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Californian restaurant in San Francisco, California
What should I order at Zuni Café?
What to order
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Roasted Chicken
The most frequently praised dish by far; reviewers call it iconic, a must-order, and worth the long wait because the skin is crisp, the meat is juicy, and the flavor is outstanding.
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Bread Salad
Often recommended alongside the chicken, with multiple reviews saying it soaks up the chicken juices beautifully and is so good it could stand on its own.
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Oysters
Mentioned several times as a reliable favorite, described as properly cold, fresh, and a great starter to have while waiting for the chicken.
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4
Caesar Salad
Highlighted as a classic Zuni dish that has been on the menu a long time and is praised for being a standout version of the salad.
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5
Chocolate Cake
Recommended as a dessert to finish the meal, with one review specifically saying to pair it with ice cream for the perfect ending.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9:30 PM |
About Zuni Café
Bustling, bi-level bistro serving famous roast chicken & other seasonal wood-fired eats.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Lively
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked
What is Zuni Café known for?
Zuni Café is best known for its roast chicken for two, which many reviewers call the signature dish. It comes with warm bread salad that soaks up the juices, and the chicken is described as crisp-skinned, juicy, and worth the wait even though it takes about 45 to 75 minutes to prepare.
What dishes are most recommended at Zuni Café?
The most recommended dishes include the roast chicken with bread salad, oysters, shoestring potatoes, and the burger on house-baked focaccia. Reviewers also single out the Caesar salad, pasta with clams, quail with lentils, and desserts like pavlova and chocolate cake.
What is the atmosphere like at Zuni Café?
The restaurant is described as cozy, historic, lively, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with an airy dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows in some seating areas. It suits couples, groups, and solo diners who want a meal that feels relaxed but still polished.
Is Zuni Café good value, and what is the price range?
Zuni Café is in the $100+ price range, so it is a higher-end meal rather than a casual budget stop. Reviewers still say the roast chicken for two, oysters, cocktails, and seasonal dishes feel worth the cost because of the quality, portion size, and execution.
Do you need a reservation at Zuni Café, and how long is the wait for the chicken?
Reservations are recommended for lunch, dinner, and brunch, and reviewers say the restaurant is often busy. The roast chicken for two requires advance ordering and usually takes about 45 to 75 minutes, so it is best to plan ahead if that is the dish you want.
Is parking available at Zuni Café?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking is available.
Does Zuni Café have vegetarian options?
Yes, Zuni Café offers vegetarian options.
