"The brunch at Zazie has been wildly popular since its opening in 1992: it’s common for one- to two-hour-long waits to form on weekends at this Cole Valley institution. And while San Franciscans love waiting in a line, the real secret to a successful meal at Zazie is to skip the endless brunch wait and visit this cozy French spot for dinner instead. Dinner here is simpler than brunch. They take reservations and on most nights you can walk in. Gone are the mornings spent rotting away on Cole St. while wondering if all this is worth it for a shot at the heated back patio. And the best part is that the food in the evening is better: the plates, while a bit more expensive, are hearty, and some, like the Salmon Piallat with a perfectly cooked risotto and a juicy piece of fish served with lemon, shine. Still, despite our best efforts, some so-called friends will inevitably text you asking to stop by Zazie for brunch, and in those cases, know what to expect: long lines and food that’s often disappointing. The buttermilk pancakes are flavorless and the french toast leans on the soggy side, while the (excellent) home fries are usually the best thing on your plate. But if you’re stuck waiting for a table, just stretch your legs and prepare to down a couple mimosas (and a cup of hot chocolat chaud) to relish in one of the closest things this city has to a see-and-be-seen brunch. For a taste of Zazie at its best, stop by for dinner. It's ideal for a low-stakes date night, a casual dinner with parents, or a visiting family friend who reached out to make last-minute dinner plans. So next time your out-of-the-loop friend absolutely insists on stopping by Zazie for brunch, show them this and take a detour to dinner instead—and get some of that precious morning time back. " - Ricky Rodriguez
