Zócalo Roseville — Restaurant in Roseville

Outstanding! My entire family and I worked in restaurants for years and I notice EVERYTHING in restaurants. It's hard to explain the excellence of this warm place. My wife and I were at The Fountain last week finishing up Christmas shopping and stopped in for a late lunch/ early dinner. The ambience was very inviting and updated. The hostess was warm and friendly, obviously connected to her job and to the people coming in (more on her later.) It wasn't super busy as it was 3pm so we had our choice of inside or out. We opted for out because the hostess told us the heaters make it quite warm. She was right; that thing cranked! Our server Abi (Abby?) was super warm, engaging, and helped us navigate the very-interesting menu. She answered all our questions (which I always have!) with interest and a true desire to please and to make sure we got what we wanted. She also had a lot of pride in the restaurant, which is well deserved! I was very interested in the cochinita pibil, a dish someone had just given me a recipe to make, so I was excited to try it. It was fantastic by the way, and an enormous portion for a very-reasonable $18. My wife had fish tacos which were also excellent and very generous as well. Abi took great care of us throughout! The meal service was prompt and the food was very hot! At one moment we were a little low on water and another gal noticed and went and got us another bottle, filled our glasses, and left it on the table. I hadn't noticed her before, but assumed she was a busser or another hostess. Nope, sure enough I watched her and she was a server from another section! It is exceedingly rare these days for servers to look out for each other like that. Most get very busy and are focused on their own section, but everyone in this restaurant cares about every customer's experience. It's uncanny... I simply said hello and Merry Christmas to a busser who was clearing a table next to us and he was also very warm and friendly and was working hard at getting his job done. We finished our meal, paid our bill, and went to the front. When I have an experience this good, I like to connect with the manager. So I went to the hostess stand and just said, "hey I was wondering if there's a manger I could speak with real quick." She said, "of course, his name is Colin, [I think that's what it was] and he's right over there. May I ask, sir, if everything is ok?" How many hostesses engage like that? Most would run the other way and pass it off to the manager! I just told her that my wife and I were very happy and wanted to thank him. So he came over and I described how happy we were and a bit about the experience, he thanked me, shook my hand, and wished me a Merry Christmas. Just a terrific place. I live 3 hours away but am already inventing excuses to...

Zocalo Restaurant is a culinary haven that promises an exceptional dining experience. From the moment you step through its doors, you are greeted by an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern elegance with a warm, welcoming ambiance.

The menu at Zocalo is a celebration of Mexican cuisine, masterfully crafted to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

One of the standout features of Zocalo is the diverse range of dishes offered, providing a true feast for the senses. From traditional favorites like the sizzling fajitas and rich mole sauces to innovative creations that showcase a modern twist on classic recipes, Zocalo's menu is a testament to the culinary artistry of the chefs.

The attention to detail in the presentation of each dish is truly commendable. Vibrant colors, artful plating, and a focus on the aesthetic appeal enhance the overall dining experience. It's clear that Zocalo values not only the taste but also the visual delight that comes with a well-prepared meal.

The staff at Zocalo are more than just servers; they are passionate ambassadors of the cuisine they serve. Knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations, the staff adds a personal touch to the dining experience, making patrons feel like honored guests.

The beverage selection is equally impressive, with a curated list of cocktails, wines, and authentic Mexican beverages. The expertly crafted margaritas are a must-try, perfectly complementing the bold flavors of the cuisine.

Zocalo's commitment to sustainability and community is also noteworthy. Locally sourced ingredients are a staple, and the restaurant actively engages in eco-friendly practices, reflecting a dedication to both flavor and responsibility.

In conclusion, Zocalo Restaurant in Roseville is a culinary gem that stands out for its exceptional food, inviting ambiance, and commitment to providing a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Mexican cuisine or a newcomer looking for a culinary adventure, Zocalo is a destination that promises to satisfy and delight. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the vibrant and rich tapestry of Mexican flavors at Zocalo – an experience that's worth savoring...

The food is very good. Their ordering system is TERRIBLE. We came with a party of 12. They do not make physical menus available. They ask whether everyone at the table has a phone to scan a code on the table.

We asked for a physical menu anyway. They said they could bring one, but no matter what you must order through their application.

They recommended that one of the guests among the 12 individuals act as the coordinator. This way the coordinator can take all of the orders and then submit them to the kitchen. Isn’t that what the server is supposed to do?

We had a relatively sophisticated group, but it took many minutes to explain to a number of the diners how do use the system.

When we more or less figured it out among the entire group, items began to come piecemeal and very quickly. I say very quickly not as a praise, but as a reflection on the automated nature of the service method, which means that you cannot ask your server to space out the order so that you can enjoy your meal and time together in a leisurely manner.

At the end of the meal, we all commented that the food was very good, as noted. But we spent a good long time talking about the way the food was delivered. Ironically, you can also only pay online. And, notwithstanding the very unusual method of food delivery and “service“ the application suggests a minimum of an 18% gratuity.

Normally for a party of this size I would add on top of the 18% gratuity if the service was good. Here, the service was not even close to expectations, but I did not feel sufficiently motivated to downgrade the automatic gratuity by talking to a manager, so went with the 18%.

Despite the quality of the food, I would suggest avoiding this location. And, if you have any diners who are not tech savvy or do not have phones, or just do not want to bother with having to figure out their own meal and coordinate their own service while paying full market price for the items, definitely do...