Well, the back story to me, my wife, & stepdaughter eating dinner tonight at Los Zarapes, occurred when I sparked up a conversation with the owner, Mauro, while we were standing in line together at El Mercado Loco Grocery store. I initiated a conversation with Mauro, letting him know how much I enjoyed a good salsa, and he listened intently and then took out a business card that said, Los Zarapes on it. I asked if he was the owner & he nodded in the affirmative.
So, with the card in hand, me, my wife, and stepdaughter, drove to eat dinner at his restaurant, and the food did not disappoint. We were greeted by a young lady with a smile who sat us in a booth that was clean, and before I could generate a thought, the general manager, Jesus, brought us out chips & a variety of salsas with different flavors & heat, all very flavorful. Jesus was kind, genial, and knowledgeable about ALL ITEMS on the menu, and provided us with a detailed explanation of each dish we inquired about. I was surprised they served Albondigas, because I rarely see Mexican restaurants serve this. It came in a large bowl and was super flavorful, a very enjoyable dinner. My wife ordered the Combination Fajitas that came out SEARING with shrimp, chicken & steak, with a side of rice & beans, & a separate plate with sour cream, Guacamole & Pico, oh, and more than enough homemade flour tortillas to go around. My stepdaughter had a Mexican dish I’ve NEVER seen on a menu at a Mexican restaurant, the Pollo A La Crema, that was super tasty, and she was happy she ordered!
Our overall experience was excellent, a very Family Feel with their unique Mexican recipes and attention to details, where everything we ate was flavorful and with the appropriate amount of spice & heat… We will most definitely be returning with friends & family. Thank you Mauro & Jesus for your wonderful...
Read moreLos Zarapes Mexican Restaurant
Atmosphere: ★★★★★ Los Zarapes boasts a lively and colorful atmosphere that immerses you in Mexican culture from the moment you step inside. The decor features vibrant murals and traditional Mexican art, creating a festive and inviting environment. The seating is comfortable, though the space can get a bit noisy during busy times.
Service: ★★★★★ The service at Los Zarapes is warm and efficient. Our server greeted us with a smile and provided excellent recommendations from the menu. Despite the restaurant being quite busy, our food arrived promptly, and the staff checked in regularly to ensure we had everything we needed.
Food: ★★★★★ The food at Los Zarapes is exceptional, offering a true taste of Mexico. We started with the camarones al coco, which was perfectly crispy. For the main course, the camarones a la diabla were standout dishes. Each dish was well-seasoned and accompanied by delicious homemade tortillas. The chips and salsa was also a nice touch.
Drinks: ★★★★★ The drink selection at Los Zarapes is impressive, featuring a range Mexican beers. The Non-alcoholic options like the agua frescas were also a hit, particularly the hibiscus and tamarind flavors.
Value: ★★★★★ Los Zarapes offers great value for the quality and quantity of food. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a fantastic option for both casual dining and special occasions.
Overall: ★★★★★ Los Zarapes Mexican Restaurant delivers an authentic and enjoyable dining experience. With its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious food, it's a place that will make you want to return again and again. Whether you're a fan of traditional Mexican cuisine or looking to try something new, Los Zarapes Mexican Restaurant is...
Read moreLos Zarapes Mexican restaurant recently changed ownership. It's a family run business with multiple generations working there. They treat their customers like family, exuding a welcoming family vibe. They serve up traditional Mexican comfort food done right. The unassuming restaurant is tucked inside a strip mall in Granite Bay.
I ordered borrego which is a marinated lamb shank. I never had borrego before. I've had lamb shank, just not borrego. So I was excited to try it. The plate also came with refried beans, rice, tortillas, and a bowl of the sauce that the lamb was braised in. $19.99. The sauce had a strong, deep flavor replicating the flavors of the shank. The shank had a strong gamey flavor as expected. I enjoyed it. The meat was tender and fork shreddable. Mmm.
An added bonus was that on the weekends, they serve housemade tortillas. Fresh off the press. They make both corn and flour. I was able to ask for a half and half order. They had a classic, home made taste and look. They provide complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa was darn tasty. Hubs ordered the crispy shredded beef taco plate. Of course, I took a bite of the taco. Not bad at all.
Hubs and I popped in for lunch on a recent weekend. The place was popping. So much so, folks had to wait for a table. We lucked out and just beat the crowd. The two waitresses were busy. Our waitress was fantastic. She had a bright smile and personality. But with a full house, she was a constant whirl of energy and stretched a bit thin. She mentioned that since they opened, they have been gradually...
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