Where wood-fired tradition meets California innovation, Zuni Café San Francisco has anchored the city's culinary landscape for over four decades as an enduring testament to seasonal, locally-sourced dining excellence. This iconic Market Street institution transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences through the mastery of its legendary brick oven.

Founded in 1979 by Billy West, Zuni Café evolved from a modest Southwest-themed café into a defining force of California cuisine under the visionary leadership of chef Judy Rodgers. From 1987 to 2013, Rodgers transformed the restaurant into a James Beard Award-winning destination, earning Outstanding Restaurant (2003) and Outstanding Chef (2004) honors. Her culinary philosophy of honest, seasonal ingredients prepared with Mediterranean-inspired techniques established Zuni as a cornerstone of San Francisco fine dining. Today, Executive Chef Anne Alvero continues this legacy, preserving the restaurant's celebrated classics while embracing seasonal innovation.

The cuisine at Zuni Café represents the pinnacle of California's farm-to-table movement, with daily-changing menus showcasing the finest Bay Area producers. The restaurant's crown jewel remains the legendary Roast Chicken for Two, wood-fired in the massive brick oven and served atop warm bread salad soaked in aromatic pan juices. The raw bar features pristine Pacific oysters, while the Caesar salad and house-cured anchovies have achieved cult status among discerning diners. Seasonal offerings might include brick-oven roasted rabbit with turnips, grilled squab with black trumpet mushrooms, or the beloved hamburger on grilled rosemary focaccia. Each dish reflects Zuni's commitment to sustainable sourcing and elegant simplicity.

The restaurant's triangular space captivates with its distinctive architectural character, featuring soaring brick walls, gleaming copper bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bustling Market Street. The centerpiece wood-fired oven fills the air with intoxicating aromas while the open kitchen creates an intimate connection between diners and culinary craft. The multi-level dining room accommodates both neighborhood regulars and destination diners, with bar seating perfect for walk-ins and a private mezzanine for special occasions. The carefully curated wine program emphasizes California and European selections that complement the restaurant's Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.

Zuni Café represents more than dining—it embodies San Francisco's culinary soul. Reservations are recommended for this best restaurant in San Francisco, though the welcoming copper bar accommodates spontaneous visits. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking the city's most authentic California cuisine experience, Zuni Café delivers an unforgettable journey through four decades of culinary excellence.