Welcome to Z Zoul Cafe
At Z Zoul Cafe, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, a culinary journey through Sudanese flavors awaits. Founded by passionate food lovers, this cozy cafe specializes in halal wraps, savory soups, and vibrant salads, all crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Guests rave about the falafel, known for its crispy exterior and rich, seasoned interior. The inviting atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and friendly staff, encourages folks to linger and soak in the aroma of spices wafting through the air. Whether grabbing a quick bite or dining in, Z Zoul Cafe promises a heartfelt taste of Sudan.
-
295 Eddy St San Francisco, CA 94102 United States Hotline: (415) 757-0187
Welcome to Z Zoul Cafe, a vibrant culinary gem located at 295 Eddy St, San Francisco. Nestled in the heart of the Tenderloin, this cafe specializes in wraps and hearty Middle Eastern fare, all served in a casual and welcoming environment.
From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped by the rich aromas of freshly prepared dishes that promise an authentic taste of Sudanese cuisine. The owners, Arif and Dalya, extend a warm welcome that makes it feel like home. It's a place where the essence of Sudanese culture shines through in both the food and the hospitality.
Menu Highlights
Z Zoul Cafe prides itself on its diverse menu, featuring options that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some standout offerings:
- Falafel Plate - These crispy delights are described by many as the best falafel in the city, perfectly paired with hummus, rice, and a fresh salad.
- Sudanese Lentil Soup - A hearty choice, this rich lentil soup comes with soft, warm pita bread, making it a perfect start to your meal.
- Chicken Shawarma - Tender chicken served over basmati rice, complemented by creamy hummus and a medley of fresh vegetables, all drizzled with garlic dressing.
- Zoul Emperor Bowl - An ideal feast featuring a choice of lamb, beef, chicken, or falafel. Each bowl is generously filled with rice, stuffed grape leaves, and a unique special sauce.
- Eggplant Salad - For those seeking a lighter option, this luscious salad drenched in garlic yogurt is a delightful choice.
A Unique Dining Experience
The atmosphere at Z Zoul Cafe is a blend of casual dining and cozy charm. Whether you opt for indoor seating or prefer the outdoor ambiance, the cafe caters to various preferences, including wheelchair accessibility and dog-friendly options. The extensive utilities, such as free Wi-Fi, delivery, takeout, and even alcohol service, make it an excellent spot for both casual visits and special gatherings.
Don't just take my word for it—patrons rave about their experiences. Lamarr E. describes Z Zoul Cafe as offering "hands down some of the best Middle Eastern food" in the city, noting the flavors and spices that elevate each dish. Meanwhile, Samaa F., with her Sudanese heritage, felt an emotional connection to the food that reminded her of home.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Sudanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, Z Zoul Cafe offers a delightful culinary journey. The vibrant flavors, generous portions, and warm hospitality make it a noteworthy destination for food lovers in San Francisco. As you explore the Tenderloin, be sure to make Z Zoul Cafe a stop on your culinary adventure—you won’t be disappointed!
For reservations or to learn more, call (415) 757-0187. Don't miss out on this extraordinary dining experience.
Made my way to the TL to check out Zoul Cafe after shopping in Union Square. The area can be a little intimidating but once you're inside, the food makes the journey well worth it. It was hands down some of the best middle eastern food I've had in the city. The flavors, the spices, and even the prices were fantastic. I Definitely plan to head back again soon.
Ordered a Falafel Plate that took around 45 min to prepare. The owner said it was because he was making fresh falafels; I don't know how long they generally take to make, so sure. Luckily I didn't have anywhere to be, so it wasn't a big deal. They gave me a tasty Hibiscus drink for the wait. The food itself was pretty good. I don't have hummus often, but it was definitely the best hummus I've ever had. Will probably come back again to try something that's specifically more unique to Sudan.
I hadn't tried Sudanese food before, so decided to give Z Zoul a try. I ordered in person for a falafel wrap and paid in cash; it would've been $10.50 before the tip. It took them about 8 minutes to make, but was nicely fresh and still warm. It was not that thick or big as wraps go, but the falafel was tasty and had a nice level of softness. I found the jalapenos spicier than I'd like, though, as someone who can only handle a mild level of spice. I think I tasted pickles or something similar as well.
So the place is in the Tenderloin so obviously the neighborhood isn't great, but the food itself is really good and worth it. It is the kind of place where you order at the counter and then bus your own plates and silverware once done, but thats no big deal. I have been here three times and the food has been great each time, but each time I noticed the place was almost totally empty. I hope this place doesn't close down for lack of business.
We had the eggplant salad for appetizer and the lamb shank plate. I ordered the bowl with chicken, lamb chop (more like a piece of sausage) and falafel. The owner added beef cause he wanted me "to try everything" The falafel was perfection and the best I ever had. Every single person working here is super nice! I want to take the flalfal class with owner. We got our own napkins and utensils and water and we had to walk to counter to pay. There was an extremely LOUD person sitting next to us and I could barely hear my son I got a headache.
This place was great. I really enjoyed talking to the owner, and hearing the story of his immigration here. The food was excellent. A rare gem in the heart of San Francisco. Portions were generous, and the lentil soup was incredible.
Tucked in a somewhat rundown neighborhood, this place stands out from the rest. I never had a Sharwma as good as theirs and their babaganoush had the best aroma and flavor. The way they make their food is unique to other similar places of Middle Eastern faire. The staff is very friendly as well. I got greeted with a big smile and patience when trying to figure out what I wanted to eat. Highly recommend this establishment!
Tried Sudanese food for the first time and got the falafel plate! falafel was delicious with an awesome crispy texture on the outside. It also came with rice with spices, pita, humus, and a salad. Portion is large! Nice decorations and makes me feel like I'm in Sudan even though I've haven't been there yet
If you know me, you know that I am half-Sudanese (Northern Sudan) and half-Egyptian. I moved here over a decade ago, and it was hard to find Sudanese food until I came across Z Zoul. The restaurant is a haven of warmth, cleanliness, and comfort. When I entered, I immediately felt like I was back home, thanks to the delicious aromas and the warm welcome I received from Arif. Aref served us the best homemade Sudanese food that brought back fond memories of my dad and family. The taste of the food and how it was presented just brought tears to my eyes. After the sumptuous meal, we ordered hibiscus drink (Karkade), which was the perfect finale. The food is very reasonably priced, and you get a generous portion for the price. If you've never tried Sudanese food, I highly recommend Z Zoul. My husband, who had never tasted Sudanese food before, and my son can't remember the goodness of Sudanese food. Both were thrilled with the food, and I'm sure you will be too. Aref and Dalya, I cannot thank you enough from the bottom of my heart for the hospitality and the incredible food. May your restaurant continue to flourish, and may your family always be blessed. Thank you again!