The cuisine of Istria, a little known area near Trieste, is the distinguishing element of this unique restaurant owned by Bruno Viscovi. The flavors are strongly influenced by Croatia, Austria and Yugoslavia, which translates to a kind of sweet-and-sour palette, where cumin plays against nutmeg and raisins, and rabbit is napped in brown sugar, honey and juniper berries. Each night you'll find the chef-owner greeting customers, explaining the wonders of his native culture.
Cuisine: Italian (Istrian) Specialities: Ravioli with sage butter sauce; gnocchi with steak sauce; roasted pork loin stuffed with sauerkraut; braised rabbit with juniper berries and honey; strudel. Seats: 45 Prices: $12.75-$18.75 Parking: Free valet Vitals: 545 Francisco St. (between Mason and Taylor), San Francisco; (415) 441-1040. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted
