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Zazie
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Zazie
8.6
Cole Valley’s long-running brunch standard where Benedicts and gingerbread pancakes land with polished timing. A leafy patio and veteran team keep waits orderly and meals consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict (any style), Gingerbread Pancakes, Pain Perdu
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Destination-level Benedicts with smooth, veteran service and patio seating.
Who should go: Brunch lovers seeking classics done right
When to visit: Weekdays 8–10am or late lunch window
What to order: Gingerbread pancakes; any Benedict; pain perdu
Insider tip: Join the host kiosk waitlist early, then stroll Cole Street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited but manageable early mornings and later afternoons on Cole Street or nearby Parnassus Avenue.
Dress code: Casual with a polished edge; brunch attire is fine—jeans, sundresses, and light layers for the patio.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours; conversational inside, quieter on the patio where you can easily chat.
Weekend wait: N/A — brunch and lunch service only.
Weekday lunch: Typically 10–20 minutes mid-morning; minimal waits after 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several Benedicts and pancakes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited - avocado toast and select sides can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pancakes and bread substitutes available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the sunny patio and attentive service create an inviting, relaxed vibe perfect for a low-pressure morning date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – join their host kiosk waitlist early, especially on weekends. Arriving before 9am usually guarantees a spot without a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – very. High chairs available, friendly staff, and simple menu options like pancakes make it comfortable for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Best for classic brunch lovers who value consistent execution, smooth operations, and a true neighborhood feel.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after experimental brunch or no-wait seating—this is a refined, traditional experience worth planning for.
Zazie
8.6
Cole Valley’s brunch staple for long-running Benedicts, gingerbread pancakes, and polished service. Patio seating and a seasoned team keep waits orderly and meals consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gingerbread pancakes, Eggs Benedict (La Mer), Pain perdu
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Destination-level Benedicts and dialed brunch operations.
Who should go: Brunch lovers seeking classics done right
When to visit: Weekdays 8–10am or late lunch window
What to order: Benedict, gingerbread pancakes, pain perdu
Insider tip: Join the host kiosk waitlist early and stroll Cole Street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Cole and Carl can be tight on weekends; aim for nearby residential spots before 9am. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Casual brunch wear—jeans, sundresses, or weekend athleisure are all fine for the patio.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling at peak brunch hours but comfortable for conversation indoors or on the patio.
Weekend wait: N/A - breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait after 1pm; mornings before 9am are quickest.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive—multiple Benedicts, pancakes, and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—some modifications possible, like fruit plates or avocado toast without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pancakes and bread substitutions available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a relaxed morning date. The sunny patio and attentive service make it charming without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits of 30–60 minutes on weekends. Use their Yelp waitlist early or arrive before 9am to minimize delay.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the patio, and staff handle kids well. Expect some stroller traffic during peak brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, polished brunch classics with professional service—ideal when reliability matters.
Skip if: You want a spontaneous walk-in brunch with zero wait or a more experimental breakfast menu.
Zazie
8.3
Cole Valley stalwart famous for brunch classics and Provençal-leaning dinners. The petite back patio and reliable service make it a neighborhood mainstay from morning through evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict (multiple styles), Gingerbread Pancakes, Steak Frites (dinner)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Beloved neighborhood café bridging standout brunch and relaxed French dinners.
Who should go: Brunch devotees and patio seekers
When to visit: Arrive early; weekend waitlist fills quickly
What to order: Eggs Benedict; gingerbread pancakes; steak frites
Insider tip: Join the on-site waitlist early to snag a patio table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Cole Valley can be tight, especially weekends; plan extra time or use nearby residential streets after 10am.
Dress code: Smart casual; locals lean toward neat denim, light sweaters, or brunch dresses—dressier at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate inside; back patio offers a calmer, conversational setting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10 minutes; mornings can be immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – strong vegetarian selection, including egg dishes, salads, and pasta.
Vegan options: Limited – a few brunch options and modifiable plates if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free bread and substitutions available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the cozy French ambiance, charming patio lights, and attentive service make it ideal for a low-pressure but romantic brunch or dinner date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weekdays, usually yes with minimal wait. Weekends require joining the virtual waitlist early, especially for patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are welcome, especially during brunch hours. The patio suits strollers and high chairs are available upon request.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for brunch traditionalists and those craving French comfort classics in a neighborhood setting with standout service.
Skip if: If you’re in a rush or dislike waiting; Zazie’s popularity means it’s rarely a quick in-and-out meal.
Hours
Monday5pm - 9pm
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 9pm
Saturday5pm - 9pm
Sunday5pm - 9pm