The chicken for two absolutely delivered and was worth the wait. I booked a few weeks ahead, and I'm glad I did--this is one of those iconic San Francisco spots I'd been wanting to check off the list. The chicken was the main event, but the pasta with clams held its own, and the cocktails were on point. Our server kept everything moving and took good care of us without hovering. Strong dinner from start to finish. I'll be back to see what they can do with the brunch and lunch menus. read more

Zuni is an SF classic that feels timeless. We were seated at a rather odd table with two seats next to each other like we were riding on a train, it did afford us an interesting view of the open kitchen however. We also had good look at a large stack of firewood presumably to feed the oven behind it. The waiter was courteous, helpful and unobtrusive. My husband ordered the chicken, which takes forever and in meant for two. He loved it but felt there might be a way to estimate the number of chickens you will need and cut down on the 75 minute wait time. It comes with a bread salad and a dramatic presentation. You should order this for sure! We filled the lag with a gigantic plate of matchstick french fries (superb) and a round of drinks. I got the bavette steak medium, which was cooked to perfection. The accompanying vegetables were practically incinerated. I like a nice char but these were several stages beyond that. The flavors were subtle, perhaps a bit too subtle as to be somewhat bland. I do love to come here. It is a very tranquil environment for a birthday or special night out. read more

Delicious chicken. For $75 and 75 minute was plus 20% tip and 5% tax included it better be good. Seafood on paella was dry, rubbery, over cooked. Last word, service was sketchy. Was it because we were non white? I really hope not. Another table received celebratory candle and cake, while ours received nothing, even tho the host acknowledged we were there for a celebration. Also, 2 white ladies asked to be moved on a table next to us 10 minutes after we were seated. Mind you, we are a 70 plus year old native sf couple, and know how to behave. Yuk. read more

My husband and I came here for brunch on a Sunday and it was delicious. The fries are so good and they give you like 18 lbs of them (see photo). If you come during the day, one of the best parts is how much natural light shines in. I noticed a piano so I imagine that somebody plays it occasionally, the bar area looks really cool, but it was like 11 AM so we got coffee I think. And french fries. In case I didn't mention, the fries. They are very skinny and crispy and very good and there is no way they use less than probably like ~12 potatoes in the production of each plate. But who am I to speak on such issues? I'll leave that to the professional French friers . French friars? Friars. ahem,, a hearty round of applause to the dope AF friars of France. And to Zuni Cafe, a place where you too can eat your weight in BOMB frites (get it?) lol but fr get it? Ok it's gonna bug me. Instead of "pomme" frites I said "Bomb" frites ...! It's ok if u don't get it-- it's very highbrow .i have a bachelors in French that I now solely use to make hilarious jokes that everyone loves so I guess it WAS worth it.........MOM Anyways. Remember the bomb frites joke? ROFL . One last thought:. Zuni's = good, sunny, quaint, yummy, delicious in your tumm(ies) Maddie out read more

Zuni Café - my husband (not stationary at zunis, just a handsome French fry model) and a mfing GRIP of them petite pomme-frites yall - Italian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I had an excellent dinner and experience here. I really appreciate a place that has a tight menu and executes on it everything well. Chicken - this did take a bit longer than the quoted 75 minutes, but I thought it was done very well. Skin is slightly crisp, meat is juicy, including the white meat which I found very impressive, and the bread salad is maybe the best part. Shoestring fries come in a massive portion. They are mostly crunchy all the way through so if you like that texture, you'll enjoy this a lot. I'm not a huge fan of Caesar salad salads being served with whole romaine leaves, but this is a tasty one. The croutons are especially impressive. I have no idea how they get such large croutons to be crisp yet soft so they don't tear up your mouth at all. Desserts were both enjoyed by all - flourless chocolate cake has a very tender texture, and the peach crisp was perfect with the unique ice cream! read more

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The chicken is famous for a reason - so good! Also love the salad on top and the croutons. Must order the fries too. Since everything is just seasoned enough to enhance the flavor, I found it a bit salt heavy. Fun spot to grab dinner on date night and then head to a show! read more

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a pretty old cafe rich in history, I love the high ceilings, natural sunlight, and space in there. it's a maze to get around since there's so many stairs and corners but it keeps noise low between tables. menu is californian and prices range from dish to dish. the shoestring fries ($12) was absolutely worth it! you probably need at least 3 to finish it, but they're a great finger food -- crispy and flavorful. I'd skip the acme levain bread ($5) next time, the butter and bread crust were hard. the ricotta gnocchi ($28) was soft, almost too soft for my liking (I prefer al-dente pasta), but the filling is cheesy and creamy. the sea bass ($48) was unfortunately not worth the price -- the fish was pretty hard and dry, and the other ingredients weren't very enjoyable and did not work well together. both desserts were amazing! the oil with the panna cotta was hit or miss but I liked the textures. read more

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I've been coming to Zuni off and on for many years. Prices have crept up (but I suppose that for everything these days!) the chicken/bread salad is worth the hype but with included tip is about $90 so keep that in mind. I tried desert for the first time and it was incredible. Service is always solid and the space is lovely. read more

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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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I'd heard about Zuni cafe and their warm chicken bread salad for years and finally had a chance to try it on a recent trip to the bay area. It did not disappoint. Since we knew we wanted the chicken, we told the waiter immediately upon being seated, and he had this knowing smile that told us we'd made the right choice! Since we had an hour to kill, we ordered a pizza, salad, and a some bread for the three of us. All three were excellent, though it ended up being a bit too much food by the end of it! Our waiter was great about giving us a couple of check ins with the chicken so that we knew how much longer we had, which was great for pacing. I also appreciated how he seemed to know when I'd taken the last sip of coffee in my cup and magically appeared with a fresh carafe. He was fun and attentive without being overbearing. As for the chicken itself, it did not disappoint! One thing that's hard to stress in the photos is just how tall the dish is. The salad gives it a level of verticality that is immediately impressive. The chicken was excellent. The skin was somehow still crispy despite having been rested and having a dressed salad sitting on top of it. The salad was warm but not wilting, with just enough bitterness and acidity to cut through the fat in the crispy bread pieces. By the end, we all agreed that it was worth the wait! As for desert, I knew about the chicken, but I didn't realize that they were also famous for their chocolate "cake"! Our waiter mentioned it as an option and since we were visiting we decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. When it came out, I admit I was disappointed at first since it looks a bit... underwhelming. But the chocolate flavor is intense, and it manages to give the feeling of a dense cake while being surprisingly light and airy at the same time. I was concerned that it looked a bit dry, but that was also not the case. I don't have any photos of the interior, but the restaurant sits on a triangular lot. The odd shape lends itself to a fun, sort of zig zaggy interior, and I appreciated how they worked around the constraints. Our table, for example, was also triangular and wedged between a window and under some cross bracing. It has industrail loft vibes, and it felt like over the course of hour long wait for the chicken, I was constantly noticing new little details (like how the bracing went straight through a window). All in all, it was a delightful place! Definitely worth the wait, and I look forward to visiting again the next time I'm in the area. 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

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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Iconic SF chicken spot surprised us with other tasty treats. Don't sleep on the flourless chocolate cake, chilled shrimp, or fritto! Food: 5. Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Cost to worth it rating: 3 Opentableable: yes Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best fluffy flourless chocolate cake Highlight: - Charley: most amazing waiter. Friendly and so on top of it. Anticipated what we needed and paid attention to details. Realized an app I mentioned was lost in a service handoff on his own and said he'd make it happen. - Flourless chocolate cake: fluffiest version I've had with just the right amount of subtle sweetness. 5 stars - White shrimp: fantastic chilled starter can order by the piece. 5 stars - Fritto: lightly fried crispy calamari, broccolini, and the surprise star; eggplant. 5 stars - Anchovies: not too salty or briny and my friend enjoyed them. 5 stars - Chicken: well cooked and appreciated the brine: 4.5 stars - Roasted tomatoes and peppers: as sides for the steak were almost Chez Panisse worthy wonderful. 4.5 stars - Acme bread and butter: solid and appreciate no bread plates to encourage using the paper on the table. 4 stars - Bavette steak: cooked nicely with flakey salt on top. 4 stars - Squash and bresaola: unique dish and appreciated the almonds for texture. 4 stars - Pavlova: unique with fennel and raspberries. Great texture not too crunchy and not too soft. 4 stars - Atmosphere: simple yet comfortable with several hidden dining rooms upstairs in addition to the downstairs area - Wine: short list but enjoyed what we had: extra brut, gamey, unique white varietal, and white label house pinot. Midlights: - If Barting not the most fun 10 minute walk down market, but could muni closer. Lowlights: - Chicken did stay true to its long wait of over an hour which is quite a while. Like that it's done fresh but with most people ordering them you'd think maybe they could have them ready and have a steady stream of fresh ones. - I've lived in the area all my life and have been meaning to visit but have never been here--been missing out read more

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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Absolutely lived up to the hype for me and my dining companion. The chicken was very much worth the long wait. Flavorful, juicy, and the accompanying bread salad was perfect. The fries are probably the best I've ever had and I'd go back just for that. We also tried the polenta which was shockingly good and so simple. But what surprisingly stole the show was the ricotta gnocchi dish. Wow. We were both floored and wanted to lick the plate. I can't remember what we had for dessert so maybe it was forgettable or maybe everything else just overshadowed it. Service was quite formal. Not super warm but nice enough. And at first I didn't like where we were sitting (very out of the way) but it grew on me. Highly recommend. read more

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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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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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

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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If you want nice atmosphere kind of an old San Francisco institution this is the place. Don't be surprised if the food is underwhelming and quite expensive. Menu is uninspired and not very well executed even in its simplicity. The drinks were good. 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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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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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

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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Terrible service at Zuni Café. The waitress ignored my question on wait times and helped other customers.

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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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