ThurstonHowell
(18) reviews
1/22/2008
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ If value is sought I am afraid this rates a negative! Chicken, what you had at your families dinner that fed all for a sawbuck has turned into a brick of gold for the owner! Unless the chicken is hand fed, massaged and serenaded to, it cannot command the price of $48.00 Yes, you read that correct. It serves two, and comes with a bread stuffing, BUT $48 bucks? I concede that it is not quantity but the quality of food that establishes the paramount of perception but That equates to me a 1.75 lit bottle of Grey Goose! Just imagine the fun that can bring as you drain the bottle with your friends! You can even pick up a chicken or two from the whirly spit at your favorite grab and run supermercado. Ok, there is value for being seen here, the rant and rave of the lower Haight, so unless you are a dotcommer got out in the nick of time person, or an invited guest, pass on the Zuni unless a Caesar salad will satiate you, that is only 12 bucks for an 1/2 head of romaine...... ”
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samarati
(443) reviews
1/20/2008
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Ate here 6 times since 1987. Zuni Cafe is a San Francisco version of a Paris Brasserie. In that: the menu has a focused small number of selections, the waiters wear white shirts, ties and vests. The tables are covered in crisp white butcher paper, the food quality can be middling to great, the prices are over the top too high for what you get. Yet, I like the food most of the time here. Last night the house salad was skimpy in size & too vinegar-ed-up with the balsamic. My white pizza was okay, if a little too chewy. Bambie' fish was delicious but the portion, again, was too skimpy. Caramel creme was rich & tasty, the espresso is top notch. We each had one pre-meal cocktail & a glass of wine each with the food. So, was our 4:00pm snack worth $128 with tip - No way! But the ground floor was packed with good looking rich folks, the buzz was lively. The service was cheerful & efficient. You pay for spectacle. I'll come back again in another 6 years, it's my SF civic duty. ”
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prkee
(28) reviews
9/17/2007
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “
My former colleagues and I went to Zuni to meet up for our project. It's a great meeting place for projects because it's pretty spacey and it's not all that noisy. I ordered a sandwich there but it wasn't the greatest. ”
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jpierson
(412) reviews
3/8/2007
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ The pasta with duck sogu and wild mushrooms was excellent. The garden salad was just ok. The manchego/serrano ap was delicious. The Caesar salad was prepared with anchovy. The ricotta gnocchi was perfect. The apple tart was very good, as was the gateau victoire. The Abarino white was an excellent accompaniment. The service was good, but fell off at the end. The upstairs dining room was cool. Recommended. ”
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KMK
(119) reviews
6/17/2006
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Overrated. For the amount of money they ask for one lousy chicken, they should serve it on a diamond encrusted, solid gold platter...and let you take it home. I don't think I've ever had such an expensive chicken, actually. It's a good chicken...not a great chicken. Service is ok, but a little too cool for me, if you know what I mean. ”
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fairview
(19) reviews
6/9/2006
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I had heard so much about this california cuisine palce btu i am sorry to say that i was truly disappointed. I had taken frinds who were visting SF and we all were nto very impressesd. the service is curt abd the food is surely nothing great. i was shocked to see that a place that claims its cusine as califirnian ona given day had pizza Margarita as its only option for vegeterians. I ordered the roast chicken which as they promised took 1 hour but it was trylu NOT worth the wait /
very pricy . ”
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MrCoconuts
(87) reviews
6/8/2006
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ As others have pointed out, the service is great and, yes, it does seems overpriced. But there's something about the overall Zuni experience that really works, even when the food is not terribly exciting. For my recent dinner there I had a salad of mixed lettuces and a chowder consisting of clams, fish, and potatoes. While the quality of the ingredients was top-notch, it all seemed like something I could easily make at home. On the other hand, the ice cream sandwiches for dessert were awesome. In any case, if the prices were a few dollars lower on each item this would be the perfect SF restaurant.
”
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JenJenn
(115) reviews
3/8/2006
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Came for lunch and tried the pizza, It was super thin crusted pizza with dotted with feta cheese and thin slices of chinese eggplant. Very good. Also the cheeseburger was a little over priced. $13.00. The foccacia bun it was served on was soggy. ”
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mediumrare007
(39) reviews
1/27/2006
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Even though Zuni's has a fun atmosphere and a knowledgable/friendly waitstaff I have to give this place a negative because I can find no reason to return to this place. I don't mind paying a premium for great service/atmosphere along with great food, however the only thing that stands out on the menu at Zuni's are the prices. ”
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bigtongue
(23) reviews
12/12/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Went there for lunch mid-November.
We had to wait a lot to get menus, get the drinks, and place the order.
The food was good (we had fish, burger, polenta).
The drinks are over-priced (bottled beer for $5!!!).
No beer on tap either. ”
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SMNP
(22) reviews
12/5/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Probably the best service I've had at a restaurant in SF. Waitstaff (including bussers) were very professional, knowledgeable and attentive. Food was very good and fresh, but not all that creative. I had the salt cod and my friend had the tuna. both good choices. For dessert - the bittersweet chocolate pot de creme- which was amazing. Very reasonably priced wine list - although the food is a little expensive. I will definitely return. ”
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eat_me
(128) reviews
10/14/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ The waitress (and staff) are very professional and knowledgable of the menu items and wine. We came here for lunch - one glass of red wine, fresh lemondae (really good); a hamburger on foccacia bread, roasted chicken sandwich w/balasmic mayo (tasty but not much filling), Apple-huckleberry tart with vanilla ice cream (fruit was not fragrant, the thin buttery crust was all we could taste) with vanilla ice cream (tasted re-frozen) came out to $50. Not the greatest lunch I've had for that amount of money. The portions are small and I was left still hungry. ”
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dshsfca
(6) reviews
7/30/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ This landmark has been in continuous business for over 25 years for good reason. The food isn't inspired, but it is always fresh and delicious. The wait staff could take a course in hospitality. After years of not accepting credit cards, they finally gave in (you normally wouldn't carry THAT much cash for a dinner for four.) Pricey, curious ambience, and uncomfortable chairs. ”
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maverick
(29) reviews
7/28/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ By far one of the gems of SF. Anyone who thinks otherwise, probably considers Chevy's authentic mexican food. The food here is all artisan, picked and prepared by a somewhat crazy chef, who puts together delicious pairings of local organic ingredients. The lamb chop is outstanding, and if you have the time, get the chicken. It takes about an hour, but its flowing with juice. Brunch is also a hit here, the burger is very unique to say the least. And the Bloody Mary is to die favor, second only to Zeitgeist. But a bit different. ”
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Prettyredhead
(27) reviews
7/26/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Zuni is one of those places in San Francisco that you always have in your back pocket, you know when your friends are in from the burbs and no one can make up their mind, just say Zuni and everyone agrees. The wait staff is consistently knowledgeable and friendly and usually up for a shot of fernet to wash down the fresh pacific oysters, chicken for two (which everyone should have once) or of course the burger that you write home about. ”
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FoodSnob
(13) reviews
7/21/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Zuni, I love you. I've probably eaten more meals at Zuni than any other restaurant in town. I stick to the same things- chicken, burger, caesar, porkchop, pizza, polenta, oysters, halibut cheeks (if you're lucky). I always go for lunch or brunch- three hours, friends, a deck of cards, some bottles of wine, and I am in heaven!!!! A cornerstone of our cullinary world!!!! Thank you!!!!!! ”
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jpwm
(47) reviews
6/29/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Good place to eat, I love their food. They do have the best french fries in the city, their entree's are good to. Fresh food, and good portions. I was not too crazy with the selection of deserts, they could work on that one. Over all a good place to eat. ”
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supersassy
(11) reviews
6/17/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ My ZUNI routine: order margaritas at the bar and a few small plates. If you can afford the calories, the fries are a must! Always love the classic roast chicken with bread salad - it's so moist and flavorful! The bar is where the action is - and probably the fastest way to eat on Friday night. The drinks can be lethal - get a cab! ”
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SDK
(3) reviews
6/9/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Overrated is an understatement for this restaurant. I've eaten there multiple times and the menu is uninspired, drinks are over priced, and the wait staff makes you feel like you're an inconvenience to them. I would not recommend Zuni for any reason - don't believe any of the hype you hear about it. ”
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El Gran Tomate
(46) reviews
6/8/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Zuni is great. They were, and are, _the_ pioneer of what is now known as "California cuisine." Lunch there today was nothing extraordinary: cheese Zuni-burger, pizza, salad, but the setting is great, everything _smells_ great, and it makes you want to come back over and over again. A very solid "4" on my 1-5 scale. ”
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Superswank
(237) reviews
6/8/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I had a great experience at Zuni. I went in a bit cautious because I have heard some uneven reviews. However, it was great. The oyster bar is awesome and fresh. The Zuni ceaser salad is great, but not really worth all the hype. Our entrees were delicious and perfectly sized. They also have a verynice wine list with some great half bottle options. The dessert was delicious, strawberry rhubarb crisp a la mode. The service was mediocre. Our waiter was a little strange, but very nice. The food takes some time, but we didn't mind because we were enjoying the scenery and the atmosphere. A great SF restaurant. ”
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cyberdoggie
(49) reviews
5/25/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ What's not to love about Zuni. it's the quintessential SF restaurant. Locally owned, always consistent, stylish, tasty. I never order chicken in a restaurant, but at Zuni you're grateful to wait 50 minutes 9required wait time) for the chicken and bread salad with arugula. It's out of this world. House cured anchovies are awesome. Best oyster bar in SF too. They also do a great Sunday brunch. It's all good. Oh and they leave many seats open for walk ins too! ”
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jchansky
(35) reviews
5/15/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ A long time ago, when i first moved to San Francisco my friend (chub415) coerced me into being his chicken partner at Zuni. I wasn't nearly as big a fan as he was/is of the chicken, though. I have, however, continued to love almost everything else i've ever eaten there. They have a great selection of oysters. Their french fries are dynamite and it's just a very pretty restaurant. I love all the exposed brick. Me likey. ”
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promotersf
(423) reviews
5/8/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I've loved Zuni since 1989 when my summer internship boss took me there for a "quick" bite. That quick bite has led to many long dinners. Zuni is excellent all around. The raw and seafood bar is great(love the kumamotos), all the apps, salads, entrees over the years have been great from the excellent steaks to the $40 roast chicken with bread salad. Breakfasts w/poached eggs with proscuitto and their excellent burger at lunch are less expensive options as well. The bar action is always packed, and Zuni packs an excellent wine list. If you're a fan of Zuni, pick up one of Judy Rodgers cookbooks. Let's not forget, that Rodgers won the James Beard Outstanding Chef Award, making her the top chef in the country. ”
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ondmtn
(49) reviews
5/2/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Waitress was friendly and pretty attentive. Even asked if we were catching a play - wanted to make sure that the service did not make us feel rushed or make us late. Nice touch. I felt the menu was a bit limiting, but had no problem finding many things to order. Had the halibut - outstanding w/ baby sweet pea pods and carrots. We split a ceasar salad and wrapped up w/ the flour less chocolate cake - boy is that rich. I liked the seating and all of the windows making it a well lit restaurant. ”
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xscientist
(223) reviews
4/18/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I had one unmemorable dinner here, one really bad one (live bugs in my salad and the waiter didn't do anything about it) and a fantastic brunch. So I guess I'd say it's uneven at best. Great place for oysters. ”
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chub415
(253) reviews
4/9/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Weird thing about Zuni is that it has this legendary reputation for snooty service. I have been there around a dozen times and have not experienced anything terrible or great on the service side. The food however, is great. Simple food made with the highest quality ingredients. The burger is great. Get yourself a chicken partner and get down there! ”
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whitecamero
(50) reviews
4/7/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I really enjoy my meals at Zuni. The service on the whole is friendly although every now and then you get someone who is indifferent. Their french fries are wonderful (ask for aioli to accompany it!) and their dishes are delicious. I like their small-medium-large plate options and the ability to mix and match and get a lot of different flavours in one meal. My only pet peeve is they always seem to make you wait at the bar (even if you show up on time for your reservation) and sometimes I don't want a cocktail before my meal. Other than that, I've always been satisfied. ”
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Lia
(106) reviews
3/9/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ A fun restaurant for lunch - wonderful french fries, fresh food and an interesting interior. The only downside is the neighborhood, which is a long way from re-gentrification. ”
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chris1
(116) reviews
3/9/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I would love to give this a positive review because the food is outstanding, but the service was annoying. I visited this restaurant for brunch a few weeks ago and loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. It was bright, the bar is great & I love the feel of sitting upstairs & looking out into the street. The server knew nothing about the food & what he did know sounded like he was reading off the menu description. We ordered ice tea & coffee & were never offered a refill. We were deserted while the server did his "side work" so he could punch out on time. Very frustrating as a patron. ”
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rjewell28
(46) reviews
2/22/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Their oysters are great! Fresh and light and Zuni's burgers are also surprisingly delightful. And although they are expensive, they don't seem overpriced to me due to the quality and tastiness of the food...They have good prices for lunch if you like the ambiance (and the oysters) but are looking for a lower overall bill. ”
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calforever
(151) reviews
2/7/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Though the place is a bit cramped and the seating is not all that comfortable, the food does make up for those flaws. Yes, it's a pricey restaurant, but it's worth it. Here, you do get what you pay for. I highly recommend it. ”
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Joey
(77) reviews
2/7/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Over rated, expensive, not real good with service and a bit trendy. Now if you like all those attributes...this place is for you...yes indeedy ;-)
If you asked me if I would go there again...hmm let me think, ummm....probably not. My night out does not include spending a large amount of money and not receiving good service or feeling like i was putting someone out"..that is no night out! ”
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wjboring
(180) reviews
1/3/2005
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Zuni is definitely a fun time including those great big windows to see & be seen. So many great dishes to shoose from especially from the seafood department, however my fav is the roasted chicken. A super juicy, yet crispy delight with a savory stuffing. Umm mmm. I understand the weekend brunch is likewise notable, however I haven't been (yet)...still on my list. ”
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mapleleafgirl
(480) reviews
12/31/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ The ridiculous $40 roast chicken was REALLY that good...Though I was more that a little irked though when we only finished half the chicken and they took it away and tossed it! I was infuriated! and they really didn't give a damn. The oysters were amazing. SO the food was great the service not so much :) ”
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kushnir
(405) reviews
12/25/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Too expensive for what you get, BUT since I only come here once a year to get there massive oyster sampler $50 which really only feeds two oyster lovers, a bottle of champagne and a ceasar salad, ( with anchovies on the side) IT is worth every penny! A local hang out, with food that you will never be disappointed with. Their roasted chicken is great for take out! The only problem was the &)*%@@#X% person next to us on her cellphone! Why do people think that have to shout on the phone? One of these days, I am going to come up to someone, grab their phone and throw it into their soup bowl! Don't people come to restaurant to get away and have a nice meal anymore??? Sorry, just had to get that out! ”
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SFFoodie
(161) reviews
12/15/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Okay, it is over-priced, and the service is sub-par for the prices, but the food really is amazing! There is definitely something special about their dishes- especially the burger. I like it for lunch, I feel very cosmopolitan sitting by the window sipping wine... ”
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sv650kd
(30) reviews
11/29/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ The amazing thing about the food at Zuni is that what you read on the menu (basically a listing of ingredients) can sound really boring. But when it arrives, it can be downright magical. But nine times out of ten the service is so offensive that I swear I'll never go back. And the tab always ends up being shocking. ("How did we manage to spend that much?!") I really only go there when someone else has picked the restaurant. ”
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nomadfromcincy
(2) reviews
11/23/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ Chicken to share - awesome. Late night burger - excellent. Fries - best in the city. Oysters - good, but pricey.
Definitely a place with a "scene", but I think it is the real SF. ”
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JohnnyCan
(62) reviews
11/21/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ The atmosphere is wonderful, the smell of the wood-burning oven and grill, the architecture and quirky staff. It is pricey, but you're paying for a lot of in-house ingredients that take time and knowledge to prepare. You'll also get things you can't find many other places. A beginner should ask the waitstaff what the signature dishes are and start there: house-cured anchovies, Caesar salad, shoestring fries, pizza margherita, and the delicious chicken. ”
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lady chan
(130) reviews
11/5/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I had stayed away from Zuni's for years as I kept hearing about snooty staff. A friend treated us to dinner there a few months back and I had a few surprises. I did love how the restaurant just meanders and has all those different levels. I was quite amused by the waiter and his presentation of specials of the day. Felt like I was watching a comedy show but he was serious...the food was not bad but the value doesn't match. once was enough for me ”
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wyld4yoo
(212) reviews
11/2/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ I would have to rate Zuni's as an over rated restaurant in the city. It is so average but people flock to it. There is nothing special about this place, not even the building or busy Market St location. This was the first time in my life I paid nearly $20 for a Cheese Burger. Yes, the burger was good, but over priced. The bar and wait staff is very good. I will give credit where due and the baked chicken is screamin! Wait an hour and enjoy! ”
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Chadder Box
(185) reviews
10/11/2004
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Cuisine:
Mediterranean
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Hayes Valley |
| “ After my first visited I stated:"Architecture is great and the food is decent but this place is WAY OVER RATED. We felt rushed by the waitstaff and were underwhelmed generally." However, recently I went there for lunch- their $13 burger was the best I've EVER had! Paired with a nice zin and shoestring fries, my 3 friends and I were delighted. Word of warning: this burger is over $30 for dinner so go there for lunch. 2nd time waitress was great although the maitre'd was a snob. ”
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