In Spanish, “sazón” literally translates to “seasoning,” but it has secondary meanings as “flavor” or “ripeness,” as in “ready to eat.” Regulars insist that Sazón, one of Santa Rosa’s most beloved local restaurants, exemplifies all three meanings.

Specializing in authentic Peruvian food, Sazón is popular as a place for holding lunch meetings with client, enjoying after-work drinks with friends, or sitting down to a boisterous meal with the whole family. Yelp reviews praise the dining room’s atmosphere for being refined without being stuffy, and note that the staff is attentive and friendly but not overbearing. The menu is tightly focused around a handful of dishes that are expertly prepared. Try the lomo saltado, the chichi morada, and the ceviche mixto, or one of a rotation of daily specials that utilize seasonally available ingredients. Whatever you order, regulars say you should be sure to leave room for the lucuma ice cream for dessert.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr goblinbox_(queen_of_ad_hoc_bento)