Zuni Cafe Restaurant Review, San Francisco

Zuni Cafe is a popular American restaurant on Market street near Hayes Valley. Judy Rodgers has served classic fare that stays timeless since their inception in 1979. Menu changes daily and they use sustainable and humane ingredients. They are packed most of the time. Bar tables are available first come first serve.

Decor, Vibe - Odd, pie shaped building with exposed brick, large windows, large bar area and oyster bar. Lots of folks in their 30’s to 50’s, better dressed, a bit of a scene.

Menu Pictures

Dessert Menu

Picks:

Zuni Caesar Salad ($9) is a classic dish. Fresh greens and classic dressing.

Chicken for two ($48) roasted in the brick oven, warm bread salad with scallions, currants, and pine nuts is their signature dish. Order it as soon as you sit down, as it takes an hour. Some of the best chicken around, it was juicy and tender. Bread was crispy. It is good reheated.

Oysters ($12) Wescott Pacific, Hog Kumamoto, and Olympias were fresh and served with champagne vinegrette.

Piccolo fritto ($11) deep-fried radicchio, onions, and lemon with balsamic vinegar was crunchy and satisfying. How could deep fried food not be?

Pistachio ice cream cones ($8.75) with chocolate sauce were small but the ice cream was smooth and creamy. Yes, it was someone’s birthday.

Espresso granita ($6.25) with whipped cream was a refreshing dessert. Caffeine and zingy coffee flavor balanced with cream.

Wills Ranch Pork Chop ($25) roasted with cardoons, chickpeas, and almond green garlic picada was cooked just right, tender, and juicy. Good beans.

Farro soup ($8.25) with 3 greens and one egg was excellent. Good broth and fresh greens.

OK:

Tomales Bay Mussels and Hog Island Manila Clams ($10) with saffron, coriander seed, orange zest and harissa was only fair. Fresh shellfish combined with good sauce. Good dip for bread.

Serrano Ham with Twin Girl Farm cherries and fennel ($11) was fair. Too simple, we guess. The other appetizers were better.

Polenta ($5.25) with parmesan cheese was fair. A litle on the hard side.

Pans:
None

Zuni Cafe had above average service that was friendly. All food came out paced well. Classic food that is very accessible, no wonder they are always packed. Be sure to try the Burger during lunchtime or late night time.

Cocktails like the Mojito and Margarita were strong and well made.
They add a 4% San Francisco Health Surchage to your bill.

Be sure to check out the Zuni Cafe Book

Book Reservation

Overall Rating:

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Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Fair/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:	Full Bar
Attire:	Dressy
Hours:	Tu-Sat 11:30am-Midnight, Sun 11am-11pm. Closed Mon
Parking:	Street, Valet
Reservations:	Yes
Prices:	$26 - $41

Zuni Cafe 1658 Market Street (Between Franklin and Gough) San Francisco, CA 94102 415-552-2522 Website