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San Francisco

Zuni Café, established in 1979, has long been a cherished dining destination in San Francisco. Its commitment to sustainable, organic ingredients and a fusion of French and Italian culinary traditions has garnered it a loyal following. The restaurant's iconic wood-fired oven, copper bar, and live piano music contribute to its unique charm. Over the years, Zuni Café has received numerous accolades, including James Beard Foundation Awards for Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Service.

Zuni Café: A San Francisco Culinary Icon on Market Street 

Nestled in the vibrant Civic Center neighborhood of San Francisco, 

 is a bustling bi-level bistro famed for its 

roast chicken and seasonal wood-fired cuisine

. This beloved establishment offers a dining experience that balances traditional recipes with thoughtful innovation, ensuring each dish is crafted with care and precision.

The star attraction at Zuni Café is undoubtedly the legendary 

, a dish so generous it’s often enough for three diners. Complementing this is their zesty and fresh 

, which is a favorite among regulars. The menu also features a broad selection of vegetarian and vegan options, embracing seasonal and fresh ingredients.

The ambiance is enriched by the restaurant's iconic historic building situated on a shear corner lot, offering diners a nearly 360-degree view of Market Street. The art-filled interiors and lively vibe make it a perfect spot for everything from date nights to family celebrations. Outdoor seating is also available, letting you enjoy the vibrant San Francisco atmosphere while dining.

Visitor impressions and community sentiment

. Many diners rave about the delicious flavors and thoughtful presentation, especially praising the service and the welcoming atmosphere. Some guests, however, note that portion sizes can be small relative to price, and the automatic tipping policy has sparked some debate.

Despite these critiques, Zuni Café remains a cherished San Francisco institution, celebrated for its iconic dishes, historic charm, and a curated dining experience that leaves many guests coming back for more.

What is the most popular dish at Zuni Café?

 The Zuni Roast Chicken and Bread Salad is renowned and often considered a must-try.

 Yes, reservations can be made through OpenTable.

 Yes, Zuni Café offers outdoor seating adjacent to Market Street.

 Yes, the menu includes vegan-friendly dishes.

What are the operating hours for lunch and dinner?

 Lunch is served Friday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM; dinner is served Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

North America

United States

Overview  
Zuni Café is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center, where the vibrant atmosphere of Market Street meets the warmth of a welcoming bistro. This bi-level eatery is renowned for its **wood-fired dishes** and particularly famous for its roast chicken, which has become a must-try for both locals and visitors alike. The café's unique blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine, paired with an inviting ambiance adorned with art, makes it a perfect spot for any occasion.

The café's signature dish, the roast chicken for two, is a culinary spectacle that arrives perfectly golden and crispy, served with a side of seasonal vegetables. The chicken is so generous that it often serves three, making it a delightful centerpiece for sharing. Another standout is the **classic Caesar salad**, which is elevated with a zesty lemon dressing that dances on your palate, making it a refreshing start to your meal.

Dining & Culinary Delights  
Zuni Café is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that every visit offers something new and exciting. The ambiance is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual brunches to intimate dinners.

Behind the scenes, Zuni Café has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1979. The founders aimed to create a space that felt like home, where guests could enjoy delicious food in a warm and inviting environment. This philosophy continues to resonate today, as the staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service while maintaining the café's unique charm.

Location & Nearby Attractions  
Situated at 1658 Market St, Zuni Café is perfectly positioned to explore the vibrant Civic Center area. After your meal, consider visiting the nearby San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or taking a stroll through the beautiful Alamo Square Park, known for its iconic Painted Ladies.

**FAQs**  
- **What is Zuni Café known for?**  
  Zuni Café is famous for its wood-fired dishes, particularly the roast chicken, and its vibrant atmosphere filled with art.

  It offers a unique dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.

  Zuni Café is open for lunch and dinner, with brunch served on weekends.

Visit Us Today!  
Whether you're a local or just visiting San Francisco, Zuni Café promises a memorable dining experience filled with flavor, warmth, and community. Make a reservation today and indulge in the culinary delights that await you.

Bustling, bi-level bistro serving famous roast chicken & other seasonal wood-fired eats.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIZ3RDMWxnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJO7u9q5-AhYARiSSXyWv9eJ8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIZ3RDMWxnRRAB

Zuni Cafe is one of the best places to eat in San Francisco.

Traditional, but yet very thoughtful on everything they serve. Spot on and perfect dishes and service.

They are most famous for their chicken for two which is delicious but it’s more like a chicken for 3 and that’s a must try in SF, and the Cesar salad that feels lemony and is to die for, but they also have so many other delicious dishes!!

The service is fantastic and fast although the restaurant is always packed. The vibe is fantastic and the restaurant is packed with art.

I would recommend anyone to come here for any type of occasion! From dates to family dinner or birthday celebrations.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzeThicVZnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJO7u9q5-AhYARiSSXyWv9eJ8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzeThicVZnEAE

Great experience overall and the food was amazing. However, the dishes were very small. The cod had only a little piece of cod and the gnocchi had about 10 pieces only.

I’d prefer to pay a higher price and get a bigger portion.

Also, automatic 25% tip seems like a lot

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3MU5UVF93RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJO7u9q5-AhYARiSSXyWv9eJ8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3MU5UVF93RRAB

Really wholesome and delicious food at good portions. The chicken and bread salad is a must try. You have to wait for almost an hour but it’s worth it. The service was quite good. Ambiance could be improved a little though - we sat upstairs at a corner and the acoustics wasn’t ideal.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3dGVLalhnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJO7u9q5-AhYARiSSXyWv9eJ8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3dGVLalhnEAE

The location of Zuni within is an absolute gem, wedged on a shear corner lot on Market, the building has authentic bones that gives nearly a 360° perch on this spot in the city.

We ordered the fig popover, lamb chickpea soup of the day, and polenta, all fantastic with unique stand-alone flavor profiles. I loved the soup so much, I will probably go back to buy the cookbook. For a Sunday brunch, the place wasn’t too busy, so the environment was very relaxed.

Lived in the city for five years and always seen the spot while passing through, but finally glad it took a friend visiting to discover this great spot.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUemZIZmhRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJO7u9q5-AhYARiSSXyWv9eJ8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURUemZIZmhRRRAB

The food is delicious and the service wonderful, the historic building feels fresh and alive, cared for. Yo, the pricing is ridiculous and borderline illegal, at an effective rate of a 35% plus amortization in the 15% (the morality of tipping on tax needs to be justified by ownership as there is no ethical norm that says this is standard) - this approach to pricing should include lower meal costs. The place gets 5 Stars for delivering food that feels cared for and tastes delicious; and ownership should know that the feeling in leaving is I don’t need to go back and feel that way looking at a bill. Eating a meal at a place like Zuni should leave you floating all day, rather than checking a box and saying never again.

Experience Zuni Café: Iconic Dining in Civic Center, SF

Zuni Café, established in 1979, has been a cornerstone of San Francisco's dining scene, known for its commitment to sustainable, organic ingredients and a fusion of French and Italian culinary traditions.

Zuni Café: A San Francisco Culinary Icon

Established in 1979, Zuni Café has long stood as a culinary beacon in the heart of San Francisco, melding the vibrant flavors of Californian and French cuisines within a historic and inviting setting. Its legacy is deeply entwined with the city's dining evolution, offering guests an experience that transcends mere meals to become cherished memories.

Zuni Café opened its doors in 1979, quickly becoming a neighborhood staple. Just a year later, it introduced what would become its signature offering—the iconic roast chicken served with a fresh bread salad. This dish, renowned for its perfectly roasted flavors and thoughtful composition, remains a must-try and a symbol of the café’s commitment to quality and tradition.

transforming the space and culinary prestige

The 1990 renovation marked a defining moment for Zuni Café, enhancing its warm ambiance with the addition of a gleaming copper bar and an authentic wood-fired oven. These features not only elevated the dining atmosphere but also enriched the menu, allowing for seasonal wood-fired dishes that delight the palate. This period of transformation played a pivotal role in cementing Zuni’s reputation as a premier destination for discerning food lovers.

The turn of the millennium brought national acclaim when Zuni Café received the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2000, highlighting its excellence and influence in American gastronomy. A decade later, the café celebrated 30 remarkable years with a special anniversary menu that honored its rich history and ongoing dedication to culinary innovation.

 combination of historic charm, masterful culinary craftsmanship, and a warm, bustling atmosphere makes it a cornerstone of San Francisco’s vibrant food scene. From its legendary roast chicken and bread salad to seasonal dishes crafted in the wood-fired oven, every plate tells the story of decades of passion and precision.

 - Zuni Café opens its doors in San Francisco, starting its journey as a beloved local eatery.

 - Introduction of the iconic roast chicken and bread salad, dishes that define the café’s culinary identity.

 - Renovation brings a copper bar and wood-fired oven, enriching both the ambiance and menu offerings.

 - Earns the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, a testament to its culinary excellence.

 - Celebrates 30 years with a special anniversary menu celebrating decades of tradition and innovation.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Good for Groups

Zuni Café offers a vibrant haven amid the bustling heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center, where culinary innovation dances with the timeless charm of California cuisine. A striking blend of rustic and contemporary aesthetics welcomes diners into a warm ambiance, enhanced by large windows that invite the city’s energy to flow in. This iconic establishment is famed for its wood-fired dishes and a tantalizing selection of seasonal ingredients that transform simple fare into a symphony of flavors. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch or an intimate dinner under the romantic glow of hanging lights, Zuni Café is a must-visit destination that captures the spirit of San Francisco—diverse, vibrant, and undeniably delicious.

Zuni Café

Price Range

Cuisine

Serves Coffee

Serves Brunch

Serves Dessert

Zuni Café offers a vibrant haven amid the bustling heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center, where culinary innovation dances with the timeless charm of California cuisine. A striking blend of rustic and contemporary aesthetics welcomes diners into a warm ambiance, enhanced by large windows that invite the city’s energy to flow in. This iconic establishment is famed for its wood-fired dishes and a tantalizing selection of seasonal ingredients that transform simple fare into a symphony of flavors.

Zuni Café offers a daily changing menu inspired by seasonal organic ingredients, incorporating traditional French and Italian cuisine. The menu includes starters, main courses, desserts, and a selection of beverages.

House-Cured Anchovies

King Farm Garden Lettuce Salad

Frisée Salad

Zuni Caesar Salad

Crostini

Black Lentil Soup

Bowl of Polenta

Marin Sun Farms Flat Iron Steak

Spaghetti

Risotto

Pizza with Ricotta Salata

Pizza with Mozzarella

Roasted Chicken for Two

Grouper

Becker Lane Pork Chop

House-Ground Hamburger

Marinated Pacific Sun Farm Olives

Shoestring Potatoes

Yellowfin Tuna Confit

Arugula Salad

Jerusalem Artichoke Soup

Sagne a Pezzi Alla Bolognese

Llano Seco Ranch Pork Shoulder Roast

Whole Passmore Ranch Trout Roasted in the Wood-Fired Brick Oven

Crostone

Piccolo Fritto

Little Gem Lettuce Salad

Bellwether Farms Ricotta Gnocchi

Grilled Maryland Striped Bass and Fava Bean Leaves

La Tagliata

Aperitif

Beer

Juice & Soda

Water

Coffee, Tea & Cocoa

Zuni Café Menu

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Civic Center, Zuni Café offers a vibrant dining experience that embodies the city's rich culinary spirit. Renowned for its wood-fired seasonal dishes, this bustling bi-level bistro crafts a menu that highlights thoughtfully prepared, flavorful plates that cater to both traditional palates and adventurous food lovers alike.

Begin your meal with the crisp and refreshing Caesar Salad, featuring romaine lettuce tossed in a tangy Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. For a simple yet addictive snack, try the Shoestring Potatoes—thinly cut, perfectly fried potatoes seasoned with just the right amount of salt to satisfy your cravings.

Zuni Café's signature dish, the Roast Chicken and Bread Salad, is a must-try culinary icon—succulent roast chicken served alongside a vibrant bread salad that perfectly balances texture and flavor, ideal for sharing but generous enough to satisfy a trio. Alternatively, indulge in the Hamburger on Rosemary Focaccia, a savory beef patty nestled between aromatic rosemary focaccia bread, layered with aioli, pickles, crispy bacon, and caramelized grilled onions for a harmonious blend of tastes.

End your meal on a sweet note with the indulgent Sticky Toffee Pudding, a rich dessert made from dates, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and cream, offering a comforting and moist texture. Alternatively, savor the light and airy Citrus & Cherry Pavlova, featuring crisp meringue crowned with luscious cherries, tart citrus curd, whipped cream, and a hint of lime zest to brighten the palate.

Complement your meal with a selection of beverages including expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines, and local beers that perfectly accompany the robust flavors of the menu. While the café does not list a fixed specials menu, the wood-fired seasonal dishes promise fresh, creative options that rotate regularly, showcasing the best of California's local produce and culinary artistry.

 Zuni Roast Chicken and Bread Salad is perfect for sharing and a highlight of the menu.

 Caesar Salad and Shoestring Potatoes offer fresh, crisp, and satisfying beginnings to your meal.

 Sticky Toffee Pudding and Citrus & Cherry Pavlova provide perfect sweet conclusions.

 A curated selection of cocktails, wines, and beers complements the robust flavors of the menu.

Indulge in the culinary delights at Zuni Café in San Francisco’s Civic Center. Savor unique dishes and vibrant ambiance. Reserve your table today!

Zuni Café in San Francisco's Civic Center - Local Gem

San Francisco County

A signature dish, roasted in the wood-fired brick oven; served with a warm bread salad featuring scallions, garlic, bitter greens, dried currants, and pine nuts. Approximately 60 minutes preparation time.

A grass-fed beef burger on rosemary focaccia with aioli and Zuni pickles, available as a late-night option starting at 8:30 p.m.

Late-Night Hamburger

A smaller portion of the restaurant's famous crispy shoestring potatoes, ideal for solo diners.

Half-Order of Shoestring Potatoes

A side of garlicky aioli made with two types of olive oils, perfect for dipping fries.

Aioli Side

A daily changing off-menu vegetable plate featuring a variety of roasted vegetables fresh from the farmers market.

Vegetable Plate

Zuni Café: iconic San Francisco dining with a wood-fired twist at Market Street's heart.

Nestled in the vibrant Civic Center neighborhood of San Francisco, Zuni Café stands out as a beloved gem where classic meets contemporary. This bi-level bistro is famed for its legendary roast chicken for two — or really three — cooked in a wood-fired oven, a dish that has become synonymous with San Francisco’s culinary scene. But the magic at Zuni doesn't stop there: the menu showcases seasonal, thoughtfully crafted dishes that emphasize fresh, local ingredients and bold Mediterranean influences.

 remains a must-try, praised for its juicy tenderness and vibrant flavor. Alongside it, the 

 offers a fresh, tangy complement. Diners also rave about unique offerings like fig popovers, lamb chickpea soup, polenta, and the inventive bread salad. Whether you're hungry for a satisfying lunch or a memorable dinner, the seasonal wood-fired menu delights with perfect portions that emphasize quality and taste.

Bar Agricole

Double Decker

Souvla