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Albona Ristorante Istriano, San Francisco, CA
Albona Ristorante Istriano, San Francisco, CA
Albona Ristorante Istriano, San Francisco, CA
Albona Ristorante Istriano, San Francisco, CA
Albona Ristorante Istriano, San Francisco, CA

Albona Ristorante Istriano

4.4
4.4
907 Reviews
$31 to $50
European
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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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    European, Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 441-1040
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Samuel Hernandez: (415) 441-1040
  • Neighbourhood
    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).<br />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

What 907 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

907 Reviews
  1. RovingGourmand

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Now closed. Have enjoyed this place for more than 20 years. Apparently, I should have enjoyed more often...

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  2. Maurenkg

    New Orleans

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    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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  3. PeterS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Too bad they are closing! This was the perfect spot!

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  4. BillyDeeWilliams

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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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  5. nanwebware

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    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!

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  6. BarryL

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2018

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    This is a wonderful restaurant. It is a pity it is closing.

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  7. KevinP

    San Francisco

    143 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    143 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very sad to learn that Albania will be permanently closing as of December 31.

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  8. tanuki

    San Francisco

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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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  9. BDGE

    San Francisco

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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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  10. quiet

    San Francisco

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are very sorry that rent increases are driving this gem out of the neighborhood.

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  11. JonM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great little find be sure to make a reservation! Off the busy tourist area and has a great food selection! The rack of lamb was amazing!

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  12. BoChristy

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. We enjoy coming here when we come to SF. It’s authentic Italian cuisine and the “hole in the wall” restaurant is a diamond in the rough!

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  13. 10sdoc

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rabbit just like my Italian grandmother (Nonnie) used to make. I was impressed by everything.

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  14. david

    San Francisco

    56 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2018

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    It's too bad that they are closing soon. This was my second time here and again the food is very good. I hope that they decide to reopen somewhere else soon

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  15. sfeater

    San Francisco

    134 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    134 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2018

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    This place is closing, so this review will only help if you are planning to eat here soon. This location is very sweet, and the building is curious. It would be interesting to know what this structure was before it became a restaurant as it is unusual architecturally. The food was good -- I am not sure how Istrian differs from Italian or other food from this part of the world, but what we had was tasty and beautifully presented. That said, the staff is quite minimalist (two people for whole place) and they had a hard time serving everyone in the room in a timely manner. We were there quite a while before ordering and before receiving anything. They did as well as they could, but there should probably be more waiters working the room. It's still worth checking out before they close.

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  16. Bob68

    San Francisco

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    A return visit before this place sadly closes at the end of the month. As on all previous visits the food was excellent. Highly recommend coming here before it closes. Make a reservation.

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  17. TruckeeBob

    Tahoe

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Small, intimate, QUIET (my wife and I could talk across the table using normal voices), very good food, professional waiter . Overall, a very nice dinner. We plan to go back next time in San Francisco.

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  18. PhilH

    Central Coast

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A unique restaurant that is simply not to be missed in North Beach. Authentic and fabulous food w/great service.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow, what a little gem! You have to make reservations because this place is not that big. The decor is dated but actually it works...it’s not pretentious nor stuffy. At least you could have a conversation..great for a 1st date. I had the porcini risotto and it was delicious! My husband had the ravioli with fried sage..ohhhhh man that was amazing. We had a glass of Chianti and that was excellent. We’ll come back next time we’re in the city!!

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  20. DM13

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding. We were not expecting that high quality at a local Italian restaurant. Served a group of 12 seamlessly. Impressive all the way around.

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  21. CynthiaH

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Albona was a hidden gem. Delicious food ., wonderful service and the ambiance was perfect. We would definitely go back next time we are in San Francisco.

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  22. KatieD

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was great for a date night. Very small setting, close to only 10 tables. They had great service and we ate in about an hour before our Comedy show. Food was delicious and the waiters were attentive, but not rushing.

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  23. RoxieRocks

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I rarely write a review, however this gem of a restaurant really deserves acknowledgement. My husband and I have dined here many times over the years, with many delicious meals. We recently dined here for my birthday and were reminded how special Albona is. I love their costolette de Aniel (rack of lamb) and my husband loves their risotto, strudel con pasta and crafi de Albona con Sugo de carni. The carmelized pear with Gorgonzola salad and Zuppe del giorno are also excellent. this is an elegant and understated restaurant. Service is very attentive and helpful. Make a reservation and enjoy this neighborhood gem!

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  24. dontnormallydoreviews

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2018

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Took 15 mins to get water (only 4 groups in a restaurant that holds about 20). The waiter was setting tables and said “he would be right there”, 15 mins later did not see him. Then we saw him setting another empty table so we walked out. Didn’t even take our drink order. Screw this place on that aspect. AVOID!

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  25. JenniferC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waiter we as well versed with both food and wine. Very attentive and accommodating. Requested table reservation through Open Table app but managed an earlier reservation by calling through. Excellent food and service. Quiet, quaint spot.

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  26. suggnek

    San Francisco

    117 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    117 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2018

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Superb food. Service on the slow side as only one waiter in a small room. Will certainly return.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great service!! A real gem hidden in Fisherman’s wharf area. It’s a istrian reataurant (mixing italian, croatian and slovenian food).

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  28. MikeB

    San Francisco

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2018

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Haven't been here in a number of years but certainly glad we came back. the food was very good and the wine list, though small, was reasonably priced. The only con is don't be in a hurry as there is only one waiter and its a family run place. I believe everything is cooked to order and it does seem to take a little longer than most places. Still good food though. Sorry to hear they may be closing by the end of the year. :-(

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  29. DavidG

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A bittersweet meal. Albona is my favorite restaurant in the city and we learned that they will be closing at the end of Dec 2018. It is a special restaurant, off the beaten path of Columbus St and its mostly mediocre fare.

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  30. AlexL

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    not quite italian or at least what we're used to in america; something to try though; food quality is good but the taste is something to get used to

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  31. lesv

    Hawaii

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really great authentic experience. The food was great.

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  32. KevinP

    San Francisco

    143 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    143 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful food and service. A traditional family operated restaurant. Mussels, seafood stew, stuffed pork loin were all delicious.

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  33. Bruce

    Atlanta Metro

    85 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    85 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service at a very reasonable price

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  34. Ellie

    San Francisco

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious restaurant - every single item we ordered was perfection! It is a very intimate restaurant, very cozy, with beautiful classical music playing on the background. Highly recommend this hidden gem.

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  35. JenQ

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2018

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    What a find. Very unassuming from the street. But the food is fantastic! Some parties brought in their own wine. We were very happy with the Chianti Classico. Food was very authentic.

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  36. Gate

    Palm Springs

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2018

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    There were five of us and most of the dishes were outstanding. My salmon was fishy however and not that enjoyable.

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  37. TracyU

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful evening with attention to detail, service and authentic meal. A real gem! Don’t let the unpretentious location and exterior throw you off. By far one of the best meals we have had in San Francisco!

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  38. Alittlewhine

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent menu served by very attentive and accommodating staff. Thank you for a very memorable meal with friends from out of town. We will be back.

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  39. Anton

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Absolutely lovely food and ambience. Truly wonderful for a romantic date or special occasion with lovely classical music accentuating the mood and truly italian experience.

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  40. JimH

    Houston

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the food choices and it was amazing.

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FAQs

Albona Ristorante Istriano is rated 4.4 stars by 907 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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.
  • Neighbourhood
    North Beach
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (415) 441-1040
  • Private party facilities
    Luncheons and Dinners 7 days a week.
  • Private party contact
    Samuel Hernandez: (415) 441-1040
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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