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Sazon - Santa Rosa Reviews List

Sazon - Santa Rosa

Say "sah-ZAWN" when you say Sazón, the new Peruvian restaurant in the Roseland neighborhood of Santa Rosa. You"re just as likely to say, "Wow!" or "Ahhhh!" or even "M-mmm!" because Sazón will delight you with authentic dishes of Peru. Ají amarillo the most important ingredient in Peruvian cooking. The Navarro family — father and two sons — who operate Sazón don't cater to the timid American palate by stinting on this hot pepper or others in their sauces. They are blazing hot, just like at home in Peru. To sum up: Real Peruvian food has come to Sonoma County and it's wonderful!
See more Sazon - Santa Rosa details
68 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
(68 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 68 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(35)
3 stars
(14)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.2 / 5
(Very Good) 3.2 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(44)
  • fit for foodies(34)
  • romantic(8)
  • special occasion(5)
  • great for lunch(4)
  • hot spot(4)
Sazon - Santa Rosa Reviews List
Review 1 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Mixed experience

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The special (a chicken tamale) was mostly corn meal with very little chicken. The sopa, however, was quite good."
Dined on 04/28/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 2 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic Peruvian Food!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We tried a variety of small plates and there wasn't one single bite that wasn't perfect. It was fun to try authentic food from Peru and learn about it from our truly wonderful waitress. We had a somewhat late reservation and the place was still buzzing when we arrived...but we were the last to leave this very fun restaurant."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 3 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I quite enjoy Sazon. The cheviches

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I quite enjoy Sazon. The cheviches are quite good, and my top fave is a seafood paella-like dish that is the bomb.
I have never been a big fan of seafood, but I love this place. My only concern? I wish Sazon were larger.
Juan Jose has done a great thing with this restaurant. He also happens to be a really nice guy. A vibrant addition to Santa Rosa's "Latin Quarter".
-SRB"
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 4 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I found Sazon to be an incredible

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I found Sazon to be an incredible find. I have eaten at La Mar and Limon in San Francisco, but for my money Sazon is more interesting and delicious. Their cebiches are all out of this world, especially the "copitas de tilapia" - which had a lovely ginger-lime flavor, and the shrimp/mango cebiche. Their Pisco Sours are authentic and their entrees very filling. I especially enjoyed the roast chicken, which was moist with a crisp skin, as well as their fries. I live in San Ramon but I have been back twice because it is that good!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2006
0points
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Review 5 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Too Busy

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It was fun, something different. Food was good, some dishes better than others. Basically good prices, but as usual, drinks and appetizers overpriced. Not sure I would go back just because it is SO hard to get into! Even with reservations we still had to wait a half out in the cold. Tiny hole-in-the-wall place. Might give it one more try, see how it goes...."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 6 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Really enjoyed the delicious

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Really enjoyed the delicious food and the waitress was darling and very helpful. A fun, non-assuming restaurant."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 7 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Peruvian "criolla"

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We think this unassuming small eatery on a busy street in Santa Rosa is a great find! It has food for everyone, vegetarians, pescatarians and carnivores. It is authentically Peruvian including some unique ceviches with a "criolla" (locallly sourced) flare. Go with several people so you can sample more than one of their starters or Platillos Chicos. The staff is friendly though not very professional, and the music ranged from good to just noisy."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2008
0points
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Review 8 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sazon! Sabrosa!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went to Sazon on a Friday evening and fortunately got there before the crowd. Our server was delightful, answering our questions about the delicious cuzco corn and the various ceviche dishes. Everything we ate was wonderful. We will definitely be coming back!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 9 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great for a small group--we

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great for a small group--we had 6. This place never disappoints!Great service and food that is unique."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
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Review 10 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Interesting Peruvian food,

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Interesting Peruvian food, well prepared and friendly, good service."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
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Review 11 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I've never tried Peruvian

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I've never tried Peruvian food before but enjoy new things, so I jumped at the chance to take a break from wine tasting and rich food. Chicha morada was a surprise - it's a purple corn punch, sweet but not overly so, with cinnamon and a tangy taste that was unfamiliar but so interesting! Very refreshing. I loved the Ceviche Mango: really fresh prawns in a delicious mango sauce with a kick. I had to dip my plantain chips in the mango sauce after all the prawns were gone, which was sadly not a very effective way to soak up the deliciousness. The side of fried green plantain chips was generous, and the plantains were sliced the long way - very pretty!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 12 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

ABSOLUTELY love this restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"ABSOLUTELY love this restaurant for the food, it is beautifully served, and tastes DIVINE. You cannot find a place that delivers better in Santa Rosa. VISIT! and take your friends."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
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Review 13 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best surprise meal in years

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I've had three outstanding and unique dinners. Each time our waiter was incredibly helpful, cheerful and attentive. All three time the staff would make suggestions that furthered our enjoyment. Sazon is the buzz of Santa Rosa do make reservations. It's my new favorite place to dine. Best cerviche ever. And the best flour less chocolate cake."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
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Review 14 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We visited during restaurant week. It's located in the Roseland area and the crowd when we visited was largely Hispanic and cheerful, perhaps not surprising since it's a Peruvian restaurant. Sazon is a small restaurant and fairly crowded so reservations would be recommended. The food was excellent. The "owner" was attentive and very helpful in describing plates, contents and preparation. We'll definitely return."
Dined on 03/24/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly
0points
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Review 15 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great restaurant for those

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great restaurant for those who are looking for something different and appreciate the distinct flavors of Peruvian food!!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 16 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Local Peruvian

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Went on a busy Friday, but seated at the reservation time. Compact place and very busy. Food was excellent with the exception of the fish. Tasty but somewhat over cooked."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 17 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Came here for restaurant week

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Came here for restaurant week I had the lamb shank and it was amazing"
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
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Review 18 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our experience at Sazon was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our experience at Sazon was excellent. The service was friendly, unobtrusive and knowledgeable. The food was well-prepared and presented beautifully. Sazon is definitely a fine addition to Latin American ethnic cuisines in the county. We definitely return and recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 19 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Innovative food. I especially

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Innovative food. I especially like the verde ceviche: fish, shrimp, scallops served with friend plantains and pickled bermuda onions."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 20 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I am among a few other raters

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I am among a few other raters i think who wanted to love this place but came away underwhelmed. My main beef was the service. The waitress was very nice, but there were just a few misfires: the wrong appetizer came, which we ate, thinking - "strange this doesn't seem like what we ordered, but its pretty good" When our actual appetizer came (Papa rellana this time) I actually like the other potato dish better (papa a la Huancaina). Other misfires included a cocktail ordered that never came (but somehow made it to the bill), and an unreasonably long wait for the bill. You shouldn't have to wait 10 minutes after your plates are completely cleared and leftovers are boxed to catch the waitress for a bill. In a tiny restaurant, with a line."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2000
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Review 21 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The Ceviche de Pescado Classico

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Ceviche de Pescado Classico was clearly the hit of the night for my friend and myself. Very lively taste to the fish, with interesting flavors. By contrast, the other appetizer we had, Causa Limena, was bland (the potato was flavorless, and the avocado and crab meat was not very tasty or interesting). For entrees, we had the Lomo Saltado, which was a good combination of flavors (steak, rice, french fries, onion, tomato, celantro), and the Aji de Gallina, which was chicken stew in a cream sauce. The stew was good, just not very interesting and a bit bland.
The drinks (pisco sours) were good, but we had to wait 10 minutes to be served them (they showed up with the appetizers). I would rate the service as only fair."
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Portions are somewhat small

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Portions are somewhat small but the quality and presentation make up for it. A busy little place so reservations are recommended. A wonderful introduction to Peruvian cuisine."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 23 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing Peruvian Restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"One word to describe Sazon is Amazing. Amazing is the word we used over and over to describe the flavors we were tasting. This small little restaurant puts out bigger than life food.
Since trying this restaurant last year, my wife and I have returned many times to bring friends. We have been really impressed with the food we have tried. The ceviche is one of their star dishes and they have several to choose from.
Enjoy!!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This place is awesome. Great

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This place is awesome. Great ingredients, well prepared with good service"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
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Review 25 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

totally awesome authentic

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"totally awesome
authentic and vibrant
"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I want to go again!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"One of the most memorable meals I've had in awhile. The pork tamale is hands down the best tamale I've had - definitely have the panko crusted potato appetizer and the "fruit that tastes like caramel" ice cream. Excellent, friendly service."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 27 for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food, value and hospitality

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food, value and hospitality were great on our first visit, so naturally, we have returned repeatedly. Each time the menu has expanded w/interesting dishes and more (good!) Peruvian beers have been available. The original and very congenial Maitre d' was not there last night, but the wait staff is competent, helpful and friendly. We'll go back."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sazon - Santa Rosa
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.1 / 5
(Very Good) 3.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic