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Sazon, Santa Fe, NM
Salad - Sazon, Santa Fe, NM
Chef Fernando - Sazon, Santa Fe, NM
Sazon, Santa Fe, NM
Sazon, Santa Fe, NM
Award-winning

Sazon

4.8
4.8
4338 Reviews
$50 and over
Latin American
Top Tags:
Originally from Mexico City, Chef Fernando Olea, formerly Chef of Epazote, has been enthralling diners in Santa Fe since 1991. Chef Olea creates sophisticated flavors using Old Mexico’s indigenous and culinary traditions alongside ingredients from around the world. His menu is deliberately small, featuring fresh and locally sourced produce and meats when possible.

Nothing evokes the mystery of Mexican cuisine more than mole, a sauce of complex flavors that usually includes toasted and ground spices, seeds, nuts, chocolate and chile. Many mole recipes contain more than thirty ingredients and some recipes have five varieties of chile alone. Chef Olea is delighted to share his moles that include his "New Mexican Mole" that he created to commemorate Santa Fe’s 400 year anniversary in 2009. The large mural in the main dining room, was painted and presented to Chef Olea by Federico Leon De La Vega, a well- known artist from Mexico City.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    Latin American, Contemporary Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (505) 983-8604
  • Website
    http://www.sazonsantafe.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Fernando Olea
  • Private party facilities
    We offer customized menus, experienced servers, extraordinary food, and our very own Chef Fernando Olea’s culinary expertise and flair. There can be nothing more perfectly paired! We use organic and sustainable products whenever possible. Our menu celebrates the varied and complex flavors of classic dishes from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Michoacán and Puebla. Chef Olea brings these classic dishes to life with modern and New World techniques thereby imprinting his own distinct signature, or Sazón, into each and every dish. Menu items change with each season and can be customized to fit your needs. We also are happy to embellish the menu with entertainment, florals, linens, and unique décor. For more information: Tel: 505-983-8604 or email: fernando@sazonsantafe.com
  • Location
    221 Shelby St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
  • Award-winning
    1. James Beard Award 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Fe
  • Cross street
    East Alameda Street & Water Street
  • Parking details
    There is self- parking only, but most of the parking near the restaurant is metered. The meters have certain times when they are monitored and when they are not, so please read signs carefully.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

What 4,338 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New Mexico

    Best Overall

  • New Mexico

    Best Food

  • New Mexico

    Best Service

  • New Mexico

    Best Ambiance

  • New Mexico

    Innovative

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Best Overall

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Best Food

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Best Service

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Best Ambiance

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Best Value

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Innovative

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Hot spot

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Good for special occasions

  • Santa Fe / Mountains

    Most Booked

4,338 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible! first time and we can't wait to go back and try other dishes

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall2food1service5ambience4
    Food was mediocre at best. The tasting menu did not meet our expectations. It was overpriced, disappointing and underwhelming (not adventurous/authentic/etc.). There was either too much sugar or salt in our dishes. 2 of the 9 courses were good.The staff was friendly and the service was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  3. KellyM

    Los Angeles

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely experience: the Chef’s signature soup of love was a highlight. Recommend highly.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Foodie4Ever

    Austin

    77 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    77 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Wow, what a difference a year makes! Food and service mis-fire... We're back in town for the annual Wine & Chili Fiesta and reserved our spot at Sazon 4 months in advance. We had a great experience last year; this year was a letdown. We stopped in on a Friday evening, 5:30pm reservation, the place was busy but not crowded. We were seated right away, which was nice... As always, food was spectacular. One exception this, time, see below. On this visit, the service scored very low marks this time. Attentive yes, but really blew the wine bottle service. See below. We started with cocktails (a recurrent theme), prickly pear margarita and the Oro Puro, a nice upscale margarita, which was great. We enjoyed the complimentary mole sampler. Our first food was the foie gras crostini which was absolutely divine! Round two was the Sopa D'amore, a delightful bowl of soup, so good last year that we each ordered our own to keep the peace at the table! LOL From there we ventured into the fish special of the day, Norwegian halibut, and a steadfast selection on the menu, the shrimp enchilada. Both were outstanding, perfectly prepared and presented. Our last course was the Dulce Simfonia, a light ice cream/sorbet dish, with way a way too spicy hot, jalapeno finish on the end. Not refreshing at all, I didn't care for it. Perhaps the folly of the night was the wine service. We thought, this cuisine, let's go Old World Spain. Ordered a $110 bottle of Spanish white. When the length of time between appetizer and soup reached 30 minutes, we should have known something was up! Our bad... Suffice it to say, a warm bottle was brought to the table, with the promise of an ice bath. The first 1/4 of the bottle was room temp, the second 1/4 of the bottle was 70 degrees, the last 1/2 bottle was temperature great. All-in-all, it was a wasted $110... A different wine should have been offered. Or, tell us the problem, we'll find a solution. Don't serve warm white wine!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Galeymae

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best restaurant in my 53 years. Service, ambience, paintings and food were all top of my list. Chefs picks for off menu choices were amazing. Should have a Michelin star or three. Our waiter was knowledgeable and pleasant. Everything he recommended was exactly spot on. Cheers to them and continued success. We will look forward to returning.

    Is this helpful?

  6. NickLupum

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful all around—I can see why these reservations are in such demand!

    Is this helpful?

  7. RaymondF

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow. A great tutorial on mole! Everything else came out great, too.

    Is this helpful?

  8. MakiY

    New Mexico

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had high expectations as we have waited a long time to get a table at this restaurant and the experience pretty much exceeded our expectations.!! The Chef was checking up on all his customers and did three rounds of the tables while we were dining. The servers were very well-trained, they were knowledgeable, and had impeccable manners. The dishes were creative and delicious. We will be back for all our special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  9. TLfoodie

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals I've had. Service impeccable. Food original and very flavorful. Surprise dessert was fantastic! Thank you for a memorable evening.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sazon continues to delight and surprise. Manager Damon is the quintessential gentleman, had a lovely experience!

    Is this helpful?

  11. allforgoodfoodandwine

    Sacramento

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and excellent service! Will definitely return and will recommend to friends.

    Is this helpful?

  12. SamG

    Sacramento

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely one of the best meals I have ever had anywhere

    Is this helpful?

  13. MartinW

    Tampa

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic, service excellent, ambiente great. All what we expected from this well known restaurant. A nice touch is the possibility to try the different Mole Sauces and to choose one or more for some of the dishes. The noise level was a little on the loud side, but people in this busy restaurant had a good time. Definitely a must go place.

    Is this helpful?

  14. SusanS

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful experience and the food was fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  15. DianeZ

    Portland

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If this was my last meal on earth I would be ecstatic!

    Is this helpful?

  16. BrendaA

    Seattle

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time in Santa Fe. This is a dining experience not to be missed. We chose all of the chef's special dishes with recommended mole. I will dream about the soup until I have it again. It's a taste experience like no other.

    Is this helpful?

  17. DavidP

    Dallas

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Inventive moles! Loved the octopus starter. Overall great dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  18. AlenaB

    Kansas City

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing, everything was amazing. The service, the food, all of it was so good.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the most incredible experience, not only was the food beyond the owner and  and chef created a memory for a laptop.

    Is this helpful?

  20. SFDiner

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Some outstanding items. Most were just ok, especially for the price. Cocktails were great. Nearly impossible for vegetarians. Servers were kind.

    Is this helpful?

  21. heater

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delish food and impeccable service. Truly a must when in Santa Fe

    Is this helpful?

  22. KimM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals and experiences in the Southwest!

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best mole I’ve ever had! This place was SO good!! Highly recommend going if you can get a reservation.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! Staff was great. Ethan was awesome. Chef Fernando was very welcoming.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and exquisite presentation of unique entrees with style

    Is this helpful?

  26. VictoriaK

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner at Sazon was wonderful due to the excellent food, ambiance and customer service. A meal to remember!

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  27. BarbaraL

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Not to be missed! Memorable in every way. It was like being invited to dine in someone’s home. Food was outstanding and beautifully presented.

    Is this helpful?

  28. LaurenB

    Austin

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always outstanding food and service! The squash blossoms appetizer was incredible. Next time we will do the tasting menu.

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  29. Outandabout

    San Francisco

    441 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    441 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of the finest meals we have had anywhere. Every dish is amazing, unique and absolutely delicious. Chef Fernando is a genius. Service is impeccable, yet friendly. Can’t wait to return.

    Is this helpful?

  30. SteveB

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent place for dinner in Santa Fe. Unique dishes. Friendly staff. Owner was there to greet you and take pics if you like. Great place. Top notch.

    Is this helpful?

  31. GaryM

    St. Louis

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding meal. The service was great. Chef was friendly and visited us. Definitely a restaurant to go to when in Santa Fe

    Is this helpful?

  32. GuyC

    Portland

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience5
    Food was good. Service bad. Brought bread out quick then it took another 50 minutes for someone to come back to place order. Ordered a very nice bottle of wine they decanted, and poured a small amount, then never poured again. Overall an average meal.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Kathy

    Atlanta Metro

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of the best restaurants we have ever ate at. The culinary experience provided by the chef along with the expert service staff is fantastic. We highly recommend this restaurant.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was outstanding. One of our favorites in Santa Fe

    Is this helpful?

  35. Dama

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    It was a cool experience because of the great atmosphere and service but we must’ve ordered wrong because it just wasn’t as good as we had hoped.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and service was top notch. Full Santa Fe vibes throughout.

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  37. MichaelS

    Dallas

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous culinary experience. The mole tasting, appetizers and soup were excellent. I thought the Norwegian Halibut was a little disappointing given the recommendation and price.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Alexis

    San Antonio

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    One of the most awful meals I have had. I’ve traveled all over the world and dined at the best restaurants. This is one of the worst meals I’ve had by a James Beard awardee. Perhaps he’s resting on his laurels: he spent more time on the dining floor smooching with guests than in the kitchen. Clearly, he was not cooking and it showed. The service was terrible. We waited 15 minutes for our server to acknowledge us. He dropped off an amus buche and sped away. We waited another 15 minutes for the menu. I waited a full 30 minutes for my drink. The amus buche mole sauces were pretty good but that’s where the good tasting food stopped. Our sopa de amor was served cold and we sent it back to be heated. My entree, the shrimp in squash blossom sauce was inedible as was my friend’s stuffed eggplant. We sent those back and asked for the check so we could leave. My shrimp were previously frozen and had no seasoning whatsoever. I know they were not fresh because I’ve had fresh shrimp in the best restaurants all over the world. The chef became indignant when I told him his food was sub par. His ego ruled and his food was horrible. So was the service. There are much better restaurants in Santa Fe. If you want an outstanding meal, go elsewhere.

    Is this helpful?

  39. LaurenF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing tasting menu. It is the most I’ve spent on a meal but also some of the best food I’ve ever eaten

    Is this helpful?

  40. KristiB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef tasting menu was spectacular as was the service.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Sazon is rated 4.8 stars by 4338 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 24 times today
Google Map for Sazon

221 Shelby St, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. James Beard Award 2022
  • Cross street
    East Alameda Street & Water Street
  • Neighborhood
    Santa Fe
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Latin American, Contemporary Mexican
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    There is self- parking only, but most of the parking near the restaurant is metered. The meters have certain times when they are monitored and when they are not, so please read signs carefully.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Fernando Olea
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Private Room, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.sazonsantafe.com/
  • Phone number
    (505) 983-8604
  • Private party facilities
    We offer customized menus, experienced servers, extraordinary food, and our very own Chef Fernando Olea’s culinary expertise and flair. There can be nothing more perfectly paired! We use organic and sustainable products whenever possible. Our menu celebrates the varied and complex flavors of classic dishes from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Michoacán and Puebla. Chef Olea brings these classic dishes to life with modern and New World techniques thereby imprinting his own distinct signature, or Sazón, into each and every dish. Menu items change with each season and can be customized to fit your needs. We also are happy to embellish the menu with entertainment, florals, linens, and unique décor. For more information: Tel: 505-983-8604 or email: fernando@sazonsantafe.com

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