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Zuni or Boulevard for Lunch

I am trying to decide between Zuni or Boulevard for lunch on a Friday afternoon-which would you recommend? I heard Zuni has great burgers, but also saw burgers on the Boulevard menu?

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  1. rarely have I had a better meal than at Boulevard.

    1. Can you get in to both on the day/time you want? That might make your decision for you. They both are totally amazing, you really can't go wrong...

      1. Both are great restaurants, depends on what you're looking for. Zuni is more casual, less expensive. The food is lighter, ingredient driven, Cal cuisine. Boulevard is more formal, more expensive, food has a stronger French influence.

        To illustrate: Zuni does amazing Cesar Salad, french fries, and Roast Chicken, Boulevard does amazing Seared Foie Gras and Rack of Lamb.

        1. I love them both, and agree with others that it depends on what you're looking for. Boulevard is a little easier to get to, and the views are a lot better. The food is a little fancier there, and the desserts are fantastic. Zuni is one of my favorite restaurants, it's more causal, the burger is indeed great, as are the fries, the chicken, and the oysters.

          1. Are you going before Christmas? I absolutely love Zuni at Christmas, with their huge Christmas tree and tasteful decorations.

            13 Replies
            1. re: Frosty Melon

              I am really just looking for great food - i am going to be in the city for 3 days with my husband and trying to find the best places to eat (lunch and dinner). I have most of our dinner reseravations, but looking for good lunch places as well. I know Zuni is a SF institution, so that is why I thought of it.

              1. re: allisonteal

                As you're coming from LA I'd recommend Zuni. Boulevard is much closer to the upscale, French influenced places that LA is full of. Zuni is an only-in-SF kind of restaurant.

                1. re: Morton the Mousse

                  great - thanks!! would you recommend getting the burger or should we do the roasted chicken?

                  1. re: allisonteal

                    The chicken is only on the dinner menu - sorry if my last post was misleading on that point. The burger and fries are great, but the menu changes daily and just about everything they have is delicious. Go with what sounds good to you, or ask your server for a rec, you wont be disappointed.

                      1. re: Morton the Mousse

                        Nope, the chicken is definitely on the lunch menu as well. I'd definitely get the chicken -- I love the burger, but the chicken is amazing.

                      2. re: allisonteal

                        oysters are really good and any fresh pasta, pizza or most specials you cannot lose. enjoy

                    1. re: allisonteal

                      A16's another great place that's open for lunch, though only Wednesday through Friday.

                      1. re: Robert Lauriston

                        is there anything in walking distance to see and check out after lunch at zuni? should we go to the mission district, haight ashbury, or union square...or any other suggestions?? thanks!

                        1. re: allisonteal

                          The only thing I can think of within walking distance is City Hall, which is pretty incredible. You will be right next to the MUNI and BART lines though, so feel free to branch out if you have time.

                          1. re: Civil Bear

                            that and the asian art museum, which i also highly recommend.

                            even this jaded san francico native thought the city hall tour was really great.

                          2. re: allisonteal

                            Walk down Valencia St. Food lover's paradise. Detour over to 18th and Guerrero for Tartine.