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oChef » Z Zoul – San Francisco
Z Zoul - San Francisco
Photo from Z Zoul
Z Zoul at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 47 of the guests
#249 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#45 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
452
Reviews
88.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Sudanese food
- Affordable prices
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene concerns
- Payment issues
- Difficult parking
The restaurant Z Zoul in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood offers a delightful escape for those seeking healthy and diverse dining options. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, this spot is known for its commitment to providing nourishing choices for every palate, including an array of vegan and organic dishes.
Overview: Introducting Z Zoul
Z Zoul offers a genuinely warm dining experience, largely thanks to its welcoming owner and friendly staff. Many appreciate the authentic Sudanese food, with particular praise for dishes like the tender lamb and flavorful falafel.
It’s a place where the personal touch seems to make a real difference. However, some experiences suggest areas for improvement, particularly concerning hygiene practices in the kitchen.
While the prices are reasonable for many, a few found the overall value lacking due to perceived small portions or issues with credit card handling. Parking in the area can also be a challenge.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
452
Reviews
88.3%
Satisfaction
31
negative
22
neutral
399
positive
Overall, Z Zoul earns a strong 8.5, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer sentiment is also quite high, with 88.3% satisfaction, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
This positive outlook is supported by 399 positive comments out of 452 total feedback pieces, suggesting a consistent level of quality and enjoyment for many. The Food (8.5) is a clear highlight, frequently mentioned and well-received, closely followed by the attentive Service (8.9).
The restaurant’s Ambience (8.1) also contributes positively, creating a pleasant setting. While Value (8.0) is considered good, it’s mentioned less frequently, suggesting it’s a solid but not primary draw for most diners.
What people like
- Welcoming, friendly service
- Delicious Sudanese cuisine
- Reasonable, affordable prices
What people don't like
- Questionable hygiene practices
- Credit card transaction issues
- Challenging parking situation
Z Zoul comes with a strong 8.8 recommendation score, suggesting it’s a place many would happily revisit. If you’re seeking authentic Sudanese flavors and appreciate genuinely warm hospitality, this spot is certainly worth considering for a meal.
However, be mindful of potential hygiene concerns and the reported credit card issues. If you can overlook these points and navigate the parking, you’ll likely find a satisfying and flavorful experience that offers good value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Z Zoul
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! This spot really shines, with a fantastic score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction rate of 88.1%, indicating a truly good to excellent dining experience. Based on 252 positive remarks out of 286 total, diners consistently praise the authentic Sudanese and Halal Cuisine, generous portions, and delicious homemade lentil soup and roasted lamb bowls.
The freshness and authenticity of the dishes are frequently highlighted. However, its not entirely without its quirks, as 20 negative comments suggest some areas for improvement. A few guests noted issues with food being left uncovered or reheated, and some found the rice a bit oily or the meat greasy.
There were also mentions of bland flavors in certain dishes and overly salty soup, so it's worth keeping an eye on these details.
Food
286
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
20
negative
14
neutral
252
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Sudanese food
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious lamb shank
What people don't like
- Food left uncovered
- Reheated food concerns
- Oily or greasy dishes
Often praised
- foodThe food was amazing!!! We love everything we got!
- lamb shankMy lamb shank was cooked to perfection – the meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, and the flavors were rich and delicious.
- falafelThe falafel was equally impressive. Forget everything you think you know about falafel – this was a game-changer.
- lambthe lamb was perfect even the little fatty parts
- Sudanese fooddelicious and decently priced. I came in looking for a taste of Sudanese food.
- portionsMy first experience with Sudanese food was a very enjoyable one. The food was good, and the portions were appropriate. I also appreciated the friendly owner and family.
- rice puddingThe lamb plate, falafel, hibiscus drink and rice pudding.
- FoodFood:5
- falafel wrapI ordered the falafel wrap which I definitely recommend
- hibiscus drinktheir special hibiscus drink. The hibiscus juice was especially refreshing and unique.
Frequently criticized
- foodfood is left out on the counter tops
- ricewanna-be saffron rice tasting very plain
- SoupSoup comes with it but is on the salty side
- beef kebabbeef kebab needed some more salt/seasoning
- breadbad bread
- cheesewish the cheese was a little more melted
- chickenreheated the chicken that has been sitting on the counter
- coffeedistasteful coffee
- crisphoping for more crisp
- falafelThe falafel was stale and old
If you're looking for authentic, flavorful Sudanese and Mediterranean food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that a few past experiences mentioned concerns about food handling and consistency, so go in with an open mind.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an 8.9 score and 90.8% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 87 total comments, a whopping 79 praise the attentive staff, the owners warm hospitality, and their personable approach, often highlighting fast services and friendly greetings.
However, a few minor concerns did surface among the 3 negative remarks. These primarily revolved around hygiene, specifically mentioning a lack of mask-wearing, not washing hands, and the absence of gloves during food preparation, which understandably raised some eyebrows.
Service
87
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
3
negative
5
neutral
79
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Exceptional hospitality
- Welcoming owner
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- No mask or gloves
Often praised
- ownerAref (the owner) was also awesome and very welcoming
- serviceThe co-owner, who took our orders, was incredibly courteous. Thank you for the good food and wonderful service!
- customer serviceSuper-pleasant and welcoming customer service
- staffThe food was so, so, so stinking good, I was honestly surprised the place wasn't packed. The atmosphere was super cute, and the staff was exceptionally friendly. I have to emphasize again, the food was good!
- ArefThank you Aref for this great experience
- ServiceService:5
- peopleI also had a hibiscus drink that was very tasty. The people were really friendly, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here.
- chefEvery time we visit, Z Zoul is the first place we go. The food is absolutely delicious and the chef is so friendly and kind. 100% recommend.
- Aref and his wifeAref and his wife really bring a lot of love to their cooking
- Arif and his familyArif and his family are amazing
Frequently criticized
- glovesHe didn’t wear gloves
- maskI watched the man make my lunch, and that will be the last time I go there again. Firstly, he did not wear a mask, which is concerning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, he didn’t wash his hands after touching a mop handle.
- wash handsFirstly, he did not wear a mask, which is concerning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, he didn’t wash his hands after touching a mop handle. He also didn’t wear gloves.
If you value a genuinely friendly and attentive experience, you'll likely love it here, as the owner and staff go above and beyond. Just be aware that a couple of hygiene observations were noted, though they are very few compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines with a 8.1 score, reflecting a 84.5% customer satisfaction! Based on 49 positive remarks out of 58 total, guests consistently praise the lovely atmosphere, often described as homey and welcoming. Many appreciate the unique vibe, cleanliness, and thoughtful touches like murals and art that add to the overall experience.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Concerns were raised about the presence of flies and the general cleanliness, with one opinion even mentioning an unhygienic feeling. The restaurants location and the sketchy' outside area were also noted as potential drawbacks for some visitors.
Ambience
58
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homey, welcoming atmosphere
- Clean and accessible
- Unique art, murals
What people don't like
- Flies were present
- Outside area sketchy
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere in the restaurant really reminds me of home
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanlinessThe service was super nice and courteous; the staff seemed like decent folks. Although the outside appearance was a bit sketch with homeless individuals present, the inside offered a better ambience and cleanliness. I would come again!
- musicmusic and overall vibe
- Eddy Street locationthis location on Eddy Street is now refurbished and looks fabulous
- Family OwnedFamily Owned, Humble Environment
- Fantastic placeFantastic place not to missed
- Humble EnvironmentHumble Environment, Blessed Food, Beautiful~Hearted, Kind People!
- accessibilityEasily accessible for handicapped patrons
- accessibleMy experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food was incredible, the service was outstanding, and the establishment was very clean and accessible. They offer great prices, and the owner, Aref, is simply incredible!
Frequently criticized
- ParkingI haven't been excited about discovering a gem in SF since Stella's Sacrapantina and A La Turca's Doner Kabob, which now has competition. Parking can be pretty challenging, so plan well if driving.
- areaLocated in a not so great area of TL
- fliesthe flies were having a frenzy
- hoursOpen until 7:30PM ONLY
- hygienicIt appears the restaurant's food is not made to order but prepared in advance and then reheated. Knowing how unhygienic this restaurant is, I ended up leaving the food for the homeless people outside.
- outsideThe outside is a bit sketch
If you're looking for a place with a genuinely warm, unique, and clean interior vibe, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. While the outside area might be a bit rough, step inside for a welcoming atmosphere that many find truly special.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.5%, its clear guests are happy with their wallets. Many of the 19 positive comments rave about it being an affordable option with super cheap and great prices, even highlighting that EBT is honored here.
Youll find its a pretty good value! However, its not entirely without its quirks. Out of 21 total opinions, 2 did mention concerns, with one finding the overall experience expensive.
Another serious point to watch out for involves credit card charges, with a specific warning about potential overcharging. So, while generally affordable, keep an eye on your bill.
Value
21
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
19
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Very affordable prices
- EBT accepted here
- Great overall value
What people don't like
- Credit card charge issues
Often praised
- pricesThe prices are very reasonable
- priceI haven't had these herbs before, but it was delicious. The price is half what you would pay at an SF restaurant for a lamb shank. It came with saffron rice, salad, and a side soup.
- pricingGood pricing for hella good food
- $40 plus a good gratuityfor $40 plus a good gratuity
- EBTamazingly let you pay with EBT
- EBT honoredEBT honored here
- affordable optionan affordable option for dining
- price and valueExcellent price and values.
- restaurantamazingly delicious restaurant is very affordable
- super cheapsuper cheap for that area!
Frequently criticized
- credit card chargeswatch the waiter running your credit card and if possible go to the nearest atm to check up your last credit charges statements for the past an hour because the place is notorious for charging your card four times the amounts
- expensiveI found the coffee to be distasteful and the bread to be bad. The portions were small, and the overall experience was expensive. The only positive aspect was the water, which was the best thing I had.
If youre looking for a place that wont break the bank, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out, especially with its overwhelmingly positive feedback on pricing. Just be mindful of your payment method, particularly with credit cards, to ensure a smooth and truly affordable experience.
How are the prices at Z Zoul?
On average, you’ll spend around 20 per person – from 47 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners cluster around this $11–$20 price point, with a good number also spending a bit more in the $21–$30 range, showing a nice concentration around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 47 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It’s a solid mid-range option that offers good value for your meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Z Zoul
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Bland Food, Nice Sauce
My experience at this restaurant was okay. The portion size was fine, but the food was pretty bland overall. I asked for white sauce to mix things up, and that was nice.
I was hoping for more crisp and flavor variation.
- portion6
- white sauce7
- food3
- crisp4
- flavor variation4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Delicious Sudanese Food with Great Value
My experience at Z Zoul Cafe was delicious and decently priced. I came in looking for a taste of Sudanese food. While there could be a bit more variety for traditional dishes, I was satisfied with both of my visits so far.
The price and value were excellent, with tasty plates and wraps. My recent visit was for a beef kebab plate, but I ended up getting a Kofta plate instead. Everything plated was delicious and satisfying.
- Sudanese food8
- variety for traditional dishes6
- price and value9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
An Oasis of Goodness
My experience at the restaurant was like finding an oasis amidst human misery. The music was good, the service was good, and the portions were very well served. It's a place that truly stands out.
- music8
- service8
- well served8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Good Value Lamb Shank Lunch
This is a small restaurant that's good for a quick lunch in SF. The Lamb shank plate seems like their signature dish and is a pretty good value at around $20. The soup that comes with it is a bit on the salty side, but it can be mixed with the rice.
The rice portion is quite large; I could only finish half of it.
- Lamb shank plate8
- value8
- Rice6
- Soup3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food & Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I loved the place; the food was delicious and the service was excellent. I definitely recommend it!
🫶🏾
- food9
- service9
What Z Zoul offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- All you can eat
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Are there diverse dietary options available at Z Zoul Cafe?
Yes, Z Zoul offers a wide range of choices including healthy options, vegan options, organic dishes, halal food, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Is Z Zoul Cafe suitable for families and accessible for all guests?
Absolutely! This casual spot is good for kids, featuring a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. It also provides wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Z Zoul?
Z Zoul holds an overall score of 8.5 with 88.3% customer satisfaction. Key strengths include its Service (8.9), Food (8.5), Ambience (8.1), and Value (8.0).
What kind of food can I expect at Z Zoul?
Z Zoul is known for its authentic Sudanese cuisine, with many customers enjoying the tender lamb shank, impressive falafel, and refreshing hibiscus drink.
Are there any common issues to be aware of before visiting Z Zoul?
Some customers have noted concerns about hygiene practices and occasional credit card transaction issues. Parking in the area can also be challenging.