Zona Rosa

One of our favorite places to get a great cocktail and gorgeously done tacos that aren't what you normally find - we especially love the scallop tacos and the chicken al pastor! The drinks are well thought out and beautifully executed - their twist on a spicy margarita is especially tasty. Go for date night or go with friends and don't forget to get their house made chips and trio of salsas! But try and grab a reservation if you can, the restaurant is wonderfully cozy and fills up super fast.

One of the most incredible restaurants I have ever been to in my entire life. Best Mexican food I’ve ever had it is so unique and well executed. The ingredients are so unique and somehow work so well together. The Mexican hot chocolate was THE BEST I’ve ever had so so so good. The enchiladas were mind blowing. The ambiance is so sweet and they give you beautiful woven blankets. How in the world are these prices so good?? They’re serving super super fancy food at a very normal price. The waiter was so cool and you can tell they have a deep respect for the cooks there. He was a guy from Pensacola, owners if you’re reading this give him a raise. I’m a super fan of this restaurant. I’m so used to constant regretful experiences at restaurants this was truly a delight

On a Sunday evening, we headed to Zona Rosa and were seated right away. The waitress, who was super friendly, kicked things off with their homemade chips and dips. For appetizers, we tried the ceviche tostada, which I’d rate a solid 9 out of 10, and the quesadilla verduras, which was honestly a 10 out of 10 – one of the best I’ve ever had! The restaurant itself had a lovely vibe, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the evening even more enjoyable. The staff really went out of their way to make everything comfortable, and I honestly enjoyed everything we ordered, which isn’t something I can say often. It was genuinely one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. The combination of great service, tasty drinks, and the charming setting really made it a memorable night.

place with alot of intimate spaces. Fast service and food was good. The fresh cut tortilla chips were delicious. The mushroom tacos were excellent as well as the salmon taco. The chicken enchiladas were yummy as well. Would surely return..

Beautiful little restaurant in a beautiful area. This is our favorite date night restaurant. The margaritas are delicious! All of the drinks are. Try the esquites! The guac is from perfectly fresh avocadoa. The mole enchiladas are perfect (not chocolatey). The tacos are fire.

Amazing food! Carnitas tacos is a must have. Excellent margarita, light and delicious. Hibiscus tea 10/10. The rice and beans were PERFECT!!! Cozy atmosphere, very cool bar.

The best Mexican food I've had. Delicious homemade and the atmosphere made it even more enjoyable. Gael, our server, was very friendly and attentive. The alcoholic drinks were delicious. You'd expect a high price for delicious food, but the pricing was very, very reasonable.I'll surely return for another great experience.

A nice gem in San Jose, great taco selection from traditional fish taco to creative scallop taco. Especially like the sauce and corn on a few tacos that gave the unique flavor. Drink selection is also plentiful.

Zona Rosa is a gem--perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or even a laid-back work dinner. The vibe is upscale casual with a warm, lively energy. Every time I've been, the service is friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Let's talk margaritas--they're top tier. The Perfect Margarita lives up to its name, and the Hibiscus Margarita is refreshing and just the right amount of floral without being too sweet. Food-wise? So flavorful it's almost unfair. Start with the tres salsas and chips and do not skip the guacamole--my absolute go-to. It's freshly made and next-level if you add bacon and pistachios. Trust me. Taco must-tries: * Chimichurri (bold, herby, and juicy) * Bass (light but packed with flavor) * Hanger steak (savory and tender) * Shrimp (perfectly cooked with a kick) * Alambre (smoky and satisfying) Everything is rich, layered, and beautifully plated. Zona Rosa manages to feel special but still relaxed--exactly the kind of spot you want in your regular rotation.

Tried this place for the first time for date night and it exceeded all expectations. We started with a complementary trio of salsas with fresh chips and were taken aback by the smoked cashew salsa especially. So different and so good! The margaritas are outstanding. I got the Perfect Margarita and it was appropriately named. The main event: the enchiladas suiza. They tasted authentic, the tortillas were fresh, the chicken was juicy, and the creamy poblano sauce was so comforting. The only thing I would change would be to add a spicy pepper to that sauce to bring up that poblano flavor profile. It was a little muted but still delicious. Our server was a delightful lady who asked us about our experience and asked for feedback, which was really thoughtful. She was knowledgeable about the menu items and had genuine interest in our experience and that definitely left a lasting impression. Of note: I was also impressed with their tequila selection. They had some bottles that I've had trouble finding in Mexico. We will definitely be back!

I had dinner here with two friends on Wednesday and we really enjoyed it! I had the fish tacos, one of my friends had chicken tacos, and we split the quesadilla, guacamole, and taquitos. We also had two of the agua frescas. Everything was delicious and we really liked sitting in their outdoor area! The food came out fast and it was very tasty. I'll be back!

Came here for a private White Lotus themed murder mystery party. We had the outdoor bar area upstairs to ourselves and it fit about 15 people standing comfortably. It had a nice view, though I will say it got quite hot up there. They had pretty good drinks - I had their extra spicy margaritas, and they did not disappoint. We had their guacamole and chips, and their queso fundido con chorizo - some of the best we've had in a long time. The bartenders were nice and attentive. Very excited to come back and try something new!

Wowwwww.....the cucumber basil margarita is a MUST. I had two and honestly could have had more. They were beautiful and tasted fantastic. Very light and felt "healthish"---perfect for a sunny day. I got the carnitas tacos and again...AMAZING, but the winner in the food department had to have been the Chimichurri tacos. The staff was charming and were very kind. The overall vibe of the restaurant is funky and preppy--all thrown into one. I loved it. Can you tell I already want to go back?!

Salmon tacos are the best here. I tried the Al pastor and hangar ones but they were dry and not well seasoned. The sauces and guacamole are good too. I enjoyed the margaritas. Service is good.

Let me start by saying, this review is certainly mixed. Will break it down into each main Yelp review portions: Starting with the ambiance. 5 stars all around. The interior of the restaurant is somewhat small (space as well as ceiling height), but feels cozy and welcoming instead of actually small. Simple but fresh decor. The back patio space is so nice, and a different vibe! Think: winery outdoor wedding style -- fresh flower decor, bistro lights, nice tables and chairs.. very fun and perfect for a slightly upscale family reunion or celebration. Where things went a bit awry was on the service.. after we were seated, our waiter took our order very quickly. Guac and chips came out within minutes, which we happily enjoyed. And then.. 15 minutes passed.. 30 minutes passed.. at that point, we flagged down our waiter (who had not checked in on us at all the entire time even though he had served neighboring tables). He said he would check on our order, but made no apologies or even acknowledged how long we had been waiting. Another 15 minutes go by.. he again comes to serve other tables but did not update us. We flagged down another waiter to check on our order, who was much more responsive and assured us he'd make sure we'd get our food soon. By the time we hit a full hour of waiting, we had to leave for another appointment so told them to pack our food up if it was ready, or cancel if it's not even made yet. It was ready. Our original waiter came to check us out. He very nicely gave us a good discount on our check, but honestly, I would've preferred to have just gotten it on time and eaten it there. Okay, now with that out of the way.. the food.. I would say solid 4 stars here! - Guac & chips: Yes, it is expensive. But yes, I will definitely be ordering this every time. The Guac is just how like it, plain avocados with seasoning, no tomatoes or any extra garnishes. And the chips!! Yum!! Hefty and solid corn taste. Very good. - Salmon tacos: blackened grilled salmon. Very good, but not incredible. Salmon perhaps a touch overcooked, but taco flavors melded pretty well overall. - Chimichurri steak tacos: I liked this one. Steak also a touch overcooked for me, but pretty good still. Sauce & toppings were great. - Pollo al pastor tacos: I found myself wishing it was more traditional pork al pastor. Likely won't order it again, but was good to try. - Butternut squash quesadilla: yummy, but the squash was a bit sweet. Ended up adding some of the steak from the tacos for a more savory meal flavor. TLDR: great ambience, and good food, but service can be mixed, and the kitchen can get extremely backed up if busy. Be prepared to wait for 1+ hrs for food on a busy night!

We came here for dinner last night for a light dinner and had a good time. We enjoyed their guacamole and salsa variety. I enjoyed their verduras enchiladas. Their tomatillo sauce went perfect with the yam filling! I personally was not a huge fan of the pistachios on top, but that comes down to personal taste. I do wish that they had more customizations within their vegetarian options. That said, our servers were really nice and we appreciated how dog friendly this restaurant was.

Ok food. Not great.Not a very good menu. Worst service ever. Waiter never checked on us. Never coming back. Also way too noisy. On a positive note the water was good. They leave it on the table so the waiter doesn't have to even pour it for you. He can go clean and set tables elsewhere.

We were in the area and wanted to check out something different, so we had dinner at Zona Rosa. When we walked up, the host asked if we had a reservation, which we didn't, but got seated anyway. The menu is kind of high-end Mexican food. The specialty is the tacos, served on blue corn tortillas. I tried the salmon tacos that had a big piece of salmon with a slice of bacon and corn salsa. Everything was very fresh and went well together. My companion got the vegetarian verduras tacos which he loved. He said they were the best mushroom tacos he ever had. We got the chips and guac and the guac was decent, but the chips were amazing. They had upcharge items to add to the guac which I'd probably do next time. It was fine, just a little plain! This place is cute inside, has a nice bar. We didn't order drinks but the drink menu looked really interesting. Also the seats were very comfortable, funny to say but I could see hanging out a while in a comfortable chair!

This place was simply lovely! The prices were super reasonable and everything was so tasty!!! From all the drinks to the perfectly portioned plates. We went for brunch and everyone loved what they had gotten. I personally enjoyed the ceviche as my meal - if ceviche is on the menu, I simply cannot resist, and it did not disappoint!!! We loved that they had outdoor seating and that we did not need a reservation.

Had Friday dinner with friends at this Mexican restaurant with an 8:15 PM reservation. They offer different seating options--front open seating, indoor, and back patio. The hostess seemed overwhelmed, constantly moving in and out without acknowledging guests, as multiple groups arrived at the same time. After being seated, it took some time for the server to arrive. We started with drinks, ordering different margaritas (hibiscus, Felicia Rose, blood orange, Francisco) along with chips and guac. The food and drinks arrived at a decent pace, but the chips were oily, and the guac portion was small and underwhelming. Drinks are good. If seated outside, it can get cold even with heaters, especially if it's windy. The server took a long time to return for our entrée order. We got Suiza and Verduras enchiladas, as well as Baja and shrimp tacos. The food was just okay--nothing particularly impressive. For dessert, we tried the chocolate bread, which had a hard exterior but was moist and flavorful inside. Overall, it was an average experience. The restaurant was too busy to manage service effectively, which affected the experience.

I took my friends there on my Birthday because I used to like this place. I wanted to treat them to dinner, and because of that I gave my credit card to a waiter in advance. I got charged an extra dish that we never ordered. Unfortunately, I didn't check the receipt till I got home. "Gee, thanks, guys! Way to wish me a happy Birthday!" As for food and drinks: cocktails are really good. Blue corn tortillas- yes, but tacos got much smaller than I remember them. Scallops on tacos were overcooked and had too much crumbs on the outside. The back yard sitting looks renovated and it is improved a lot. Service was slow in the back yard sitting on a Tuesday evening. Crossed out from favorites. Might still come for cocktails and will be sure to check my receipt.

From the ambiance to the food to the service, Zona Rose is just perfection! We love coming here and James has the best service and knowledge of the menu. They have a great happy hour as well!

Imaginative food and drink creations Welcoming host, very friendly gracious , seating offered outside. Indoor and patio seating. Beautiful day for seating right outside while watching the hustle & bustle of joggers and everyday happenings all the while sipping their thirst quenching beautifully colored variations of unique drink combinations. The descriptions entice you to try something new & enjoy their flavorful combinations. Blue corn tortillas with tempura battered scallops tacos. Something of an unexpected texture treat. Scallops sometimes don't have enough flavor for me, I generally enjoy shrimp tacos, but this was lightly battered and just enough crunch to add that surprise texture, I enjoyed the blue corn tortillas, but I'm a hand made small corn tortilla fan most of the time. Nevertheless very unique concept that I enjoyed. The only thing is I wish was that our server looked like he enjoyed what he was doing a little more. Other than that we enjoyed the good company, drinks and atmosphere. Would have rated higher but service wasn't with a smile. Food and drinks nicely plated and unique creations.

I came here on two different occasions to meet friend and catch up and had decent experiences. I came for lunch hour and happy hour. Happy Hour was nice as I ordered 2 steak tacos from that menu and the corn appetizer which was just OK since it wasn't served with anything, just corn. Service was nice and attentive. During lunch when I came, service was kinda slow and the server did not crack one smile making it seem like he didnt want to be there. Overall, the place has a nice ambience. relaxing and small and I enjoyed the food much better that the other Mexican restaurant nearby.

the Cucumber agua fresca was delicious, like a non alcoholic mojito. the Bass tacos and Esquites corn appetizer were excellent. service was a little slow but I can tell they were very busy and the server consistently apologized for the wait, which we appreciated.

Decided to try out this place, as an alternative to Luna. The interior is quite nice, and they did a good job with the ambience. When I asked about virgin margaritas, they looked at me like I made the strangest request, and then the waiter chuckled and said that he could give me a lemonade. Presuming good intentions here, but didn't love the way it made me feel. I ended up ordering an Agua Fresca. I liked how they put salt along the rim, and the drink itself was pretty decent, but not as fantastic and fresh as a virgin margarita from Luna. Got the three salsas appetizer, and the shrimp tempura tacos. We also ordered the corn appetizer, but never got it. The tacos were decent, but didn't "wow" me. No one came by to check on our table, even though it was not busy at all. Honestly, not sure if I would return, especially since Luna is so close by.

A nice little spot in the Alameda section of San Jose. We need a spot to eat and they were able to take are larger party. Food is a bit limited, but what they have is pretty good. Lots of taco selection. Service was a little spotty as the guy didn't check in with us enough because he knew he was getting his 20% tip no matter what. Still, we enjoyed are experience here.

Came to Zona Rosa for dinner with a friend around 6:30 PM, and this spot was poppin'! The host let us know it'd be about a 15-minute wait, and true to their word, we were seated right on time. Initially, we were placed next to the bathroom (not ideal), but after a quick ask, they happily moved us to a table by the window -- much better vibes over there. Shoutout to the staff for being so accommodating! The ambiance here is cozy and dimly lit, giving off a romantic, intimate vibe. It's definitely the kind of spot you'd bring a date or just kick back with a close friend for good food and even better drinks. Speaking of drinks, we ordered The Perfect Margarita and the Chris Old Fashioned. The Perfect Margarita? Chef's kiss. Honestly, I preferred it without the salt (which says a lot, considering it's usually a non-negotiable). It was refreshing, smooth, and didn't have that overpowering sweetness you sometimes get with margaritas. The Chris Old Fashioned came through with a bold, smoky flavor that I wasn't expecting but definitely appreciated. Smoky drinks can be hit or miss, but this one hit the mark. Now, let's get to the main event -- the food. I originally had my heart set on a burrito (because who doesn't crave a good burrito now and then?), but unfortunately, burritos are only available during brunch. Total bummer, but we pivoted to tacos, and let me tell you -- no regrets. We tried the Shrimp Taco and the Hanger Taco. - Shrimp Taco: Juicy, flavorful, and downright delicious. Each bite felt like an explosion of perfectly balanced flavors. - Hanger Taco: Okay, this one caught me off guard -- in the best way. The hanger steak was super juicy, but the texture was different. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was next-level tender and had that perfect chew. It's one of those "I need to come back for this" kind of tacos. The staff was also amazing. Our waiter was patient, kind, and answered all our questions without rushing us. They even offered to split a shot for us, which I've never had happen before -- but hey, I'm not complaining! All in all, Zona Rosa has a way of turning a "burrito disappointment" into a "taco triumph." The romantic lighting, thoughtful service, and those unforgettable tacos make it a spot I'll definitely be revisiting -- maybe next time for brunch so I can finally get that burrito.

After hiking at Bear Creek, we thought we would go to the Los Gatos location, but there was something going on in Los Gatos that closed streets. So, we diverted to the San Jose location, which is our usual haunt. We started with the Tres salsa and chips because we like the vinegar flavor of the red salsa, and the bacony suggestion of the Smoky sweetness of the cashew salsa. The salsas were good, the chips are usually pretty good but this time they were just OK as they had absorbed perhaps just a little too much grease, but the salting was really good We came 20 minutes before the daily 3-5(6?) happy time. Thankfully, open to all and have just seniors. tacos are five dollars off and there are special prices on other comida and bebida items. I had the bass fish tacos for which I substituted the cashew salsa in place of the lime crema. Two tacos with battered bass flesh. The batter was light and a little chicken reminiscent. The bass was not flaky like cod but still good. I hope freshwater bass but did not ask. The right amount of steamy heat inside they went down quickly. My wife is vegetarian so she had the enchiladas verduras and describes them as a good mix of vegetables in blue corn tortillas covered in a green sauce. Service is excellent and it's a still-cozy indoor space with some outdoor seating as well in front and back

We came here last night and had a reservation, but ended up sitting at the bar because it was too cold and windy outside. The hostess and weight staff are super nice, but I definitely think they were either under staff tonight or their servers could be a little bit more efficient. I would definitely give five stars to the bartender and the quality of ingredients they used to make their cocktails. It was amazing! I got the Paloma. We usually get the guacamole with bacon and pistachios and of course it did not disappoint. Our entrées were just OK. I think I do like the breakfast menu a little bit better than their dinner menu. Either way, a cute spot if you want to do a little date night or go out with friends.

We visited Zona Rosa on a Sunday evening and were seated right away. Our server, Ali, was super friendly and kicked things off with their homemade chips and dips. For appetizers, we tried the ceviche tostada, which was a solid 9/10, and the quesadilla verduras, an amazing 10/10--definitely one of the best I've had! Next, we shared some tacos: hanger steak (7/10), shrimp tempura (8/10), and blackened salmon (9/10). We also enjoyed drinks, the almond horchata and lemon drop, both scoring 9/10. We wrapped up the night with buñuelos, which were an 8/10--a perfect way to finish. Overall, Ali and James created a wonderfully comfortable experience, and the restaurant itself was beautiful, with an inviting ambiance that made the evening even more enjoyable. This was one of the best meals I've had at a restaurant in a long time, and I genuinely liked everything served--a rarity! The combination of great service, delicious drinks, and a lovely atmosphere truly enhanced our dining experience.

Been here several times and 3 out of 5 times service is good. You will definitely be waiting a while for a drink and your food if it's even remotely busy. Food is really good, but watch out for the misleading "taco bar platter" on the top of the menu (see attached photo). It says "choose 5 tacos $7." I'll have you know that when the check came it definitely wasn't $7. Try 5 x $7 = $35. They need to add the word "each" to the menu since it's very misleading and borderline fraud! Icing on the cake was our server saying that we were the first people who had ever misread it. I know in most cases, if it's too good to be true then it usually is, but this typo is a bit much. I'll probably be back at some point, but I'll be skipping the taco "platter."

We stopped in for a late lunch on a warm day a few months ago. We sat outside and enjoyed the breeze while eating. The patio is comfortable and has enough space that you're not disturbed by the people entering and exiting the restaurant, even if you sit next to the door like we did. The food was good! I didn't love the salsas (they were too sweet for my taste), but the chicken was soft and sweet, and paired nicely with the sour of the pickled onions. The server was friendly and was happy to walk us through the menu. I always need a bit of extra time to figure out what's gluten free, but she was happy to point out what my options were.

A cute little spot in the heart of downtown near the historic movie theater. Promptly seated for a late weekend lunch. I was promptly brought water with a lemon wedge. Ordered up a fresh carrot juice and a trio of shrimp tacos on blue corn tortillas and a chip and salsa with a trio of sauces. Everything was very good. The service was a little off but I think they were gearing up for dinner service. Off to wine tasting now.

Zona Rosa is a much needed addition to this area of CLT. Are you looking to go dancing to Latin hits? I'm talking salsa, reggaeton, cumbia, bachata ... Zona Rosa is a very nice option. It's super pretty on the inside and has two "rooms". One side will play more urban hits like Bad Bunny and Feid and Karol G and even a bit of house music. The other side is more tropical and plays more Aventura, Marc Anthony, Grupo Frontera etc. People do dance here. There isn't many places to sit so put on your dancing shoes and join the party. In terms of the crowd - the urban side skews to a more younger demographic and gets a little more rowdy. The side that plays tropical music skews older - like you could even bring your Tias and Madrinas here (aunties and Godmothers). Folks are mostly dressed in cocktail attire or more on the comfy side. The drinks aren't anything too crazy - so I'd say keep it safe and not order anything too, too fancy. Also they almost always charge a $20 cover and parking is a nightmare in this area. They lose a star for always charging an entrance fee. Overall, I liked Zona Rosa and would visit again. Happy Dancing!

The service and food was amazing I know it's not always the same but the food is amazing Love that ambiance you just never know what kind of crowd or music will be playing love the mexican music !

Food - was tasteful Service - was great! Ambiance - was perfect. Side Note: if you're Mexican please come and support. Margs - were absolute Thank you / Gracias Zona Rosa Team

Expensive Mexican food with nice ambiance. We spent almost $100 for appetizer (2 trout tacos) and 9 tacos (3 salmon, 3 chicken, 3 scallop), NO drinks, including tax/tip. The food was delicious I will give you that. The salmon was amazing! The trout was salty though, I would not order that appetizer again. There were also not that many tables inside. I would come back but in the summer and sit on the patio with my dog and just order the salmon tacos.

We both grew up in San José, so we consider ourselves to be "experts" on Mexican food (or at least we know our way around a burrito), but Zona Rosa is a cut above. My husband declared his chile relleno (his go-to order whenever we go to a Mexican restaurant) to be the best one ever; the tacos were definitely uniquely flavorful. We had queso de chivo fundido for an appetizer, and it was a super interesting take on queso fundido (another one of our favorites). Margarita was excellent. We arrived without a reservation (mid-week, 6:15 p.m.) and were seated right away. Service was fast and friendly & food was hot. Family-friendly.

Zona Rosa has creative, fresh Mexican food. It's a small restaurant and very popular, so get here early. There are a few tables outside, so if the weather is good opt for an outside table if you can. The inside of the restaurant was noisy - not from the customers but from the loud music. We ordered: Enchilada Suiza, Chile Relleno, and 2 cocktails - a Felicia Rose and a Hot & Smoky Margarita (mezcal, curacao, chili syrup, lime, and spicy salt) which was fantastic. All of the cocktails here are very creative, and the food is super fresh. The service was not very attentive on the day we were here. We had to wait a while before they took our order and had to wait to get our check, but the food came out quickly. But if you're looking for good Mexican food and delicious cocktails, plus you have some time, this is a great place for lunch or brunch.

Jamie W. and I took one of our rare trips to the South Bay to have dinner with our friends Carlos and Jack. Carlos and I were trying to figure out where to meet, and based on a recent episode of "Check, Please! Bay Area", we landed on this rather upscale Mexican spot on The Alameda. Street parking was pretty easy, and we had an early reservation. For whatever reason, the server was rather glum-faced and short on small talk. He led us to a random table for four upon which I asked whether we could have the more private one in the alcove. He just shrugged his shoulders and moved the menus to the desired one. It wasn't as if he wasn't pleasant but apparently only to customers he knows well. Hmm, interesting. Too bad as the food was very good. We started with their crunchy housemade Chips in two orders (photo). There was the $13 basket that came with their creamy Guacamole (photo: https://yelp.to/kk4g1-IffL), and there was the $6 basket with a trio of dipping sauces: Smoked Cashew, Pumpkin Seed Habanero, and Tito's Salsa (photo: https://yelp.to/rDNR8JUMAP). The pumpkin was my favorite though I scooped all three liberally. We shared the $70 pitcher of Hibiscus Margarita which produced about six glasses worth (photo: https://yelp.to/R3_cKJNQ27). While it was uniquely refreshing with a mild puckery kick, we were still recovering from the sticker shock. Looking to sample the menu, we went our separate ways with the entrees. Jack had the $35 Pesca Del Dia, an entire fish (that evening it was halibut) which they deep-fried. It was sitting in a pool of salsa diabla and accompanied by rice, beans, and warm tortillas (photo: https://yelp.to/XIU3djyygJ). It was deliciously crunchy like a Baja dish you'd find on the beach. Carlos ordered the $18 Enchilada de Pollo, a pair of good-size ones filled with tender chicken shards, ladled with mole colorado, drizzled with crema, and topped with queso (photo: https://yelp.to/nlToaNpSnU). Quite filling street plate taken up a notch. Jamie went for the $22 Enchilada de Camaron which were stuffed with shrimp, fingerling potatoes, and cabbage. They were drizzled with tomatillo crema, and I enjoyed the hearty spiced filling when I stole a bite (photo: https://yelp.to/V2u9m92gV6). I brought up the rear (literally) with the $28 Carnitas, which consisted of two huge slabs of meltable pork in a large clay pot. It was accompanied by black beans, plantains, white rice, and pico de gallo (photo: https://yelp.to/q7BvplBXah). There was enough meat for several tacos, but we just gnawed on it like wild hyenas. That was quite a feast, and we ended up passing on dessert since the prospect of fritters and crumb cake weren't really exciting us. I think warmer service could've really elevated our special dinner. FOOD - 4.5 stars...all of our dishes were savory and flavorful AMBIANCE - 4 stars... nice light space, nothing like the traditional Mexican space SERVICE - 3 stars...coldish but efficient TOTAL - 4 stars...upscale Mexican could've used some mamacita love RELATED - Exploring the South Bay? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2uv12JY

I went to Zona Rosa to see if my last experience was a bad day or a indicator of bad things to come. The quality of the food has really gone down hill. We ordered the tacos. Most are priced at $15. But for any seafood, there's a 5 dollar extra charge. I don't mind paying if the taste is great. But the salmon taco barely had any fish,it was thinner than a slice of sushi. My flank steak had 3 small pieces per taco. Both had fatty and sinue which I could barely chew. They always seem to be understaffed. The only reason for the 2 stars is the chips and tres salsas. They are still great, thick and greasy and salty. I may go just for drinks and chips

Exceptional Mexican food. We absolutely loved our lunch here. It's one of the few places that's open all day which works great for us! We came around 2pm ish on a Friday. Among us (3 adults and a 6 year old) we tried: - Pollo al pastor tacos - verdura enchilada - carnitas enchilada - house made chips with 3 salsas - bunelos (dessert) Everything was amazing. The service was attentive and friendly and didn't forget us throughout our experience there. Bathrooms are so beautiful and clean The food us simply amazing. So tasty and everything is house made. Their house made chips were so tasty! Enchiladas were delicious. Our 6 year old said in her own words that the al pastor tacos were "superb". Ah, of course and their bunelos dessert was out of this world. Absolutely delicious and would love to return for their brunch menu and their drinks :)

Really nice place located on the Alameda. It is a small place but it had a relaxed ambience. I tired out their happy hour. I enjoyed the small plates and everything was tasty. I ordered the quesadilla verduras, carnitas, taquitos and the chips and quacamole. . I enjoyed the quesadilla filled with butternut squash with oaxaca and goat cheese. It was a nice combo. Drinks were just average.

This was our first time here. We did get seated immediately in the back patio, it's was nice and cozy. We order chips and salsa which were pretty good but a little too oily. I ordered the hibiscus margarita and it was just ok, the reason for the 3 stars is because of the long wait for the food, at least 30 minutes. The next thing was the carnitas enchiladas molé, it was covered in creama and cotija cheese with made it SO SALTY! I was able to eat one but it was disappointing, not sure if I would go back.

Love this place! My husbands and I favorite date night restaurant! The chicken pastor is amazing paired with the guacamole and Fransico Libre margaritas, Chef's kiss! Also I can't tell you how the amazing the service is, Jose is the best!

Zona Rosa is a great spot! If you are looking for incredible Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, this place is a must-visit. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, a very homey type of feel. The food has a lot of flavors in every bite: I highly recommend the short rib tacos and the queso fundido! The margaritas and the old fashions are crafted very well and complements the food. Service is excellent - staff is very knowledgeable of the menu and can accommodate any substitutes of sides and main dishes Overall a great place for date nights and casual outings

Had lunch here with a friend on the weekend. We were seated quickly without a reservation. Staff were friendly. After being seated we somewhat forgotten about. Service was very slow and our waiter never checked on us. We ordered the chips and guacamole as an appetizer. You get a ridiculous amount of guacamole, we'd never eat that much so that was sort of a waste and it was bland. Our food was also, just okay. Nothing memorable. I ordered the salmon tacos and my ordered enchiladas which she felt she needed to dump salsa on for taste. Our waiter never came back to see if we wanted more drinks or needed anything. The restaurant didn't seem overly crowded so maybe they were just short staffed. Two hours later, I had to ask for the bill and then hunt down someone to assist us with paying. Not sure we'll stop in again.

I just love it. This place is super. I am so happy that I came to Zona Rosa. The place is beautiful and clean. The service is the best other than the food. Marco and Carlos were so nice they even came to our table to answer our questions about the menu and mezcal. They were nice to my coworkers and I, we love nice and kind people. I'm so glad I came to Zona Rosa and is an 100% sure that I will be back in till end.

Really cute spot and ambience, our server was lovely and prompt but the food was not good. (Not sure if it was an off day, but there was not one dish that was worth dining out for.) Everything honestly tasted the same; while there were sauces on each dish and efforts for "fusion" Mexican American and flavors, it was all just so so mild it was bland. I usually spell out the dishes we order in reviews, but nothing was noteworthy. I had specifically order the beef entrée to be cooked medium rare, but it was served so beyond well done it was overcooked and hard to chew. I let the server know, and she was very accommodating and had it remade. The remake was much better, but the sauce on the dish was still so bland. We were also seated at a small table for 2 right behind the main entrance and ended up getting up to close the door for a family seated at a larger table in direct exposure to the cold air blowing in bc they had young kids and incoming customers kept unknowingly letting the door open. Wanted to like this place given how cozy and adorable the space was, and seemed like it had a thoughtful happy hour too; we like to support small businesses, but it was not worth the dinner out for us. (We tried LUNA on the next block a few weeks later which boasted much better food and flavors.)

This restaurant sits on The Alameda In San Jose, not very noticeable. I had a potato hash with two eggs over easy. It was so delicious. It was layered with sour cream on the bottom, then fried baby potatoes with points of toasty carnita, and topped with two eggs. Flavors melded well together. I also had a hibiscus tea that was good, but tasted more like cranberry with cinnamon. Carlos was our server. He is very friendly and patiently explained anything we did not understand. The inside of the restaurant sports country, kitchen style tables. They put Mexican blankets on the back of chairs for comfort. The music is jazzy, but doesn't sound Mexican to me. Overall, this is a place I would Bring a friend.

Zona Rosa has a friendly atmosphere. Great for groups and people who don't mind noise. Service was okay - I had to yell because the waiter couldn't hear me over everyone else. At the end of our meal, we couldn't flag down our waiter for the check, because he was busy talking to another for 10 minutes. We sat near the view of the kitchen, and it was cool seeing the head chef make final touches on each dish. I had the verduras enchiladas and it was fantastic! My boyfriend thought the carnitas enchiladas tasted like any other Mexican cuisine restaurant. We also ordered the tres salsa and chips, but the sauces were too mild. We were expecting more spiciness and deep flavor, but the sauces were watered down.

Stepping into zona rosa restaurant feels like entering a lively southern Mexican town, bustling with energy. The indoor dining area was the place to be but without a reservation we were happily seated at the outdoor patio with heaters . It's a cute walk through the kitchen to get there. The patio looks great for larger parties, We came for the perfect margarita and the cocktails served were delicious. What truly sets this place apart is its commitment to freshness. The chips and salsas brought to the table crackle with crispness, the 3 salsas were unique and over powered with spice. The enchiladas were top notch andthe tortillas are evidently made in-house. The Chile relleno is a standout, its flavors clearly highlighting the use of fresh and new tastes like butternut squash and chorizo rice to a familiar dish. This emphasis on freshness and authenticity is a theme running through their entire menu. Parking is always going to be a challenge in Willow Glen and the prices are more than your average Mexican restaurant but this place is anything but average. Our attentive waiter was considerate and always appeared at the right times.did not hurry us, A pro tip for future visitors: have a reservation to eat indoors it's a beautiful space and great for a date.Ww loved our experience and look forward to trying brunch on our next visit.

Food was absolutely delicious and drinks were so so good! Service was wonderful and restaurant is so cute.

This review is for the younger waitress who had bright red lipstick. She was extremely rude to us on a hot day. She tried to hurry us out and seemed like she hated life.

This small restaurant is serving up flavorful dishes and hospitality in a simple decor setting. The Carne Asada Y Hongos had a good amount of meat with a few greens. The sauce was creamy and added a nice textural balance to the dish. I'd recommend adding a side of rice to dish. The price really soaked yo the flavor and added a carb factor that enhanced the experience. Our waiter checked up on us multiple times to ensure our needs were met.

This is becoming one of my favorite spots for upscale Mexican food night out. The cocktail bar is amazing with Bartenders that know what they're doing. It's actually a lot of fun to seat on the bar and order food there. The food is really great too, with amazing tacos and appetizers. I have a weakness to Blue corn tortillas. So this place got my heart because the tacos are served on a blue corn tortillas. I'm certainly going to come back and sample more of the menu here.