Z Zoul Cafe

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.

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.

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.

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.

I was walking around and thought I would cone here for lunch. I had the chicken plate.Was about $21 with tip, no drink or dessert.The food was okay, but I couldn't eat the soup. I requested an onion-free option, and the soup was stuffed with onions so could not go near it.The chicken was okay, had a yoghurt spiced marinated, with white rice and lettuce with pickles.I guess I just still not used to SF prices, but for the price I wasn't all that impressed.Service wasn't great as the guy never told me hoe to get water and I am sad I wasn't told I could not eat the soup I ordered.The place itself was clean, especially for Tenderloin.

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!

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.