Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Zante – San Francisco
Zante - San Francisco
Photo from Zante
Zante at a glance
San Francisco Bernal Heights
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 58 of the guests
#1825 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#70 Pizzeria out of 115 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
455
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Indian pizza
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Dated interior
- Service issues
The restaurant Zante, a unique Pizzeria in San Francisco’s vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood, offers a truly cozy dining experience. You can enjoy delicious meals, including late-night food and excellent vegan options, making it a versatile spot for any craving.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this casual eatery has you covered with its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting Zante
Zante offers a distinctive culinary experience, primarily celebrated for its unique take on Indian pizza. Many patrons appreciate the terrific vibe and groovy Indian music that contribute to its character, making it a memorable spot for a casual meal.
However, some aspects of Zante’s physical space, described as having barebones decor and being a bit dated, might not appeal to everyone. While the food often hits the mark, there are occasional concerns regarding the overall atmosphere and consistency in certain areas.
Good
6.8
out of 10
455
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
128
negative
21
neutral
306
positive
Zante holds a respectable overall score of 6.8, placing it in the good category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 67.3%. This indicates a generally positive experience for many, though not universally so.
The restaurant garnered 455 opinions, with 306 positive remarks against 128 negative ones, suggesting a clear leaning towards satisfaction. Looking closer, Food stands out with a strong (7.4) score, frequently praised for its unique offerings.
Ambience (6.1), Service (5.7), and Value (5.3) all fall into the average range. While the staff is often described as friendly, some experiences with service and the dated decor temper the overall impression.
What people like
- Unique Indian pizza
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Distinctive, lively vibe
What people don't like
- Dated interior decor
- Inconsistent service delivery
- Disappointing non-pizza items
Zante presents a compelling option if you’re seeking a unique culinary adventure, particularly its celebrated Indian pizza. With a recommendation score of 7, it’s generally worth a visit for those open to its distinct charm and willing to overlook some of its rougher edges.
However, be prepared for an average dining environment and potentially inconsistent service. If your priority is innovative flavors and a casual, lively atmosphere, Zante could be a good fit, but temper expectations regarding decor and non-pizza menu items.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Pizzeria
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
34
100%
- $$
- Cow Hollow
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Pizzeria
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
186
96.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Pizzeria
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
498
95.6%
- $$
- Russian Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Pizzeria
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
263
88.6%
- $$
- Polk Gulch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Pizzeria
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
549
88.3%
- $$
- Transbay
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Pizzeria
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
164
84.8%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Zante
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! Overall, the culinary experience here is quite impressive, boasting a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 74.4%. Many rave about the unique Indian-fusion pizzas, especially the "Chicken Tikka Masala pizza" with its "crispy, golden crust" and "creamy, spiced curry, " delivering truly "amazing flavors.
" With 221 positive remarks out of 297 total, its clear that many find the food to be a delightful and memorable experience. However, not every dish hits the mark, as indicated by 59 negative comments. Some found certain items to be oily or bland, with a few even describing the pizza as tasteless or burnt.
While the unique concept is often praised, there are instances where the execution falls short, suggesting some inconsistency in quality, particularly with the sauce and overall flavor balance.
Food
297
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
59
negative
17
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique Indian-fusion pizza
- Amazing, vibrant flavors
- Crispy, golden crust
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland or oily dishes
- Lack of sauce
Often praised
- pizzaMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the best of the best pizza, and the owner was also a very nice and kind person 😊😊.
- foodI was so impressed that I started researching where this unique type of Indian Pizza was invented, and legend has it that it was Zante's! The food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was also a 5/5. I enjoyed it as a lunch meal, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- Indian pizzaThe pizza is amazing and packed with flavor. I never thought an Indian pizza would be such a favorite for me, but I’ve been back year after year.
- Indian pizzasthe Indian pizzas are all pretty amazing
- Indian foodIt's Indian food, but it's a pizza!
- crustThe crust was optimally cooked with a slight masala taste
- Indian PizzaIt actually was delicious and much different then other Indian Pizzas
- paneerinteresting and creative toppings (paneer!)
- vegan pizzaI love their vegan pizza, its very flavorful.
- FoodFood:5
Frequently criticized
- pizzadisappointed in the pizza they gave me
- sauceforgot to put the sauce on the base
- Indian pizzai love Indian pizza and the reviews here were so wonderful im really disappointed
- ingredientsPutting ingredients from far distant cuisines can lead to a disaster.
- Aloo ParathaHowever, the parathas were absolutely disappointing and not worth it. I ordered the Aloo Paratha and the Chilli Cheese Naan, but I couldn't tell which was which because they both tasted just like plain dough. I didn't see any stuffing inside even when I opened them up.
- Chicken Masalabought a Chicken Masala and it only had four small pieces of chicken
- Chilli Cheese NaanHowever, the parathas were absolutely disappointing and not worth it. I ordered the Aloo Paratha and the Chilli Cheese Naan, but I couldn't tell which was which because they both tasted just like plain dough. I didn't see any stuffing inside even when I opened them up.
- Ginger naanGinger naan were half cooked
- Gosha Mahal biryaniworst Indian food I have tasted in my life. The biryani was sweeter than the tea
- Indian pizzasit showed up about 2 hours later, cold
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful culinary adventure, especially with Indian-fusion pizzas, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes are celebrated for their amazing taste, there might be some inconsistencies in quality, so manage your expectations.
Service (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had positive experiences, with 61 remarks highlighting friendly staff, attentive servers, and often quick service and a warm greeting. The overall customer satisfaction sits at a 55% mixed bag, suggesting some genuinely good moments. However, the service isn't without its challenges, reflected in a score of 5.7 and 50 negative comments.
Some folks have encountered rude customer service and even disgusting attitudes, alongside frustratingly long delivery times and waiting times. This creates a somewhat inconsistent experience.
Service
111
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
50
negative
0
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Slow delivery
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceZantes is my happiest place in SF. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly, and the service is on point. It's a vibe and I love it!
- ownerThe owner Mr. Satnam Singh and workers are very friendly
- staffZantes is my happiest place in SF. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly, and the service is on point. It's a vibe and I love it!
- customer serviceGreat customer service
- free deliveryget free delivery through them
- peopleNice people
- PrinceHe was so warm and welcoming
- ServiceService:5
- accommodatingWe had such a great time eating pizza and hanging with friends that we completely lost track of time. The folks that work there are really nice and were very accommodating on multiple fronts!
- attentive staffnice attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceHorrible customer service, I went to pick up my food and was met with a horrible disgusting attitude
- ownerhis response to my feedback was that it must be my first time here
- servicethe service and atmosphere could be improved
- waiting timeover an hour and a half and still no pizza
- deliverytheir delivery person is deplorable. Multiple times their driver is late
- driverthe driver phoned me saying he couldn’t find parking so could I please meet him
- wait timewait a long time at the counter to place an order
- busyhe said he was busy
- cancellationguy kindly hung up on me when I asked to cancel
- credit card machineneither of the men seemed to know how it worked
If youre looking for friendly staff and quick service, you might find it here, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations, especially regarding delivery and customer interactions.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
The ambience here is quite the mixed bag, scoring an average 6.1 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 54.3%. Many appreciate the authentic, warm vibe, often enhanced by groovy Indian music, creating a terrific and unique experience. Its even considered a gem for out-of-town guests, with good wheelchair accessibility, based on 19 positive sentiments.
However, some find the interior poorly lit with barebones, dated decor, describing it as dirty and deteriorated, even 1980s frozen in time. ' The dim lighting and unchanged decor for years, along with potential smoke irritation, contribute to 13 negative observations, suggesting room for improvement in the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
35
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, warm vibe
- Groovy Indian music
- Unique experience
What people don't like
- Dated, barebones decor
- Poorly lit interior
- Dirty, deteriorated place
Often praised
- atmosphereI was so impressed that I started researching where this unique type of Indian Pizza was invented, and legend has it that it was Zante's! The food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was also a 5/5. I enjoyed it as a lunch meal, and the price per person was between $10–20.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- authenticityexudes authenticity and warmth
- friendsI tried a half and half pizza, with one half featuring the meat combo and the other paneer. We had such a great time eating pizza and hanging with friends that we completely lost track of time. The folks that work there are really nice and were very accommodating on multiple fronts!
- gem of the mission districtit's a gem of the mission district in San Francisco
- groovy Indian musicreally groovy Indian music playing
- out of town guestsGreat for out of town guests to try unique to San Francisco
- placeNice place
- table settingsThis pizza is a standout, bursting with flavor on every level, and so memorable that I was still thinking about it days later. While the interior of Zante is unassuming and a bit dark, the table settings were nice and the service was also good. The pizza is truly a hidden treasure, and I highly recommend giving it a try!
- terrific vibeThe people were nice and the pizza was great. I especially enjoyed the groovy Indian music playing during pickup, which contributed to the terrific vibe.
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking is a challenge
- ambienceThe place itself was 1980s frozen in time
- atmospherethe service and atmosphere could be improved
- barebones decorThe poorly lit interior with barebones decor and faded posters must invoke a cozy atmosphere, but in reality comes off a bit depressing once the food comes out.
- decor and ambiancedecor and ambiance has not changed for over 25 years
- dim lightingdim lighting aside
- dining roomThe dining room is dark and decorated with old school Goodwill looking furniture
- online presenceowners could do a bit more to boost their online presence
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- placeThe food was very tasty, but the place is very dirty and deteriorated; they need to fix it. I bought a Chicken Masala, and it only had four small pieces of chicken; it was more juice than chicken.
If youre seeking a truly unique, authentic experience with groovy music and dont mind a bit of a dated, dimly lit setting, this place could be a hidden gem for you. However, if modern decor and pristine cleanliness are high on your list, you might find the ambience a bit disappointing.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely some bright spots! Many customers found great value and appreciated the reasonable prices, even calling some offerings a fantastic deal. With 5 positive remarks out of 12 total, the sentiment leans towards finding good bang for your buck, contributing to an overall score of 5.3.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, with a customer satisfaction of 41.7% indicating some room for improvement. Several experiences highlight items being simply expensive or feeling pricey, with some even calling the pricing unfair. These 6 negative comments suggest that while some find deals, others feel the cost doesn't always align with expectations.
Value
12
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Good deal
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Unfair pricing
- A little pricey
Often praised
- dealMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially considering the value. There is no better deal for pizza in the Mission. The pizza is great, and their large size is actually a large pizza.
- great valueAlso a great value
- priceMy experience at the restaurant involved trying their cheese pizza. The slice was decent and offered a fair price. I enjoyed the good cheese and the soft dough.
- pricesDecent prices
- reasonable pricesVery reasonable prices!
Frequently criticized
- priceFor 14. 99 and 2 tortillas, it cost me 21 dollars, which I think is very unfair.
- expensivealbeit expensive
- priceswhat I was told was different than their website
- priceyits a little pricey
- refundNot confident I'll ever get that $30 back
If youre on the hunt for a good deal, you might find some pleasant surprises here, especially if you focus on specific items mentioned for their value. However, be prepared that some dishes might feel a bit expensive or pricey, so its worth checking the menu carefully before you commit.
How are the prices at Zante?
On average, you’ll spend around 22 per person – based on what 58 guests reported. That places this Pizzeria comfortably in the $21–$30 category. For a Pizzeria, that’s a solid mid-range price point, perhaps a touch on the higher side.
Looking at what others have paid, most prices cluster around this average, with the majority of diners spending between 11 – 30 $. So, while there are some options for a quick, cheaper bite, and a few for a more indulgent meal, the sweet spot is definitely in the middle.
Here’s a quick look at what guests typically spend per person, based on the latest 58 reviews.
How this Pizzeria’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Pizzeria in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, allowing for both casual meals and slightly more special occasions without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zante
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Masterpiece of Pizza Art
My experience at Zante was truly exceptional. The pizza was described as one of its kind and category-leading, significantly enhancing my life. I consider this pie a work of art, deserving of a special placement in the pizza museum for centuries to come.
The overall experience was outstanding, with perfect scores for service, atmosphere, and food.
- pizza10
- work of art10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Zantes: My Happiest Place in SF!
Zantes is my happiest place in SF. The food is delicious, the staff is friendly, and the service is on point. It's a vibe and I love it!
I hope they go another 39 years strong!
- food10
- staff10
- service10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Cold Food, Awful Service
My experience involved ordering a pizza and vegetable pakora, which took an exceptionally long time to arrive – 1 hour and 45 minutes. Unfortunately, the food was cold upon delivery. When I contacted the store to inquire about the delay, as it was already 1 hour and 15 minutes late, I encountered awful customer service.
The staff displayed a major attitude when I expressed concern about the food arriving cold. While the food itself was fine, its quality was significantly impacted by the fact that it arrived cold.
- food quality6
- waiting time1
- food temperature1
- customer service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Authentic Indian Pizza Since the 80s
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an OG spot for getting amazing India Pizza. These guys have been making this since the 80s, and they truly know how to make it.
The staff is kind and has always taken great care of us and our friends. The food was a perfect 5/5, and the service was equally impressive at 5/5. They offer a large vegetarian selection and are highly recommended for vegetarians.
The atmosphere was rated a 3/5, and while parking can be somewhat difficult to find, the overall experience was excellent. They also offer wheelchair accessibility with ramps for the upper area.
- India Pizza10
- staff10
- great care10
- parking4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Zante: Once Great, Now Fallen
I remember eating here many years ago and found it interesting and refreshing. Today, with the plethora of Indian pizza joints in the Bay, Zante has sadly fallen. The poorly lit interior with barebones decor and faded posters must invoke a cozy atmosphere, but in reality comes off a bit depressing once the food comes out.
The paneer pakoras were barely salted or spiced. The spinach soup had giant pieces of ginger floating in it. The onion bhaji, while crunchy, did not elevate or transport to a good experience.
It's really hard to mess up pakoras for a joint that's been around for decades, but that's the sad reality. The pizza somewhat compensated for the experience. It was as delicious as I remembered it to be with the tikka masala sauce leading the charge.
But, overall the place has lost its zing.
- onion bhaji5
- pizza8
- tikka masala sauce8
- paneer pakoras2
- spinach soup3
- poorly lit interior3
What Zante offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What accessibility features does Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine offer?
Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine is committed to accessibility, providing a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. You can dine comfortably knowing these amenities are available for you, ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.
Does Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine offer vegan or vegetarian options and late-night food?
Absolutely! Zante Pizza & Indian Cuisine caters to diverse dietary needs with a variety of vegan and vegetarian options on their menu. Plus, if you’re craving a meal after hours, you’ll be pleased to know they offer convenient late-night food service.
How does Zante generally perform according to customer feedback?
Zante receives an overall score of 6.8 with 67.3% customer satisfaction. Its Food (7.4) is highly regarded, while Ambience (6.1), Service (5.7), and Value (5.3) are considered average.
What is Zante best known for on its menu?
Zante is widely celebrated for its unique and flavorful Indian pizza, which many customers describe as a standout item and a must-try.
Are there any common complaints about Zante?
Some customers have noted issues with the dated interior decor and cleanliness, as well as occasional inconsistencies in service, including long waiting times and delivery problems.