Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Zevi – San Francisco
Zevi - San Francisco
Photo from Zevi
Zevi at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🥙 Turkish Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#830 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Turkish Restaurant out of 4 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
365
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great ambiance
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Spotty service
- Flavorless dishes
- Poor value
The cafe Zevi, a delightful Turkish restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square, invites you to experience its warm ambiance. You’ll find it’s the perfect spot to unwind, offering a truly great coffee experience that stands out.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment or a casual meet-up, this cozy establishment provides a welcoming escape right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Zevi
Zevi generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the inviting ambiance and the often friendly staff. The culinary offerings frequently receive praise for their freshness and generous portions, contributing to a positive impression.
However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in the service, with occasional reports of inefficiency or less attentive interactions. While the food is largely well-received, a few items have been described as lacking distinct flavor, suggesting a varied culinary execution.
Good
7.8
out of 10
365
Reviews
79.2%
Satisfaction
59
negative
17
neutral
289
positive
Zevi achieves a solid overall 7.8 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive experience for most patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 79.2%, indicating that a significant majority leave content.
These insights are drawn from 365 customer observations, with 289 positive remarks outweighing 59 negative ones. The Food (8) is a clear highlight, often described as fresh and well-prepared, while the Ambience (8.4) also scores highly for its comfortable and clean setting.
Service (7.2) is generally good, though not without its occasional lapses. The main area for improvement appears to be Value (4.8), where some customers feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the overall experience.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Warm, clean ambiance
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Bland food options
- Questionable value
With a 8 recommendation score, Zevi presents a compelling option for those seeking a comfortable setting and generally good food, especially if you prioritize a pleasant atmosphere and attentive staff. It’s a place that often leaves a positive impression, making it worth considering for a meal.
However, be mindful that service can sometimes be inconsistent, and some menu items might not hit the mark on flavor. If you’re looking for exceptional value, you might find it a bit pricey, but for a generally enjoyable experience, Zevi is a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zevi
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally quite pleased, with a good score of 8 and a strong 81.8% customer satisfaction. Many of the 175 positive remarks rave about the delicious food, healthy fresh ingredients, and generous portion sizes, often highlighting the quality meat and diverse menu. However, its not all perfect, as 27 comments point to some areas for improvement.
A few found certain dishes flavorless or bland, with complaints about undercooked items like hash browns, and occasionally greasy' food.
Food
214
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
27
negative
12
neutral
175
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh food
- Generous portions
- Quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Bland/flavorless dishes
- Undercooked items
- Greasy food
Often praised
- foodOtherwise, the food is good and generous. I found it to be really super good, and the welcome was top-notch! A very pleasant surprise!
- coffeeAs Nicolas Griffin, I often visit San Francisco for work and always make a point to go to Zevi for coffee and lunch or breakfast. My experience was fantastic on both fronts. I even try to stay at the hotel next door if possible for easy access to Zevi.
- breakfastAs Nicolas Griffin, I often visit San Francisco for work and always make a point to go to Zevi for coffee and lunch or breakfast. My experience was fantastic on both fronts. I even try to stay at the hotel next door if possible for easy access to Zevi.
- hot chocolateThe bacon was thin, and the only real flavor in the burrito came from the admittedly tasty hot sauce. The hot chocolate was surprisingly good, but the chai latte was overwhelmingly milky. Service was good, particularly given how packed the restaurant was.
- hummusHad the lamb gyro plate and an appetizer of hummus. Everything was fresh, vibrant and delicious.
- portionsWe observed the meals served to people around us; all were beautifully cooked and presented. Generous portions and reasonable prices. The service got a little slower as they got very busy, but we would happily return.
- delicious foodVery delicious food.
- portionGood portion
- roasted eggplantOur roasted eggplant was gone before I could take a picture (it was so delicious).
- tzatzikihomemade tzatziki pulled it all together
Frequently criticized
- foodThe coffee arrived without a spoon or silverware to stir, and the glass of water didn't arrive until after I got the check. The food was surprisingly a little bland, and for some reason, my table didn't have salt or pepper. I asked for a paper receipt when paying and had to hunt down my server afterwards to actually get it.
- house potatoeshouse potatoes - aka Hash brown - were barely warm
- Souvla’s versionAs a Mexican, I’m always looking for quality meat and savory treats. I had a great lamb and steak gyro that’s definitely better than Souvla’s version, even though I love their soup. I’ll definitely be back soon.
- Zevi burritoGot the Zevi burrito and it was…flavorless.
- baconthe bacon was thin
- bacon and potatoesall was relatively bland. The hash brown potatoes were undercooked and mushy
- bagelThe bagel wasn't special
- butterButter was so cold it wouldn't spread.
- cappuccinocan’t even make a proper cappuccino
- chai latteThe bacon was thin, and the only real flavor in the burrito came from the admittedly tasty hot sauce. The hot chocolate was surprisingly good, but the chai latte was overwhelmingly milky. Service was good, particularly given how packed the restaurant was.
Overall, the food here seems to be a solid bet for a satisfying meal. While a few dishes might miss the mark on flavor or texture, the vast majority of diners leave happy. If youre looking for generally delicious and well-portioned food, its definitely worth a try.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 70.8%. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and attentive servers, noting that the team often goes above and beyond to ensure a great service experience. Out of 89 total comments, 63 were glowing about the welcoming and prompt attention received.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, as 22 negative comments point to some bumps. Some experiences mention slow service, feeling disorganized, or even encountering rude staff. There were also complaints about long waiting time and a lack of understanding in certain situations, suggesting inconsistencies in the overall service delivery.
Service
89
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
22
negative
4
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Disorganized service
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceThe service here is exceptional. Our server was attentive, yet not intrusive.
- staffstaff super friendly a professional
- waitersWe enjoyed dishes like musaka, beet salad, rice, grilled salmon, and falafel. The place itself was clean and comfortable, and the waiters were super kind. It was a truly pleasant dining experience.
- employeesThe employees are very friendly and sincere
- Dağıstan beyDağıstan bey also welcomed us with a smile every time
- EveryoneComing here was the best idea we had during our trip in SF! Everyone is so nice and… the food is PERFECT. It tastes as good as it looks.
- ServiceService was good especially for how packed they were
- accesseasy access to Zevi
- chefuprzejmy kucharz zgodził się przygotować śniadanie
- customer serviceDelicious food with excellent customer service!
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service was quite ineffective and poorly coordinated.
- apologydidn't issue an apology
- breakfast timeWe were 10 minutes over breakfast time without the service informing us.
- employee named Husainemployee named Husain snatched my plate mid fork
- everythingEverything is rushed
- lady that served usLady that served us did not listen and was very rude
- long lag timeLong lag time
- ownerowner (Turkish?) argue in front of guests
- paper receiptThe food was surprisingly a little bland, and for some reason, my table didn't have salt or pepper. I asked for a paper receipt when paying and had to hunt down my server afterwards to actually get it. It wasn't the worst experience, but it was definitely disappointing, especially when spending $25+ on breakfast.
- scooter policyI ordered my food, which looked good. Just as I was starting to eat, an employee named Husain snatched my plate mid-fork, stating, "we don't serve customers that have a scooter. " His co-worker questioned his action, pointing out that in San Francisco, people with scooters or e-skateboards cannot keep them safely outside.
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience, especially if you value friendly and attentive staff. However, be prepared for the possibility of occasional slow or disorganized moments, particularly during busy times. If you're patient, the good service often shines through.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, with customers consistently praising the modern yet comfortable feel. With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.6%, its clear most people love the atmosphere. Out of 53 pieces of feedback, 48 specifically highlighted the open space, buzzing atmosphere, vibe, and overall cleanliness, making it a welcoming spot.
However, a few comments, just 4 out of 53, pointed out minor issues. Some found the seats could be better spaced, while others noted an unexpected Kabob smell that didnt quite fit the coffee shop vibe, or complained about blasting the heat and loud music.
Ambience
53
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Open, clean space
- Buzzing, welcoming vibe
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Odd food smell
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile the bagel itself wasn't special and the onion topping wasn't good, the potatoes were the highlight of the dish, served in a unique and improved way. The atmosphere is suitable for reading, working, or even having a meeting, as it was quite quiet during my visit.
- decorThe decor is contemporary
- spacethe space is open and comfortable
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Everything is homemade, and the place is super clean. The cuisine is formidable, and the owner and staff are really very sympathetic.
- locationIt is very central in the near of the Union Square
- aestheticVery beautiful space and aesthetic place
- ambiancewarm and inviting ambiance that immediately makes you feel at home
- buzzing atmospherestill a buzzing atmosphere
- cafeSehr schönes Cafe in toller Lage.
- cleanVery clean and cute on the inside
Frequently criticized
- Kabob smellthe Kabob smell didn’t go with the coffee shop vibe.
- heatblasting the heat
- musicMusic is too loud
- seatscould be better spaced out seats
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Its clean, modern, and buzzing vibe makes it perfect for lingering, working, or just enjoying a meal, despite a few minor quirks like occasional loud music or an odd smell.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the price and prices quite reasonable, especially noting that the food wasn't pricey at all for the quality and generous portions. Out of 9 customer remarks, 3 highlighted the fair cost, suggesting that certain offerings provide good bang for your buck. However, the majority of feedback, with 6 negative comments, points to a different story.
Many felt the food was expensive or overpriced , particularly for breakfast , and were unsatisfied with the price point for the quality. This results in an average score of 4.8 and a poor customer satisfaction of 33.3%, highlighting a clear struggle with consistent value.
Value
9
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Expensive breakfast
- Price changes
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was incredibly tasty and surprisingly not pricey at all. We enjoyed dishes like musaka, beet salad, rice, grilled salmon, and falafel.
- pricesWe observed the meals served to people around us; all were beautifully cooked and presented. Generous portions and reasonable prices. The service got a little slower as they got very busy, but we would happily return.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative, primarily due to the horrible service and the fact that the food was ok-ish but overpriced. I had breakfast here because it was included in my hotel package.
- breakfastdissapointing for sure, especially when you're spending $25+ on breakfast
- expensiveA bit expensive!
- price pointunsatisfied with the quality of food at that price point.
- pricesprices change after 12 PM and 4 PM, some up to $3 plus.
If youre considering this spot, be aware that while some find certain items reasonably priced, many customers felt the overall experience was overpriced, especially for breakfast. It might disappoint if youre looking for great value for money.
How are the prices at Zevi?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 87 diners. That puts it squarely in the $21–$30 category. For a Turkish Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend right around this mark, with the vast majority of prices clustering within the $21–$30 bracket. While there are a few cheaper and pricier options, it’s clear where most of the action is!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 87 reviews.
How this Turkish restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Turkish spot in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zevi
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Tasty Food, Kind Service, Great Value!
Wow! My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was incredibly tasty and surprisingly not pricey at all.
We enjoyed dishes like musaka, beet salad, rice, grilled salmon, and falafel. The place itself was clean and comfortable, and the waiters were super kind. It was a truly pleasant dining experience.
- food10
- price9
- musaka9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Food in San Francisco!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. The food was the best I've ever had in San Francisco. Congratulations to the Zevi staff!
- food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food and Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a great meal, and the mezzo platter and Levi salad were particularly delicious. The service was also amazing.
I highly recommend this place!
- mezzo platter9
- Levi salad9
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Menemen and Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly 5/5. I initially came in looking for a wrap and a Turkish coffee, but the Meneman (shouksha) caught my eye and it was absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself was clean, and the staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and consistently looking for ways to maintain cleanliness.
The atmosphere was cozy. The only minor drawback was that the heat was quite high, possibly due to an open kitchen, which wasn't ideal with a hot dish and coffee while wearing a flannel – though that was my own choice! I'll definitely be coming back here next time I'm in the area.
- Meneman10
- restaurant cleanliness9
- staff10
- heat4
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic Spanish Dining Experience!
Coming from Spain, it's a pleasure to find such a formidable place. The food is great and incredibly tasty and delicious. The waiters were super attentive at all times.
I recommend it 100x100.
- food10
- waiters10
What Zevi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Zevi Cafe & Bistro in Union Square?
At Zevi Cafe & Bistro, you’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quiet meal. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with options for counter or table service. They also offer delicious desserts, making it a great spot for any time of day.
Does Zevi Cafe & Bistro cater to specific dietary needs and offer convenient service options?
Yes, Zevi Cafe & Bistro provides a variety of healthy options, organic dishes, Halal food, and vegetarian choices to suit diverse preferences. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery services.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Zevi?
Zevi generally receives good feedback, with a restaurant score of **7.8** and customer satisfaction at **79.2%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (8) and **Ambience** (8.4), while **Service** (7.2) is also well-regarded. **Value** (4.8) is an area where some customers feel there’s room for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Zevi?
Many customers praise Zevi for its appealing **ambiance**, often described as clean and comfortable, and the **friendly staff**. The **food** is frequently noted for being fresh and delicious, with generous portions.
Are there any common complaints about Zevi?
Some customers have experienced inconsistent **service**, with instances of rudeness or inefficiency. Additionally, certain **food** items have been described as bland, and the overall **value** is sometimes questioned due to perceived high prices.