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    Zanzibar Cafe

    3.8 (118 reviews)
    Open 10:30 am - 5:00 pm

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    vegan burger

    the staff here are really nice. it's also a good study/work space. vegan burger didn't come with all of the listed toppings, so we asked and got them. the decaf coffee tasted really weird, wouldn't recommend

    Lobster roll
    Lok Yiu W.

    My friend told about about this place because they have $1 orzo pasta and they give a hefty amount for that price. We each got an orzo pasta. I also got the lobster roll for only $9. They gave a lot of lobster for that price and it tasted really good. The orzo pasta and the chips were alright to me but it's greatfor the price. You order up front and then they give you a number to take to your seat. They bring the food out to you when it's ready. They also serve alc and coffee.

    Macaroni and Cheese
    Thuan D.

    Pretty good quality food! A bit pricey at a total of $15, but not bad. Both the turkey and bacon panini and the macaroni and cheese (which isn't cheap, American cheese ones) were very tasty and had good quality. Nice to have nice food on UCSD campus like this.

    Chicken pesto sandwich as a panini with mixed greens on the side-$10
    Katherine S.

    I got the chicken pesto hot sandwich as a panini with mixed greens (comes with balsamic vinegarette on the side). It was $10, and definitely not worth it as the sandwich was mediocre at best. It was a little small, the bread was way too hard, and the chicken was really dry. The workers were really friendly and the place itself was clean, but overall, I would say choose a different place to eat if you're in PC.

    Combo Deal with Veggie sandwich, side of fries and cup of chili
    Tara N.

    Zanzibar Café is probably the best place to eat on the UCSD campus. That being said, my 4 stars is relative to other places on campus, and would probably be a little harsher otherwise. Although the menu is small, there is a great variety of order options. I got the blackened fish sandwich with a side of fries. To be honest, I would not order it again. The fish came out cold, making it clear that it came frozen. Taste wise, it was fine. The fries on the other hand, I would definitely order again! We also got an order of the potato chips for the table. They are handmade and came out super hot and fresh. I would order these again. They have great happy hour deals, so I would come again for the sides at a good price!

    Blackened fish sandwich--tasty, but pretty small for the price. :|
    Dustin C.

    -Update- So I've noticed an unfortunate recurring trend with their sandwiches. This time I ordered their blackened fish sandwich again with large chips, and the price was again $10 flat. This sandwich was overall better than the pork belly banh mi in terms of being more moist and flavorful, but it was about the diameter of a dollar menu burger from McDonalds... I haven't tried their happy hour, so I can't attest to how good it is, but for lunch given the price and the quantity, I'd recommend elsewhere in PC. Still a cool hangout spot though, and I'm still gonna come back for chips!

    Chicken pesto sandwich with coleslaw
    Jennifer J.

    I didn't even know Zanzibar Cafe had already opened on campus. Did I miss the memo of its grand opening or something? If my friend hadn't suggested this place for lunch one day, I would probably still be obliviously eating at TapEx. Zanzibar Cafe is a cute place to hang out and grab a bite. The chic and modern decor (high tables, comfy couches, art on the wall) makes the atmosphere very comfortable and relaxing. Food here is pretty good, but a bit pricey. I've had the chicken pesto sandwich with the colesaw. I thought the sandwich tasted really tasty. It was so good that I almost tumbled off my chair; I was sitting on a high stool too, so I'm sure it would've made for great entertainment if I actually did fall. I also enjoyed the coleslaw, which is rare because I'm not a big coleslaw person. There is a bar here as well, but I've never tried anything from there yet. Maybe I will swing by next time after I get ass-raped by a test to drown my sorrows.

    turkey and salmon slider combo, $6.50 during happy hour
    Kathryne Mei V.

    HIPSTER HANGOUT on the UCSD campus. A little pricey, but great for catching up with friends during their happy hour (4-6pm) . The Salmon and Turkey Slider Combo was on the small side for $6.50 but was very flavorful and fresh! Good selection of draft beers for $4.50 too.

    Social Hour food!
    Karen H.

    I've been here twice and I love the Social Hour (their version of HH) food here (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/qnH_8XayoYj-1okCCwyK3g?select=GIp5nF3w8dI4_mgVkLJulw#6sR66BcVUTLfY-L6HU56rw). The wines, however, are a little expensive for what you get. The first time my friend and I came here, we were on a time crunch to order specifically takeout because The Loft was having some David Choi & Clara C concert thing going on soon and Zanzibar had to kick everyone out by 6PM. The second time we came here for Social Hour, we actually got to sit down on the nice couches and settle in to the nice atmosphere inside Zanzibar. However, there was a little problem with the service. First, they served my friend Veggie flatbread instead of the Chicken Pesto flatbread that she had ordered. Second, they served me the Spicy Seasoning fries instead of the Truffle and Parmesan fries that I'd ordered. Thankfully, they were very nice and quick to replace me the correct fries (my friend had decided to forego the hassle of having to wait for another flatbread). Riesling wine (~$6) - The bartender was nice enough to let me sample this (without checking my ID card. Oops on his part!) before deciding. It was pretty sweet and good. However, he only poured the glass around 1/5 full! What!? It was shocking and disappointing how small the glass was. Chicken Pesto Flatbread (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/qnH_8XayoYj-1okCCwyK3g?select=GIp5nF3w8dI4_mgVkLJulw#T08FltfO72DAq-VTTF4hag) - Yummy yummy! For $6.50 you get five decent-sized slabs of flatbread! I loved the pesto flavor and they were generous with the toppings. Definitely worth my money. Parmesan and Truffle Fries ($4.50) - Of all the fries I've tried from here, this is definitely the best! You may be thinking, I don't want to pay $4.50 for just fries! However, for $4.50 gives you a LOT of fries. It's a whole shoe-box size worth of fries! The truffle flavor is to die for and the Parmesan makes it finger-lickin' good! Beware that this item runs out close to the end of Social Hour. Cheese Fries ($4.50) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/qnH_8XayoYj-1okCCwyK3g?select=GIp5nF3w8dI4_mgVkLJulw#GIp5nF3w8dI4_mgVkLJulw) - Who doesn't love cheese? Again, the portions make this worth your money. However, some fries don't get their portion of the cheese and taste like normal fries. Spicy Seasoning Fries - Nomnom. This would probably be my second choice for fries. The seasoning is very appetizing and reminiscent of a classier cousin of cajun fries. TL;DR: Come here for Social Hour. They have yummy flatbreads and fries (Parmesan & Truffle, please!). However, their wines a little expensive.

    artichoke/pesto/feta flatbread pizza, seared edamame, Mediterranean plate, and a wine sampler. ($20 during happy hour)
    Dillon S.

    I love Zanzibar! I especially loved it last year when i was an RA and could spend my tritoncash. Nonetheless, its still a great place. So convenient having a classy place to eat at with friends without ever having to leave campus. The beer and wine samplers are fairly priced and the staff is great about helping you pick out what you want to try. They have a great happy hour (or social hour, as they call it) with drink and food specials at all different prices. The teriyaki edamame is TO DIE FOR. I get it every time I go there, no matter what else I'm ordering (breakfast being the only exception). I love the sandwiches and the chips on the side are delish as well. For breakfast I love the omelettes and the french toast. Its really quiet there in the mornings, so I've gone with friends to get brunch and study. I recently heard good things about the chili and cornbread combo... Can't wait to give that a try some time this winter!

    A Capella show tonight
    Marisa W.

    This is a cool place. They have modern decor and the vibe is relaxed and laid back. They serve beer and wine. I got an anthem cider that was light and delicious. I came here for an a Capella show and it was really cool. I recommend checking out this place for a live show.

    Porkbelly tacos ($6 during HH)

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    7 years ago

    I got the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich and it was very good. The fries were so yummy, and the lemonade was tart and sweet. Would recommend!

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    Ask the Community - Zanzibar Cafe

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    Lavender latté

    Zanzibar Cafe - coffee - Updated September 2026

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