Disappointing to go back. We go back fairly often, and everything's always been consistently good and the way it was when we first started going there. Now that's not the case. Complimentary chips/queso/salsa - queso had almost no taste, and the salsa was so watery and tasteless that Pace would've been an improvement. Wife had the Aji De Gallina (one of her favorite dishes that she gets there a lot) and it just wasn't that good - recipe had changed, the sauce was more mustardy and yellow than it has been. I had the Lomo Saltado and it was OK, but not great. Both dishes were very, very salty for some reason, but not as flavorful and spiced as they usually are. I had the Guava Empanada for dessert - dough wasn't that good, and the melding of all the flavors (dough, guava, cream cheese, cinnamon/sugar on the outside) just didn't work. Churros (which we always get) had more dough than filling. Probably not going to go back, sadly, which sucks because it used to be *so* good, now it's just OK. Also, they now have compact flourescent bulbs in all the lights in the dining room, which doesn't give nearly enough light and it's of a poorer quality (I'm pretty sure they used to have incandescent bulbs in all the fixtures).
(2)
joe p.
Zarate's is a small locally owned place that serves a variety of Mexican, South American, and Carribbean foods. Everything has always been outstanding. The Honduran tamales although not totally traditional are great, the Brazilian BBQ is sweet, spicy, and juicy a unique blend of citrus and chiles. Most recently I had the Lomita Somataldo, a Peruvian dish with chicken, onions, tomatos, and potatoes. Wonderfully seasoned with yucca fries and fried plantains. I highly reccomend this place for anyone who wants a little adventure. Priced very well.
(4)
Nathaniel M.
The food was awesome and service was great! The Peruvian dishes are the real deal my father who is Peruvian would know.
(5)
Vivian H.
Zarate's is a great alternative to all the typical Tex-mex places around here. Delicious, authentic Latin American food, great atmosphere, and friendly service. I ordered the Seafood Saltado, a Peruvian dish with fish, shrimp, onions, tomatoes and rice, while my boyfriend had the Brazilian BBQ and Shrimp. Both dishes were really fresh, delicious, flavorful, and not too heavy. Good portions for the price.
(5)
Joshua D.
Mediocre at best. Reminded me of a banquet mexican tv dinner. Don't have much more to say.
(2)
Austin M.
The service quality has gotten really, really bad lately but the food is okay. Better than Chelino's. Am I the only one who gets creeped out by the owner lady walking around staring while you eat?
(3)
Sarah S.
My sister recommended this place to me. I was not impressed. The food was flavorless, and for what I paid I should have gone somewhere else. I hear a lot of mixed reviews about Zarate's, but I will not be returning. The only reason they get two stars instead of one is because they had a very friendly wait staff.
(2)
Ted M.
My wife and I visit Zarate's probably once every couple of weeks, and its our favorite Latin restaurant in the area. It is quite casual inside, but the service is generally quite good, the margaritas are tasty, and I cannot recommend the ceviche enough - some of the best I've had anywhere. The rest of the menu is very good too, especially if you are tired of Americanized Latin American food that devolves into some variation of "rice, meat, tortilla beneath cheese." Definitely check it out.
(4)
Chad W.
Oh Zarate's. You take me back to Peru all over again, as much as one could hope for in Oklahoma. First things first. Keep your eyes on the "Latin American" side of the menu. This is a place where you try new things. The food is authentic. That means some people really won't care for parts of it. That's fine, I'm telling you this ahead of time so you're aware. Yucca fries are naturally dry and starchy. If you get something spicy, they're great to cut the heat. Otherwise, you may or may not care for them. Fried plantains are delicious. They're not entirely unlike bananas. I've really enjoyed every entree I've had here so far. Do you drink alcohol? If so, you're in for a treat. They have caipirinhas on the menu. This is a Brazilian drink made with rum, sugar, and limes. It is sweet and it is strong. However, they do something even more special. This is the first place I have found in Oklahoma that does a pisco sour. Sadly, they do use sweet and sour mix, so it's not quite as good as the real thing. Still, they know what they're doing and make the most of what they have on hand. No alcohol? That's fine. If you drink soda, go for Inca Kola. There are two places in the world where Coca-Cola is not the #1 selling beverage. Scotland and Peru. In Peru, it's Inca Kola. This stuff is sweet. It's sweeter than Mountain Dew, glows yellow enough that you might pull out a Geiger counter, and it's that beautiful balance between bliss and regret that makes it the perfect thing for a special occasion. Sadly, the import stuff is made with corn syrup. If anyone knows where I can obtain real cane sugar Inca Kola in the state, I would be quite grateful for that knowledge. Alright, so you've read this far, you're either scared or excited, and I'm still talking. That means there's something special to say. Ceviche. If you've had ceviche, you know what I mean and are either on your way right now or hiding under your bed. This is real ceviche. Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and chile peppers. It is spicy. There are plenty of onions. It is cold. There are people who are afraid of trying food they won't like, and there are people who are afraid of not trying food they will like. If you are entirely the second, try the ceviche. If you are at all hesitant, there's plenty of other stuff out there and you may never feel deprived by never trying spicy cold fish. Don't expect it to be anything like sushi. I wouldn't suggest this place for everyone I know, but I've yet to bring anyone here that didn't rave about it afterward.
(5)
Darrin H.
They treat me and my family like regulars because we are. Don't be scared to order off the general Tex-Mex menu. You might even try one of the daily specials. Treat yourself right with a mojito.
(5)
Chelsea C.
I love the variety and have been here 4 or 5 times in as many months. The service is always great and I have tried something new each time and never had anything I haven't liked.
(5)
Michael F.
AWSOME as useual!!!! everything here is good, fair pricing.. if u eat here request Roberto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! full bar strong drinks... AWSOME AWSOME AWSOME thanks again roberto for perfect service!!!
(5)
Will S.
Living outside of Oklahoma I am accustomed to eating high grade foreign food and when I come back to visit family I am usually disappointed by what I find in the city. Mexican is usually just poorly made Tex-Mex made with cheap ingrediants and without the care that I now expect when dining out. During my holiday visit a friend took me to Zarate's and I was hesitant when he mentioned that it was South American and also located in Edmond. I was surprised at the quality of of the food and the service. The food looked and tasted great, the wait staff was well informed and though the dishes were more expensive than I am used to, the are well worth the price. Since I have been here I have been encouraging friends and family to head to this local business in hopes that the people of the OKC Metro area will start demanding this quality in all of their food and stop eating at places like Ted's. A very enthusiastic 5 stars.
(5)
Paul M.
Zarate's is a great place for lunch and I have eaten there 3 or 4 times. I have not yet selected anything from the dinner menu but I have had something different every time I have been there. Today it was the Cuban Pork Chops with rice, and Mexican Potatoes. The pork was marinated with 3 different citrus juices was was great. The potatoes were great but I wish I would have had the Yucca Fries or maybe tried the Mexican Corn. The dinner menu is a little pricier but I am sure it is out standing.
(4)
Nick S.
Good Food and Service. The traditional Mexican food is like everywhere else, but the Peruvian is really good. They serve beer as well.
(4)
Rachael P.
This is a must try! Excellent food, very interesting mix of Jamaican, Brazilian and Argentinian dishes. Reasonable prices and friendly, helpful staff. New fav place!
(5)
Kelli M.
You must try this place! Even their Mexican food is better than most. Their other dishes (besides the Mexican ones) are yummy! We have been countless times and always a good experience. Great staff too. Your meal isn't complete without trying their flan ...mmmmmm. love this place!
(5)
Brian B.
Disappointing to go back. We go back fairly often, and everything's always been consistently good and the way it was when we first started going there. Now that's not the case. Complimentary chips/queso/salsa - queso had almost no taste, and the salsa was so watery and tasteless that Pace would've been an improvement. Wife had the Aji De Gallina (one of her favorite dishes that she gets there a lot) and it just wasn't that good - recipe had changed, the sauce was more mustardy and yellow than it has been. I had the Lomo Saltado and it was OK, but not great. Both dishes were very, very salty for some reason, but not as flavorful and spiced as they usually are. I had the Guava Empanada for dessert - dough wasn't that good, and the melding of all the flavors (dough, guava, cream cheese, cinnamon/sugar on the outside) just didn't work. Churros (which we always get) had more dough than filling. Probably not going to go back, sadly, which sucks because it used to be *so* good, now it's just OK. Also, they now have compact flourescent bulbs in all the lights in the dining room, which doesn't give nearly enough light and it's of a poorer quality (I'm pretty sure they used to have incandescent bulbs in all the fixtures).
(2)
joe p.
Zarate's is a small locally owned place that serves a variety of Mexican, South American, and Carribbean foods. Everything has always been outstanding. The Honduran tamales although not totally traditional are great, the Brazilian BBQ is sweet, spicy, and juicy a unique blend of citrus and chiles. Most recently I had the Lomita Somataldo, a Peruvian dish with chicken, onions, tomatos, and potatoes. Wonderfully seasoned with yucca fries and fried plantains. I highly reccomend this place for anyone who wants a little adventure. Priced very well.
(4)
Shay B.
Zarate's is a favorite of mine for a long lunch with co-workers, and the food has never disappointed me. Menu has a wide variety of food, and the servers are attentive and quick. And when I've been there on the weekends, the drinks are wonderful. Couldn't really ask for more!
(4)
Jenna R.
Great Latin cuisine. Pork chops are amazing. Drinks are delicious. Sides are just average but entrees are very good. Must try.
(5)
John E.
Great food. Great service. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Latin cuisine. I ended up ordering the fish tacos and it was delicious...
(4)
Alicia P.
Absolutely delicious food and cheap too! We've had out of town visitors over the last month and we've brought everyone one of them here! We've ordered the lomo saltados, fajitas, Jamaican curry shrimp and tilapia and every dish has been fantastic. The service is wonderful and efficient and the atmosphere is bustling. This will be one of our go to restaurants here in Edmond!
(5)
Hot Tub J.
Went here with office friend Ashleigh and got the funky stuff. This place is good if you get the right thing - which she did. I did not - I got the Cuban Sandwich and it was Olive Garden, if you get my drift. Hot dog bun with baloney and a squirt of mustard. Not legit. Up your game, Zarate!
(4)
Jerry C.
Recommend to me by a friend at work and I was pretty impressed. We just had the fajitas and they were really good. After looking over the menu I realized I should come back and try some of their other dishes. Overall, the tortillas were some of the best I've tasted. Salsa had a tomato-e taste which I like. Steak for the fajitas were excellent. I ordered a side of grilled jalapeños and they had a perfect texture and good heat. Rice and beans were ok. The server was a little lacking, but I could at least tell he was trying. I look forward to going back.
(4)
Emily A.
A HIDDEN GEM!!! I absolutely LOVE this place. Stopped in randomly one night and it has quickly become a favorite. I don't recommend ordering off the "Tex-Mex" portion of menu; it is average. But their Latin food is to die for! The meat is so tender and delicious. The pork chops are out of this world! It's a bit of a "hole-in-the-wall" but the food is absolutely delicious!
(5)
Pat F.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. The jerk chicken with passion fruit dipping sauce is amazing. The service, the menu....all great. Can't speak highly enough of this place.
(5)
Candice B.
The food is very good and the service is great. They make a mean strawberry margarita too! I will definitely be back!
(4)
Pinecone E.
Have been coming for 4+ years now. Always happy. Cuban pork chops is a staple. Be sure to ask for their spicy green salsa to add to the queso.
(5)
M. A.
Highly recommend. We have been here twice now and have been very pleased. Moving to the area from Miami, we were happy to see a restaurant that offers Caribbean and South American fare in Oklahoma. It is pretty authentic. Would definitely recommend bypassing the tex-mex items for the Island/South American flair. Lomo, Tamales, Jerk chicken... It's all good.
(5)
Ron P.
I went to Zarate's in Edmond and the multi-culture menu just does not work for me. I did order the Crispy Taco plate with Rice & Beans from their lunch menu however, $1 more for dinner. For what I paid for & what I got, I should have gone to Taco Bueno or Taco Mayo. The taco shells were not "home-made" and the re-fried beans were very watery. The spanish rice was dry. Only thing that I enjoyed was the Pepsi and the Flat Screen TV's on ESPN. I just don't see what makes this restaurant stand out and why people think that this place is 'all that'. Maybe I need to try something else on the menu, but if they can do tacos right, who knows???
Second time eating here. Friday night at prime time. Had to wait about 10 minutes. This time round I tried the pollo soltada. Basically chicken with lots of onions,some tomatoes, mexican potatos(french fries) on top. Served again with plantain and some yucca stalk, which I do not like at all. Chicken was fine. Too many onions for my taste. And the onions were rather spicy, not the chicken. I was also not thinking french fries on top when I ordered it. They were not greasy, so that was good at least. My guest had the jerk chicken. Strangely, not as spicy as my dish. Go figure. She liked it. It's a popular spot. The owner obviously works hard keeping things moving and making sure people are waited on. Don't expect fancy when you come here. It's a bit run down inside. They could probably do a lot more business if they relocated to a larger and more up to date spot. But the food is fresh and made to order. Give it a try.
(3)
Thomas R.
This is one of our favorite spots for a date night dinner. They offer several different interesting dishes inspired by several different regions. I think my favorite is the jerk chicken...
(5)
Brandon F.
Yuck!! Bad fish tacos and they did nothing to fix it.
(1)
Elizabeth B.
I must say...I came in a *tad* skeptical. I have my favorite Latin American places in Dallas, and I just wasn't sure that this tiny little restaurant in Edmond would do it for me. Both of our meals were really good, but my boyfriend definitely has his selection down. The Pollo Saltado was really good. It almost tastes a tiny bit like Lo Mein or something. I need to go back and try a few more dishes so I can write a better review, but I definitely WILL be back, and that's what's important I suppose. Random: We were there during a Peru vs. ? soccer game, and it was a very fun, unique experience. The only reason I know even 1 team in this game is EVERYONE was dressed in Peru jerseys and screaming for Peru. Very authentic Latin American feel for sure! Gotta love family-owned places like this. :D
(5)
Nathaniel M.
The food was awesome and service was great! The Peruvian dishes are the real deal my father who is Peruvian would know.
(5)
Mike G.
The menu is Tex-Mex plus South American. We have had the Ceviche, Cuban Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Banana Leaf Tamales and more. All was good eating. Nice Wine, Beer and Margarita selections as well.
(4)
Vivian H.
Zarate's is a great alternative to all the typical Tex-mex places around here. Delicious, authentic Latin American food, great atmosphere, and friendly service. I ordered the Seafood Saltado, a Peruvian dish with fish, shrimp, onions, tomatoes and rice, while my boyfriend had the Brazilian BBQ and Shrimp. Both dishes were really fresh, delicious, flavorful, and not too heavy. Good portions for the price.
(5)
Joshua D.
Mediocre at best. Reminded me of a banquet mexican tv dinner. Don't have much more to say.
(2)
Austin M.
The service quality has gotten really, really bad lately but the food is okay. Better than Chelino's. Am I the only one who gets creeped out by the owner lady walking around staring while you eat?
(3)
Chad W.
Oh Zarate's. You take me back to Peru all over again, as much as one could hope for in Oklahoma. First things first. Keep your eyes on the "Latin American" side of the menu. This is a place where you try new things. The food is authentic. That means some people really won't care for parts of it. That's fine, I'm telling you this ahead of time so you're aware. Yucca fries are naturally dry and starchy. If you get something spicy, they're great to cut the heat. Otherwise, you may or may not care for them. Fried plantains are delicious. They're not entirely unlike bananas. I've really enjoyed every entree I've had here so far. Do you drink alcohol? If so, you're in for a treat. They have caipirinhas on the menu. This is a Brazilian drink made with rum, sugar, and limes. It is sweet and it is strong. However, they do something even more special. This is the first place I have found in Oklahoma that does a pisco sour. Sadly, they do use sweet and sour mix, so it's not quite as good as the real thing. Still, they know what they're doing and make the most of what they have on hand. No alcohol? That's fine. If you drink soda, go for Inca Kola. There are two places in the world where Coca-Cola is not the #1 selling beverage. Scotland and Peru. In Peru, it's Inca Kola. This stuff is sweet. It's sweeter than Mountain Dew, glows yellow enough that you might pull out a Geiger counter, and it's that beautiful balance between bliss and regret that makes it the perfect thing for a special occasion. Sadly, the import stuff is made with corn syrup. If anyone knows where I can obtain real cane sugar Inca Kola in the state, I would be quite grateful for that knowledge. Alright, so you've read this far, you're either scared or excited, and I'm still talking. That means there's something special to say. Ceviche. If you've had ceviche, you know what I mean and are either on your way right now or hiding under your bed. This is real ceviche. Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and chile peppers. It is spicy. There are plenty of onions. It is cold. There are people who are afraid of trying food they won't like, and there are people who are afraid of not trying food they will like. If you are entirely the second, try the ceviche. If you are at all hesitant, there's plenty of other stuff out there and you may never feel deprived by never trying spicy cold fish. Don't expect it to be anything like sushi. I wouldn't suggest this place for everyone I know, but I've yet to bring anyone here that didn't rave about it afterward.
(5)
Ashley A.
Chips and salsa. Get 'em. Yesterday, I had the absolute best salsa ever had in OKC. I swung by Zarate's for a plate of Peruvian ceviche and neglected to turn down the complimentary chips and salsa. Thus, my hunger for ceviche was abated enough that I wasn't terribly disappointed in the too-big hunks of tilapia and sprinking of raw onion. For next time, I'll remember to ask them to add more pickled than raw red onions ("Pickle all the onions!") and to be generous with the squid. All told, it was a good ceviche. I like that Zarate's isn't exclusively Mexican: you can enjoy Honduran, Jamaican, Brazilian, and Cuban plates too. Definitely worth stopping for in Edmond.
(4)
Melanie S.
Have been here a few times and it's always great food. Love the diversity on the menu; the Jamaican jerk chicken is my absolute favorite! It's also a good place to grab some drinks and watch a Thunder game with the TVs that they have.
(4)
Mel M.
The four of us in the group are all Texans, so we are rightly picky about Tex-Mex/Hispanic/Latin types of food. This place was excellent! While it looks kind of like a dive, it is sure to please. Our meal started with great chips and salsa. All together we ordered: lomo saltado, Cuban pork chops, chicken quesadilla, and three meat guiso. It was all extremely tasty, and the portions were great, too. We wished we could have tried more. The servers were very friendly, funny, and attentive. Next time we're back in town, we will be back.
(5)
Bree S.
Tortillas and queso are far from authentic, but the Jamaican jerk chicken was excellent. I also had the Cuban mojito, but it was largely very flavorless. I'd get beer if I came back.
(4)
Carly N.
Zarate's has your typical Mexican restaurant items: pick an entree and it comes with rice & beans. But their menu is interesting because they also have dishes from countries like Cuba, Honduras, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru. There's a section full of international sodas, imported & domestic beer, and margaritas! Dinner prices were around $10+ for each plate so prices are fair. Our waiter was a friendly man. The owner/manager even went around to each table to check on things. Overall, the food was great so I'll be back!
(4)
J.c. R.
Unassuming exterior AND interior, but some of the best Latino food I've had. Their salsa was amazing. The mystery green sauce that comes with the Latin chicken dish was to die for. I won't even mention the awesome banana leaf tamales. All in all, a great experience. The only downside is that it's too far away.
(5)
Jacob W.
The service is great! You really can't order off the normal menu (tex-mex), sure the buritto or other Americanized version of "Meh" might be okay.... The Latin menu is where it's at. The Lomo Saltado is my favorite, the jerk chicken is good too. My ONLY complaint about this place (and all other Mexican places in Oklahoma) is the free queso is not good, but remember, it is FREE, so carry on.
(4)
Misti D.
The good: service is really great. I have never had a bad server. Vegetarian options are called out on the menu, which is great. The sopapilla are really tasty. The not as good: I feel like the food is a little under-seasoned. The salsa is a bit bland, as are the beans and rice. The food certainly isn't bad, it's just lacking something to send it over the top.
(3)
Jocelyn C.
This is one of the few times I've ever driven to suburbia with dinner on my mind. Downtown single people be like, "Whaaaat? Edmond and Moore are like 20 minutes away. That's WAY too far." But Lomo Saltado? That's gotta be worth 15 miles. A very humble lookin', no-frills type of place with a genuinely nice guy for a server. We crushed a few too many chips with salsa while waiting for our food. I personally didn't like the spicy salsa we ordered since it was actually sweet. The house salsa is great though since it doesn't slide off your chip all watery-like. Entree flavors were delicious, and I definitely did my part of cleaning my plate with the Lomo Saltado. Maybe it's an Asian people problem, but I think the rice scoop is a little on the tiny side for the amount of Lomo Saltado that comes with. Also, French fries in a Lomo Saltado *should* be added in at last minute so they don't get completely mushy in the saus. (Reference Epic Meal Time when you pronounce "saus" : epicmealtime.com/videos ) Jerk chicken had great seasonings, and theirs is boneless. I spent a lot of time in the restaurant industry, and one thing I think about is if the price tag matches; here it's a little high for what comes out on your plate. Chicken is a normal eater's portion, but beans and rice and two slices of plantain seem a little steep for $13; I've eaten at Jamaican restaurants that give you two generous sides, a heap 'o rice, and two pieces of chicken for $8. So Zarate's is kind of like wearing a shirt; it might not be the glamorous thing I own, but if I love it I'll put it on again and again. However, if I've put on a few pounds and the shirt is getting a little snug (ie the price doesn't fit), I'll be less likely to wear it. So maybe Zarate's is a shirt I love, but it doesn't change the fact that I've been eating donuts and cinnamon rolls all week. Does that make any sense? Oh well.
(4)
Spencer R.
I returned today because I was craving that fajita chicken chimichanga. Yep! It's still awesome. Had great service again. I think I'm going to become a regular. It's my new Mexican food favorite.
(5)
Anna F.
Wow. Just wow. This place is amazing! Not only can you get authentic Latin cuisine, but it still comes with free chips, salsa AND queso. That is becoming a rarity. We went for Sunday lunch and it quickly got busy. Our service remained great the whole time. For the food, I had the Jamiacan jerk chicken. How cool is that to have as an option? Not just Tex-Mex here, folks. They do have some, but there are also plenty of other Caribbean/Latin options. It was a great portion and came with plantains, white rice and black beans. I would definitely get it again and there are also several other menu items I'd like to try. I never say this, but this place is worth visiting Edmond for.
(5)
Justin B.
Surprised they don't always get 5 stars. Great service and even better food. Been there at least 5 times and have yet to try something that wasn't great. If you like spicy, just tell them...but be warned, they don't mess around. Each time we go, we try something different...absolutely great food. Bonus: the kids love it too.
(5)
Cara C.
LOVE Zarates! They have a great selection of Latin and Tex Mex favorites. The environment is great as it is extremely comfortable and casual. Service is great, never had a bad server here and the owner is usually present!
(5)
Angela G.
This is my favorite Latin food in town. I love the jerk chicken but the best kept secret is the pork chops! Ohhhhh my goodness! They are marinated overnight and they are cooked to perfection. The spicy salsa is delicious and you have to try the plantains. Don't skip dessert! The flan is to die for and the sopapilas are the best in town!
(5)
Rebekah B.
The usual tex mex enchilada type stuff is just average. Explore beyond that, and the food is phenomenal. Lomo Saltado and Brazilian BBQ are my favorites. Try the plantains as well. The service at zarates is also very good.
(5)
Kristi A.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight; lomo saltado was excellent, followed by flan for dessert. Service was very good, waiters friendly and made me feel so welcome. I highly recommend Zarete's and look forward to my next visit!
(5)
Darrin H.
They treat me and my family like regulars because we are. Don't be scared to order off the general Tex-Mex menu. You might even try one of the daily specials. Treat yourself right with a mojito.
(5)
Chelsea C.
I love the variety and have been here 4 or 5 times in as many months. The service is always great and I have tried something new each time and never had anything I haven't liked.
(5)
Michael F.
AWSOME as useual!!!! everything here is good, fair pricing.. if u eat here request Roberto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! full bar strong drinks... AWSOME AWSOME AWSOME thanks again roberto for perfect service!!!
(5)
Sarah S.
My sister recommended this place to me. I was not impressed. The food was flavorless, and for what I paid I should have gone somewhere else. I hear a lot of mixed reviews about Zarate's, but I will not be returning. The only reason they get two stars instead of one is because they had a very friendly wait staff.
(2)
Ted M.
My wife and I visit Zarate's probably once every couple of weeks, and its our favorite Latin restaurant in the area. It is quite casual inside, but the service is generally quite good, the margaritas are tasty, and I cannot recommend the ceviche enough - some of the best I've had anywhere. The rest of the menu is very good too, especially if you are tired of Americanized Latin American food that devolves into some variation of "rice, meat, tortilla beneath cheese." Definitely check it out.
(4)
Will S.
Living outside of Oklahoma I am accustomed to eating high grade foreign food and when I come back to visit family I am usually disappointed by what I find in the city. Mexican is usually just poorly made Tex-Mex made with cheap ingrediants and without the care that I now expect when dining out. During my holiday visit a friend took me to Zarate's and I was hesitant when he mentioned that it was South American and also located in Edmond. I was surprised at the quality of of the food and the service. The food looked and tasted great, the wait staff was well informed and though the dishes were more expensive than I am used to, the are well worth the price. Since I have been here I have been encouraging friends and family to head to this local business in hopes that the people of the OKC Metro area will start demanding this quality in all of their food and stop eating at places like Ted's. A very enthusiastic 5 stars.
(5)
Paul M.
Zarate's is a great place for lunch and I have eaten there 3 or 4 times. I have not yet selected anything from the dinner menu but I have had something different every time I have been there. Today it was the Cuban Pork Chops with rice, and Mexican Potatoes. The pork was marinated with 3 different citrus juices was was great. The potatoes were great but I wish I would have had the Yucca Fries or maybe tried the Mexican Corn. The dinner menu is a little pricier but I am sure it is out standing.
(4)
Nick S.
Good Food and Service. The traditional Mexican food is like everywhere else, but the Peruvian is really good. They serve beer as well.
(4)
Rachael P.
This is a must try! Excellent food, very interesting mix of Jamaican, Brazilian and Argentinian dishes. Reasonable prices and friendly, helpful staff. New fav place!
(5)
Patrick W.
The Missus and I came here for lunch with another couple and were pleasantly surprised with our experience. I decided to try the chicken burrito with beans and rice. It's hard to fail at cooking up some good beans and rice so I have no complaints with either. My chicken burrito was absolutely delicious. I've been to many Mexican restaurants where the burrito was scolding hot on the sides and ice cold in the middle, so I was more than happy to find that my burrito was the same temperature throughout. I was also a big fan of the shredded chicken, as opposed to the chunks of chicken many restaurants will stuff into their burritos. I also enjoyed a couple of adult beverages that were reasonably priced and delicious. Overall, I was very impressed with my visit. I'm not in Edmond much, so it was nice to find a place that serves quality food and drinks at reasonable prices. I will definitely return!
(4)
Daniel T.
THIS PLACE IS LEGIT. Stop going to Ted's please for the love of god and come here instead okies. This place is def more authentic although it does have to cater to the more Americanized population of Edmund. Nonetheless, they have really solid stuff here and great service. We got a couple of Peruvian dishes and they were excellent! Come over to Zarates!
(5)
Doug P.
It was Good Friday and every where was packed including this place. However the 10 minute wait was so worth it. The food was amazing and plentiful to choose. The salsa was perfect only wish it was in a bigger bowl. The Patron Margarita was hand made like it should be, that alone will get me back. I had the brisket and chicken enchiladas and my wife had the vegetarian enchiladas. Both were so good I wanted more but was stuffed. Only just begun to explore the menu...
(5)
Steven W.
Zarate's is unexpected. This is an oustanding resturant that has carribean/south american dishes on the menu, which makes it stand out. Makes it unique in fact. This a local family owned restaurant. typically both the owners are present every day. The husband runs the kitchen and the wife manages the floor operations. She also makes some of the best margaritas ever in the bar area. If you are having a craving for tostones, authentic jerk chicken, papa rellenas or a decent cuban sandwich this is totally the place to be. A small word of warning however-the jerk chicken will be seasoned perfectly but the appearance regrettably had been modified to match the edmond palate-it will be boneless chicken, which I never saw in the Caribbean. It has all the same flavor though so no worries. Totally worth every penny.
(4)
Geary J.
If you can learn something about a place by their cuisine then you can tour most of Latin America at Zarate's. We've had dinner several time here when in Edmond and are always pleasantly surprised by a new treat to broaden our palate. The food is always served hot and fast (even on a busy night) and the service is perfect. Give this place a try and step out of the culinary drudgery of eating at the same old places. Travel with your tongue, it's fun!
(5)
Jim R.
This place wound up being much more than I expected. The space is colorful, but not upscale by any measure. Not a bad thing, just an observation. The menu actually (by my estimation) tilts Central American/Caribbean rather than Mexican, which is a pleasant finding. The SO had a Cuban Pork Chop, while I went for the Jamaican Curry Shrimp. Both were ridiculously full of flavor. As a concession to the Mexican side of things, we did have sopapillas at the end of the meal. Prices were reasonable, the menu had considerable variety, there were some Central American beers to be had, and the service was friendly and efficient. It's a converted fast food joint (I think maybe a LJS or Captain D's), so don't expect posh surroundings. Additionally, we went during prime time Friday evening, so we had an approximately 25 minute wait. Everything else was first-rate. I'm looking forward to much deeper dives into that menu. Recommended.
(4)
Jason F.
I have to admit, as someone who is from snooty San Francisco which has some of the most authentic Latin American food outside of Latin America itself, I originally thought this was going to be a forgettable experience. But I was wrong, Zarate's may leave a lot to be desired in terms of ambience and how well groomed the place could potentially be. But that's being nitpicky. The food is great, unique for the area, almost exotic in fact. Nicely prepared but not too pretentious. I had a new item on the menu called the Argentinian Steak and my mother had the old standby the Peruvian Lomo Saltado. Both were wonderfully prepared, perfectly grilled, and nicely plated. Zarate's brings unique foods into a neighborhood where you are least expecting it. If you're looking for a unique place in Edmond then try Zarate's Latin & Mexican Grill.
(4)
Andrea S.
Great food every time we go! It gets loud when it's busy so we usually shoot for less popular times.
(5)
Carly N.
Zarate's has your typical Mexican restaurant items: pick an entree and it comes with rice & beans. But their menu is interesting because they also have dishes from countries like Cuba, Honduras, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru. There's a section full of international sodas, imported & domestic beer, and margaritas! Dinner prices were around $10+ for each plate so prices are fair. Our waiter was a friendly man. The owner/manager even went around to each table to check on things. Overall, the food was great so I'll be back!
(4)
Troy B.
Traveling through Edmond, Oklahoma stopped at this restaurant based on the reviews. Service was good and prompt. Food was excellent with a wide variety to choose from. It is well worth a repeat visit.
(4)
Ashlye H.
My first UYE / Meetup outing and it was a blast. First off this place is a cozy restaurant right off of the road and shouldn't be driven by. There is a bar on site, reservations is needed near the weekend and prepare your palate for home cooked meals. I chose the Brazilian BBQ which came with rice, black beans and fried plantain. It comes a an optional to be spicy and even without the spice it is delicious for $11. The portions are big and the atmosphere adds to the flavor. Plus I had a Sangria swirl with was on point for $7 and my taste buds are doing a spirited dance now. They aim to make you feel comfortable and it's something I wish would be in OKC. The cuisine covers few countries around the Hispanic/Spanish culture plus Island regions. I plan to bring more people with me when I come back. Soooooo the reason it's 4 stars even after my praise is because of the. Wait. I can't think of it now :/ noooo. Wait, it's the dessert menu could use some pizzaz.
(4)
Bree S.
Tortillas and queso are far from authentic, but the Jamaican jerk chicken was excellent. I also had the Cuban mojito, but it was largely very flavorless. I'd get beer if I came back.
(4)
KJ J.
Parking can be an issue with such a popular place. With that being said... you know a place is good by the wait at the front. I arrived at 6:30 and there were probably 12-15 people in line waiting to be seated. I had a party reservation of 12-15 ironically, and no only 2 of those waiting in line were from my party. Our server Roberto was phenomenal. Our water, chips, salsa, queso and relish were always more than halfway full, all of which were complimentary. Like most Mexican restaurants, sopapillas were also complimentary. The beauty of this place is that it expands to the Caribbean central american and South America. The Jerk chicken was quite good especially with the sweet plantains. Lomo Saltado was delicious and the Ceviche looked scrumptious as seen on the photos. If I didn't live so far away, I would come here monthly to try everything on the menu.
(5)
Mary S.
They have awesome service and their food is really good! A couple of times the food was too salty.
(4)
Ashley A.
Chips and salsa. Get 'em. Yesterday, I had the absolute best salsa ever had in OKC. I swung by Zarate's for a plate of Peruvian ceviche and neglected to turn down the complimentary chips and salsa. Thus, my hunger for ceviche was abated enough that I wasn't terribly disappointed in the too-big hunks of tilapia and sprinking of raw onion. For next time, I'll remember to ask them to add more pickled than raw red onions ("Pickle all the onions!") and to be generous with the squid. All told, it was a good ceviche. I like that Zarate's isn't exclusively Mexican: you can enjoy Honduran, Jamaican, Brazilian, and Cuban plates too. Definitely worth stopping for in Edmond.
(4)
Melanie S.
Have been here a few times and it's always great food. Love the diversity on the menu; the Jamaican jerk chicken is my absolute favorite! It's also a good place to grab some drinks and watch a Thunder game with the TVs that they have.
(4)
Greg N.
This is my favorite restaurant in the metro. It has great Mexican and even better Latin American dishes. I have had something different on each of my previous visits and could rave about each individually but you get my point. I would and have recommended this place to anyone who inquires. Jorge, the owner and his staff are very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the Xingu Brazilian black beer along with my meal.
(5)
Angel T.
Really great food. The fajita meat is so tender and flavorful. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Mel M.
The four of us in the group are all Texans, so we are rightly picky about Tex-Mex/Hispanic/Latin types of food. This place was excellent! While it looks kind of like a dive, it is sure to please. Our meal started with great chips and salsa. All together we ordered: lomo saltado, Cuban pork chops, chicken quesadilla, and three meat guiso. It was all extremely tasty, and the portions were great, too. We wished we could have tried more. The servers were very friendly, funny, and attentive. Next time we're back in town, we will be back.
(5)
Justin H.
Hands down best place to eat in Edmond. I have eaten here about 10 times and everything I've had in the menu was excellent. Pricing is very reasonable for such great food. The service has always been wonderful even when it is absolutely packed. They have a great selection of beers from south of the border. The atmosphere is very casual, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a date here at all for the food alone! Great place to take your family or to meet up with friends. If you live in Edmond and haven't tried this place you really need to! I can't praise this place enough, it is a rare gem in the typical chain restaurant/fast food scene of Edmond.
(5)
Theresa A.
Best damn Latin place I've ever been. I took my bf, who's been to South America a few times, and he loved it too.
(5)
Jeff C.
Nice mix of Tex-Mex and Latin food. Our server Roberto was fabulous. The green sauce is light your booty hot. The habanero is even hotter. That's a I dare you by the way. I had the Peruvian pork chops which were awesome. This place is small and authentic. I will be back!!
(5)
David J.
Wow, what a great dinner. Stopped based on previous yelp reviews that are right on. The Latin menu is fun and different. I had seafood saltado and enjoyed every bite. It came with plantains and yucca ...very nice too. World Cup soccer on TV tied the whole thing together. Try the lime pie.
(4)
Jim M.
I just left Zarates after having a great dinner with 2 friends. I had the Peruvian chicken kabobs, they had mofongo and Venezuelan pot roast. We've declared it our new favorite hole in the wall restaurant.
(5)
Cara C.
LOVE Zarates! They have a great selection of Latin and Tex Mex favorites. The environment is great as it is extremely comfortable and casual. Service is great, never had a bad server here and the owner is usually present!
(5)
Jacob W.
The service is great! You really can't order off the normal menu (tex-mex), sure the buritto or other Americanized version of "Meh" might be okay.... The Latin menu is where it's at. The Lomo Saltado is my favorite, the jerk chicken is good too. My ONLY complaint about this place (and all other Mexican places in Oklahoma) is the free queso is not good, but remember, it is FREE, so carry on.
(4)
Misti D.
The good: service is really great. I have never had a bad server. Vegetarian options are called out on the menu, which is great. The sopapilla are really tasty. The not as good: I feel like the food is a little under-seasoned. The salsa is a bit bland, as are the beans and rice. The food certainly isn't bad, it's just lacking something to send it over the top.
(3)
Justin B.
Surprised they don't always get 5 stars. Great service and even better food. Been there at least 5 times and have yet to try something that wasn't great. If you like spicy, just tell them...but be warned, they don't mess around. Each time we go, we try something different...absolutely great food. Bonus: the kids love it too.
(5)
Angela G.
This is my favorite Latin food in town. I love the jerk chicken but the best kept secret is the pork chops! Ohhhhh my goodness! They are marinated overnight and they are cooked to perfection. The spicy salsa is delicious and you have to try the plantains. Don't skip dessert! The flan is to die for and the sopapilas are the best in town!
(5)
Rebekah B.
The usual tex mex enchilada type stuff is just average. Explore beyond that, and the food is phenomenal. Lomo Saltado and Brazilian BBQ are my favorites. Try the plantains as well. The service at zarates is also very good.
(5)
Kristi A.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight; lomo saltado was excellent, followed by flan for dessert. Service was very good, waiters friendly and made me feel so welcome. I highly recommend Zarete's and look forward to my next visit!
(5)
Shay B.
Zarate's is a favorite of mine for a long lunch with co-workers, and the food has never disappointed me. Menu has a wide variety of food, and the servers are attentive and quick. And when I've been there on the weekends, the drinks are wonderful. Couldn't really ask for more!
(4)
Jenna R.
Great Latin cuisine. Pork chops are amazing. Drinks are delicious. Sides are just average but entrees are very good. Must try.
(5)
John E.
Great food. Great service. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Latin cuisine. I ended up ordering the fish tacos and it was delicious...
(4)
Alicia P.
Absolutely delicious food and cheap too! We've had out of town visitors over the last month and we've brought everyone one of them here! We've ordered the lomo saltados, fajitas, Jamaican curry shrimp and tilapia and every dish has been fantastic. The service is wonderful and efficient and the atmosphere is bustling. This will be one of our go to restaurants here in Edmond!
(5)
Hot Tub J.
Went here with office friend Ashleigh and got the funky stuff. This place is good if you get the right thing - which she did. I did not - I got the Cuban Sandwich and it was Olive Garden, if you get my drift. Hot dog bun with baloney and a squirt of mustard. Not legit. Up your game, Zarate!
(4)
Jerry C.
Recommend to me by a friend at work and I was pretty impressed. We just had the fajitas and they were really good. After looking over the menu I realized I should come back and try some of their other dishes. Overall, the tortillas were some of the best I've tasted. Salsa had a tomato-e taste which I like. Steak for the fajitas were excellent. I ordered a side of grilled jalapeños and they had a perfect texture and good heat. Rice and beans were ok. The server was a little lacking, but I could at least tell he was trying. I look forward to going back.
(4)
Emily A.
A HIDDEN GEM!!! I absolutely LOVE this place. Stopped in randomly one night and it has quickly become a favorite. I don't recommend ordering off the "Tex-Mex" portion of menu; it is average. But their Latin food is to die for! The meat is so tender and delicious. The pork chops are out of this world! It's a bit of a "hole-in-the-wall" but the food is absolutely delicious!
(5)
Pat F.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. The jerk chicken with passion fruit dipping sauce is amazing. The service, the menu....all great. Can't speak highly enough of this place.
(5)
Candice B.
The food is very good and the service is great. They make a mean strawberry margarita too! I will definitely be back!
(4)
Pinecone E.
Have been coming for 4+ years now. Always happy. Cuban pork chops is a staple. Be sure to ask for their spicy green salsa to add to the queso.
(5)
M. A.
Highly recommend. We have been here twice now and have been very pleased. Moving to the area from Miami, we were happy to see a restaurant that offers Caribbean and South American fare in Oklahoma. It is pretty authentic. Would definitely recommend bypassing the tex-mex items for the Island/South American flair. Lomo, Tamales, Jerk chicken... It's all good.
(5)
Ron P.
I went to Zarate's in Edmond and the multi-culture menu just does not work for me. I did order the Crispy Taco plate with Rice & Beans from their lunch menu however, $1 more for dinner. For what I paid for & what I got, I should have gone to Taco Bueno or Taco Mayo. The taco shells were not "home-made" and the re-fried beans were very watery. The spanish rice was dry. Only thing that I enjoyed was the Pepsi and the Flat Screen TV's on ESPN. I just don't see what makes this restaurant stand out and why people think that this place is 'all that'. Maybe I need to try something else on the menu, but if they can do tacos right, who knows???
Second time eating here. Friday night at prime time. Had to wait about 10 minutes. This time round I tried the pollo soltada. Basically chicken with lots of onions,some tomatoes, mexican potatos(french fries) on top. Served again with plantain and some yucca stalk, which I do not like at all. Chicken was fine. Too many onions for my taste. And the onions were rather spicy, not the chicken. I was also not thinking french fries on top when I ordered it. They were not greasy, so that was good at least. My guest had the jerk chicken. Strangely, not as spicy as my dish. Go figure. She liked it. It's a popular spot. The owner obviously works hard keeping things moving and making sure people are waited on. Don't expect fancy when you come here. It's a bit run down inside. They could probably do a lot more business if they relocated to a larger and more up to date spot. But the food is fresh and made to order. Give it a try.
(3)
Thomas R.
This is one of our favorite spots for a date night dinner. They offer several different interesting dishes inspired by several different regions. I think my favorite is the jerk chicken...
(5)
Brandon F.
Yuck!! Bad fish tacos and they did nothing to fix it.
(1)
Elizabeth B.
I must say...I came in a *tad* skeptical. I have my favorite Latin American places in Dallas, and I just wasn't sure that this tiny little restaurant in Edmond would do it for me. Both of our meals were really good, but my boyfriend definitely has his selection down. The Pollo Saltado was really good. It almost tastes a tiny bit like Lo Mein or something. I need to go back and try a few more dishes so I can write a better review, but I definitely WILL be back, and that's what's important I suppose. Random: We were there during a Peru vs. ? soccer game, and it was a very fun, unique experience. The only reason I know even 1 team in this game is EVERYONE was dressed in Peru jerseys and screaming for Peru. Very authentic Latin American feel for sure! Gotta love family-owned places like this. :D
(5)
Mike G.
The menu is Tex-Mex plus South American. We have had the Ceviche, Cuban Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Banana Leaf Tamales and more. All was good eating. Nice Wine, Beer and Margarita selections as well.
(4)
Jessica C.
This gem is right around the corner from my office. For years, I have always wondered what this place was as I drove by the bright blue and multi-colored building. I just wished I'd have stopped sooner! We eat here at least once a week and I've pretty much had the entire menu and never once had anything I didn't like. You have to get the green hot salsa and the margaritas. My favorites are the pork chops, jerk chicken and 3 meat guisada. They know us by name and we get smiles and hugs every time we come in. They make you feel like family and it is nice that they remember the certain things you like to order. This place is great for a nice lunch or even a date night dinner. Family owned and operated, pretty reasonable priced, delivers great service and delicious Latin American food. Definitely my favorite Caribbean restaurant in the city. Do yourself a favor and stop in!
(5)
J.c. R.
Unassuming exterior AND interior, but some of the best Latino food I've had. Their salsa was amazing. The mystery green sauce that comes with the Latin chicken dish was to die for. I won't even mention the awesome banana leaf tamales. All in all, a great experience. The only downside is that it's too far away.
(5)
Jocelyn C.
This is one of the few times I've ever driven to suburbia with dinner on my mind. Downtown single people be like, "Whaaaat? Edmond and Moore are like 20 minutes away. That's WAY too far." But Lomo Saltado? That's gotta be worth 15 miles. A very humble lookin', no-frills type of place with a genuinely nice guy for a server. We crushed a few too many chips with salsa while waiting for our food. I personally didn't like the spicy salsa we ordered since it was actually sweet. The house salsa is great though since it doesn't slide off your chip all watery-like. Entree flavors were delicious, and I definitely did my part of cleaning my plate with the Lomo Saltado. Maybe it's an Asian people problem, but I think the rice scoop is a little on the tiny side for the amount of Lomo Saltado that comes with. Also, French fries in a Lomo Saltado *should* be added in at last minute so they don't get completely mushy in the saus. (Reference Epic Meal Time when you pronounce "saus" : epicmealtime.com/videos ) Jerk chicken had great seasonings, and theirs is boneless. I spent a lot of time in the restaurant industry, and one thing I think about is if the price tag matches; here it's a little high for what comes out on your plate. Chicken is a normal eater's portion, but beans and rice and two slices of plantain seem a little steep for $13; I've eaten at Jamaican restaurants that give you two generous sides, a heap 'o rice, and two pieces of chicken for $8. So Zarate's is kind of like wearing a shirt; it might not be the glamorous thing I own, but if I love it I'll put it on again and again. However, if I've put on a few pounds and the shirt is getting a little snug (ie the price doesn't fit), I'll be less likely to wear it. So maybe Zarate's is a shirt I love, but it doesn't change the fact that I've been eating donuts and cinnamon rolls all week. Does that make any sense? Oh well.
(4)
Spencer R.
I returned today because I was craving that fajita chicken chimichanga. Yep! It's still awesome. Had great service again. I think I'm going to become a regular. It's my new Mexican food favorite.
(5)
Diana H.
I really love this place. I have never gotten a thing that was not delicious and well prepared. The wait staff is exceptional and the owners are attentive. The Latin American cuisine is wonderful and I have tried a number of different dishes. My husband usually gets something with fish and he is always pleased. I also sometimes get food from the Mexican menu pages. It is very good. I also want to say I am surprised by the people who don't like it. There are a few. I just think maybe they wanted Taco Bell instead of a quick trip to Latin America. Who knows. Best in Edmond.
(5)
Anna F.
Wow. Just wow. This place is amazing! Not only can you get authentic Latin cuisine, but it still comes with free chips, salsa AND queso. That is becoming a rarity. We went for Sunday lunch and it quickly got busy. Our service remained great the whole time. For the food, I had the Jamiacan jerk chicken. How cool is that to have as an option? Not just Tex-Mex here, folks. They do have some, but there are also plenty of other Caribbean/Latin options. It was a great portion and came with plantains, white rice and black beans. I would definitely get it again and there are also several other menu items I'd like to try. I never say this, but this place is worth visiting Edmond for.
(5)
M S.
Small hole in the wall type place. Excellent service every time. Very good margaritas. Great tacos and chile rellenos. Steak is also quite nice. Haven't had a bad meal yet.
(5)
Patrick W.
The Missus and I came here for lunch with another couple and were pleasantly surprised with our experience. I decided to try the chicken burrito with beans and rice. It's hard to fail at cooking up some good beans and rice so I have no complaints with either. My chicken burrito was absolutely delicious. I've been to many Mexican restaurants where the burrito was scolding hot on the sides and ice cold in the middle, so I was more than happy to find that my burrito was the same temperature throughout. I was also a big fan of the shredded chicken, as opposed to the chunks of chicken many restaurants will stuff into their burritos. I also enjoyed a couple of adult beverages that were reasonably priced and delicious. Overall, I was very impressed with my visit. I'm not in Edmond much, so it was nice to find a place that serves quality food and drinks at reasonable prices. I will definitely return!
(4)
Daniel T.
THIS PLACE IS LEGIT. Stop going to Ted's please for the love of god and come here instead okies. This place is def more authentic although it does have to cater to the more Americanized population of Edmund. Nonetheless, they have really solid stuff here and great service. We got a couple of Peruvian dishes and they were excellent! Come over to Zarates!
(5)
Doug P.
It was Good Friday and every where was packed including this place. However the 10 minute wait was so worth it. The food was amazing and plentiful to choose. The salsa was perfect only wish it was in a bigger bowl. The Patron Margarita was hand made like it should be, that alone will get me back. I had the brisket and chicken enchiladas and my wife had the vegetarian enchiladas. Both were so good I wanted more but was stuffed. Only just begun to explore the menu...
(5)
Olivia T.
My favorite place to eat! Words can not describe how amazing the foods and drinks are here. All I have to say is... my taste buds are always happy when I eat here.
(5)
Steven W.
Zarate's is unexpected. This is an oustanding resturant that has carribean/south american dishes on the menu, which makes it stand out. Makes it unique in fact. This a local family owned restaurant. typically both the owners are present every day. The husband runs the kitchen and the wife manages the floor operations. She also makes some of the best margaritas ever in the bar area. If you are having a craving for tostones, authentic jerk chicken, papa rellenas or a decent cuban sandwich this is totally the place to be. A small word of warning however-the jerk chicken will be seasoned perfectly but the appearance regrettably had been modified to match the edmond palate-it will be boneless chicken, which I never saw in the Caribbean. It has all the same flavor though so no worries. Totally worth every penny.
(4)
Jim R.
This place wound up being much more than I expected. The space is colorful, but not upscale by any measure. Not a bad thing, just an observation. The menu actually (by my estimation) tilts Central American/Caribbean rather than Mexican, which is a pleasant finding. The SO had a Cuban Pork Chop, while I went for the Jamaican Curry Shrimp. Both were ridiculously full of flavor. As a concession to the Mexican side of things, we did have sopapillas at the end of the meal. Prices were reasonable, the menu had considerable variety, there were some Central American beers to be had, and the service was friendly and efficient. It's a converted fast food joint (I think maybe a LJS or Captain D's), so don't expect posh surroundings. Additionally, we went during prime time Friday evening, so we had an approximately 25 minute wait. Everything else was first-rate. I'm looking forward to much deeper dives into that menu. Recommended.
(4)
Jason F.
I have to admit, as someone who is from snooty San Francisco which has some of the most authentic Latin American food outside of Latin America itself, I originally thought this was going to be a forgettable experience. But I was wrong, Zarate's may leave a lot to be desired in terms of ambience and how well groomed the place could potentially be. But that's being nitpicky. The food is great, unique for the area, almost exotic in fact. Nicely prepared but not too pretentious. I had a new item on the menu called the Argentinian Steak and my mother had the old standby the Peruvian Lomo Saltado. Both were wonderfully prepared, perfectly grilled, and nicely plated. Zarate's brings unique foods into a neighborhood where you are least expecting it. If you're looking for a unique place in Edmond then try Zarate's Latin & Mexican Grill.
(4)
Andrea S.
Great food every time we go! It gets loud when it's busy so we usually shoot for less popular times.
(5)
Geary J.
If you can learn something about a place by their cuisine then you can tour most of Latin America at Zarate's. We've had dinner several time here when in Edmond and are always pleasantly surprised by a new treat to broaden our palate. The food is always served hot and fast (even on a busy night) and the service is perfect. Give this place a try and step out of the culinary drudgery of eating at the same old places. Travel with your tongue, it's fun!
(5)
David J.
Wow, what a great dinner. Stopped based on previous yelp reviews that are right on. The Latin menu is fun and different. I had seafood saltado and enjoyed every bite. It came with plantains and yucca ...very nice too. World Cup soccer on TV tied the whole thing together. Try the lime pie.
(4)
Jim M.
I just left Zarates after having a great dinner with 2 friends. I had the Peruvian chicken kabobs, they had mofongo and Venezuelan pot roast. We've declared it our new favorite hole in the wall restaurant.
(5)
Greg N.
This is my favorite restaurant in the metro. It has great Mexican and even better Latin American dishes. I have had something different on each of my previous visits and could rave about each individually but you get my point. I would and have recommended this place to anyone who inquires. Jorge, the owner and his staff are very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the Xingu Brazilian black beer along with my meal.
(5)
Angel T.
Really great food. The fajita meat is so tender and flavorful. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Ashlye H.
My first UYE / Meetup outing and it was a blast. First off this place is a cozy restaurant right off of the road and shouldn't be driven by. There is a bar on site, reservations is needed near the weekend and prepare your palate for home cooked meals. I chose the Brazilian BBQ which came with rice, black beans and fried plantain. It comes a an optional to be spicy and even without the spice it is delicious for $11. The portions are big and the atmosphere adds to the flavor. Plus I had a Sangria swirl with was on point for $7 and my taste buds are doing a spirited dance now. They aim to make you feel comfortable and it's something I wish would be in OKC. The cuisine covers few countries around the Hispanic/Spanish culture plus Island regions. I plan to bring more people with me when I come back. Soooooo the reason it's 4 stars even after my praise is because of the. Wait. I can't think of it now :/ noooo. Wait, it's the dessert menu could use some pizzaz.
(4)
KJ J.
Parking can be an issue with such a popular place. With that being said... you know a place is good by the wait at the front. I arrived at 6:30 and there were probably 12-15 people in line waiting to be seated. I had a party reservation of 12-15 ironically, and no only 2 of those waiting in line were from my party. Our server Roberto was phenomenal. Our water, chips, salsa, queso and relish were always more than halfway full, all of which were complimentary. Like most Mexican restaurants, sopapillas were also complimentary. The beauty of this place is that it expands to the Caribbean central american and South America. The Jerk chicken was quite good especially with the sweet plantains. Lomo Saltado was delicious and the Ceviche looked scrumptious as seen on the photos. If I didn't live so far away, I would come here monthly to try everything on the menu.
(5)
Mary S.
They have awesome service and their food is really good! A couple of times the food was too salty.
(4)
Kelli M.
You must try this place! Even their Mexican food is better than most. Their other dishes (besides the Mexican ones) are yummy! We have been countless times and always a good experience. Great staff too. Your meal isn't complete without trying their flan ...mmmmmm. love this place!
(5)
Diana H.
I really love this place. I have never gotten a thing that was not delicious and well prepared. The wait staff is exceptional and the owners are attentive. The Latin American cuisine is wonderful and I have tried a number of different dishes. My husband usually gets something with fish and he is always pleased. I also sometimes get food from the Mexican menu pages. It is very good. I also want to say I am surprised by the people who don't like it. There are a few. I just think maybe they wanted Taco Bell instead of a quick trip to Latin America. Who knows. Best in Edmond.
(5)
Jessica C.
This gem is right around the corner from my office. For years, I have always wondered what this place was as I drove by the bright blue and multi-colored building. I just wished I'd have stopped sooner! We eat here at least once a week and I've pretty much had the entire menu and never once had anything I didn't like. You have to get the green hot salsa and the margaritas. My favorites are the pork chops, jerk chicken and 3 meat guisada. They know us by name and we get smiles and hugs every time we come in. They make you feel like family and it is nice that they remember the certain things you like to order. This place is great for a nice lunch or even a date night dinner. Family owned and operated, pretty reasonable priced, delivers great service and delicious Latin American food. Definitely my favorite Caribbean restaurant in the city. Do yourself a favor and stop in!
(5)
Troy B.
Traveling through Edmond, Oklahoma stopped at this restaurant based on the reviews. Service was good and prompt. Food was excellent with a wide variety to choose from. It is well worth a repeat visit.
(4)
Justin H.
Hands down best place to eat in Edmond. I have eaten here about 10 times and everything I've had in the menu was excellent. Pricing is very reasonable for such great food. The service has always been wonderful even when it is absolutely packed. They have a great selection of beers from south of the border. The atmosphere is very casual, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a date here at all for the food alone! Great place to take your family or to meet up with friends. If you live in Edmond and haven't tried this place you really need to! I can't praise this place enough, it is a rare gem in the typical chain restaurant/fast food scene of Edmond.
(5)
Theresa A.
Best damn Latin place I've ever been. I took my bf, who's been to South America a few times, and he loved it too.
(5)
Jeff C.
Nice mix of Tex-Mex and Latin food. Our server Roberto was fabulous. The green sauce is light your booty hot. The habanero is even hotter. That's a I dare you by the way. I had the Peruvian pork chops which were awesome. This place is small and authentic. I will be back!!
(5)
Grant A.
This place is amazing fast easy and delicious and great environment I highly recommend it
(5)
Olivia T.
My favorite place to eat! Words can not describe how amazing the foods and drinks are here. All I have to say is... my taste buds are always happy when I eat here.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Brian B.
Disappointing to go back. We go back fairly often, and everything's always been consistently good and the way it was when we first started going there. Now that's not the case. Complimentary chips/queso/salsa - queso had almost no taste, and the salsa was so watery and tasteless that Pace would've been an improvement. Wife had the Aji De Gallina (one of her favorite dishes that she gets there a lot) and it just wasn't that good - recipe had changed, the sauce was more mustardy and yellow than it has been. I had the Lomo Saltado and it was OK, but not great. Both dishes were very, very salty for some reason, but not as flavorful and spiced as they usually are. I had the Guava Empanada for dessert - dough wasn't that good, and the melding of all the flavors (dough, guava, cream cheese, cinnamon/sugar on the outside) just didn't work. Churros (which we always get) had more dough than filling. Probably not going to go back, sadly, which sucks because it used to be *so* good, now it's just OK. Also, they now have compact flourescent bulbs in all the lights in the dining room, which doesn't give nearly enough light and it's of a poorer quality (I'm pretty sure they used to have incandescent bulbs in all the fixtures).
(2)joe p.
Zarate's is a small locally owned place that serves a variety of Mexican, South American, and Carribbean foods. Everything has always been outstanding. The Honduran tamales although not totally traditional are great, the Brazilian BBQ is sweet, spicy, and juicy a unique blend of citrus and chiles. Most recently I had the Lomita Somataldo, a Peruvian dish with chicken, onions, tomatos, and potatoes. Wonderfully seasoned with yucca fries and fried plantains. I highly reccomend this place for anyone who wants a little adventure. Priced very well.
(4)Nathaniel M.
The food was awesome and service was great! The Peruvian dishes are the real deal my father who is Peruvian would know.
(5)Vivian H.
Zarate's is a great alternative to all the typical Tex-mex places around here. Delicious, authentic Latin American food, great atmosphere, and friendly service. I ordered the Seafood Saltado, a Peruvian dish with fish, shrimp, onions, tomatoes and rice, while my boyfriend had the Brazilian BBQ and Shrimp. Both dishes were really fresh, delicious, flavorful, and not too heavy. Good portions for the price.
(5)Joshua D.
Mediocre at best. Reminded me of a banquet mexican tv dinner. Don't have much more to say.
(2)Austin M.
The service quality has gotten really, really bad lately but the food is okay. Better than Chelino's. Am I the only one who gets creeped out by the owner lady walking around staring while you eat?
(3)Sarah S.
My sister recommended this place to me. I was not impressed. The food was flavorless, and for what I paid I should have gone somewhere else. I hear a lot of mixed reviews about Zarate's, but I will not be returning. The only reason they get two stars instead of one is because they had a very friendly wait staff.
(2)Ted M.
My wife and I visit Zarate's probably once every couple of weeks, and its our favorite Latin restaurant in the area. It is quite casual inside, but the service is generally quite good, the margaritas are tasty, and I cannot recommend the ceviche enough - some of the best I've had anywhere. The rest of the menu is very good too, especially if you are tired of Americanized Latin American food that devolves into some variation of "rice, meat, tortilla beneath cheese." Definitely check it out.
(4)Chad W.
Oh Zarate's. You take me back to Peru all over again, as much as one could hope for in Oklahoma. First things first. Keep your eyes on the "Latin American" side of the menu. This is a place where you try new things. The food is authentic. That means some people really won't care for parts of it. That's fine, I'm telling you this ahead of time so you're aware. Yucca fries are naturally dry and starchy. If you get something spicy, they're great to cut the heat. Otherwise, you may or may not care for them. Fried plantains are delicious. They're not entirely unlike bananas. I've really enjoyed every entree I've had here so far. Do you drink alcohol? If so, you're in for a treat. They have caipirinhas on the menu. This is a Brazilian drink made with rum, sugar, and limes. It is sweet and it is strong. However, they do something even more special. This is the first place I have found in Oklahoma that does a pisco sour. Sadly, they do use sweet and sour mix, so it's not quite as good as the real thing. Still, they know what they're doing and make the most of what they have on hand. No alcohol? That's fine. If you drink soda, go for Inca Kola. There are two places in the world where Coca-Cola is not the #1 selling beverage. Scotland and Peru. In Peru, it's Inca Kola. This stuff is sweet. It's sweeter than Mountain Dew, glows yellow enough that you might pull out a Geiger counter, and it's that beautiful balance between bliss and regret that makes it the perfect thing for a special occasion. Sadly, the import stuff is made with corn syrup. If anyone knows where I can obtain real cane sugar Inca Kola in the state, I would be quite grateful for that knowledge. Alright, so you've read this far, you're either scared or excited, and I'm still talking. That means there's something special to say. Ceviche. If you've had ceviche, you know what I mean and are either on your way right now or hiding under your bed. This is real ceviche. Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and chile peppers. It is spicy. There are plenty of onions. It is cold. There are people who are afraid of trying food they won't like, and there are people who are afraid of not trying food they will like. If you are entirely the second, try the ceviche. If you are at all hesitant, there's plenty of other stuff out there and you may never feel deprived by never trying spicy cold fish. Don't expect it to be anything like sushi. I wouldn't suggest this place for everyone I know, but I've yet to bring anyone here that didn't rave about it afterward.
(5)Darrin H.
They treat me and my family like regulars because we are. Don't be scared to order off the general Tex-Mex menu. You might even try one of the daily specials. Treat yourself right with a mojito.
(5)Chelsea C.
I love the variety and have been here 4 or 5 times in as many months. The service is always great and I have tried something new each time and never had anything I haven't liked.
(5)Michael F.
AWSOME as useual!!!! everything here is good, fair pricing.. if u eat here request Roberto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! full bar strong drinks... AWSOME AWSOME AWSOME thanks again roberto for perfect service!!!
(5)Will S.
Living outside of Oklahoma I am accustomed to eating high grade foreign food and when I come back to visit family I am usually disappointed by what I find in the city. Mexican is usually just poorly made Tex-Mex made with cheap ingrediants and without the care that I now expect when dining out. During my holiday visit a friend took me to Zarate's and I was hesitant when he mentioned that it was South American and also located in Edmond. I was surprised at the quality of of the food and the service. The food looked and tasted great, the wait staff was well informed and though the dishes were more expensive than I am used to, the are well worth the price. Since I have been here I have been encouraging friends and family to head to this local business in hopes that the people of the OKC Metro area will start demanding this quality in all of their food and stop eating at places like Ted's. A very enthusiastic 5 stars.
(5)Paul M.
Zarate's is a great place for lunch and I have eaten there 3 or 4 times. I have not yet selected anything from the dinner menu but I have had something different every time I have been there. Today it was the Cuban Pork Chops with rice, and Mexican Potatoes. The pork was marinated with 3 different citrus juices was was great. The potatoes were great but I wish I would have had the Yucca Fries or maybe tried the Mexican Corn. The dinner menu is a little pricier but I am sure it is out standing.
(4)Nick S.
Good Food and Service. The traditional Mexican food is like everywhere else, but the Peruvian is really good. They serve beer as well.
(4)Rachael P.
This is a must try! Excellent food, very interesting mix of Jamaican, Brazilian and Argentinian dishes. Reasonable prices and friendly, helpful staff. New fav place!
(5)Kelli M.
You must try this place! Even their Mexican food is better than most. Their other dishes (besides the Mexican ones) are yummy! We have been countless times and always a good experience. Great staff too. Your meal isn't complete without trying their flan ...mmmmmm. love this place!
(5)Brian B.
Disappointing to go back. We go back fairly often, and everything's always been consistently good and the way it was when we first started going there. Now that's not the case. Complimentary chips/queso/salsa - queso had almost no taste, and the salsa was so watery and tasteless that Pace would've been an improvement. Wife had the Aji De Gallina (one of her favorite dishes that she gets there a lot) and it just wasn't that good - recipe had changed, the sauce was more mustardy and yellow than it has been. I had the Lomo Saltado and it was OK, but not great. Both dishes were very, very salty for some reason, but not as flavorful and spiced as they usually are. I had the Guava Empanada for dessert - dough wasn't that good, and the melding of all the flavors (dough, guava, cream cheese, cinnamon/sugar on the outside) just didn't work. Churros (which we always get) had more dough than filling. Probably not going to go back, sadly, which sucks because it used to be *so* good, now it's just OK. Also, they now have compact flourescent bulbs in all the lights in the dining room, which doesn't give nearly enough light and it's of a poorer quality (I'm pretty sure they used to have incandescent bulbs in all the fixtures).
(2)joe p.
Zarate's is a small locally owned place that serves a variety of Mexican, South American, and Carribbean foods. Everything has always been outstanding. The Honduran tamales although not totally traditional are great, the Brazilian BBQ is sweet, spicy, and juicy a unique blend of citrus and chiles. Most recently I had the Lomita Somataldo, a Peruvian dish with chicken, onions, tomatos, and potatoes. Wonderfully seasoned with yucca fries and fried plantains. I highly reccomend this place for anyone who wants a little adventure. Priced very well.
(4)Shay B.
Zarate's is a favorite of mine for a long lunch with co-workers, and the food has never disappointed me. Menu has a wide variety of food, and the servers are attentive and quick. And when I've been there on the weekends, the drinks are wonderful. Couldn't really ask for more!
(4)Jenna R.
Great Latin cuisine. Pork chops are amazing. Drinks are delicious. Sides are just average but entrees are very good. Must try.
(5)John E.
Great food. Great service. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Latin cuisine. I ended up ordering the fish tacos and it was delicious...
(4)Alicia P.
Absolutely delicious food and cheap too! We've had out of town visitors over the last month and we've brought everyone one of them here! We've ordered the lomo saltados, fajitas, Jamaican curry shrimp and tilapia and every dish has been fantastic. The service is wonderful and efficient and the atmosphere is bustling. This will be one of our go to restaurants here in Edmond!
(5)Hot Tub J.
Went here with office friend Ashleigh and got the funky stuff. This place is good if you get the right thing - which she did. I did not - I got the Cuban Sandwich and it was Olive Garden, if you get my drift. Hot dog bun with baloney and a squirt of mustard. Not legit. Up your game, Zarate!
(4)Jerry C.
Recommend to me by a friend at work and I was pretty impressed. We just had the fajitas and they were really good. After looking over the menu I realized I should come back and try some of their other dishes. Overall, the tortillas were some of the best I've tasted. Salsa had a tomato-e taste which I like. Steak for the fajitas were excellent. I ordered a side of grilled jalapeños and they had a perfect texture and good heat. Rice and beans were ok. The server was a little lacking, but I could at least tell he was trying. I look forward to going back.
(4)Emily A.
A HIDDEN GEM!!! I absolutely LOVE this place. Stopped in randomly one night and it has quickly become a favorite. I don't recommend ordering off the "Tex-Mex" portion of menu; it is average. But their Latin food is to die for! The meat is so tender and delicious. The pork chops are out of this world! It's a bit of a "hole-in-the-wall" but the food is absolutely delicious!
(5)Pat F.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. The jerk chicken with passion fruit dipping sauce is amazing. The service, the menu....all great. Can't speak highly enough of this place.
(5)Candice B.
The food is very good and the service is great. They make a mean strawberry margarita too! I will definitely be back!
(4)Pinecone E.
Have been coming for 4+ years now. Always happy. Cuban pork chops is a staple. Be sure to ask for their spicy green salsa to add to the queso.
(5)M. A.
Highly recommend. We have been here twice now and have been very pleased. Moving to the area from Miami, we were happy to see a restaurant that offers Caribbean and South American fare in Oklahoma. It is pretty authentic. Would definitely recommend bypassing the tex-mex items for the Island/South American flair. Lomo, Tamales, Jerk chicken... It's all good.
(5)Ron P.
I went to Zarate's in Edmond and the multi-culture menu just does not work for me. I did order the Crispy Taco plate with Rice & Beans from their lunch menu however, $1 more for dinner. For what I paid for & what I got, I should have gone to Taco Bueno or Taco Mayo. The taco shells were not "home-made" and the re-fried beans were very watery. The spanish rice was dry. Only thing that I enjoyed was the Pepsi and the Flat Screen TV's on ESPN. I just don't see what makes this restaurant stand out and why people think that this place is 'all that'. Maybe I need to try something else on the menu, but if they can do tacos right, who knows???
(2)Lori F.
Plantains, yucca, black beans, sauteed shrimp, fresh avocado slices... Have I got your attention yet? Zarate's is one of Edmond's best kept secrets for Latin American delicacies, a healthy foreign cuisine. The menu includes dishes from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean islands, Central America, as well as a full offering of Mexican food. From the bright blue exterior located on one of Edmond's busiest streets, one would expect a Mexican restaurant. You will be surprised by the unique offerings from many different countries of Latin influence. Freshness is the focus at Zarate's. I skip over the traditional Mexican menu items and dive into the lesser known dishes that include ceviche, jerk chicken, curry chicken, Loma soya do, and many seafood dishes to impress healthy diners. If you like the flavor of Mexican food but not the high fat content of cheese, you will like the offering of steamed fish, tender pork chops, and sautéed vegetables. Be sure to save room for their rich flan!
(5)Mac B.
Second time eating here. Friday night at prime time. Had to wait about 10 minutes. This time round I tried the pollo soltada. Basically chicken with lots of onions,some tomatoes, mexican potatos(french fries) on top. Served again with plantain and some yucca stalk, which I do not like at all. Chicken was fine. Too many onions for my taste. And the onions were rather spicy, not the chicken. I was also not thinking french fries on top when I ordered it. They were not greasy, so that was good at least. My guest had the jerk chicken. Strangely, not as spicy as my dish. Go figure. She liked it. It's a popular spot. The owner obviously works hard keeping things moving and making sure people are waited on. Don't expect fancy when you come here. It's a bit run down inside. They could probably do a lot more business if they relocated to a larger and more up to date spot. But the food is fresh and made to order. Give it a try.
(3)Thomas R.
This is one of our favorite spots for a date night dinner. They offer several different interesting dishes inspired by several different regions. I think my favorite is the jerk chicken...
(5)Brandon F.
Yuck!! Bad fish tacos and they did nothing to fix it.
(1)Elizabeth B.
I must say...I came in a *tad* skeptical. I have my favorite Latin American places in Dallas, and I just wasn't sure that this tiny little restaurant in Edmond would do it for me. Both of our meals were really good, but my boyfriend definitely has his selection down. The Pollo Saltado was really good. It almost tastes a tiny bit like Lo Mein or something. I need to go back and try a few more dishes so I can write a better review, but I definitely WILL be back, and that's what's important I suppose. Random: We were there during a Peru vs. ? soccer game, and it was a very fun, unique experience. The only reason I know even 1 team in this game is EVERYONE was dressed in Peru jerseys and screaming for Peru. Very authentic Latin American feel for sure! Gotta love family-owned places like this. :D
(5)Nathaniel M.
The food was awesome and service was great! The Peruvian dishes are the real deal my father who is Peruvian would know.
(5)Mike G.
The menu is Tex-Mex plus South American. We have had the Ceviche, Cuban Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Banana Leaf Tamales and more. All was good eating. Nice Wine, Beer and Margarita selections as well.
(4)Vivian H.
Zarate's is a great alternative to all the typical Tex-mex places around here. Delicious, authentic Latin American food, great atmosphere, and friendly service. I ordered the Seafood Saltado, a Peruvian dish with fish, shrimp, onions, tomatoes and rice, while my boyfriend had the Brazilian BBQ and Shrimp. Both dishes were really fresh, delicious, flavorful, and not too heavy. Good portions for the price.
(5)Joshua D.
Mediocre at best. Reminded me of a banquet mexican tv dinner. Don't have much more to say.
(2)Austin M.
The service quality has gotten really, really bad lately but the food is okay. Better than Chelino's. Am I the only one who gets creeped out by the owner lady walking around staring while you eat?
(3)Chad W.
Oh Zarate's. You take me back to Peru all over again, as much as one could hope for in Oklahoma. First things first. Keep your eyes on the "Latin American" side of the menu. This is a place where you try new things. The food is authentic. That means some people really won't care for parts of it. That's fine, I'm telling you this ahead of time so you're aware. Yucca fries are naturally dry and starchy. If you get something spicy, they're great to cut the heat. Otherwise, you may or may not care for them. Fried plantains are delicious. They're not entirely unlike bananas. I've really enjoyed every entree I've had here so far. Do you drink alcohol? If so, you're in for a treat. They have caipirinhas on the menu. This is a Brazilian drink made with rum, sugar, and limes. It is sweet and it is strong. However, they do something even more special. This is the first place I have found in Oklahoma that does a pisco sour. Sadly, they do use sweet and sour mix, so it's not quite as good as the real thing. Still, they know what they're doing and make the most of what they have on hand. No alcohol? That's fine. If you drink soda, go for Inca Kola. There are two places in the world where Coca-Cola is not the #1 selling beverage. Scotland and Peru. In Peru, it's Inca Kola. This stuff is sweet. It's sweeter than Mountain Dew, glows yellow enough that you might pull out a Geiger counter, and it's that beautiful balance between bliss and regret that makes it the perfect thing for a special occasion. Sadly, the import stuff is made with corn syrup. If anyone knows where I can obtain real cane sugar Inca Kola in the state, I would be quite grateful for that knowledge. Alright, so you've read this far, you're either scared or excited, and I'm still talking. That means there's something special to say. Ceviche. If you've had ceviche, you know what I mean and are either on your way right now or hiding under your bed. This is real ceviche. Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and chile peppers. It is spicy. There are plenty of onions. It is cold. There are people who are afraid of trying food they won't like, and there are people who are afraid of not trying food they will like. If you are entirely the second, try the ceviche. If you are at all hesitant, there's plenty of other stuff out there and you may never feel deprived by never trying spicy cold fish. Don't expect it to be anything like sushi. I wouldn't suggest this place for everyone I know, but I've yet to bring anyone here that didn't rave about it afterward.
(5)Ashley A.
Chips and salsa. Get 'em. Yesterday, I had the absolute best salsa ever had in OKC. I swung by Zarate's for a plate of Peruvian ceviche and neglected to turn down the complimentary chips and salsa. Thus, my hunger for ceviche was abated enough that I wasn't terribly disappointed in the too-big hunks of tilapia and sprinking of raw onion. For next time, I'll remember to ask them to add more pickled than raw red onions ("Pickle all the onions!") and to be generous with the squid. All told, it was a good ceviche. I like that Zarate's isn't exclusively Mexican: you can enjoy Honduran, Jamaican, Brazilian, and Cuban plates too. Definitely worth stopping for in Edmond.
(4)Melanie S.
Have been here a few times and it's always great food. Love the diversity on the menu; the Jamaican jerk chicken is my absolute favorite! It's also a good place to grab some drinks and watch a Thunder game with the TVs that they have.
(4)Mel M.
The four of us in the group are all Texans, so we are rightly picky about Tex-Mex/Hispanic/Latin types of food. This place was excellent! While it looks kind of like a dive, it is sure to please. Our meal started with great chips and salsa. All together we ordered: lomo saltado, Cuban pork chops, chicken quesadilla, and three meat guiso. It was all extremely tasty, and the portions were great, too. We wished we could have tried more. The servers were very friendly, funny, and attentive. Next time we're back in town, we will be back.
(5)Bree S.
Tortillas and queso are far from authentic, but the Jamaican jerk chicken was excellent. I also had the Cuban mojito, but it was largely very flavorless. I'd get beer if I came back.
(4)Carly N.
Zarate's has your typical Mexican restaurant items: pick an entree and it comes with rice & beans. But their menu is interesting because they also have dishes from countries like Cuba, Honduras, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru. There's a section full of international sodas, imported & domestic beer, and margaritas! Dinner prices were around $10+ for each plate so prices are fair. Our waiter was a friendly man. The owner/manager even went around to each table to check on things. Overall, the food was great so I'll be back!
(4)J.c. R.
Unassuming exterior AND interior, but some of the best Latino food I've had. Their salsa was amazing. The mystery green sauce that comes with the Latin chicken dish was to die for. I won't even mention the awesome banana leaf tamales. All in all, a great experience. The only downside is that it's too far away.
(5)Jacob W.
The service is great! You really can't order off the normal menu (tex-mex), sure the buritto or other Americanized version of "Meh" might be okay.... The Latin menu is where it's at. The Lomo Saltado is my favorite, the jerk chicken is good too. My ONLY complaint about this place (and all other Mexican places in Oklahoma) is the free queso is not good, but remember, it is FREE, so carry on.
(4)Misti D.
The good: service is really great. I have never had a bad server. Vegetarian options are called out on the menu, which is great. The sopapilla are really tasty. The not as good: I feel like the food is a little under-seasoned. The salsa is a bit bland, as are the beans and rice. The food certainly isn't bad, it's just lacking something to send it over the top.
(3)Jocelyn C.
This is one of the few times I've ever driven to suburbia with dinner on my mind. Downtown single people be like, "Whaaaat? Edmond and Moore are like 20 minutes away. That's WAY too far." But Lomo Saltado? That's gotta be worth 15 miles. A very humble lookin', no-frills type of place with a genuinely nice guy for a server. We crushed a few too many chips with salsa while waiting for our food. I personally didn't like the spicy salsa we ordered since it was actually sweet. The house salsa is great though since it doesn't slide off your chip all watery-like. Entree flavors were delicious, and I definitely did my part of cleaning my plate with the Lomo Saltado. Maybe it's an Asian people problem, but I think the rice scoop is a little on the tiny side for the amount of Lomo Saltado that comes with. Also, French fries in a Lomo Saltado *should* be added in at last minute so they don't get completely mushy in the saus. (Reference Epic Meal Time when you pronounce "saus" : epicmealtime.com/videos ) Jerk chicken had great seasonings, and theirs is boneless. I spent a lot of time in the restaurant industry, and one thing I think about is if the price tag matches; here it's a little high for what comes out on your plate. Chicken is a normal eater's portion, but beans and rice and two slices of plantain seem a little steep for $13; I've eaten at Jamaican restaurants that give you two generous sides, a heap 'o rice, and two pieces of chicken for $8. So Zarate's is kind of like wearing a shirt; it might not be the glamorous thing I own, but if I love it I'll put it on again and again. However, if I've put on a few pounds and the shirt is getting a little snug (ie the price doesn't fit), I'll be less likely to wear it. So maybe Zarate's is a shirt I love, but it doesn't change the fact that I've been eating donuts and cinnamon rolls all week. Does that make any sense? Oh well.
(4)Spencer R.
I returned today because I was craving that fajita chicken chimichanga. Yep! It's still awesome. Had great service again. I think I'm going to become a regular. It's my new Mexican food favorite.
(5)Anna F.
Wow. Just wow. This place is amazing! Not only can you get authentic Latin cuisine, but it still comes with free chips, salsa AND queso. That is becoming a rarity. We went for Sunday lunch and it quickly got busy. Our service remained great the whole time. For the food, I had the Jamiacan jerk chicken. How cool is that to have as an option? Not just Tex-Mex here, folks. They do have some, but there are also plenty of other Caribbean/Latin options. It was a great portion and came with plantains, white rice and black beans. I would definitely get it again and there are also several other menu items I'd like to try. I never say this, but this place is worth visiting Edmond for.
(5)Justin B.
Surprised they don't always get 5 stars. Great service and even better food. Been there at least 5 times and have yet to try something that wasn't great. If you like spicy, just tell them...but be warned, they don't mess around. Each time we go, we try something different...absolutely great food. Bonus: the kids love it too.
(5)Cara C.
LOVE Zarates! They have a great selection of Latin and Tex Mex favorites. The environment is great as it is extremely comfortable and casual. Service is great, never had a bad server here and the owner is usually present!
(5)Angela G.
This is my favorite Latin food in town. I love the jerk chicken but the best kept secret is the pork chops! Ohhhhh my goodness! They are marinated overnight and they are cooked to perfection. The spicy salsa is delicious and you have to try the plantains. Don't skip dessert! The flan is to die for and the sopapilas are the best in town!
(5)Rebekah B.
The usual tex mex enchilada type stuff is just average. Explore beyond that, and the food is phenomenal. Lomo Saltado and Brazilian BBQ are my favorites. Try the plantains as well. The service at zarates is also very good.
(5)Kristi A.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight; lomo saltado was excellent, followed by flan for dessert. Service was very good, waiters friendly and made me feel so welcome. I highly recommend Zarete's and look forward to my next visit!
(5)Darrin H.
They treat me and my family like regulars because we are. Don't be scared to order off the general Tex-Mex menu. You might even try one of the daily specials. Treat yourself right with a mojito.
(5)Chelsea C.
I love the variety and have been here 4 or 5 times in as many months. The service is always great and I have tried something new each time and never had anything I haven't liked.
(5)Michael F.
AWSOME as useual!!!! everything here is good, fair pricing.. if u eat here request Roberto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! full bar strong drinks... AWSOME AWSOME AWSOME thanks again roberto for perfect service!!!
(5)Sarah S.
My sister recommended this place to me. I was not impressed. The food was flavorless, and for what I paid I should have gone somewhere else. I hear a lot of mixed reviews about Zarate's, but I will not be returning. The only reason they get two stars instead of one is because they had a very friendly wait staff.
(2)Ted M.
My wife and I visit Zarate's probably once every couple of weeks, and its our favorite Latin restaurant in the area. It is quite casual inside, but the service is generally quite good, the margaritas are tasty, and I cannot recommend the ceviche enough - some of the best I've had anywhere. The rest of the menu is very good too, especially if you are tired of Americanized Latin American food that devolves into some variation of "rice, meat, tortilla beneath cheese." Definitely check it out.
(4)Will S.
Living outside of Oklahoma I am accustomed to eating high grade foreign food and when I come back to visit family I am usually disappointed by what I find in the city. Mexican is usually just poorly made Tex-Mex made with cheap ingrediants and without the care that I now expect when dining out. During my holiday visit a friend took me to Zarate's and I was hesitant when he mentioned that it was South American and also located in Edmond. I was surprised at the quality of of the food and the service. The food looked and tasted great, the wait staff was well informed and though the dishes were more expensive than I am used to, the are well worth the price. Since I have been here I have been encouraging friends and family to head to this local business in hopes that the people of the OKC Metro area will start demanding this quality in all of their food and stop eating at places like Ted's. A very enthusiastic 5 stars.
(5)Paul M.
Zarate's is a great place for lunch and I have eaten there 3 or 4 times. I have not yet selected anything from the dinner menu but I have had something different every time I have been there. Today it was the Cuban Pork Chops with rice, and Mexican Potatoes. The pork was marinated with 3 different citrus juices was was great. The potatoes were great but I wish I would have had the Yucca Fries or maybe tried the Mexican Corn. The dinner menu is a little pricier but I am sure it is out standing.
(4)Nick S.
Good Food and Service. The traditional Mexican food is like everywhere else, but the Peruvian is really good. They serve beer as well.
(4)Rachael P.
This is a must try! Excellent food, very interesting mix of Jamaican, Brazilian and Argentinian dishes. Reasonable prices and friendly, helpful staff. New fav place!
(5)Patrick W.
The Missus and I came here for lunch with another couple and were pleasantly surprised with our experience. I decided to try the chicken burrito with beans and rice. It's hard to fail at cooking up some good beans and rice so I have no complaints with either. My chicken burrito was absolutely delicious. I've been to many Mexican restaurants where the burrito was scolding hot on the sides and ice cold in the middle, so I was more than happy to find that my burrito was the same temperature throughout. I was also a big fan of the shredded chicken, as opposed to the chunks of chicken many restaurants will stuff into their burritos. I also enjoyed a couple of adult beverages that were reasonably priced and delicious. Overall, I was very impressed with my visit. I'm not in Edmond much, so it was nice to find a place that serves quality food and drinks at reasonable prices. I will definitely return!
(4)Daniel T.
THIS PLACE IS LEGIT. Stop going to Ted's please for the love of god and come here instead okies. This place is def more authentic although it does have to cater to the more Americanized population of Edmund. Nonetheless, they have really solid stuff here and great service. We got a couple of Peruvian dishes and they were excellent! Come over to Zarates!
(5)Doug P.
It was Good Friday and every where was packed including this place. However the 10 minute wait was so worth it. The food was amazing and plentiful to choose. The salsa was perfect only wish it was in a bigger bowl. The Patron Margarita was hand made like it should be, that alone will get me back. I had the brisket and chicken enchiladas and my wife had the vegetarian enchiladas. Both were so good I wanted more but was stuffed. Only just begun to explore the menu...
(5)Steven W.
Zarate's is unexpected. This is an oustanding resturant that has carribean/south american dishes on the menu, which makes it stand out. Makes it unique in fact. This a local family owned restaurant. typically both the owners are present every day. The husband runs the kitchen and the wife manages the floor operations. She also makes some of the best margaritas ever in the bar area. If you are having a craving for tostones, authentic jerk chicken, papa rellenas or a decent cuban sandwich this is totally the place to be. A small word of warning however-the jerk chicken will be seasoned perfectly but the appearance regrettably had been modified to match the edmond palate-it will be boneless chicken, which I never saw in the Caribbean. It has all the same flavor though so no worries. Totally worth every penny.
(4)Geary J.
If you can learn something about a place by their cuisine then you can tour most of Latin America at Zarate's. We've had dinner several time here when in Edmond and are always pleasantly surprised by a new treat to broaden our palate. The food is always served hot and fast (even on a busy night) and the service is perfect. Give this place a try and step out of the culinary drudgery of eating at the same old places. Travel with your tongue, it's fun!
(5)Jim R.
This place wound up being much more than I expected. The space is colorful, but not upscale by any measure. Not a bad thing, just an observation. The menu actually (by my estimation) tilts Central American/Caribbean rather than Mexican, which is a pleasant finding. The SO had a Cuban Pork Chop, while I went for the Jamaican Curry Shrimp. Both were ridiculously full of flavor. As a concession to the Mexican side of things, we did have sopapillas at the end of the meal. Prices were reasonable, the menu had considerable variety, there were some Central American beers to be had, and the service was friendly and efficient. It's a converted fast food joint (I think maybe a LJS or Captain D's), so don't expect posh surroundings. Additionally, we went during prime time Friday evening, so we had an approximately 25 minute wait. Everything else was first-rate. I'm looking forward to much deeper dives into that menu. Recommended.
(4)Jason F.
I have to admit, as someone who is from snooty San Francisco which has some of the most authentic Latin American food outside of Latin America itself, I originally thought this was going to be a forgettable experience. But I was wrong, Zarate's may leave a lot to be desired in terms of ambience and how well groomed the place could potentially be. But that's being nitpicky. The food is great, unique for the area, almost exotic in fact. Nicely prepared but not too pretentious. I had a new item on the menu called the Argentinian Steak and my mother had the old standby the Peruvian Lomo Saltado. Both were wonderfully prepared, perfectly grilled, and nicely plated. Zarate's brings unique foods into a neighborhood where you are least expecting it. If you're looking for a unique place in Edmond then try Zarate's Latin & Mexican Grill.
(4)Andrea S.
Great food every time we go! It gets loud when it's busy so we usually shoot for less popular times.
(5)Carly N.
Zarate's has your typical Mexican restaurant items: pick an entree and it comes with rice & beans. But their menu is interesting because they also have dishes from countries like Cuba, Honduras, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru. There's a section full of international sodas, imported & domestic beer, and margaritas! Dinner prices were around $10+ for each plate so prices are fair. Our waiter was a friendly man. The owner/manager even went around to each table to check on things. Overall, the food was great so I'll be back!
(4)Troy B.
Traveling through Edmond, Oklahoma stopped at this restaurant based on the reviews. Service was good and prompt. Food was excellent with a wide variety to choose from. It is well worth a repeat visit.
(4)Ashlye H.
My first UYE / Meetup outing and it was a blast. First off this place is a cozy restaurant right off of the road and shouldn't be driven by. There is a bar on site, reservations is needed near the weekend and prepare your palate for home cooked meals. I chose the Brazilian BBQ which came with rice, black beans and fried plantain. It comes a an optional to be spicy and even without the spice it is delicious for $11. The portions are big and the atmosphere adds to the flavor. Plus I had a Sangria swirl with was on point for $7 and my taste buds are doing a spirited dance now. They aim to make you feel comfortable and it's something I wish would be in OKC. The cuisine covers few countries around the Hispanic/Spanish culture plus Island regions. I plan to bring more people with me when I come back. Soooooo the reason it's 4 stars even after my praise is because of the. Wait. I can't think of it now :/ noooo. Wait, it's the dessert menu could use some pizzaz.
(4)Bree S.
Tortillas and queso are far from authentic, but the Jamaican jerk chicken was excellent. I also had the Cuban mojito, but it was largely very flavorless. I'd get beer if I came back.
(4)KJ J.
Parking can be an issue with such a popular place. With that being said... you know a place is good by the wait at the front. I arrived at 6:30 and there were probably 12-15 people in line waiting to be seated. I had a party reservation of 12-15 ironically, and no only 2 of those waiting in line were from my party. Our server Roberto was phenomenal. Our water, chips, salsa, queso and relish were always more than halfway full, all of which were complimentary. Like most Mexican restaurants, sopapillas were also complimentary. The beauty of this place is that it expands to the Caribbean central american and South America. The Jerk chicken was quite good especially with the sweet plantains. Lomo Saltado was delicious and the Ceviche looked scrumptious as seen on the photos. If I didn't live so far away, I would come here monthly to try everything on the menu.
(5)Mary S.
They have awesome service and their food is really good! A couple of times the food was too salty.
(4)Ashley A.
Chips and salsa. Get 'em. Yesterday, I had the absolute best salsa ever had in OKC. I swung by Zarate's for a plate of Peruvian ceviche and neglected to turn down the complimentary chips and salsa. Thus, my hunger for ceviche was abated enough that I wasn't terribly disappointed in the too-big hunks of tilapia and sprinking of raw onion. For next time, I'll remember to ask them to add more pickled than raw red onions ("Pickle all the onions!") and to be generous with the squid. All told, it was a good ceviche. I like that Zarate's isn't exclusively Mexican: you can enjoy Honduran, Jamaican, Brazilian, and Cuban plates too. Definitely worth stopping for in Edmond.
(4)Melanie S.
Have been here a few times and it's always great food. Love the diversity on the menu; the Jamaican jerk chicken is my absolute favorite! It's also a good place to grab some drinks and watch a Thunder game with the TVs that they have.
(4)Greg N.
This is my favorite restaurant in the metro. It has great Mexican and even better Latin American dishes. I have had something different on each of my previous visits and could rave about each individually but you get my point. I would and have recommended this place to anyone who inquires. Jorge, the owner and his staff are very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the Xingu Brazilian black beer along with my meal.
(5)Angel T.
Really great food. The fajita meat is so tender and flavorful. Will definitely be back!
(5)Mel M.
The four of us in the group are all Texans, so we are rightly picky about Tex-Mex/Hispanic/Latin types of food. This place was excellent! While it looks kind of like a dive, it is sure to please. Our meal started with great chips and salsa. All together we ordered: lomo saltado, Cuban pork chops, chicken quesadilla, and three meat guiso. It was all extremely tasty, and the portions were great, too. We wished we could have tried more. The servers were very friendly, funny, and attentive. Next time we're back in town, we will be back.
(5)Justin H.
Hands down best place to eat in Edmond. I have eaten here about 10 times and everything I've had in the menu was excellent. Pricing is very reasonable for such great food. The service has always been wonderful even when it is absolutely packed. They have a great selection of beers from south of the border. The atmosphere is very casual, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a date here at all for the food alone! Great place to take your family or to meet up with friends. If you live in Edmond and haven't tried this place you really need to! I can't praise this place enough, it is a rare gem in the typical chain restaurant/fast food scene of Edmond.
(5)Theresa A.
Best damn Latin place I've ever been. I took my bf, who's been to South America a few times, and he loved it too.
(5)Jeff C.
Nice mix of Tex-Mex and Latin food. Our server Roberto was fabulous. The green sauce is light your booty hot. The habanero is even hotter. That's a I dare you by the way. I had the Peruvian pork chops which were awesome. This place is small and authentic. I will be back!!
(5)David J.
Wow, what a great dinner. Stopped based on previous yelp reviews that are right on. The Latin menu is fun and different. I had seafood saltado and enjoyed every bite. It came with plantains and yucca ...very nice too. World Cup soccer on TV tied the whole thing together. Try the lime pie.
(4)Jim M.
I just left Zarates after having a great dinner with 2 friends. I had the Peruvian chicken kabobs, they had mofongo and Venezuelan pot roast. We've declared it our new favorite hole in the wall restaurant.
(5)Cara C.
LOVE Zarates! They have a great selection of Latin and Tex Mex favorites. The environment is great as it is extremely comfortable and casual. Service is great, never had a bad server here and the owner is usually present!
(5)Jacob W.
The service is great! You really can't order off the normal menu (tex-mex), sure the buritto or other Americanized version of "Meh" might be okay.... The Latin menu is where it's at. The Lomo Saltado is my favorite, the jerk chicken is good too. My ONLY complaint about this place (and all other Mexican places in Oklahoma) is the free queso is not good, but remember, it is FREE, so carry on.
(4)Misti D.
The good: service is really great. I have never had a bad server. Vegetarian options are called out on the menu, which is great. The sopapilla are really tasty. The not as good: I feel like the food is a little under-seasoned. The salsa is a bit bland, as are the beans and rice. The food certainly isn't bad, it's just lacking something to send it over the top.
(3)Justin B.
Surprised they don't always get 5 stars. Great service and even better food. Been there at least 5 times and have yet to try something that wasn't great. If you like spicy, just tell them...but be warned, they don't mess around. Each time we go, we try something different...absolutely great food. Bonus: the kids love it too.
(5)Angela G.
This is my favorite Latin food in town. I love the jerk chicken but the best kept secret is the pork chops! Ohhhhh my goodness! They are marinated overnight and they are cooked to perfection. The spicy salsa is delicious and you have to try the plantains. Don't skip dessert! The flan is to die for and the sopapilas are the best in town!
(5)Rebekah B.
The usual tex mex enchilada type stuff is just average. Explore beyond that, and the food is phenomenal. Lomo Saltado and Brazilian BBQ are my favorites. Try the plantains as well. The service at zarates is also very good.
(5)Kristi A.
Had a wonderful dinner tonight; lomo saltado was excellent, followed by flan for dessert. Service was very good, waiters friendly and made me feel so welcome. I highly recommend Zarete's and look forward to my next visit!
(5)Shay B.
Zarate's is a favorite of mine for a long lunch with co-workers, and the food has never disappointed me. Menu has a wide variety of food, and the servers are attentive and quick. And when I've been there on the weekends, the drinks are wonderful. Couldn't really ask for more!
(4)Jenna R.
Great Latin cuisine. Pork chops are amazing. Drinks are delicious. Sides are just average but entrees are very good. Must try.
(5)John E.
Great food. Great service. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Latin cuisine. I ended up ordering the fish tacos and it was delicious...
(4)Alicia P.
Absolutely delicious food and cheap too! We've had out of town visitors over the last month and we've brought everyone one of them here! We've ordered the lomo saltados, fajitas, Jamaican curry shrimp and tilapia and every dish has been fantastic. The service is wonderful and efficient and the atmosphere is bustling. This will be one of our go to restaurants here in Edmond!
(5)Hot Tub J.
Went here with office friend Ashleigh and got the funky stuff. This place is good if you get the right thing - which she did. I did not - I got the Cuban Sandwich and it was Olive Garden, if you get my drift. Hot dog bun with baloney and a squirt of mustard. Not legit. Up your game, Zarate!
(4)Jerry C.
Recommend to me by a friend at work and I was pretty impressed. We just had the fajitas and they were really good. After looking over the menu I realized I should come back and try some of their other dishes. Overall, the tortillas were some of the best I've tasted. Salsa had a tomato-e taste which I like. Steak for the fajitas were excellent. I ordered a side of grilled jalapeños and they had a perfect texture and good heat. Rice and beans were ok. The server was a little lacking, but I could at least tell he was trying. I look forward to going back.
(4)Emily A.
A HIDDEN GEM!!! I absolutely LOVE this place. Stopped in randomly one night and it has quickly become a favorite. I don't recommend ordering off the "Tex-Mex" portion of menu; it is average. But their Latin food is to die for! The meat is so tender and delicious. The pork chops are out of this world! It's a bit of a "hole-in-the-wall" but the food is absolutely delicious!
(5)Pat F.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. The jerk chicken with passion fruit dipping sauce is amazing. The service, the menu....all great. Can't speak highly enough of this place.
(5)Candice B.
The food is very good and the service is great. They make a mean strawberry margarita too! I will definitely be back!
(4)Pinecone E.
Have been coming for 4+ years now. Always happy. Cuban pork chops is a staple. Be sure to ask for their spicy green salsa to add to the queso.
(5)M. A.
Highly recommend. We have been here twice now and have been very pleased. Moving to the area from Miami, we were happy to see a restaurant that offers Caribbean and South American fare in Oklahoma. It is pretty authentic. Would definitely recommend bypassing the tex-mex items for the Island/South American flair. Lomo, Tamales, Jerk chicken... It's all good.
(5)Ron P.
I went to Zarate's in Edmond and the multi-culture menu just does not work for me. I did order the Crispy Taco plate with Rice & Beans from their lunch menu however, $1 more for dinner. For what I paid for & what I got, I should have gone to Taco Bueno or Taco Mayo. The taco shells were not "home-made" and the re-fried beans were very watery. The spanish rice was dry. Only thing that I enjoyed was the Pepsi and the Flat Screen TV's on ESPN. I just don't see what makes this restaurant stand out and why people think that this place is 'all that'. Maybe I need to try something else on the menu, but if they can do tacos right, who knows???
(2)Lori F.
Plantains, yucca, black beans, sauteed shrimp, fresh avocado slices... Have I got your attention yet? Zarate's is one of Edmond's best kept secrets for Latin American delicacies, a healthy foreign cuisine. The menu includes dishes from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean islands, Central America, as well as a full offering of Mexican food. From the bright blue exterior located on one of Edmond's busiest streets, one would expect a Mexican restaurant. You will be surprised by the unique offerings from many different countries of Latin influence. Freshness is the focus at Zarate's. I skip over the traditional Mexican menu items and dive into the lesser known dishes that include ceviche, jerk chicken, curry chicken, Loma soya do, and many seafood dishes to impress healthy diners. If you like the flavor of Mexican food but not the high fat content of cheese, you will like the offering of steamed fish, tender pork chops, and sautéed vegetables. Be sure to save room for their rich flan!
(5)Mac B.
Second time eating here. Friday night at prime time. Had to wait about 10 minutes. This time round I tried the pollo soltada. Basically chicken with lots of onions,some tomatoes, mexican potatos(french fries) on top. Served again with plantain and some yucca stalk, which I do not like at all. Chicken was fine. Too many onions for my taste. And the onions were rather spicy, not the chicken. I was also not thinking french fries on top when I ordered it. They were not greasy, so that was good at least. My guest had the jerk chicken. Strangely, not as spicy as my dish. Go figure. She liked it. It's a popular spot. The owner obviously works hard keeping things moving and making sure people are waited on. Don't expect fancy when you come here. It's a bit run down inside. They could probably do a lot more business if they relocated to a larger and more up to date spot. But the food is fresh and made to order. Give it a try.
(3)Thomas R.
This is one of our favorite spots for a date night dinner. They offer several different interesting dishes inspired by several different regions. I think my favorite is the jerk chicken...
(5)Brandon F.
Yuck!! Bad fish tacos and they did nothing to fix it.
(1)Elizabeth B.
I must say...I came in a *tad* skeptical. I have my favorite Latin American places in Dallas, and I just wasn't sure that this tiny little restaurant in Edmond would do it for me. Both of our meals were really good, but my boyfriend definitely has his selection down. The Pollo Saltado was really good. It almost tastes a tiny bit like Lo Mein or something. I need to go back and try a few more dishes so I can write a better review, but I definitely WILL be back, and that's what's important I suppose. Random: We were there during a Peru vs. ? soccer game, and it was a very fun, unique experience. The only reason I know even 1 team in this game is EVERYONE was dressed in Peru jerseys and screaming for Peru. Very authentic Latin American feel for sure! Gotta love family-owned places like this. :D
(5)Mike G.
The menu is Tex-Mex plus South American. We have had the Ceviche, Cuban Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Banana Leaf Tamales and more. All was good eating. Nice Wine, Beer and Margarita selections as well.
(4)Jessica C.
This gem is right around the corner from my office. For years, I have always wondered what this place was as I drove by the bright blue and multi-colored building. I just wished I'd have stopped sooner! We eat here at least once a week and I've pretty much had the entire menu and never once had anything I didn't like. You have to get the green hot salsa and the margaritas. My favorites are the pork chops, jerk chicken and 3 meat guisada. They know us by name and we get smiles and hugs every time we come in. They make you feel like family and it is nice that they remember the certain things you like to order. This place is great for a nice lunch or even a date night dinner. Family owned and operated, pretty reasonable priced, delivers great service and delicious Latin American food. Definitely my favorite Caribbean restaurant in the city. Do yourself a favor and stop in!
(5)J.c. R.
Unassuming exterior AND interior, but some of the best Latino food I've had. Their salsa was amazing. The mystery green sauce that comes with the Latin chicken dish was to die for. I won't even mention the awesome banana leaf tamales. All in all, a great experience. The only downside is that it's too far away.
(5)Jocelyn C.
This is one of the few times I've ever driven to suburbia with dinner on my mind. Downtown single people be like, "Whaaaat? Edmond and Moore are like 20 minutes away. That's WAY too far." But Lomo Saltado? That's gotta be worth 15 miles. A very humble lookin', no-frills type of place with a genuinely nice guy for a server. We crushed a few too many chips with salsa while waiting for our food. I personally didn't like the spicy salsa we ordered since it was actually sweet. The house salsa is great though since it doesn't slide off your chip all watery-like. Entree flavors were delicious, and I definitely did my part of cleaning my plate with the Lomo Saltado. Maybe it's an Asian people problem, but I think the rice scoop is a little on the tiny side for the amount of Lomo Saltado that comes with. Also, French fries in a Lomo Saltado *should* be added in at last minute so they don't get completely mushy in the saus. (Reference Epic Meal Time when you pronounce "saus" : epicmealtime.com/videos ) Jerk chicken had great seasonings, and theirs is boneless. I spent a lot of time in the restaurant industry, and one thing I think about is if the price tag matches; here it's a little high for what comes out on your plate. Chicken is a normal eater's portion, but beans and rice and two slices of plantain seem a little steep for $13; I've eaten at Jamaican restaurants that give you two generous sides, a heap 'o rice, and two pieces of chicken for $8. So Zarate's is kind of like wearing a shirt; it might not be the glamorous thing I own, but if I love it I'll put it on again and again. However, if I've put on a few pounds and the shirt is getting a little snug (ie the price doesn't fit), I'll be less likely to wear it. So maybe Zarate's is a shirt I love, but it doesn't change the fact that I've been eating donuts and cinnamon rolls all week. Does that make any sense? Oh well.
(4)Spencer R.
I returned today because I was craving that fajita chicken chimichanga. Yep! It's still awesome. Had great service again. I think I'm going to become a regular. It's my new Mexican food favorite.
(5)Diana H.
I really love this place. I have never gotten a thing that was not delicious and well prepared. The wait staff is exceptional and the owners are attentive. The Latin American cuisine is wonderful and I have tried a number of different dishes. My husband usually gets something with fish and he is always pleased. I also sometimes get food from the Mexican menu pages. It is very good. I also want to say I am surprised by the people who don't like it. There are a few. I just think maybe they wanted Taco Bell instead of a quick trip to Latin America. Who knows. Best in Edmond.
(5)Anna F.
Wow. Just wow. This place is amazing! Not only can you get authentic Latin cuisine, but it still comes with free chips, salsa AND queso. That is becoming a rarity. We went for Sunday lunch and it quickly got busy. Our service remained great the whole time. For the food, I had the Jamiacan jerk chicken. How cool is that to have as an option? Not just Tex-Mex here, folks. They do have some, but there are also plenty of other Caribbean/Latin options. It was a great portion and came with plantains, white rice and black beans. I would definitely get it again and there are also several other menu items I'd like to try. I never say this, but this place is worth visiting Edmond for.
(5)M S.
Small hole in the wall type place. Excellent service every time. Very good margaritas. Great tacos and chile rellenos. Steak is also quite nice. Haven't had a bad meal yet.
(5)Patrick W.
The Missus and I came here for lunch with another couple and were pleasantly surprised with our experience. I decided to try the chicken burrito with beans and rice. It's hard to fail at cooking up some good beans and rice so I have no complaints with either. My chicken burrito was absolutely delicious. I've been to many Mexican restaurants where the burrito was scolding hot on the sides and ice cold in the middle, so I was more than happy to find that my burrito was the same temperature throughout. I was also a big fan of the shredded chicken, as opposed to the chunks of chicken many restaurants will stuff into their burritos. I also enjoyed a couple of adult beverages that were reasonably priced and delicious. Overall, I was very impressed with my visit. I'm not in Edmond much, so it was nice to find a place that serves quality food and drinks at reasonable prices. I will definitely return!
(4)Daniel T.
THIS PLACE IS LEGIT. Stop going to Ted's please for the love of god and come here instead okies. This place is def more authentic although it does have to cater to the more Americanized population of Edmund. Nonetheless, they have really solid stuff here and great service. We got a couple of Peruvian dishes and they were excellent! Come over to Zarates!
(5)Doug P.
It was Good Friday and every where was packed including this place. However the 10 minute wait was so worth it. The food was amazing and plentiful to choose. The salsa was perfect only wish it was in a bigger bowl. The Patron Margarita was hand made like it should be, that alone will get me back. I had the brisket and chicken enchiladas and my wife had the vegetarian enchiladas. Both were so good I wanted more but was stuffed. Only just begun to explore the menu...
(5)Olivia T.
My favorite place to eat! Words can not describe how amazing the foods and drinks are here. All I have to say is... my taste buds are always happy when I eat here.
(5)Steven W.
Zarate's is unexpected. This is an oustanding resturant that has carribean/south american dishes on the menu, which makes it stand out. Makes it unique in fact. This a local family owned restaurant. typically both the owners are present every day. The husband runs the kitchen and the wife manages the floor operations. She also makes some of the best margaritas ever in the bar area. If you are having a craving for tostones, authentic jerk chicken, papa rellenas or a decent cuban sandwich this is totally the place to be. A small word of warning however-the jerk chicken will be seasoned perfectly but the appearance regrettably had been modified to match the edmond palate-it will be boneless chicken, which I never saw in the Caribbean. It has all the same flavor though so no worries. Totally worth every penny.
(4)Jim R.
This place wound up being much more than I expected. The space is colorful, but not upscale by any measure. Not a bad thing, just an observation. The menu actually (by my estimation) tilts Central American/Caribbean rather than Mexican, which is a pleasant finding. The SO had a Cuban Pork Chop, while I went for the Jamaican Curry Shrimp. Both were ridiculously full of flavor. As a concession to the Mexican side of things, we did have sopapillas at the end of the meal. Prices were reasonable, the menu had considerable variety, there were some Central American beers to be had, and the service was friendly and efficient. It's a converted fast food joint (I think maybe a LJS or Captain D's), so don't expect posh surroundings. Additionally, we went during prime time Friday evening, so we had an approximately 25 minute wait. Everything else was first-rate. I'm looking forward to much deeper dives into that menu. Recommended.
(4)Jason F.
I have to admit, as someone who is from snooty San Francisco which has some of the most authentic Latin American food outside of Latin America itself, I originally thought this was going to be a forgettable experience. But I was wrong, Zarate's may leave a lot to be desired in terms of ambience and how well groomed the place could potentially be. But that's being nitpicky. The food is great, unique for the area, almost exotic in fact. Nicely prepared but not too pretentious. I had a new item on the menu called the Argentinian Steak and my mother had the old standby the Peruvian Lomo Saltado. Both were wonderfully prepared, perfectly grilled, and nicely plated. Zarate's brings unique foods into a neighborhood where you are least expecting it. If you're looking for a unique place in Edmond then try Zarate's Latin & Mexican Grill.
(4)Andrea S.
Great food every time we go! It gets loud when it's busy so we usually shoot for less popular times.
(5)Geary J.
If you can learn something about a place by their cuisine then you can tour most of Latin America at Zarate's. We've had dinner several time here when in Edmond and are always pleasantly surprised by a new treat to broaden our palate. The food is always served hot and fast (even on a busy night) and the service is perfect. Give this place a try and step out of the culinary drudgery of eating at the same old places. Travel with your tongue, it's fun!
(5)David J.
Wow, what a great dinner. Stopped based on previous yelp reviews that are right on. The Latin menu is fun and different. I had seafood saltado and enjoyed every bite. It came with plantains and yucca ...very nice too. World Cup soccer on TV tied the whole thing together. Try the lime pie.
(4)Jim M.
I just left Zarates after having a great dinner with 2 friends. I had the Peruvian chicken kabobs, they had mofongo and Venezuelan pot roast. We've declared it our new favorite hole in the wall restaurant.
(5)Greg N.
This is my favorite restaurant in the metro. It has great Mexican and even better Latin American dishes. I have had something different on each of my previous visits and could rave about each individually but you get my point. I would and have recommended this place to anyone who inquires. Jorge, the owner and his staff are very friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the Xingu Brazilian black beer along with my meal.
(5)Angel T.
Really great food. The fajita meat is so tender and flavorful. Will definitely be back!
(5)Ashlye H.
My first UYE / Meetup outing and it was a blast. First off this place is a cozy restaurant right off of the road and shouldn't be driven by. There is a bar on site, reservations is needed near the weekend and prepare your palate for home cooked meals. I chose the Brazilian BBQ which came with rice, black beans and fried plantain. It comes a an optional to be spicy and even without the spice it is delicious for $11. The portions are big and the atmosphere adds to the flavor. Plus I had a Sangria swirl with was on point for $7 and my taste buds are doing a spirited dance now. They aim to make you feel comfortable and it's something I wish would be in OKC. The cuisine covers few countries around the Hispanic/Spanish culture plus Island regions. I plan to bring more people with me when I come back. Soooooo the reason it's 4 stars even after my praise is because of the. Wait. I can't think of it now :/ noooo. Wait, it's the dessert menu could use some pizzaz.
(4)KJ J.
Parking can be an issue with such a popular place. With that being said... you know a place is good by the wait at the front. I arrived at 6:30 and there were probably 12-15 people in line waiting to be seated. I had a party reservation of 12-15 ironically, and no only 2 of those waiting in line were from my party. Our server Roberto was phenomenal. Our water, chips, salsa, queso and relish were always more than halfway full, all of which were complimentary. Like most Mexican restaurants, sopapillas were also complimentary. The beauty of this place is that it expands to the Caribbean central american and South America. The Jerk chicken was quite good especially with the sweet plantains. Lomo Saltado was delicious and the Ceviche looked scrumptious as seen on the photos. If I didn't live so far away, I would come here monthly to try everything on the menu.
(5)Mary S.
They have awesome service and their food is really good! A couple of times the food was too salty.
(4)Kelli M.
You must try this place! Even their Mexican food is better than most. Their other dishes (besides the Mexican ones) are yummy! We have been countless times and always a good experience. Great staff too. Your meal isn't complete without trying their flan ...mmmmmm. love this place!
(5)Diana H.
I really love this place. I have never gotten a thing that was not delicious and well prepared. The wait staff is exceptional and the owners are attentive. The Latin American cuisine is wonderful and I have tried a number of different dishes. My husband usually gets something with fish and he is always pleased. I also sometimes get food from the Mexican menu pages. It is very good. I also want to say I am surprised by the people who don't like it. There are a few. I just think maybe they wanted Taco Bell instead of a quick trip to Latin America. Who knows. Best in Edmond.
(5)Jessica C.
This gem is right around the corner from my office. For years, I have always wondered what this place was as I drove by the bright blue and multi-colored building. I just wished I'd have stopped sooner! We eat here at least once a week and I've pretty much had the entire menu and never once had anything I didn't like. You have to get the green hot salsa and the margaritas. My favorites are the pork chops, jerk chicken and 3 meat guisada. They know us by name and we get smiles and hugs every time we come in. They make you feel like family and it is nice that they remember the certain things you like to order. This place is great for a nice lunch or even a date night dinner. Family owned and operated, pretty reasonable priced, delivers great service and delicious Latin American food. Definitely my favorite Caribbean restaurant in the city. Do yourself a favor and stop in!
(5)Troy B.
Traveling through Edmond, Oklahoma stopped at this restaurant based on the reviews. Service was good and prompt. Food was excellent with a wide variety to choose from. It is well worth a repeat visit.
(4)Justin H.
Hands down best place to eat in Edmond. I have eaten here about 10 times and everything I've had in the menu was excellent. Pricing is very reasonable for such great food. The service has always been wonderful even when it is absolutely packed. They have a great selection of beers from south of the border. The atmosphere is very casual, but I wouldn't hesitate to take a date here at all for the food alone! Great place to take your family or to meet up with friends. If you live in Edmond and haven't tried this place you really need to! I can't praise this place enough, it is a rare gem in the typical chain restaurant/fast food scene of Edmond.
(5)Theresa A.
Best damn Latin place I've ever been. I took my bf, who's been to South America a few times, and he loved it too.
(5)Jeff C.
Nice mix of Tex-Mex and Latin food. Our server Roberto was fabulous. The green sauce is light your booty hot. The habanero is even hotter. That's a I dare you by the way. I had the Peruvian pork chops which were awesome. This place is small and authentic. I will be back!!
(5)Grant A.
This place is amazing fast easy and delicious and great environment I highly recommend it
(5)Olivia T.
My favorite place to eat! Words can not describe how amazing the foods and drinks are here. All I have to say is... my taste buds are always happy when I eat here.
(5)