Alma y Sazon

I ALMOST missed this place wandering through the food hall. I actually bought food elsewhere and then spotted this place so bought a second lunch because I’m vegan and I love supporting vegan spots. Anyway, let me preface this review by saying I’ve tried plenty of vegan Mexican food in the Bay, Mexico City, and the Riviera Maya/Cancun areas of Mexico. That being said, this place is top notch! I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh everything was, how not greasy it was, and how authentic the flavors were. I ordered the Jamaica tostada which was flavor and fresh with loads of crispy lettuce. What I appreciated most was that the hibiscus wasn’t mushy which I find at restaurants that use it as a meat substitute. This was cooked long enough to give it a nice meaty chew. My favorite, though, was the tofu al pastor taco that was a perfect balance of savory and sweet with fresh pineapple. The tofu was cooked perfectly and held its form. It was extra delicious topped with habanero salsa. I normally only dine at this food hall when I’m passing through but would consider driving from Oakland just for this place!

I wholeheartedly recommend Alma y Sazon for both catering and personal dining experiences! They provided a worthwhile and delicious vegan catering experience for my leadership event, as well as, provided a delicious solo dining experience. Their taco flight and agua frescas are pretty much life-changing with how delicious they are. Definitely worth a trip to Public Market to visit them!

Food was decent but the portion sizes were small for the price. You need to order multiple entre's to satisfy your hunger. The food didn't come with any side salsa, sauces etc., They don't have a self serve salsa option either. The choice in the menu is limited, perhaps becausr they are still setting up 🤔

Food was ok, nothing special. Green salsa was sweet, chunky (in a bad way), not flavorful. The torta was very small, think of a kid size meal. You'd think for $15 (no sides included) there would be a thick, even layer of "meat" or filling, but no. There was almost no filling nor toppings, just very very light. You'd think for having a smaller menu they'd focus better on their few entrees. I was wrong. I usually don't complain about service, but the front counter guy had a terrible attitude. He stood there and didn't care asking about my order. The whole interaction was awkward and lacking basic service. After I placed my order and paid, he didn't thank me or say anything, just walks Overall, food was not impressive, small quantities, and just overall a bad experience. There are other Mexican food places that are 50x better with the same pricing.

Alma y Sazón is truly one of my favorite spots here in the bay! My favorite is the torta Mexicana and I really do enjoy the taco de mar as well! What makes them so unique is that the whole menu is vegan/vegetarian friendly. And I truly believe you don't need to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy and eat here, yall need to try this place! Service is great and there is plenty of seating in the public market + parking is easy and free!

Wow. Holy moly. I'm impressed. I've walked past this place at least a dozen times and never ordered. Today I took the leap and could not have been happier. The vegetarian, mushroom carnitas were amazing. The del Mar mushroom tacos were also fantastic. Chips and salsa exceeded expectations. Service was fantastic and the atmosphere at the public market is the public market. It's very noisy on a Tuesday with trivia, but there's always a comfortable clean place to sit and eat.

We were so interested in the menu that we ordered almost everything! Standouts were the del mar taco (battered and fried oyster mushroom) and the elote. Normally elote is way too heavy for me, but the vegan mayo was light and the corn was perfectly grilled. We thought a couple items could have used more salt, but we finished absolutely everything we ordered and were very satisfied.

Really delicious food served by wonderful people!! I love that they have so many gluten free options in addition to being vegan! The taco del mar is my favorite, and they make a tasty agua fresca too :) highly recommend for lunch and dinner!!

It's about time the Public Market got a 100% vegan spot--what took so long? I had no idea this gem even existed, but I'm so glad I found it. The vibe is incredibly welcoming, and the chef? Not only does she create delicious food, she's also a talented artist--be sure to ask about her drawings! As for the food, the jackfruit taco was a standout, and the pineapple salsa added a perfect touch of freshness. The only downside was the deep-fried chicharrón--it was a bit too oily for our taste, and we didn't end up finishing it. That said, I would absolutely recommend checking this place out. It's run by a passionate and creative couple, and they're doing something truly special. Go support them--and go vegan!

Alma Y Sazon opened recently in Minnie Bell's Soul Movement's vacated space. Plenty of parking in lot on Sunday even with a farmers market occurring. The food hall has had more vacancies lately. Plenty of seating inside. Offerings (vegan Mexican): tacos, tortas, snacks.. Service a little slow as cashier is doubling as a fry cook. Bites: Al pastor taco (5) -2 grilled mini corn tortillas encapsulated marinated tofu & jackfruit pieces. Bland it was, overwhelmed by the roasted salsa verde's (onions. tomatotillo, garlic, cilantro, jalepenos) spiciness. -garnished with pineapple bits. Lime squeeze.. Mushroom "carnitas" taco (4.75) -garnished with radish slice, white onion bits, lime squeezes, salsa verde. Flavas nuanced. Not spicy. -a few oyster mushroom strands was the "carnitas" Fillings may have been reheated on grill, subsequently filled grilled street taco tortillas. 3.5 stars semi-worthy: YMMV, quality: disjointed. Quantity: smallish-YMMV. Doubtful repeat.

This place is so friendly -- everyone has great attitudes, smiles & service! I walked in on a relatively mellow day but the energy is still upbeat & helpful. This is my first time in this market & so I went through all the menu offerings & decided this was the best. I did not realize right away that it was vegan, but it was a major bonus!! Now I can feel good about my ethical choices & not have to settle for less than amazing food. I ordered 2 tacos, one tinga & carnitas taco with a Jamaica + Limon drink. The way I enjoyed this meal... I need more but I also need to fit into my PRIDE outfit for tomorrow I did over hear someone come up to the counter (as I read the menu) to compliment the food as a non-vegan eater who wasn't expecting his meal to be so delicious! I found that so sweet! The POZOLE & TOSTADA are next on my hit list & I'm very much looking forward to coming back. The seating was easy, right in front and the parking in the lot (A) is free for 120m. What a lovely group of folx they have working here! Would recommend for all.

I found this place on TikTok and decided to give it a chance. It's in a food market so there's a lot of parking across the street. There was a good amount of options. I got a torta and a drink. It's a vegan restaurant prices are okay. There is seating all over the place. The service was really good the person who helped me took her time to explain the menu. You get a buzzer a that way you know when your food is ready. The torta was delicious and not greasy how meat is. It is very filling and the drink was just as good. This place definitely exceeded all my expectations highly recommend!!!

The food is delicious!! Omg the tofu taco and fried mushrooms were amazing!! The avocado and cilantro sauce elevated it to new heights! The service was great and it's always nice to try new places in the public market! It is exciting to see what new offerings are there.

Who knew hibiscus asada was this good? Located in The Public Market, Alma Y Sazón is quickly becoming one of my favorite vegan spots in the East Bay. My sister and I found the quaintly decorated restaurant on a Sunday evening and tried the Tostada de Tinga and Tostada Ranchera. The Tostada de Tinga was very sweet! The jackfruit tinga gave it an almost mashed sweet potato flavor/texture? It was a good contrast to the tostada and veggie crunch, but there could have been more depth of texture for me personally. 3.5/5 The Tostada Ranchera was deliiiiicious. Wow the hibiscus flower asada was an unexpected favorite of mine! Kind of like a jerky texture, but it really complemented the refried beans and crunchy veggie and tostada textures. And it tasted like MEAT! 5/5 I think about her!!! The employee at the register was also friendly, but the food did take a while to arrive (20 min?). Luckily, their storefront is right next to the pool table, so my sister and I passed the time fairly quickly. (: Nothing to speak of regarding ambiance. There's no restaurant-specific seating, but plenty of public seating around! Overall, would go again... dying to try more of their food!

I have now had the Sopesitos and the Tostado. Both are so good. This has quickly become my got to whenever I am at the Emeryville Public market. Every is always friendly and the food delicious.

Stopped in the Public Market and was so excited to see a vegan spot! My food was perfect! I got the taquitos and a Al pastor taco. Each thing was flavored deliciously. I can't wait to come back!

Update: wow!! went back to try the tacos, flautas and sopesitos. Is this my new favorite place???!! Everything is so fresh and yummy. No flour tortillas. Corn only. It's legit! I can't wait to go back and bring friends. This time service was much faster, too. Prev review: I only tried the torta (with tofu) and it was great. Good blend of different ingredients. I'm looking forward to going back to try other things.

Deliciosa!!! Delicious - finally! I can come tonthis beautiful "food court" to eat and for ice cream at Dewy's Yeah!!!!

The food was fantastic and they just opened a week ago. The owners were very friendly. I'm looking forward to coming back to try more new menu items. Love having more vegan options in the East Bay. Stop by and show them some love!

The most amazing vegetarian tacos I've ever had. Was reluctant at first because I love cheese, but I decided to give it a try and it was all completely delicious. Give them a try!

I love love loveeee Alma y Sazón! I have had every single thing on the menu and everything is equally delicious but I would be lying if I didn't saying the tacos "de mar" weren't my favorite. I tell everyone I know, you wouldn't even know it's vegan! Please do your self a favor and go enjoy some GOOOOD ass food. Thank you Lola, Xavi & Fer. I can taste all the love in every bite!!!

The food here was unbelievably delicious!!! My favorite was the taco Del Mar. I don't usually post, but this was so good I actually am. I'll definitely be back!

Soooo good and I'm so excited to have it in public market! I've had the tacos, flautas, chips and salsa, elote, and torta and it's all delicious. I will eventually eat the whole menu. Go hear, so they stay in business and I can keep eating!

food always smack went for lunch today and the people working are amazing. Definitely one of my go to spots

Absolutely decimated the food, it was so good I couldn't even get a picture I needed to focus on what was at hand. I got the po boy the chicharrones and also the tinga tostada and the al pastor tacos since I shared with my boyfriend. It was so good 12/10 will be here again.

Their corn on the cob is to die for! Please Alma and Sazon, put that sauce and crema on EVERY item... :) Delicious, fresh, great food (whether you're vegan or not!) with the sweetest owners. Really creative and quality Mexican dishes at great prices (tacos just for under $5 and tostada's for under $10). Please give them lots of business so the Public Market can keep this great offering!

Alma y Sazón is truly one of my favorite spots here in the bay! My favorite is the torta Mexicana and I really do enjoy the taco de mar as well! What makes them so unique is that the whole menu is vegan/vegetarian friendly. And I truly believe you don't need to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy and eat here, yall need to try this place! Service is great and there is plenty of seating in the public market + parking is easy and free!

Excited to have a Mexican vegan place to get some yummy food. My husband and I live so close to the Public Market but haven't found a reason to eat there yet until we saw Alma y Sazon got their brick and mortar open! Their service was very welcoming! We really enjoyed the Torta Mexicana, with both the Al pastor and Asada, which had great flavor! We had some leftover dip after finishing the chicharrones so that with the salsa on the torta was SO good. Overall, really excited to have them in the neighborhood and look forward to seeing what else they do!

Got their De Mar PoBoy, Al Pastor tacos, Tostada de Tinga and some mushrooms chicharrones, and all were made really well! The Al Pastor tacos had fresh pineapple and their fried oyster mushrooms were really crispy and delicious! 10/10 for flavor, I love seeing new vegan options come to they bay area, definitely recommend!

Summary: Very well worth the drive in traffic from Oakland! This is the best vegan food I've ever had in the Bay Area. They for sure put all the Alma and sazon into their food. Drove from Oakland to Emeryville on Friday and it was about 22 minutes, so I was very hungry. Parking was easy and I walked into the market place where the room was filled with delicious aromas. The strongest aroma I smelled was the pastor from Alma y Sazon. I was greeted by Fernanda, co-owner of Alma, and they were very welcoming and patient about it being my first time looking at the menu. They gave me recommendations and I now see why. Food: I ordered the PoBoy torta, which comes with battered mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoe, and served on bomb French bread. That was a 12/10 because that chipotle cream drizzled on top was worth the drive alone. I also ordered the taco de pastor (vegan) & if you've never tried vegan food, this will change your mind. The taco came with pineapple, salsa, and it was an awesome blend together. 10/10 I also ordered the asada which is hibiscus flowers and when I tell you that marinade is so delicious, I mean it! This taco was a first time for me so the texture was new and for that reason it's a 8/10. I was making so many food noises from enjoyment that people were asking where the food was from! Even Paola, chef & co-owner, came out to greet me & a friend to see what we thought about the food. This is now my to go spot and I will be returning very often.

Javi was delightful and was helpful in my choosing of what to eat, and I really do wish I took a photo of it but the Po'boy he suggested was AMAZING! Javi and Fernanda really took care of me, and get this that was Not only my 1st time @ Alma y Sazón, but also a 1st in California and I was Not disappointed @ all. Thanks Y'all catch y'all again

New spot opened up in the emeryville market and these these tacos are fire. Got the asada and the al pastor, both were excellent. Gotta come back for the torta. Oh yeah it's vegan too.

What a super surprise! Finding ourselves in a wandering drift around Central Market in Emeryville and on a whim at a distant corner behind a few folks ordering we decided upon Latino food. At an adjoining table the food looked interesting and different including a mostly devoured corn on the cob. So we decided to order and share a wide sample including the cob, and OMG, everything was, in a word, EXTRAORDINARY! Even the two salsas were incredibly different, uniquely flavorful, delish. Portions were ample, we were full but not stuffed like usual overeating heavy. We even finished the chips, the two salsas calling us back after devouring EVERY morsel. The cob was the main event, and after the whole meal and satisfactorily full, we would have ordered two more cobs for 'dessert' if they hadn't run out. The young owners were delightful and helpful. Everything we ordered, the fresh and unique quality of it all, left us hungry to go back, and this is #1 on our go-to after AMC movie or area shop. And I'm in Petaluma so mos def any Bay crossing I'm gonna kill it at Alma Y Sazon!

Go visit this place. Conveniently located at Emeryville Public Market. The tostada was to die for. The fried mushrooms were perfect and served with a savory sauce. I want to go back and order extra sauce next time. More over my family (primarily meat lovers) loved everything and were full! Definitely going to be one of our go to dinners. Great job chefs! Thank you-Jocelyn & Avelino

Very tasty torta (al pastor). The bread was very fresh and it was very flavorful overall. We also enjoyed the del mar taco as well, which is composed of fried mushrooms on a delicious blue corn tortilla with some very hot salsa. There's a lot of care put into this food. I really appreciate it.