amazing iconic SF place. Get the roasted chicken and fries. love the high ceilings, natural light whole vibe of the place. The staff is super helpful with menu choices. The risotto is a must. It probably was the best risotto I have ever had. No joke! read more

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Not sure what's going on there, but things are definitely very different from the previous time we visited, sad. - The chicken was a complete let down. It arrived on time (~1hr wait) but some parts were overcooked/dry and some others were actually undercooked. For $75 (actually ~$100 after tip/tax), this is not OK - Cocktails were very sour, avoid these and go for wine instead - Automatic 25% gratuity (20% + 5% SF Mandate) - As others mentioned, service was 'OK' but not great Sad to see this staple slowly going downhill (3.7 rating as I'm writing this). The building is amazing and I feel they could do so much better. read more

Really liked the inside of here; it was a lot of open space with high ceilings, natural light, and big windows. We sat upstairs which overlooks the rest of the restaurant (and had white tablecloth seating, which the staff cleaned in between courses). Started off with the margarita, which the waiter had said was one of their most popular drinks. It was extremely strong, the lime taste was more of a hint. We got the shoestring potatoes - I'd been looking forward to these as I love shoestring fries and had seen the pictures of these. They were fairly salty, but not greasy at all which was surprising. They are impossibly thin and so good. It came with an aoli that had an olive oil taste, not sure what it was. We also ordered the roast chicken, as I'd heard about it and knew it was what they were known for. Knowing I wanted it ahead of time helped because it does take more than an hour to make, so put the order in with the drinks to save time. If I came here with more people and ordered the chicken again I'd probably order some other appetizers/dishes to eat while waiting, but we were only a party of two and the chicken was a lot of food on its own so that wasn't an option. The dark meat parts of the chicken were incredibly juicy and flavorful with a mildly nutty taste. The breast was a lot drier and not as good. There's also some bread under the salad (not a huge fan of the salad) that's coated with a lot of olive oil and the juices from the chicken which was also nice. For dessert we had the gateaux victoire which was my favorite thing we got. It was a cake but the texture was smooth like a mousse. It was the perfect combo of bitter and sweet and super rich. I really liked the whipped cream it came with and wish there had been a bit more. read more

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For a more detailed experience of our feast at Zuni look up a prior review posted by me on this platform. These are new photos of my ongoing love affair with the venerable Zuni. I'd been going there before I turned 30 , I'm 68 years old young, you do the math. read more

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Some major service misses, a wobbly table, and tables packed on top of each other, made this a disappointing experience. The appetizers were good (the salad was excellent, fried broccoli/onions/squash were a bit over-fried and oily, but very good; scallops, however, were drenched in a sauce that didn't quite match the sweetness of scallops). The fries were fantastic. So was an impressive squash dish. But because one member of the party had celiac, we had to order the chicken without bread - and were told it wouldn't be a problem. But the kitchen messed up, and by the time they caught the error, it was a bit too late... so no chicken. Not sure I'd go back, though... The restaurant is jam-packed with tables, making what is meant to be a nice meal akin to dining in a military mess hall. The table next to us was having an incredibly-raunchy conversation and my partner's mother didn't really need to learn that much detail about a stranger's sex life. But because it's so jam packed, we could hear them more clearly than we could each other. I understand that the restaurant industry operates on very tight margins, so every table matters. But waiting 75 minutes to find out what we were more excited about wasn't going to happen was incredibly disappointing, and the experience itself meant maybe the chicken just isn't worth it. read more

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It's just great if a waiter asks you if you are going to a show and what time curtain is so he can help you plan your meal. We did not have time to order their famous roast chicken, but he told us how long it would take if we decided to order it. My friend and I each ordered salads that were fresh and I could taste the olive oil sprinkled on top. And we had stuffed squid in a delectable sauce. My husband has never been here. He was jealous. Now maybe he'll come with me. read more

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Delicious food. Super cozy seating; rustic feel. Great wine selection by the glass too. Will be back. read more

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Zuni is a San Francisco staple. Been around forever. It's fancy yet appproachable. It's Michelin Flava yet still you can go with kids and not be jeered at. The food menu hasn't varied much over the last ten years I've gone, but it's high quality and consistent. The staff makes you feel special. Anyone that comes to your table will help you and not refer you to "your waiter". Try the oven Zuni Roast Chicken for Two with Bread Salad (it Fed 5 of us with many left over) with pine nuts and breading at the base it's totally worth it. It takes 90 min so order ahead or bring extra wine. The risotto was a little oilier than I like and the polenta was good. Deserts were all winners They have a nice wine menu. Make reservations far in advance. They do single tables all the way up to big party's and have a private room. read more

Zuni Café - Zuni Roast Chicken for Two with Bread Salad and the risotto - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

My first time at Zuni, I had this poetic squash blossom that used salmon as its canvas. It was so thin it appeared to be painted on. And a light, fresh corn summer cream sauce. My comadre chef friend, Lauren, could better describe our appetizer and her dish but the former was some sort of yellow and red tomato paradise with a toasted crumb fabulosity and her entree àn impeccably handled eggplant, tomato, tzaziki, seasoned and prepared at the edge of the Milky Way and brought back with a basil-baptized couscous. Who raves about couscous?!! I do! The eggplant made me question all of my life's choices as it was a dish prepared for saints (which is why Lauren ordered it, I believe)... They sat us in a loft as we would be eating heavenly things. Oh, and I also had a dirty vodka martini with extra olives which I thoroughly needed, deserved and enjoyed, as I do not often imbibe. Lauren had a Pretty in Pink mocktail which may have been kind of more Meh in Mauve but the impeccable, warm service and ambrosial fare replaced the trace of imperfection and all was right in the world. The only bad part was having to leave our little heavenly perch. read more

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Celebrated my partner's birthday here and honestly... it felt like the perfect place for it. There's something about Zuni Café that immediately makes you slow down and settle in. The natural light, the buzzing conversations, the smell of good food floating through the air--it has that classic San Francisco charm that feels both lively and intimate at the same time. The staff were wonderful too: attentive, welcoming, and genuinely kind without ever feeling rushed. Of course, we came with one mission: the legendary Zuni Roast Chicken for Two with Bread Salad. Yes, the one that takes about 75 minutes. And now I understand the hype. That chicken arrives golden, crisp, and unbelievably fragrant. The skin shatters just slightly when you cut into it, while the meat stays juicy and tender. And the bread salad underneath? Warm, savory, and soaking up all those beautiful chicken drippings with bits of greens and toasted bread that somehow taste both rustic and elegant. It's one of those dishes where every bite makes you pause for a second. Then there were the Shoestring Potatoes. Dangerously addictive. Thin, crispy, salty little threads of happiness that you keep grabbing without realizing how fast they disappear. You tell yourself "just one more," and suddenly the plate is empty. Dinner here felt like a celebration in the truest sense--great food, great atmosphere, and the kind of meal that turns a simple birthday into a memory. We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back. read more

Zuni Café - Zuni Roast Chicken for Two with Bread Salad - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This was more for the ambience and service since my son and I only tried two dishes. He had a kids meal pasta with Parmesan and I had mushroom polenta (it was delicious). We arrive Friday night without a reservation. We grabbed next to the last table available. The service was polite and very attentive. There were at least two ther families close by. Zuni has been a SF institution since the 90s. I highly recommend it if you want to come here for good food and fun times. All kinds of crowds were there! read more

Zuni Café - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

So happy we snagged a reservation here. Old school classy spot. Love the open windows and large ceilings. We shared the famous roast chicken and a side of fries. We asked for both to come out together and sipped on our martinis as we waited the 75 min - yes 75 min but SO WORTH IT! This is THE best roast chicken I've ever had. The bread salad in the middle of the chicken is refreshing and has great dressing with raisins / seeds. The shoe string fries were so delicious and addictive. YUM!!! read more

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This place is a classic. The roast chicken is the best you will ever have!! It's consistent every single time. It's so good I bought their cookbook. The vibe is so cute too, you will feel like you are in Paris. Highly recommend this gem of a place. read more

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Finally made it to try the roast chicken with panzanela and have to admit it was worth it!! Legit the best chicken I've had!! Just incredibly tender throughout. At the price point, I probably won't be ordering the chicken again any time soon but it's definitely worth a try to see what all the hype's about. Oh and note that the chicken can take some time (took about an hour for us) so order as soon as you're seated, and have some drinks and apps while you wait. The meringue for dessert was also amazing!! Seating however was not the most comfortable..there's lots of communal bench seating without back support and I had to get in my neighbor's personal space to slide back into my seat. read more

Zuni Café - Mandarin meringue - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

I wanted to be wowed, and I was not. I loved the burrata with melon, but that was kind of where it ended for me. The chardonnay selection was good, acme bread was good, but the chicken was a little overcooked and not exceptional, service was not great. Server made no effort to to connect with us but borough food and took orders, I saw her yawning some so maybe she was tired but it was disappointing. After waiting over an hour for a whole chicken I really wanted it to be exceptional and it was about a 6 on a 10 scale, overall I was left wondering why it was so highly recommended. The chocolate flourless cake they are known for was good but again not exceptional, I found it very crumbly, the bites were tough to get but once you scrounged it up and added some fresh whipped cream it was good, but not great. read more

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I came here for my birthday and had an excellent time. The service here is always so good that it is memorable. Either our waitress gave the best recommendations to us or all of their food is on point. Unfortunately, I can't have wine at the moment because I'm pregnant, so the waitress put my apple juice in a wine glass which was so thoughtful! We got the stuffed squid for our appetizer and the chicken for two for the main. I almost got a bread for appetizer as well, but we were advised that what we ordered would be enough food. Turns out that that was great advise because without ordering the appetizer bread, I had more space in my belly to devour the tasty chicken and delicious bread salad! We ended up with some leftovers too and am thankful we didn't order too much. The stuffed squid was very tasty with the seasonings and the hint of lemon. The chicken was cooked to perfection, but what really stood out was the bread salad that came with it. I loved the currants and pine nuts and the crispy texture of the bread soaked in chicken drippings. For dessert, we ordered the apple pie and had a candle on it for my birthday. Since there's some alcohol in the sauce, the waitress put the sauce on the side and warned me about the alcohol in it. So thoughtful! Everything was so tasty that I can't wait to come back! read more

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Came here with a friend without a reservation and we got seated immediately at 1pm when it was super busy. Good: - The portions are small and expensive but the food quality is great - I liked the spaghetti dish a lot - the noodles had a chewy texture and was super tasty - The flourless chocolate cake was good! Wasn't super sweet and the whipped cream was so good - The mint tea was a nice touch after the meal - The servers were very nice! Bad: - The wait time for each dish was very long - we were here for 1h30 min and waiting for most of the time for each dish - Expensive overall! Overall this was a nice find and I enjoyed getting to spend a lazy lunch afternoon here catching up with a friend. read more

Zuni Café - Spaghetti - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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After 2 months of intestinal problems that began from drinking tainted milk or cream at Zuni Cafe, I had lost 15 lbs and was finally diagnosed with Giardia, a parasite that can come from unwashed hands or tainted dairy products. I never got any apology from Zuni Cafe (maybe they can't apologize due to admitting liability?). Anyway, dang it, I can't believe I got sick from the milk/cream at this previously well-known restaurant with not even my tainted coffee comped the night of the event. Don't recommend this place: go elsewhere unless you, too, want Giardia. Just saying: if they had apologized and comped the coffee or meal, I wouldn't have written this bad review. Not one work of apology. Wash your hands and get tested for Giardia, Zuni staff members. Keep the milk and cream clean, too, by having it on ice. Just saying. Follow food safety protocols, Zuni Cafe. Do it. Go elsewhere. read more

Came to at 7 Zuni Cafe on a Sunday evening with a 7:30 reservation and got seated right away. We got seated in the very corner of the upstairs section which I didn't mind at all. As a fry connoisseur, I've been dreaming about trying these fries for the longest time and they did not disappoint. They were warm, crispy and super addictive. The ketchup was also super yummy with them, but I do wish it came with another sauce. We had to get the chicken for two, and this was also super delicious. While it says the chicken takes 75 minutes, it took only a little over 30 minutes to come out to us. The chicken was super flavorful, but the star for us was the bread salad. The bread salad soaked up all the flavor of the chicken and was such a great pairing with the juicy chicken. We were starving, so we absolutely devoured this whole thing To end, we got the Gateau Victoire, which was a flourless chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was super rich, and paired really well with the cream. Might've been because we were in the corner, but I feel we weren't checked on as frequently as other tables. I was looking to order another drink midway through dinner but couldn't get a hold of our server. Zuni was a great date night spot and I had a really good time! read more

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Zuni cafe has been an institution since it opened in 1979. I've thoroughly enjoyed each visit I've made and last nights was no different. For me, it defines what casual fine dining should be: - unpretentious environment - accessible food (basics done really well) - reasonable pricing - spot on but unobtrusive service - no feeling of having to rush Zuni cafe is most famous for their chicken. Chicken in restaurants is funny for me because it's really hard, at any price point, to beat Costco rotisserie chicken. Costco never gets a good crunchy skin but other than that, their brined chicken is consistent and excellent and $5. It's a loss leader at this point but that's why we pay for Costco membership. And, 100% of the time when I think about ordering chicken in a restaurant if it isn't prepared significantly differently than Costco chicken, I think, "But... Costco chicken." And then change my mind. But Zuni cafe's chicken is 100% better. It should be for almost 15x the price. But when that platter comes out, colorful with beautiful salad and the bread stuffing and smelling like heaven on a plate, you know you've made the right decision. Normally the white meet lingers while flavor aficionados go for the dark but Zuni's chicken is well seasoned enough that any part is good eating. It always comes out the same and it never disappoints with crispy upper skin, tender savory meat and enough flavor that you'll put down your fork and knife and just go for it. The clam spaghetti was delicious, and the sides for the Bavette steak were tasty and the meat had great flavor but was a bit chewy for my liking. The Caesar is perfect with big crispy and chewy croutons and a tasty dressing with tight romaine. Don't miss the haystack of fries and the side of aioli is so worthwhile. And if you imbibe - don't miss the bar. They make wonderful balanced dinner cocktails. I always enjoy my meal at Zuni, the service really makes it great. No gaffs, completely out of your way, but well taken care of. Warm friendly but unobtrusive, present when you need, leaves you alone for your conversation otherwise. read more

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Got a great window table. Fresh oysters and poached shrimp to start. Tasty! Aoili with shrimp not so much. It doesn't stick to the shrimp when dipped. Had to use a knife to apply to shrimp lol. Ever heard of cocktail sauce? Shoestrings fries lacked seasoning unfortunately. Of course you'll need to ask for sauce unless the guest prefers to eat bland fried potatoes. Ketchup and aioli takes time to arrive some how. Caesar salad wasn't all the hype. It was good but not a must eat at Zuni IMO. Burger with focaccia bread was tasty. Cooked perfectly. Service was decent. A bit uninspired. We were steered away from ordering the half chicken Zuni is known for. Drinks were Champagne and wine as well as Americanos. F&B subtotal was 65% of the bill. Another 35% of the bills was sales tax (9%) SF healthcare charge(6%) and service charge (20%). Why does the more I spend the more their healthcare charge goes up? What a gouge. Was informed by the sever that the house takes 60% of the service charge leaving 40% to the server. Yikes! Will not return. I can't truly say Zuni is worth the price of the swindle. Better food at Kokkari or Tadich's Grill if looking for good SF nostalgia without the shakedown. read more

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Day to day, chicken is my protein of choice so it says a lot that this one is my all-time favorite. Of course, it's many people's favorite too lol. Even the server's first question after greeting you is, "Will you two be having the chicken?" Cross your fingers that you get one of the better tables in the small alcoves towards the back of the second floor and be thinking of all the topics your can chat about with your date. The 75 minute estimate for the chicken to arrive is accurate. You'll be waiting a while. And it's 100% worth it. Appetizers are unevenly sized so ask your server if you plan to order more than one. Our bread & butter plate was on the small side while the shoestring potatoes are an enormous mound. Try one of the appetizers you've not seen before and you'll know it's seasonal and fresh. We absolutely loved the piccolo fritto of three or four types of long beans in a tempura-type batter served with a vinegary dip. Prices here have risen more slowly than inflation so I can't complain about the two surcharges on the bill, though they aren't self-explanatory and the server's uncomfortable pitch for a tip was an awkward moment following an otherwise perfectly lovely meal. Maybe the restaurant could do a better job explaining this in print on the menu so that the server didn't have to? Just an idea! read more

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I normally LOVE Zuni Cafe (probably have eaten here 6x) but last night's experience was so lackluster due to the service. I came with my parents and we knew we wanted to order the famous chicken. Upon getting seated it took quite a while for our waiter, Bill, to arrive. When he greeted us, he was so quick to ask what water we preferred and left before I could even ask to place the chicken order (I usually try to do this asap because it takes 75 min to cook). When it came to placing the food orders, I asked if he had any standout recommendations on the menu in addition to the chicken, and his response was something along the lines of "well we have a seasonal menu and everything is good so I just recommend going off what your taste buds prefer". I've eaten at Zuni six times so I know that the menu is seasonal and I was really hoping he would call out one or two dishes that were exciting or popular off the new menu... Our interactions with him felt rushed, and we didn't feel well taken care of. Food wise, the chicken and fries are always consistent. The scallops were pretty small for the price and I was surprised that the Loving Cup cocktail (delicious) came in a short water glass instead of a nice cocktail glass. Really disappointed to write this review but every other time I had great service so this was kind of weird experience. read more

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I ate there last night after the hiatus of about two years. I don't know why I waited so long to come back because this place is excellent. The service is spot on. We felt very welcome and cared for. The food was nothing short of brilliant. The tomato salad was supplying. And the chicken remains the gold standard. Perfection on the plate. I can't wait to go back read more

My first visit to Zuni Café in probably 30 years, and it reminded me immediately why it was always one of my favorites. It did not disappoint. Thank you to Sophie for getting us in. Even on a Tuesday night the restaurant was nearly full, and they graciously accommodated my service dog. From the moment we sat down, the service was excellent, attentive without being overbearing. When we looked over the menu, I noticed they include a service charge (around 20% plus a small additional San Francisco fee). It was clearly explained, felt fair, and seemed like a thoughtful way to take care of their staff, while still leaving the option to add more if you wish. We ordered several shared plates, and every dish was fabulous. Of course we had the famous Caesar salad and it did not disappoint! The overall vibe is still wonderfully hip and lively. Yes, the surrounding neighborhood is facing the same challenges much of this area of San Francisco is dealing with right now, but good for Zuni Café for holding steady in their charming corner and continuing to serve some of the best food in the city. For me, the evening was more than a meal, it was a reminder of great memories from the past while creating new ones in the present. Thank you for staying true and loyal to your customers for so many decades. read more

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What a gem of a find. A great lunch with two of my siblings and a friend. We had a ton of food and had them bring each out one at a time and we all shared it having a bite or two and then the next one came out and we had a bite or two of that and repeated it for a nice relaxing/fun lunch. read more

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We arrived a little bit early and the hostess asked us to wait at the bar. We had just enough time to order a glass of wine from the friendly bartender. It was so great to see the restaurant full of patrons who looked like they were really enjoying a nice meal. We ordered Zuni's famous chicken (our first time) and started the meal with olives and a huge pile of shoestring potatoes. Everything was delicious! I almost never order chicken but if I came here with a group of us people, I'd definitely order it again. Don't forget to try the brown butter chocolate ice cream for dessert! Yum! read more

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This restaurant has a very lovely vibe. It has a very nice interior and some fun artwork hanging from the walls! The food was great and the fries were very unique! read more

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Super cute restaurant that gives NYC vibes, especially on a cold weekend. Our first stop was the bar and the bartenders were all fabulous. They knew their drinks and mixology. We would definitely be back for a quick drink. Food wise-- Their bread was the HIGHLIGHT of the evening. Perfect texture and the sourness was remarkable. So we went out of the trifecta of shoestring potatoes, chicken and Cesar-- it was very underwhelming and we learned our lesson. The shishitos were undercooked and the sauce pairing lacked flavor. The fritto was more so onion rings than squid-- we counted and there was only 2 pieces of squid and 2 tentacles. Super underwhelming for the price/value. The shoestring potatoes were definitely the best appetizer-- which was surprising. The Caesar salad was good but the ratio of dressing to romaine was too much! Couldn't even finish the salad. The best part of the Caesar was the croutons-- which is from their day old bread-- so that tracks as to why it was so good. The chicken has great flavor but was inconsistent. The breast, drumstick and wing were overcooked and tacky. The leg meat was the only part that was still moist. The bread salad that accompanied it was fine but again-- overly saturated with dressing. Was it worth the 75 minutes-- sadly no. read more

I had made a reservation for an afternoon on Friday and was quickly seated near the kitchen so it was nice to see how they prepared the dishes. I went here in anticipation for the fries. I ordered a half-plate of their shoestring fries ($5.50) and added the garlic aioli sauce which I recommend! It also came with an acidic tomatoey ketchup sauce which cuts against with the creamy garlicky-ness of the aioli. When the fries arrived, the aroma of oil and heat radiating off of them is so decadent. The fries were delicate and crispy and perfect for eating multiple at a time. Even half a plate was filling and it was an enjoyable experience. read more

Zuni Café - Menu - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Already looking forward to coming back here! This is a perfect special occasion date night spot - ambiance is fantastic, crowd is dressed well, and service is amazing. I would recommend putting in your order for the chicken as soon as you sit down (it takes about an hour to come out) and starting with some drinks and the shoestring fries. The fries are so thin and crispy and well salted that I could snack on them forever! The bread with butter is also a great way to keep yourselves occupied while you wait for the chicken. The chicken - star of the show for sure!! Worth all of the rave reviews. It's honestly enough food to feed 3 people so come hungry. The bread salad was probably the highlight of the entire meal, it was so savory and decadent with the perfect touch of sweetness. I wish I had left enough room to try dessert because they had some incredible options! Will be back for dessert alone at some point. We made our reservations ~3 weeks in advance, we found that week of dinner reservations were hard to find so just plan ahead! read more

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The Good- incredible wait staff. Very organized. While I am not a fan of the 20% auto gratuity & 5% surcharge this is probably one of the only crews in SF who earns it! Ambiance and vibe are also fabulous. Comfortable atmosphere for sure. We ordered the chicken for 2. My own personal opinion is that it is not worth the 75 min wait or the $75 cost . It was good, but not that good. Shoestring fries are a must! The bad- not really the restaurants fault but I was yelled at and chased by a crazy homeless woman while waiting outside. Not something I want to experience again. Maybe a bigger waiting area inside???? read more

Located in Hayes Valley, it is difficult to find parking. Even if you do, I caution heavily as I saw many people peeping into parked cars with crow bars; even had people standing next to our car on our way back after dinner. Please uber or Lyft Got the Caesar salad and that was nothing special. Don't recommend for the price point. The chicken wasn't that spectacular either. It takes a while to cook too so prepare for the wait. The service is great though. read more

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Came here with my dad after a few years and had such a great experience! We came here on a Saturday at 6pm and it was busy but not packed to the point where it interfered with the ambiance. Great natural light inside and a good spot for a weekend dinner. Our server was great and everyone was super attentive. We of course ordered the chicken for two, Caesar salad, bread, and fries. Chicken for 2: best dish hands down. The chicken was perfectly juicy with a nice light crispy skin that didn't taste greasy. It sad on a bed of sourdough stuffing soaked in olive oil which was so yum. My favorite part was definitely the salad that comes with it which was in this perfect vinaigrette. Ofc it took about 45 mins - 1 hr to come out but the other dishes ties us over until then. The fries were good as well and definitely unique in shape and size. The Caesar was also very good with the right amount of light dressing that coated the leaves without feeling too heavy. Overall great experience. Will definitely be asking my dad to come here again bc every aspect of the dinner was great! read more

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Finally tried Zuni cafe after hearing so much about it being a SF must try establishment. We got the classics - we started the Zuni Caesar salad, the shoestring potatoes (yum - though do note the aioli does come with an extra charge). We got the iconic chicken (which honestly was a lot more than just chicken - it came with sour dough pieces and salad), and we also got a risotto. We definitely over-ordered and it's definitely on the pricier side, but it was worth a try. The dishes were cooked well and the chicken was indeed one of the best rotisserie chickens I've ever had. Service was good, and overall ambience was nice too. read more

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Zuni Café is an iconic SF dining venue. One of the most frequent additions to the Chronicle's top 100 list, and a former James Beard winner. Just entering the 45+ year old venue is an experience in itself. The restaurant feels simultaneously cramped but expansive, with winding rooms and unweildy turns. Our party of 3 was seated at a triangular nook by a window. Which while seeming unintuitive was a fine spot, and did not limit conversation or enjoyment of the food in any way. Unintuitive is also how I would describe the speed of the service. We ordered the chicken for two alongside some appetizers. We knew going into this experience that the chicken for two could take approximately 75 minutes to be ready. What we didn't expect, was to wait 30 minutes for our first appetizer of shoestring potatoes to arrive! In short, I found the food to not hold up to the expectations put forth by Zuni Café's many accolades. Especially in SF, where there are dozens of options at the same price point that are more deserving of your dollars and time. Shoestring Potatoes: A simple but effective appetizer. Each piece is a perfect crisp, more akin to a chip than a traditional fry. Make sure to order the aioli with it! It truly bumped the dish up a level. The contrasting bites of potatoes with rich aioli, and slightly tangy ketchup made the mountain of starch a treat to eat. Albacore Crudo: A dish that checks all the boxes for what makes a crudo without exceeding in any category. Fish was mundane in flavor and texture. The olive oil was pedestrian with no interesting notes to speak of. The accompaniments did not elevate the dish. I would advise skipping this one. Spaghetti: A missed opportunity. Adequate pasta cookery without any depth of flavor that justifies its inclusion on the menu. Chicken for Two: This is it, the dish that has cemented Zuni Café as a permanent fixture in SF dining. It's made to order, takes approximately 75 minutes, and costs $75. Once served, we are faces with a heap of perfectly cooked poultry, daintly garnished with some greens is a sight to behold. Tragically, no words come to mind to describe the consumption of this dish other than disappointing. It just tastes of a good roast chicken. Nothing else, and nothing more. If you're ok paying $75, and waiting for 75 minutes for that, then this may be for you. Else, I'd recommend you dine elsewhere. Gateau Victorie: The second bright spot since the shoestring potatoes. Well executed, simple, but elegant all the same. read more

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Last night 11/18 to get us fueled up to see David Byrne at Bill Graham's , Lulu, Martha Jon, & Lauren started at the bar. A surprisingly limited choice of gins for my soiled Martini(no Hendricks etc etc) The barkeep suggested New Deal Portland Dry. Her suggestion hit the mark! Off we climbed to the upper deck & started with a Bosc pear themed salad delicious Then in a Martini fueled moment of extravagance I ordered a huge platter of oysters, clams, and shrimp. The afterthough after ordering a bunch of the Humbolt kumamotos was the 2 eastern varieties & the Beausoleil & San Simon. The highlight of the meal for me were the exraordinary flat delicate Beausoleils...spectacular!! sweet and firm textured.. reminded me of Hokkaido scallolp sashimi They were without question the best oyster ever wow!!! Loved the raw clams (though Martha, her first time, gagged and deposited them far away...) Then on to their mountain of their storied shoe string potatoes....wait a minute! arrived pale & NOT crisp? What? we were so hungry that we dove in but after a few soggy bites I said NO! Complained to our server & he whisked them away & returned with a properly perfect pile of crispy spuds Bravo! Fablulous! & his apology for the lapse at the fryer was a welcome gesture. We followed with the required Caesar, the roast chicken/bread salad (easily generous enough for 2-5,) the 18oz rib eye & a finishing celery, reggiano & house cured anchovie salad ( the fish component being the only truly disappointing item being too salty & leathery could have used a water bath & then a warm olive oil soak). A wonderful sprited night as was David Byrne after our meal... read more

I have seen this restaurant for years while traveling up and down Market and finally came in to try it out. This is a super nice restaurant in an otherwise dead part of the street. When you step inside you are instantly transported to a beautiful cafe and the food is delicious. They change up the menu daily but have a few items which are staples and always available. The food and drinks were very tasty and we had a great time! Will definitely come back again! read more

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I came without a reservation, and they were still able to seat the two of us later in the evening, so we were fortunate not to have a long wait. You can grab a drink at the bar while you wait, which is a nice option. However, I was a bit disappointed with the food. Given that it's such an iconic institution with strong reviews, it felt a little underwhelming to me. read more

Zuni Café - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Stopped in recently, very cute spot, an instituion. Food overall is solid but not many standouts from our meal. Started with a cocktail - they're ok, but they don't double strain which is feels crazy for a restaurant of this caliber. For food, we had the shoestring fries (huge plate, nice snack to share), tomato and peach salad (best dish of the night), anchovies (nice snack), a pasta with blue cheese and figs (decent), and the chicken - cooked well, on the saltier side, the warm bread salad is the highlight there. Also ended with the chocolate cake which was ok. Nice spot but not in a rush to try future menus read more