Zuni Cafe
American · European · San Francisco, CA
About
Zuni Cafe has been a San Francisco fixture since 1979, known for its iconic roast chicken and bustling Market Street location in a triangular brick building with floor-to-ceiling windows. The upscale yet casual American-European menu changes with fresh ingredients, drawing a mixed crowd of locals and visitors, from families to gay-friendly groups. Reviews are split: some find the food just okay and service inattentive for the price, while others praise the magic of a festive lunch on the sidewalk or a celebratory dinner.
Lunch on a sunny day offers prime people-watching along Market Street from outdoor seats, and Gay Pride Sunday is a favorite time to swap stories over oysters and champagne. If you're in the mood for a sweet treat after, Bi-Rite Creamery is a short walk away in the same neighborhood.
Located in Hayes Valley, Zuni Cafe sits on Market Street near the intersection with Gough Street, a lively corridor of shops and restaurants.
Features
- ✓Order the famous roast chicken
- ✓Sidewalk seating for people-watching
- ✓Gay Pride Sunday gathering spot
- ✓Floor-to-ceiling windows in brick triangle building
- ✓Sunday brunch available
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
What people say
26 community ratings.
From the community
People often recommend coming here for dinner because the food ranks among the city's best, and the chicken is a well-known classic. The brick building's triangular shape with tall windows is also appealing. But my favorite time is lunch on a nice day, when you can sit on the sidewalk and watch the activity along Market Street.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“I must be missing something....”
People keep saying how amazing Zuni is, so I've eaten there three times over the last six years (I didn't get the hype the first time, so I gave it two more chances). Every visit, the food was only average, not what I'd expect from a place with such a big reputation and high prices. I'm glad I was a guest twice and didn't have to pay the bill. Except for my last visit, the service was generally rude and inattentive. I won't go back. There are plenty of other restaurants in the city that make you feel your time and money were well spent.
A guest · Over a year ago
“SF Staple”
Good food, but too pricey. Great for watching people.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“zuni is my breakfast at Tiffany's.”
You can't really go wrong at Zuni. I always have a wonderful time, whether I'm having a simple bowl of polenta or going all out with oysters, champagne, and multiple courses. It's a place for celebrating life changes and special memories. On Gay Pride Sunday, it's the perfect spot to relax and exchange stories.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“excellent!”
The menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients, and I've always had excellent meals there. They also offer a good oyster selection, and the service is consistently great.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cuisine does Zuni Cafe serve? +
American, European, Mediterranean, seafood, and fusion dishes, plus Sunday brunch.
Is Zuni Cafe LGBTQ+ friendly? +
Yes, Zuni Cafe is tagged trans-friendly and attracts a mixed-gay-straight crowd.
Is the roast chicken as famous as people say? +
Reviews consistently mention the chicken as a famous staple and a must-try dish.
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