location
545 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood
North Beach
Cross street
Taylor & Mason Sts.
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Last stop of the Powell-Mason Cable Car Line at Taylor and Francisco Sts. (1/2 a block away).No. 30 Bus stops at Columbus Ave. and Francisco St. (1 & 1/2 blocks).
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

Zuppa Del Giorno$9.00
seasonal soup of the day
Insalata Mista: Granda$8.00
Baby organic mix greens with fresh herbs in a homemade lemon vinaigrette
Pere Caramellati Con Gorgonzola$12.00
Caramelized pears with gorgonzola cheese and gastrique sauce
Insalata Di Rugola Con Pomi, Prosuto E Funghi Con Oio De Tartufo$13.00
Arugula with granny smith apples, mushrooms & prosciutto in white truffle vinaigrette
Chifeleti De Mia Nona Con Sugo De Carne Al Cumin$10.00
grandmother's specialty: pan-fried potato gnocchi in a brown sirloin sauce laced with cumin
Barbabietola Mixia Con Kren E Prezemolo$9.00
Beet tartare mixed with a touch of horseradish and mustard
Peperonata$10.00
balsamic-caramelized onions, eggplant, bell peppers, olives, capers, pine nuts, and golden raisins
Pedoci Saltai A La Marinara$13.00
Mediterranean mussels sauteed with garlic, white wine and marinara sauce
Granzo A La Tartara Fredo
Chilled Dungeness mixed with tartar sauce served in tomato water
- A.q
Calamai Al Forno Con Salsa Marinara$13.00
squid stuffed with toasted bread crumbs, parsley, and garlic; roasted in marinara sauce
Peperoncino Ripieni$11.00
Piquillo peppers stuffed with beef, apples, pears and prunes in a walnut sherry sauce

Risotti

$17 each

Risotto Con Funghi De Bosco$20.00
mushrooms from the woods
Risotto Vegetariano Con Zaferan$20.00
peas and saffron threads
Risotto Con Verdure$19.00
seasonal vegetables

Pasta

choice of sauce for crafi: cumin scented sirloin tip sauce or fried sage and butter sauce

Taierini Con Gamberetti e Vongole$26.00
linguini with clams and prawns sauteéd white wine, cherry tomatoes and roasted garlic,
Strudel Con Pasta Fatta In Casa$20.00
fresh pasta roll filled with slices of prosciutto & Lappi cheese; baked in a casserole with toasted bread crumbs, béchamel, & tomato-cream sauce
Spaghetti Con Polpete$20.00
Spaghetti in tomato sauce whit meatballs
Crafi De Albona Con Sugo De Carne. O. Con Buro E Salvia$20.00
homemade ravioli stuffed with three cheeses, pine nuts, golden raisins, and freshly ground nutmeg

Entrees

Stinco De Videl A La Triestina$32.00
braised veal shank in a Burgundy wine and rosemary-glaze served with soft polenta
Involtin De Porco Con Capuzi Garbi E Prosciutto$27.00
pork loin stuffed with sauerkraut, prosciutto, apples, and plums served with red cabbage sauté
Costolette De Aniel$33.00
Rack of Lamb with Dijon mustard & herb crust served with a potato, eggplant and pesto napoleon
Arosto De Coniglio; Sugo In Agrodolce Con Ginepro$34.00
Half braised Rabbit with onions, juniper berries, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar served with broiled polenta and baby carrots
Peto De Polo Con Salsa De Rosmarino$26.00
Free range chicken breast in a white wine and rosemary sauce
Fileto De Manzo Con Salsa De Pevere Verde$35.00
served with roasted potatoes, carrots and zucchinis
Fileto De Pesse Local A La Mungnaia
Catch of the day in a light lemon, white wine, shallot and butter sauce served with sautéed, seasonal vegetables
- A.Q.

Our Home Made Desserts

All our Desserts are made in House

Sorbet$8.00
Local, seasonal fruit
Crema De Gelato$8.00
Triple cream gelato mousse topped with Maraska cherries in Brandy
Strudel De Pomi$8.00
Apple strudel with cinnamon, pine nuts, and golden raisins
- With Vanilla Ice Cream$11.00
Panna Cotta$8.00
W/ coulis of port wine and berries
Bonet$8.00
Dark chocolate-Amaretto flan
Tiramisu$8.00
Savoiardi soaked in espresso topped with mascarpone cheese and cocoa
Biscotti$8.00
Almonds, vanilla & anise cookies (4 pc.)

Wines

Enjoy special wines from your cellar with us. Corkage: $18 per 750 ml

Aperitifs

Kir Royale - Prosecco & Creme de Cassis$8.50
Cin-Cin - Sweet & Dry Vermouth$6.50

Sparking Wines

Rose Cuvee Brut - Carpene Malvolti - (Veneto, Italy)
- Glass$8.50
- Bottle$43.00
Lambrusco - Bertolani - (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
- Glass$7.50
- Bottle$38.00
Prosecco - Valdobbiadene "Gold Label" NV - (Veneto, Italy)
- Glass$8.50
- Bottle$43.00
Iron Horse, Blanc de Noir '06 - (Sonoma County, CA)
- Bottle$50.00

White Wines

Chardonnay - Sedna - 2006 (Napa, CA)
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$35.00
"R" Riesling - August Kesseler - 2008 - (Germany)
- Glass$8.25
- Bottle$32.00
Pinot Grigio (IGT) - La Boatina - 2009 (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy)
- Bottle$35.00
Pinot Bianco - Cantina Adriano - 2009 (Alto Adige, Italy)
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$35.00
Verdicchio (DOC) - Marotti Campi - 2007 - (Marche, Italy)
- Bottle$36.00
Posip - Toreta - 2007 (Korcula, Croatia)
- Bottle$39.00

Red Wines

Dolcetto - Viansa Athena - 2008 - (Sonoma County, CA)
- Glass$8.00
- Bottle$32.00
Merlot - Robert Hall - 2008 (Paso Roble, CA)
- Glass$9.50
- Bottle$36.00
Plavac Mali Lirca - 2008 - (Dalmatian Coast, Croatia)
- Bottle$60.00
Plavac Mali Zlatan Otok - 2007 - (Hvar, Croatia)
- Bottle$90.00
Bibich "Riserva 6" - 2008 - (Skradin, Croatia)
- Glass$10.00
- Bottle$39.00
Montepulciano - Valle d'Oro - 2007 - (Abruzzo, Italy)
- Glass$9.25
- Bottle$36.00
Nebbiolo d' alba - Prunotto - 2005 - (Piemonte, Italy)
- Bottle$85.00
Barolo (DOCG) - Vietti "Castiglione" - 2006 (Piemonte, Italy)
- Bottle$85.00
Barbera - Briccotondo - 2009 - (Fontanafredda, Italy)
- Bottle$35.00
Primitivo - Sigillo Primo (IGT) - 2007 - (Puglia, Italy)
- Glass$9.00
- Bottle$35.00
Chianti Riserva (DOCG) - Vlla Claudia - 2005 - (Toscana, Italy)
- Bottle$36.00
Chianti Classico (DOCG) Badia a Coltibuono/ 2008 - (Toscana, Italy)
- Bottle$42.00
Montefalco Rosso (IGT) - Raina 2008 - (Umbria, Italy)
- Bottle$35.00
Valpolicella "Ripasso" - Capitel della Crosara - 2008 (Veneto, Italy)
- Bottle$38.00
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Nicolis - 2005 (Veneto, Italy)
- Bottle$94.00

Beer

Moretti (Italy) - Peroni (Italy)$5.00
Imported
Anchor Steam (San Francisco, CA) - Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Chico, CA)$5.00
Domestic
St. Pauli Girl (Germany)$4.50
Non-Alcoholic

Soft Drinks

Soda$2.50
Coke - Diet Coke - 7up

All Natural Sodas

IZZE Sparkling Blackberry$3.75
Clementine$3.75
Grapefruit$3.75
Araciata (Orange)$3.00
Limonata (Lemon)$3.00

Bottled Water

750 ml

San Pellegrino (Sparkling); (1 L) Panna (Still)$7.00

After Dinner Dessert Wines

By The Glass

Tawny Port (Portugal) - Graham's (10 year old)$8.75
Tawny Port (Portugal) - Graham's (20 year)$12.00
Visciola - (Italia)$9.00
An aromatic beverage made with wine and wild cherries

Coffee - Decaf - Tea

Caffe$3.50
Espresso$3.75
Macchiato$4.25
Cappuccino$4.25
Caffe Latte$4.50
Tea$3.50

What 889 people are saying

Albona Ristorante Istriano reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.1Ambience
1.1Value

Noise • Moderate

889 Reviews

RG
RovingGourmand
San Francisco Bay Area5 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 1, 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Now closed. Have enjoyed this place for more than 20 years. Apparently, I should have enjoyed more often...
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M
Maurenkg
New Orleans / Louisiana7 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 31, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first plates (mushroom soup and pear with gorgonzola) were amazing but the main dishes were a bit under our expectations. The fish of the day with too much lemon and the risotto a bit plain.
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PS
PeterS
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on December 31, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Too bad they are closing! This was the perfect spot!
Is this helpful?
BD
BillyDeeWilliams
San Francisco Bay Area7 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 30, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We're going to miss you Albona, so many special occasions were celebrated, delicious meals were had, and plenty of great memories. Thank you for being awesome, and thank you for being part of our story in San Francisco! All the best in 2019 and beyond!
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n
nanwebware
San Francisco Bay Area20 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 28, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It's very sad to see such an iconic, special place like Albono's leave us. We just had to go one last time and it was very special. We're going to miss you!
Is this helpful?
BL
BarryL
San Francisco Bay Area21 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 28, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
This is a wonderful restaurant. It is a pity it is closing.
Is this helpful?
KP
KevinP VIP
San Francisco Bay Area144 reviews
4.0
Dined on December 27, 2018
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Very sad to learn that Albania will be permanently closing as of December 31.
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t
tanuki VIP
San Francisco Bay Area40 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 23, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sadly, this gem is closing at the end of the year. It's a real shame because there's nothing else quite like it in SF. The food is unique and perfect every time; the service is impeccable; and the ambience is like being in Europe - quiet and cosy. Sam is an excellent chef and Jesus is a great waiter - we will miss them and Albona when they are gone.
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BD
BDGE VIP
San Francisco Bay Area60 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 21, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We heard that Albona was closing and wanted to have at least one last meal there. And it was fabulous, delicious as always, huge portions, wonderful menu choices. The rabbit was unbelievable. And staff were friendly and helpful. So so sorry it is closing.
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q
quiet
San Francisco Bay Area25 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 19, 2018
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We are very sorry that rent increases are driving this gem out of the neighborhood.
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FAQs

Albona Ristorante Istriano is rated 4.4 stars by 889 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Google Map for Albona Ristorante Istriano

545 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Additional information

Cross street
Taylor & Mason Sts.
Neighborhood
North Beach
Hours of operation
We are open 7 days a week 5 to 10 p.m
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
European, Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Last stop of the Powell-Mason Cable Car Line at Taylor and Francisco Sts. (1/2 a block away).No. 30 Bus stops at Columbus Ave. and Francisco St. (1 & 1/2 blocks).
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Samuel Hernandez
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.albonarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(415) 441-1040
Private party facilities
Luncheons and Dinners 7 days a week.

Albona Ristorante Istriano

About this restaurant

Not available on OpenTable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Soup, Salad, Appetizers

Zuppa Del Giorno$9.00

Insalata Mista: Granda$8.00

Pere Caramellati Con Gorgonzola$12.00

Insalata Di Rugola Con Pomi, Prosuto E Funghi Con Oio De Tartufo$13.00

Chifeleti De Mia Nona Con Sugo De Carne Al Cumin$10.00

Barbabietola Mixia Con Kren E Prezemolo$9.00

Peperonata$10.00

Pedoci Saltai A La Marinara$13.00

Granzo A La Tartara Fredo

Calamai Al Forno Con Salsa Marinara$13.00

Peperoncino Ripieni$11.00

Risotti

Risotto Con Funghi De Bosco$20.00

Risotto Vegetariano Con Zaferan$20.00

Risotto Con Verdure$19.00

Pasta

Taierini Con Gamberetti e Vongole$26.00

Strudel Con Pasta Fatta In Casa$20.00

Spaghetti Con Polpete$20.00

Crafi De Albona Con Sugo De Carne. O. Con Buro E Salvia$20.00

Entrees

Stinco De Videl A La Triestina$32.00

Involtin De Porco Con Capuzi Garbi E Prosciutto$27.00

Costolette De Aniel$33.00

Arosto De Coniglio; Sugo In Agrodolce Con Ginepro$34.00

Peto De Polo Con Salsa De Rosmarino$26.00

Fileto De Manzo Con Salsa De Pevere Verde$35.00

Fileto De Pesse Local A La Mungnaia

Our Home Made Desserts

Sorbet$8.00

Crema De Gelato$8.00

Strudel De Pomi$8.00

Panna Cotta$8.00

Bonet$8.00

Tiramisu$8.00

Biscotti$8.00

Wines

Aperitifs

Kir Royale - Prosecco & Creme de Cassis$8.50

Cin-Cin - Sweet & Dry Vermouth$6.50

Sparking Wines

Rose Cuvee Brut - Carpene Malvolti - (Veneto, Italy)

Lambrusco - Bertolani - (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

Prosecco - Valdobbiadene "Gold Label" NV - (Veneto, Italy)

Iron Horse, Blanc de Noir '06 - (Sonoma County, CA)

White Wines

Chardonnay - Sedna - 2006 (Napa, CA)

"R" Riesling - August Kesseler - 2008 - (Germany)

Pinot Grigio (IGT) - La Boatina - 2009 (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy)

Pinot Bianco - Cantina Adriano - 2009 (Alto Adige, Italy)

Verdicchio (DOC) - Marotti Campi - 2007 - (Marche, Italy)

Posip - Toreta - 2007 (Korcula, Croatia)

Red Wines

Dolcetto - Viansa Athena - 2008 - (Sonoma County, CA)

Merlot - Robert Hall - 2008 (Paso Roble, CA)

Plavac Mali Lirca - 2008 - (Dalmatian Coast, Croatia)

Plavac Mali Zlatan Otok - 2007 - (Hvar, Croatia)

Bibich "Riserva 6" - 2008 - (Skradin, Croatia)

Montepulciano - Valle d'Oro - 2007 - (Abruzzo, Italy)

Nebbiolo d' alba - Prunotto - 2005 - (Piemonte, Italy)

Barolo (DOCG) - Vietti "Castiglione" - 2006 (Piemonte, Italy)

Barbera - Briccotondo - 2009 - (Fontanafredda, Italy)

Primitivo - Sigillo Primo (IGT) - 2007 - (Puglia, Italy)

Chianti Riserva (DOCG) - Vlla Claudia - 2005 - (Toscana, Italy)

Chianti Classico (DOCG) Badia a Coltibuono/ 2008 - (Toscana, Italy)

Montefalco Rosso (IGT) - Raina 2008 - (Umbria, Italy)

Valpolicella "Ripasso" - Capitel della Crosara - 2008 (Veneto, Italy)

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Nicolis - 2005 (Veneto, Italy)

Beer

Moretti (Italy) - Peroni (Italy)$5.00

Anchor Steam (San Francisco, CA) - Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Chico, CA)$5.00

St. Pauli Girl (Germany)$4.50

Soft Drinks

Soda$2.50