Zama Latin American Cuisine

How is it that it's my first time here? At any rate, came here with colleagues from work along with some broker partners. We were 16 top.We were seated upstairs after initially not being able to fit everyone comfortably downstairs. Megan was our server and she did a fantastic job taking all our drink and food orders. The guys who assisted with removing used plates and delivering the food were also courteous and very attentive. Can't escape the vibe here as it was trendy, modern and just feels elevated. In my opinion, the menu was well thought out in both flavor and presentation. If the rest of the menu is any indication of the little bit that I've tasted on this night, I can't wait to try other dishes next time. Zama is a true downtown gem!

Food was okay, but not $$$ good. Pasta & skirt steak was loaded with grease and cheap small cuts of meat. Enchiladas were bomb, however small portion of rice and bean with it. Brussels sprouts were not crispy. Cocktails were amazing. Ceviche was only served with a small handful of plantain chips - some which were even crumbled and small....The WORST part of our dining experience the having been only given the option of sparkling and still water. What happened to tap? We requested for still and received bottle of water and it was already uncapped. I suspect that it is not really still water and rather the bottle has been reused and filled with tap. In addition, a 3% credit card fee.Would not return just given these two weird and icky vibes.

The food and drinks were delicious. I especially liked the tropical ceviche, octopus and passion fruit margarita, although I wish I had gotten it with mezcal. Our server had suggested tequila before I realized that it normally comes with mezcal. It was too dark for me to read the cocktail descriptions until I got out my phone light (more about this later). Service was pretty good, but it could have been a bit more attentive because I couldn't find our server to place another order for drinks and food after our first order, which was just appetizers. We were eventually able to get his attention.Our main complaint about restaurant was the darkness. We couldn't read our menu without using our phone lights, and we could only see dim silhouettes of our food, which was a shame because the platings might have been nice if could see them. I understand that the restaurant might be going for a specific atmosphere, but it shouldn't be that dark. Other areas, including the lounge, were brighter, and I wish we our table had been there.

Zama did it again. I wasn't super excited that they took the arrachera steak off the menu, but the addition of the burger is definitely a masterpiece fusion of an American classic with a Latin twist. I ordered mine wrapped in lettuce (sans the bun for keto) and it did not disappoint. The combination of flavor from the oaxaca cheese and grilled onions is the best. Of course, the service and atmosphere of Zama is still some of the best any of us can find downtown Bakersfield. Manny, at the bar, can mix up just about anything to pair with your meal and heart's desire. Don't fret, because you can still order Zama's delectable arrachera tacos. Keep up the great work Zama.

what a beautiful location! tried out the patio over the weekend for drinks and music and had such a fun time. The drinks were good, service was good and loved the atmosphere! Great spot for drinks downtown with the girls or any occasion.

This is one of my favorite places for dinner! My hubbys and I to go-to dish has always been the lamb rack--it used to come with a delicious green sauce and cauliflower purée that balanced the flavors perfectly. Unfortunately, they recently changed it to come with plantain purée and mole, which makes the dish taste overly sweet. The lamb itself is still seasoned & cooked beautifully, but I really miss the original version. I hope they consider bringing it back because that was easily one of my all-time favorite plates.

I highly recommend calling ahead for a reservation, especially on the weekends! Excellent service and food is beyond compare. The whole restaurant is swimming in calming vibes. Between everyone having their conversations and people moving around, you still had this feeling of calm and quiet. I enjoyed the whole ambiance of from valet, to seating, to the restroom.

reservation was a breeze through OpenTable, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear this place was something special. The ambiance is elegant, and even the bathrooms reflect the fine dining experience they aim for.The meal began with tostadas and three incredible salsas--each one a flavorful start to the evening. For drinks, I enjoyed a Cantarito, a Sancha, and finished with a memorable Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned was a highlight, presented in a treasure chest that was opened tableside, releasing a delightful smoky aroma--a fun and classy touch!For dinner, I ordered the Caldero al Horno, a perfectly cooked rack of lamb that was absolutely delicious. My wife chose the Cochinita Pibil and found it delightful. We also shared the Champiñones al Ajillo as a side, which were bursting with flavor.To close out the evening, my wife ordered an Espresso Martini and a Tres Leches cake--a perfect pairing to end the night on a sweet note.Though Zama's is on the pricier side, it's one of the few places that offers Latin cuisine in a fine dining setting, and we're thrilled they brought this experience to town. We'll definitely be back!

Visited this place on a recommendation by a local for a company dinner and it was a great choice. Overall this place had a great atmosphere with a great ambiance for a nice dinner with good lighting. The food was good with nice flavor profile and right sized portions. The service was excellent and the wait staff was on point with fantastic customer service. The steak was cooked well and had a good flavor. I like a little more seasoning on my steak but still solid choice. The ceviche was ok and didn't the the oysters but the aguachile ribeye was pretty good. I would definitely eat here again and if downtown Bakersfield this restaurant is a great choice!

Perfect date night with a proper table, high end service, and scrumptious menu options. Wine was on point.