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!
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"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
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.