Zarzuela
(415) 346-0800
2000 Hyde St
San Francisco,
CA
94109
37.7993
-122.4188
Neighborhoods: Northeast, Russian Hill
What People Are Saying About Zarzuela
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
The blazing-yellow awning at the corner of Hyde and Union makes a perfect entry to this rococo restaurant. The dining room is painted with bright yellows and reds, offset by naturally finished wood furniture. Spanish music bounces off the tiled floors and large windows catch the passing cable cars. Elaborately decorated plates and Spanish style paintings adorn the walls.
The Food
Good bread and a small dish of Spanish olives are brought to each table as diners arrive--a very nice touch. Tapas are generally excellent, in particular the spicy shrimp with aioli, and the mushrooms sauteed in garlic and white wine. Entrees are equally strong, highlighted by the paella Valenciana, which ranks among the best in San Francisco. Other classic Spanish plates include the eponymous zarzuela (a rich seafood stew), oxtail casserole and grilled lamb.
User Reviews
HPutts
December 12, 2008
Having passed Zarzuela on the Hyde St. Cable Car for the past two years, it was finally time to heed the raves from locals on the Cable Car. We met our friends from Portola Valley to plan a trip to Italy. Arriving early in the dinner hour we had no trouble being seated. The service was very helpful since we had never eaten at a tapa resturant before. The selection was numerous and covering a range of tastes, so if octpus or snails are not for you, there are many other choices, including cold, hot and entree size options. We began with one cold and three hot selections and a bottle of excellent white wine. They were all excellent. We followed that with three other hot items and were equally pleased. Having more than enough to eat, we finished with wonderfully strong coffee, then crossed the street to have a small ice cream cone at the Original Swensen?s Ice Cream Parlor. A wonderful evening with good friends, plus the beginnings of a trip to Italy.
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Antonius
May 27, 2008
I have gone to Zarzuela 3 times over a span of about 12 years since I only get to San Francisco occasionally. The food remains superb each time I go. I have eaten at quite a few Spanish restaurants in the US, and it is easily the best and most authentic aside from Cafe Iberico in Chicago. The grilled mushrooms with serrano ham and garlic were excellent, as was the jamon iberico with tomato bread. The wait can sometimes be a little bit irritating, as there is nowhere really to wait other than outside and the fact that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays leaves you to make careful planning if you are only in town for a couple of days.
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yannisa
March 18, 2007
With my girlfriend we were looking for a romantic tapas place, the name sounded nice. Food was good, but not amazing at all + portions were small, too small for the price (about $8 for each tapas), the lamb dish, was $8 for 2 minuscule skewers. The atmosphere was OK, but not romantic, I think it's a good place for a group but not just a couple...
read full reviewThe Details on Zarzuela
Save Time:
Keep in mind that the paella is made only for two or more, and takes 30 minutes to prepare.
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