Review Sabroso - Rotorua

Amazing experience here. Fabulous food at great prices. A lovely wine selection and the option to purchase bottles of 2 different spicy sauces that can also compliment your meal. I bought one and enjoying using it in my own cooking. The convivial owners cook and serve the food themselves and lovely to chat with them. Definitely recommend.

Absolutely blown away by this place! The service by Sarah was phenomenal, nothing I had ever experienced before. She is attentive and makes you feel completely at home. John was just as amazing with helping us decide on a dessert and making all the food. Everything we ordered was incredible, the margaritas are perfect, specialty coffees are large and delicious. Before we finished our meals we were already planning our next visit. Excellent price as well. See you again soon Sabroso, we are new loyal customers.

A fabulous dining experience. The food was delicious, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was great. One of the best meals of the year for us. A great find!

Awesome restaurant - we try to travel down from Auckland at least once a year to eat here! Sarah and John are great hosts and cooks and the food is excellent. Margaritas are pretty amazing too! Five star ...

Loved this small and cosy restaurant. We were fortunate to walk in and dine, because of a cancellation. Our host/ Waitress, was very warm and welcoming. She had a wealth of information to help us select our food and drink. The food was very fresh and tasty and everything was very well priced. I will definitely return, when we are back in Rotorua.

Yummy fusion if Latin American cuisine, tasty food full of flavor, many Gluten-free options. Sangria with a tocuh of sherry was exceptional, so was the staff. Friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I recommend trying their home made jalapeno sauces too. Thanks Sabroso!

We ate at Sabroso's tonight and can't recommend it enough. The food was the most authentic Latin-American we have had in a long time and best of all, every single bite was absolutely delicious! The staff were all so friendly and the food came out very quickly too. Definitely come eat here if you are in Rotorua!

Amazing little find! Amazing food, great drinks and excellent service! Very authentic food and no Rotorua smell inside (which my teens were very thankful for!). And the jalapeño sauce is brilliant! Margaritas, sangria and Chilean wine were all excellent. Even had virgin margarita option. Definitely need to book in advance. Will be back next time we’re in the area.

One of our favourite places in Rotorua. Lovely simple family owned business with great food at a really reasonable price. The drinks are amazing and it’s great when the owners show so much passion and want you to learn how to make great drinks at home as well. Highly rate this little restaurant, just remember it’s super popular and small so you must book. Can’t wait to go back.

I was absolutely happy to have this amazing food! Highly recommended

2nd time I have dined here. 1st time with friends & 2nd time for my 35th birthday on Thursday. I love how small and intimate it is. The food is very highly recommend & very delicious. I would recommend to anyone who is looking to dine out. Love this restaurant.

We loved everything about this unassuming restaurant. The staff were welcoming and extremely professional. The food was outstanding, especially the tapas; so tasty - try them all... and the jugs mango margaritas were to die for.

Called in here a few weeks ago with my wife for our anniversary. The best food and service I have had in a loooong time! In my top 2 food experience's in my life.Fault less! Will be back most definitely. Book to avoid disappointment!

We went to Sabroso for dinner on Saturday night and it was yum! The staff were very pleasant and made some great recommendations-the beef cheeks were so tender and the margaritas were top notch! Definitely going back on our next visit to Rotorua

Had the most delicious dinner here last night.. lovely service, friendly waitress.. highly recommend

This was one of the greatest dining experiences I've ever had! The owner Sara was super accommodating and the server was super great as well! They made me feel so special and the food was AMAZING! Compliments to the chef! Thank you for your passion you put into your business and work...it truly shows and make sure you check this place out if you are in Rotorua-call for a reservation because they are so great they are often booked!

Fabulous. Five stars for atmosphere. Five and half stars for food. Our visitor from Oxford who had the calypso rib special described them as so succulent the knife wasn't needed. The chimichanga I had was crispy, cheese, chicken perfection. Service was superb too, attentive, intelligent and charming. Thanks Sabroso, can't remember enjoying a dinner out so much for months!

Fantastic service, excellent food. Would highly recommend 😊

most amazing restaurant in town x everyone I go can't wait to come back the food is always excellent and the margaritas r to die for

Great friendly service. Loved the opportunity to buy the hot sauces. Will definitely return

Mucho Gratis to our lovely Server and hospital Manager/Chef who allowed us refuge from our hungry for exceptional South of the border fare!!! Well done and again... Thank you for squeezing us in. ;-) recommendation.... Absolutely anything, with a must Margarita

This is my absolute favourite restaurant - Sarah is an amazing host and her hubby cooks the most delicious food I have ever tasted. Best mojitos I've ever had and a great atmosphere every time I go.

Loved the vegan options I had. And the passion fruit mango margarita lined with salt was something else! Great service despite being a really busy night for them.

Great cocktails, fantastic food and lovely personal service. Make sure you book.

Thank you Sarah for an amazing suggestion of wine and meals....we absolutely loveddd it....best food I have ever had in my life :-)

A must do when you are in Rotorua. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. You'll need to travel to Venezuela to have a more authentic latin american dining experience.

By far the best restaurant in town! We always take friends there if we are going out for tea and they always love it. Yummiest food and sangria!

If you're thinking of dining at Sabroso then don't hesitate and book a table! My partner and I stumbled across this place and it has been the highlight of our trip to Rotorua. We will absolutely be back the first chance we get! The food is so delicious I could not find a fault if I wanted to look for one. John (the chef) cooked our meals with so much flavour and with such love and passion i would say this is the best Mexican I've ever had. The service was absolutely exceptional from Sarah, who made us feel like one of the family and gave us the best service I've had in a long time. Thanks you both for such an unforgettable experience and we hope to be back soon!

This is our first time here as I myself have never been to Rotorua and we can't wait to try one of the best places to eat in here. We were lucky to get a booking on the spot when they just opened because later on while we are eating they have to turn down many groups of people as they are fully booked for the rest of the night. It's a small, cozy place, lively ambience and music, and the couple and waitress there are very lovely and kind. The food taste really authentic, where I find some of the sauces and condiments new to me but loved it. The Escabeche - very juicy and flavourful fish with the crunch of corn chips and then a strong kick of hot from their homemade chilli sauce. The grilled chicken is cooked to perfection, very soft and juicy, but the sauce on top is to die for! My favourite is the taco, the seafood of that day was fried calamari (my favourite!!) and I couldn't ask for a more perfect combination. Lastly, the chocolate cup for dessert - very dense and smooth, melts in your mouth and the hint of spiciness just tops everything up. Overall, it is a beautiful experience and I would love to come again.

One of the best Mexican (or any cuisine) meals I’ve ever had! A nice little restaurant that feels cosy and homely. The waiter (who I think is also the owner) was extremely helpful in choosing what dishes to order and was very friendly. Food was flavoursome, filling and all around delicious. Drinks were also a treat. Would highly recommend, and will definitely be back next time we’re in Rotorua

Wow! Had a delicious meal here last night. The lovely host was welcoming and full of personality and intuitively knew what we would like. The food was authenticity flavoursome and came with their own homemade condiments (which you can purchase) and they added that extra punch. Highly recommend and will definitely eat here again on our next visit.

I made a reservation several weeks early via email but surprisingly couldn't get the reservation time I wanted because it was already full for that time slot! Despite this, they were very friendly and accommodating via email so it wasn't a problem. <br/><br/>We were seated at a lovely 2-seater at the window where we could watch the continuous stream of people coming to the door, reading the sign indicating they were fully booked, then walking away, disappointed. Would say a reservation or takeaway are your only options. <br/><br/>The manager behind the bar and the server were beyond nice - so friendly and sweet, I really felt at ease with them around.  We accidentally poured a glass of water on the ground and they laughed and joked about it so we didn't look so dumb!<br/><br/>I wanted to order the lamb chops wrapped in bacon but it was too popular and had already sold out at 7pm - instead we got a 500ML of Sangria (enough for 3 glasses) and a starter of cheese sauce and tortilla chips, chicken with peanut-coconut sauce (quite unique- have never tried this type of sauce before) and the slow cooked lamb with tortillas. <br/><br/>Overall, the food was pretty good - Sangria was a good middle ground between juice and straight wine with pieces of apple, the cheese sauce was very moreish, the chicken was cooked to perfection but the salad-in-a-glass was a bit drowned in sauce and the pumpkin patty was a little forgettable. The lamb dish had a pretty consistent taste throughout, so not the most exciting, but was still nice. <br/><br/>Mood lighting, a very small venue and great service made for a very good place for dates, although groups were very popular. Just a note - would say this is more generic South American/Caribbean style food than Mexican.

My wife and I enjoyed the food so much and the Margarita's were just the icing on the cake. Friendly and helpful staff. Have to book. because its popular. Will visit again soon.

Lovely. Every dish was good. Staff were amazing. Higgly recommend the specials. Make sure you book in advanc3. Enjoy this fantastic restaurant.

Staff has bad attitude, they don't want to accommodate patrons unless you use their wanker booking system .... there's nothing on line that says they make, or take and or need reservations. I looked up and there were 6 empty tables. We where turned away, I also noticed there were people finishing their deserts so I'm kinda surprised they didn't have room... soon they would have had an empty restaurant.. I had the misses ring up just after they turned us away! They told her that there was room and tried to make a booking for us... Eermm "stuff that".. snobby booking system and staff!! so we ended up going to Che chorizo I'm glad we did!! Couldn't have been better!!

I'm living in Rotorua for next few months and found this place- wow! What a great place. The hosts are so friendly, Mexican food at its best and it's now my regular Friday dinner. We've settled on the absolute best margarita to finish the night. The best restaurant by miles in Rotorua....sorry.... New Zealand!!!

Very odd place. Doesn't say a booking is required but then says only seating existing reservations when tables do not have reserved signs. Can't speak for the food but generally a very odd vibe and unfriendly atmosphere. You certainly wouldn't be well received in Auckland restaurants if you never accepted walk ins. Average

Great place! One of my favourite places to dine in. Food is at a very high standard, very nice atmosphere and the owners are super friendly!!

I ordered take away and the owner was so helpful and friendly, when we went to pick up the food the restaurant had such a friendly and homely vibe that we regretted not sitting down to eat. The food was delicious, full of flavour and uniquely flavoured. If you're passing through make sure you stop by!

Sabroso. A very small sweet place, away from the main Eat Street. Delicious in every sense. <br/><br/>A tidy menu with a range of plates, we got a mix of tapas and mains tonight. We started with margarita which was perfect, not full of sugar and extras, a classic margarita. We also got Sangria which was delicious. <br/><br/>I got the salad because I felt like I had been eating all day. The salad was HUGE, so large I was unable to eat it all. It looked quite plain to be honest, but it was delicious. My other half got the chicken enchiladas which were brilliant. No spice in either of our dishes however we had sauces given to us for the table. <br/><br/>Lovely quaint atmosphere but the manager had to keep turning people away because they had not booked. The staff were pleasant and overall had a gentle approach which made the evening more intimate. <br/><br/>Thanks! We will be back again.

Excellent service, food was really delicious and atmosphere lovely. I would definitely go there again. We hadn't booked but were squeezed in (just) so recommend you book. I wish other restaurants had this kind of service and food quality. (Note: Went again recently...service excellent as usual...pickled fish was amazing!)

Awesome food. Freshly made Tres Amigos and flavoursome Mexican tostadas were out of this world! Wish this place could seat more guests or have a branch in Auckland. It will be a sure shot hit

The food was delicious. We walked into a cosy and well presented restaurant and were greeted warmly by the friendly and knowledgeable waitress who took excellent care of us all evening. We ordered the chilli con carne, escabeche piscado and the tequenos. I expected the piscado and tequenos to be as great as they were but the chilli con carne really surprised me - top ingredients and so full of flavour. MUST book in advance as this place is very popular and we saw many people turned away.

So good! I've been to Sabroso several times and it never disappoints. <br/>The margaritas are Delicious and the food is simple, with strong Latin flavours. <br/>This time I had the tostada de pato (duck tostada) which was served with a fresh salad on top, and was surprisingly filling.<br/>Great staff. Very welcoming and knowledgeable about the cuisine & city for tourists. <br/>It's small, so you have to book.

Great food, especially the entrees, steak and chimichanga, fantastic and friendly customer service, a delightful theme inside the restaurant and one of the best margarita cocktails you will find in NZ! The chocolate cup is amazing and make sure you purchase some of their brilliant hot sauce bottles. My family and I have been visiting this restaurant quite regularly for the past 6 years and Sabroso has been producing a quality dining experience on a consistent basis. Highly recommended.

We went here for a special dinner based on the reviews.<br/><br/>We booked for 8pm and arrived shortly after. The restaurant is very small, and we were tucked right into the corner with very little space to move.<br/><br/>The wAitress was pleasant, efficient and knowledgeable.<br/>The food came very quickly. Entrees (calamari and prawn salad) were there 5mins after ordering.<br/>Calamari was delicious, but a small serving. The prawns were not cold enough, and tasted like they were standard defrosted supermarket prawns. <br/>Within 2mins of finishing the meal, our plates were zipped away, and mains arrived extremely quickly.<br/><br/>The prawn and rice was nice, but again the prawns had very little sweetness. The black bean and beef stew was adequate. <br/>The tortillas served with the mains seemed store bought. <br/><br/>By 9.15pm we were finished. 2 entrees, 2 mains and a jug of margarita. Fastest $110 meal I've ever had!<br/><br/>We found the restaurant had very little atmosphere for a South American eatery, and while the food was fine, it wasn't exceptional. The experience was rushed and efficient.<br/><br/>If you want an amazing South American adventure, try taco taco in Taupo. The food is more flavoursome, the atmosphere is electric, and the staff more receptive to a total dining experience.

I'd be surprised if Sabroso is not the best restaurant in Rotorua. We had such a great evening. It felt like being welcomed into someones home. <br/><br/>My wife had the Caribbean Prawn Salad which I had a taste of. It was beautiful, fresh and bursting with juicy flavours. <br/><br/>I had 'El Jefe' which was without a doubt the best steak I've ever had - and I've had a few! A wonderful tasty crust on the outside but perfectly rare as I requested and a smokey flavour that went all the way through the juicy meat! Accompanied with a delicious sauce. Amazing!<br/><br/>'El Jefe' needs no desert but my wife had the Sabroso Sundae which I had a taste of. Not your typical Sundae, the the Vanilla bean tasted natural and delicious.<br/><br/>Make sure you book. Make sure you don't miss Sabroso when you come to Rotorua!

One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. Nice and cosy little restaurant, that was a "full house" on the night we visited, so it's just as well I made reservations (for 6 people). Really warm and welcoming staff who weren't "in your face", which allowed us to enjoy our meals. Prior to our visit, the best steak I had ever tasted was 5 years ago at a little restaurant in AKL - I didn't think that would change until I tried the "El Jefe". It was cooked superbly: nice, juicy and succulent, and as big as it was (500g), I'm sure I could've handled another. I'm thinking about how juicy it was as I write this. Definitely going back, maybe next week. Thanks team for a wonderful experience.

Fantastic warm service, if you sample the flame thrower sauce a plate of sour cream will come in handy. Relatively Small which could be the beauty of it all and how Sarah and crew can make it such a warm experience. Caraffe of Margarita classic a must.<br/>My Argentinian prime rib eye was beut and shrimp just the right amount of hot just like we asked for. So coming back.

We visit Sabroso regularly. Sarah is ALWAYS welcoming and friendly. Each time we try the special which is never disappointing! Reading all the other reviews it is clear that this is the best Mexican around. I am looking forward to our next visit already. Well done to the team @ Sabroso. Excellent.<br/>Tina &amp; Cliff. Rotorua

On our quest for mex this has got to be the best so far. Despite trooping from hamilton to get here it was totally worth it and can see us coming here again and again :o) Everyone was amazingly nice and awesome margarita!!! Thank you!!

Review from a group of Year 12 Spanish Students.<br/><br/>Our night at Sabroso was a night to remember. For all of us the desserts were definitely one of the highlights; and as a group of Year 12 Spanish students, Sabroso provided an opportunity to experience genuine Hispanic food and service. Sarah was an excellent, funny hostess who patiently endured our attempts at ordering and conversing in Spanish.

Lured to sabroso after reading the positive feedback and it was every bit as fabulous. Had tapas and desserts along with sweet margaritas. Don't share the cerviche - have one each! And if you have a sweet tooth the chocolate cup is a must.

Came here to use a voucher deal and I have kept going back and dragging my mates with me.<br/>Amazing food, packed with flavour, great host who is happy to explain anything and the best damn margaritas outside of the Flying W!<br/>The chocolate chilli cup is to die for!

I stopped into Sabroso on a short break in Rotorua having seen it recommended in my Lonely Planet guide. It didn't disappoint. Following a friendly welcome from owner and chef Sarah, I tucked in to some delicious prawn ceviche, a generous plantain platter with a fantastic salsa and home-made spicy sauce and an indulgent ice-cream sundae featuring home-made dulche de leche caramel sauce. It was brilliant. Having travelled in Peru a couple of years ago, I'd been missing this kind of food ever since and it was great to see it cooked so well and by someone who understands this kind of food and obviously has a passion for creating great meals. I would happily go back here until I'd tried everything on the menu...and then go back for seconds. Sarah is also great at catering for special dietary needs (I'm on a gluten free diet), the portions are a good size and the menu is great value. I can't wait to go back to Rotorua just so I can eat here again and enjoy some more of Sarah's fabulous hospitality.

Great meal, friendly staff, very child friendly, the kids loved the puzzles and colouring in. Food delicious, plantains great experience to try, unreal margueritas! Got to try it!

Everything about this place was absolutely brilliant! Service, Food, Drinks, Ambience...the lot. Probably the best margarita i've ever had. Definately planning another trip to Rotorua just to experience it again!

Brilliant! I nearly broke the bank on the Sangria! I had to have just one more. The food was top-shelf and the service was very friendly and fast. The venue was small and cosy, the prices fair and the experience well worth it!

My partner had a prawn dish and I had the plantain platter. They catered really well and easily to vegan diet and the mango passion margueritas were GORGEOUS. Really nice people, generous servings.....and DELICIOUS, everything!

We Checked out Sabroso while visiting Rotorua after reading reviews here.<br/><br/>Top tasting food, good service, great margaritas (grab the carafe).<br/><br/>You won't be disappointed or go away hungry. Will definitely call in again next time we're in town.

We adore Sabroso, the food selection is wonderful as is the quality, and the price is fairly reasonable. Their soup selection is especially delightful, and their menu is constantly being reviewed and updated. Sarah and John are just so friendly, their service is welcoming and very polite. They also have a customer reward system for frequent diners. The chocolate cup, Margarita and black bean soup are absolute must haves!<br/><br/>Its a very intimate place which makes the dining experience memorable, we refer everybody to Sabroso.

I could not find fault with Sabroso! They deliver excellent, delicious, authentic food in a great atmosphere served up with the BEST margaritas. All of this is topped off with the best, most friendly and perfect hospitality and service I've EVER experienced in this country! The prices are right, too, so you honestly can't go wrong here!! So many restrauteurs could learn so much from these business owners who are doing everything right. I hope Rotorua supports this establishment for it would be a great loss if Sabroso didn't become a favourite and mainstay of our city.

We went back two nights running - the black bean soup is heaven - we've been trying to recreate it at home ever since.