Albona Restaurant
| Address: | 545 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA |
| Phone: | +1 415-441-1040 |
| Site: | albonarestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | Closed 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 22
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Sylvia Lewis
3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4 stars. The food was good, but not incredible. I ordered the rabbit, which was surprisingly not very "gamey". Instead, it tasted very close to duck. The only problem was that the sweet-citrus sauce became a bit too acidic toward the end and I could not finish the meal. 4 stars I also noticed everyone raving about the streudel ice cream. I ordered it but wasnt a huge fan of the raisins. I prefer salty-sweet desserts or at least savory-sweet but I felt it was too sweet. This may have been because I had just finished the rabbit and the sweet aftertaste was overwhelming. 3 stars My husband had the Penne a la "arrabbiata". It was a very simple dish, nothing fancy. The portions were definitely hearty, but it tasted like pasta you could get anywhere, although I did like the tomatoes used in the marinara. 3 stars. For appetizers we ordered the mushroom soup, pear with gorgonzola cheese, and truffle salad. I liked the mushroom soup a lot, even though I dont like mushrooms. The pear is drizzled in sweet sauce and paired with a sharp blue cheese, and I enjoyed that immensely. Truffle salad was a bit over-truffle sauced, if thats a word. Was hoping to find somewhere identical to what we had in Tuscany. I wish we had ordered differently and maybe I would have enjoyed it more.
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A Private User
I certainly hope the chef had the night off. But this was one of the most disappointing meals Ive ever had in San Francisco. The mushrooms in the soup werent cleaned well enough, as there was a fine sand residue. Solved by leaving a thick film at the bottom of the bowl. As for flavor, it was "OK", about the same as lunch at the San Francisco Soup Company. Scallops next - quite good. Main courses were ravioli with meat sauce and stuffed pork loin. The former was extremely disappointing - the cumin-flavored meat had clearly been sitting under a heat lamp for quite a long time. Rather reminiscent of a make-your-own taco buffet. The pork loin was better, but hardly worth more than about 3 stars. Service was friendly, but somewhat unattentive.
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Alan LaMielle
Sam, the owner and head chef, was very welcoming and friendly. He described, in great detail, the sauerkraut stuffed pork and how it was prepared. I ended up ordering this dish and believe it is now one of my favorite dishes. We also had a baked pasta dish which was quite nice but no where near the pork. The beet tartare and stuffed pepper appetizers were solid, peppers were definitely my favorite. The beets had a horseradish component but it was a bit overpowering. Apple strudel with vanilla ice cream was our dessert, quite good. Overall the service was excellent and the high quality of food means Ill definitely recommend this to friends and family and will be back again!
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Olaf Jonkers
Just came from there, Great is the word. Even without the location, near to the Fishermans Warf, the price/quality is more then balanced. Wines were served at exactly the right temperature, crisp Pino Grigio, and a warm, spicy Barbera. The Strudel con Pasta was very tasty, other dishes also much appreciated. Chef Hernandez keeps quality at a high level, with friendly service. Thank you for making this stay in San Francisco fantastic ...From Belgium, with respect.
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A Private User
The power of Google pointed me towards Albona. I called for reservations and Bruno was a pleasure over the phone. Upon arrival, Bruno said that he had been "waiting 20 years for us." Bruno guided us through the menu and made great recommendations on food and wine. That kind of experience is uncommon and makes going to a restaurant truly remarkable. This was a great way to spend a first date and I will be making many more visits to Albona for years to come.
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Sean Foy
I had the mussels, garnished with marinara sauce and basil chiffonade. The mussels were perfectly cooked and the basil had the soft intensity of peak freshness. Then the braised rabbit. Generous portion of tender meat in a sweet and savory sauce. The tiramisu was just OK, a bit runny for my taste. The service was good. Its a small, quiet place with white tablecloths; the atmosphere is very suitable for conversing with your companions.
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Ben Driver
There are some places you want to keep quite about lest they become too popular. This is one. Food, Service, and Price cannot be beaten. Original owner retired, second owner (I believe his nephew) left last year. It is now run by chef of 15 years. His wife is the pastry chef. The food is north eastern Italian- Croation. Unique and superbly prepared. If the guy does not stay in business, there is no god.
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Dean Tatsuno
Excellent neighborhood find. Istrian Restaurant - Venetian cuisine with accents from Croatia & Slovenia. Chifeleti de mia is incredible - a very light gnocchi. The Studel con pasta was also different and delicous. The Stinco de videl and Arosto de coniglio were both prepared in excellent sauces. The entree protions are very large. Didnt have much room for dessert so we shared the Bonet.
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Kurt Taylor
Great little restaurant with inventive Italian inspired cuisine and very reasonable prices. We split 3 appetizers and a primi plus 2 desserts (tiramisu was on the house and possibly the best Ive ever had anywhere including Italy ) with a bottle of Nero dAvolo for $115...Cant do much better than that. Very nice facility, host/owner was friendly and knowledgeable, well be back!
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A Private User
My favorite SF restaurant! Cozy, gracious, friendly, with distinctive & delicious Istrian dishes (Istria is near Trieste & once belonged to Venice: think Italian meets Austro-Hungarian plus spices) -- AND free valet parking! A great place to take visitors & friends.
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Angela Snajder
Amazing restaurant! The food was unbelievable and service was impeccable. The chef greeted us and took our order before cooking our dinner. Everything we ordered so so flavorful and gave us the wow factor. Cant wait to return to San Francisco so we can visit again.
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Renee Littlefair
Our waiter was fabulous! This a small gem hidden in a huge city, I feel lucky to have found it. The food was very delicious and perfectly cooked. When I come back to San Fran I would love to come back and try the rabbit! Well worth it
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Michael Tallino-Smith
Fantastic!! The food was really exceptional and the portioning was excellent. Both our waiters were really friendly professional and helpful. When we return to San Francisco we will go there again!
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Eric H.
Ottimo ristorante italiano. Abbastanza raro a San Fr. servizio rapido e efficace
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Greg Tyler
Google says they close at 9:30pm, they turned us away around 9:00pm so we went somewhere else and had an excellent Italian meal at Fior dItalia, which I would rate 5/5 and highly recommend
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A Private User
This place is great. Delicious gourmet Italian, with the laid-back feel of a neighborhood place. The pan-fried gnocchi appetizer is amazingly good. Try it.
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Harmony Uyehara
Our first dining experience at Albona greatly exceeded our expectations! Everything was exceptional!! Plan to return on next trip!! Highly recommend!!
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Aaron Pridy
The filet mignon here blew my mind, and the dishes my friends got looked incredible. If youre in the are you need to check this out.
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Donato Cabrera
An excellent, well established restaurant that is cozy and well situated. The food is extraordinary and I cant wait to return
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Walt Drosjack
Fantastic food that melts in your month and great wine that bursts with flavor. I have recommend to many of my friends.
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Omri Tavor
Good food and good (but slow) service.. 5 stars for American food standards. 3.5 for a good restaurant in italy
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Lloyd Cowell
Great food, professional service, and an intimate atmosphere. Highly recommended. I cant wait to return.
