Zuni Café on Market Street is a San Francisco icon, open since 1979 and famous for its wood-fired roast chicken with bread salad (serves two, takes about an hour) and its Caesar. It's a stylish, sunlit room with real staying power. Order the chicken, book ahead, and settle in.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon Closed Tue 5:00pm-9:30pm Wed 5:00pm-9:30pm Thu 5:00pm-9:30pm Fri 11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm Sat 11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm Sun 11:00am-3:00pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Van Ness Muni/BART and Civic Center (~8-10 min walk); Muni F-line and buses on Market |
| Time needed | 90-120 minutes |
| Best time to go | Weekend lunch for the sunlit room, or book a weeknight dinner in advance |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.1/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get there?
- It's at 1658 Market Street near Franklin, walkable from Van Ness Muni/BART and Civic Center, with the F-line streetcar and buses running along Market. It's an easy transit trip. Parking is limited, so consider not driving.
- How much is the roast chicken?
- It's a premium dish priced for two and is one of the pricier plates on the menu, but since it feeds two it splits reasonably. Expect a nice-dinner price point overall with drinks. Check current menu pricing when booking.
- Do I need a reservation?
- It's strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch, and they book up to 60 days out. Call 415-552-2522 or book online. Walk-ins can try the bar and counter, which are first-come and serve the full menu.
- What's the atmosphere like?
- A bright, bustling, art-filled triangular room with big windows, a copper bar, and that iconic wood-fired oven, sophisticated but not stuffy. It's been a see-and-be-seen SF classic for decades. Great for a date or a celebratory meal.
- What is Zuni famous for?
- Its wood-fired whole roast chicken served over a warm bread salad with currants, pine nuts, and greens, a dish that's been on the menu for decades and is widely imitated. The Caesar salad and raw-bar oysters are also signatures. The chicken is the must-order.
- Is it good for a solo diner?
- Yes, the bar and counter are great for solo dining, where you can order oysters, the Caesar, and the famous burger. The roast chicken is really a two-person dish, so pivot to other plates if you're alone. The room is welcoming either way.
- What are the hours?
- Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday-Thursday for dinner only (5pm-9:30pm), and Friday-Sunday for both lunch (11am-3pm) and dinner (5pm-9:30pm). Note holiday closures throughout the year, so confirm before a special trip.
- How long does the roast chicken take?
- About an hour, because it's roasted to order in the brick oven, so order it as soon as you sit down. It's made for two people. Fill the wait with oysters, the Caesar, or a cocktail.
Nearby in Ask San Francisco
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- Izakaya RintaroRestaurant0.69 km · 9 min walk
- ABVBar0.88 km · 11 min walk
- Verve Coffee RoastersCafé0.92 km · 12 min walk
- Asian Art MuseumMuseum0.96 km · 12 min walk
Where to stay near Zuni Cafe
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