Sarom’s Southern Kitchen

Wanted to try someplace different for breakfast so we decided to come here since the reviews looked good. It was a quiet morning not too many people inside the layout was a bit confusing at the entrance not sure if we should just sit down or wait but soon someone greeted us and we picked a seat. They certainly know their regulars here and it showed.
We used our Check in offer for the free mini sweet potato pie and ordered our food. Hubby got the special which was French toast, bacon and eggs. I had the Special omelet but personalized it a bit not being a mushroom fan. The meals were plentiful and had good flavor. The sweet potato pie samples they brought out after breakfast was a nice treat too and that by far was the highlight of the breakfast I really loved the flavors and spices in there. I’m such a sucker for fall flavors no matter the time of year.
I would recommend them for a quick breakfast during the week for a good price not sure I would come on a weekend or wait if it was busy.

This restaurant is a great new addition to the Sacramento food scene and for those looking to escape the commercial atmosphere of Arden mall for an original dining experience. Sarom’s concocts southern favorites without limiting herself to subcategories of southern delicacies (i.e. Soul, Cajun, Creole). The signature dish appears to be jambalaya from reading the local newspaper articles that adorn the walls near the entrance. Being a fan of spice and heat I was happy to see each table equipped with minimum 4 different varieties of hot sauce.
I tried the fried catfish and shrimp plate and the flavor of the fish/​shrimp was through the roof. Barely needed to dip the meat in the tartar sauce or spicy remoulade (which also happened to be homemade and delicious). This i discovered as one of the waiters hand delivered the remoulade and gave me a proud smile before saying «I made that myself». The beer battered fries were a crunchy accompaniment to the fish/​shrimp. On a flavorful high I looked to the coleslaw to provide a bland reset to my palate… Not so. Bursting with flavor of its own the coleslaw was not to be outdone; vinegar and citrus flavors complimented the traditional coleslaw dressing as it dared to rise above the ordinary side dish.
The friendly owner, Sarom, came out to chat with us and discuss some of her secrets to being a successful new restauranteur. Meal ended with the friendly staff bringing out complimentary pies for us to taste test; sweet potato and pumpkin pie slices to round off an exceptional lunch experience.

I love this place! The servers are so nice and helpful. Their waffle combo is amazing and they always give you more than enough to eat. It’s also family owned by a wonderful Cambodian family. I’m definitely coming back!

Awesome collard greens.
I had lunch for breakfast. Sarom was nice enough to let me order a fried chicken lunch for breakfast. The chicken and biscuit and gravy were pretty good. But what stole the show was their greens.

Lovely breakfast spot. Mom and Pop shop, everyone is friendly and the food is yummy.
I recommend the pancakes! De-​freakin-​licious!

I would give this place a 3.5!
The service was very friendly– like you were walking into your best friends place and her mom was over cooking her best dishes!
We had the blackened catfish and chicken and waffles. The catfish and chicken were good, but the BUTTERMILK PANCAKES was BOMB!
I would come back just for the pancakes. Best I have ever had!

By far the best service and meal we have had while in Sacramento! If you like great ribs, pulled pork and cornbread then this is THE PLACE TO COME (Served during breakfast hours)!
The atmosphere is typical of a good «hole in the wall» eating spot. Clean and decorated the southern style, the servers are polite, and accommodating to our party of five.
The owner/​cook came out to introduce herself and ask that our needs were met, she has a wonderful story as to how her dream of owning and operating her own restaurant came to be, worth the time to visit.
After being filled with deliciousness she came out with a taste of her sweet potato pie… Ok maybe just one more bite?
Reasonably priced for the amount of food. We found this place from other Unilocal reviews.

3 stars for food, 4 for the service… So a 3.5 rating.
It’s a small mom and pop kind of shop with a couple of waitresses. They had a check-​in offer for a free mini pie so we got that along with the food. We didn’t know they also throw in small slices of sweet potato pie at the end for dessert. I really like it so I didn’t mind having another to chomp on.
My friend got the chicken and waffles and I got the shrimp poboy. My friend’s waffles looked a bit under done and she thought her chicken was dry. She was eating it as a waffle with chicken on the side… So that might have been the way she was eating it rather than what was wrong with the dish, hehe.
I liked my shrimp poboy… However, the coleslaw was quite overwhelming. So I got mouthfuls of pickled veg and creamy coleslaw… Not bad, but maybe a bit overwhelming. I really enjoyed the fries. Crispy on the outside and nice and fluffy inside.
I really like the feel of this place… Quite homey. A bunch of regulars had gotten off of church and were happily eating away. Gave me a good feel about the place. Would come back if I’m around the area.

Everything was fantastic. Cooked exactly as I asked. Server was very sweet. Brief interaction with back of house was very pleasant.
Omelet, potatoes, (should have tried the grits and not been scared, I bet they are perfection) biscuit and gravy. Gravy was so flavorful.
Ended with a piece of pie. Yum!
Side note:
Should you come to a place with southern or soul food in any of it’s title and expect a healthy meal? Not generally.
I am all about healthy eating. This place delivered exactly what I wanted. I used my common sense to know, healthy is not what I am expecting this afternoon.

My first time coming to this place in about a year. I’m a huge fan of this place because 1. The food is good 2. The portions are filling 3. The staff is friendly 4. The prices on the menu are beyond generous. On this visit I ordered the saroms omelette with biscuits and gravy on the side. The biscuits and gravy is soooo good. The omelette was good too and contained a variety of meats and a nice size portion of cheese. Upon the arrival of the check they always give you a complementary baby slice of sweet potato pie which is very nice of them. The service here is so great the staff is always constantly checking on you in case you need anything. Love this place.

Went here last Sunday with the hubby, it was our first time! Our first impression was this place is small, kind of glad we went early. We got seated and had a few minutes to look over the menu. We both ordered the chicken and waffle, but had the chicken breast swapped out for wings instead. The wings season was on point! Very tasty!
Sarom is the sweetest! She stopped by more then twice to check up on us making sure we’re happy! She even gave everyone a small pie on the house for deserts. We will definitely be coming back soon! Love the vibe and awesome customer service here!

This time I ordered a chicken bbq sandwich and it was delicious! Perfect amount of juice and the crispy onion strings in the burger made it worth the crunchy bite
If you have a chance, try their pies and cookies! The owner, Sarom, makes them herself and before this restaurant, she was known for her delicious donuts!

I have to agree with Chuck M.‘s review of this place. We share some of the same Unilocal friends who had a great experience here and gave top notch reviews. So of course, Joe K and I had to try them out also. We had expected them to be busy with a breakfast crowd, but fortunately it was only half full, and were able to get a booth along the back wall. The young waitress who served us was polite, but a woman of few words.
The menu contained some nice breakfast selections in which I felt compelled to switch from my usual eggs and hash browns to the Spanish omelette which made for an appetizing vegetarian option. I was excited to see that they served cheesy grits, and knew right off the bat that this was going to be my side selection along with an English muffin! Joe ordered steak and eggs with a biscuit and gravy side and included cheesy grits.
When our food arrived, I wanted to taste the grits first! Unfortunately, there was little cheesiness about them! Except for a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top, the grits lacked any flavor and was somewhat watery. It didn’t compare to Joe’s grits at home where there is actual cheese mixed into them! In contrast, the Spanish omelette was excellent! Filled with lots of delicious and crunchy veggies, with sliced avocado on top! My only complaint was that there were a little too many jalapenos in there, and it got too hot and spicy for my tender taste buds. But that’s just me… The English muffin was average and what one would expect from a package at the grocery store. The coffee was just weak at best.
Joe was not impressed with the grits or his meal in general. His steak was tough, eggs were OK, and the biscuit was puny. Our server did check on us once and brought a sample of their sweet potato pie to share, which was tasty enough. However, even though my coffee was weak, I was hoping for a refill which was never offered…
When we finished our meals, I felt like we departed with little to say about this eatery. There just wasn’t a lot here that made us wanting to return again any time soon.

Let me start by saying that I really wanted to like Sarom’s more than I did. Several of my Unilocal friends have given very good reviews and so I will give the benefit of the doubt and chock it up to a bad day for the kitchen staff.
Timing: My plate (2 egg Breakfast with steak, potatoes, biscuits & gravy) arrived 20 minutes before my GF’s plates… I say plates because her chicken and waffles did not make it to the table together. Chicken arrived first (20 minutes after my plate and very dry and over-​cooked) and about 10 minutes later the waffles arrived spongy and under-​cooked. Since I waited for my GF’s first plate to arrive before starting my own meal, my food was on the verge of being cold. Chicken AND waffles is all about the experience of combining the savory of the chicken with the sweet of the waffles and syrup… it’s not suppose to be Chicken… then Waffles.
The server did mention, while we were waiting for my GF’s plate to arrive, that there was a problem with the waffle maker. I would have rather been notified of this when placing the order so that something else could have been chosen… a table’s plates should arrive together… restaurant service 101.
My steak was cooked per request at medium-​rare, but appeared to have been prepared on a flat top and lacked flavor (in addition to being almost cold due to the timing issues mentioned above).
The servers were friendly enough but the timing mishap and food quality did not win me over.

«Southern Kitchen» in the name? Well, after seeing that, this lady naturally expected something indulgently comforting and good. And I was not disappointed… y’all.
And if y’all speak Southern…(yep, I am bi-​lingual, I lived in Orlando for a year (at the ripe old age of 8) and was inoculated with a fried chicken wishbone), y’all also know «Southern» means «chicken fried steak». So yeah, that’s exactly what Mr. B and I got. I am here to tell ya’, this was a pretty darn good, well tenderized steak with a nice crispy (cornflake?) coating. Easy to cut with a fork. Great flavor, nice sized portion. A keeper.
Southern also is doublespeak for good sausage gravy. We requested the gravy on the side (just in case) but there was really nothing to fear. This was the most creamy, savory gravy (thankfully not over-​thickened) to pass through my lips in years. Unilocal has given me such confidence I found myself embarrassing Mr B with my «gravy advocate» persona. Mercilessly I convinced the tables around me (i.e.anyone who would listen) to get something with gravy. I may have scared them a bit at first, but they chased down the waitress and did order it, and the final consensus = the gravy was spectacular. So, don’t skip it, folks.
And last but not least, how about some true baking soda biscuits? Again, plump, rich, beautiful to look at, and a real treat to eat. I like mine with butter (gotta ask) not gravy, and a small scoop of real butter, not margarine, came out promptly. The biscuits were still hot and the butter, well you know, oozed out the sides as it melted, just as it should. The discovery that they had packets of Smucker’s Natural Red Raspberry jam was the final touch. A match made in heaven. Well done, Smuckers!
Cheese grits — didn’t do much for me. I cannot get out of my head the sweet, yellow corn grits I once had in NOLA. I admit, for this I am sadly ruined for life. I have yet to find a place that serves this, this side of the Mississippi.
No good breakfast is complete unless there is a good cup of coffee to wash it down. It was quite good. And just as important, our server, Sarom’s daughter, kept the cup well filled.
They say, all good things must come to an end. But after rubbing our tummies and pushing our plates away, it apparently wasn’t time yet. Sarom, lovely lady, owner, and the brains behind this warm and friendly place, brought out for us a complimentary sliver of her homemade sweet potato pie with a daub of real whipped cream. While the crust was not house made (an educated guess) it was still good, and the filling was tremendous. It was at that point I stopped wondering if a slice of pecan pie and a «breakfast» cookie (densely packed with nuts, seeds, coconut, raisins, spice, and oatmeal) were in the cards. In other words, yes… of course… they were coming home with us. (Yep, already tasted them… and…yep, get some!)
I don’t want to burst your bubble, but Sarom is not Southern, unless she came from Southern Cambodia. She and her family run this lovely little café. With food this good, I really don’t give a fig how she learned to cook this way. Just know, this is a great place and should definitely be considered for your next meal (breakfast and lunch only) in Sacramento.

Have you ever been to the south? Had that mad craving to experience what all the hubbub is about? Why spend plane fair when you sash shay your way to southern comfort ?!
Don’t let the location intimidate you.
This is a small quaint place. You’re not paying for excessive décor etc it’s simple. Clean. You’ll be greeted by friendly staff that will make you feel like you’re at home.
Besides, who doesn’t want to be greeted by the wafting fragrance of smoked meats, and a friendly face?!
The menu offer basic southern food. Exceptionally priced.
Run to try this place. The prices are beyond reasonable.
I ordered chicken and waffles. I was net with southern style portions. One HUGE piece of chicken that will make you wanna slap yo butt and scream for more. The chicken is flavorful and juicy like a fresh piece of summer fruit.
The waffles? Holy southern belle! Not one, but two were served with the meal.
Strap on your feed bag and get your yeeee hawww on stat!

One word (in Tigger’s voice): «Fantastical!» On a short rainy day, 11/​24/​2015, I decided to head to this small, yet elegant restaurant called, «Sarom’s Southern Kitchen. Located near El Camino Avenue’s exit of Business 80, Sarom’s delivers the goodness of comfort breakfast and Southern Soul food right here in Sacramento’s Arden/​Arcade neighborhood. As I entered, the atmosphere is well lit and bright filled with happy thoughts. The concept is much basic décor feel filled with American farmers made sculptures and plants.
The employees including the owner Sarom are doing their fantastic job for making the customers including myself a friendly service as I welcomed here for my first visit! Sarom is such a sweet lady, and she’s has the courage to keep the customers happy especially their sisters too. No cons at all!
For the food entrée after I saw the Good Day segment with Unilocal CM, Alex L of Sacramento few weeks ago including Scott D’s review, I ordered the Sarom’s Special Omelette. This omelette has all the meats (i.e. sausages, bacon, ham etc) and veggies (i.e. mushrooms, bell peppers etc) along with sauté potatoes. I also added a French toast as a side too. As I ate it, their food is simply delicious! The omelette cooked perfectly for perfection, so I can satisfy my apatite! The seasoning of the omelette and the potatoes did work the notch very well without adding too much salt! The French toast is also good too as I ate it slowly. Such a great breakfast meal!
The parking can be difficult to park despite the small amount of their parking lot. Park early as you can before the doors open! Otherwise, you can park at the nearest surface street if it’s possible. On the other hand, you can also ride a bike, walk, nor ride a public transportation easier without the hassles.
In the end, Sarom’s Southern Kitchen is the coolest, and the most friendliest local restaurant ever after my first visit! Can’t wait to come back for more! A well, recommend worthy visit! My rating: 5 solid stars!

Sarom’s Southern Kitchen is located at 1901 El Camino Ave in the city of Sacramento California. They are open 7 days a week from 7am-​3pm serving Southern, Soul Food, Breakfast & Brunch. My wife and I had an it’chin to try this place for a while. Parking was a challenge but we were able to find street parking right across the street.
As we walked up to the the front door the sweet aroma of mouth watering BBQ lingered in the air. Boy that smelled delicious! We were hoping to have breakfast this afternoon. Luckily for us Sarom’s serves breakfast all day! When we walked in, Sarom quickly greeted us with a smile and seated my wife and I promptly .
Today I ordered the Sarom’s Special Omelette (Applewood smoked bacon, Andouille sausage, smoked ham, onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes with cheddar and jack cheese. With country potatoes and sour-​dough toast. Loved every last bite!
My wife had their French Toast Combo (2 eggs and French Toast with three applewood bacon strips. My wife said her breakfast was delicious also!
This place is known for their (Sweet Potato Pie) (Jambalaya) & (Chicken & Waffles). I am going to have to try some of these dishes the next time we come. They serve delicious breakfast, BBQ, Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers, Specialties such as (Chicken & Waffles) (Jambalaya) (Fried Catfish) plus many more Southern Delights ! They even have a large kids menu.
All of their desserts are homemade! You heard right! «Homemade!» Sarom was kind enough to give us a sample of her sweet potato pie and her carrot cake ! This was the first time I tried sweet potato pie. It was to die for! Absolutely Delicious!!! For those who are looking for the best tasting Sweet Potato Pie for Thanksgiving, look no further. Put your order in as soon as you can ! You can’t find quality like this in a grocery store!
I did not get to try the carrot cake. My wife said if I eat that I’m a dead man!
What made this visit so memorable is the owner Sarom her self. She is such a beautiful person inside and out ! Very loving, happy & cheerful ! Making sure you are totally satisfied with your dining experience that you can’t help but to give her a big hug when you leave. My wife and I left here totally satisfied. We can’t remember when the last time we had such a great experience !
We will certainly be back ! My mouth is already watering for some more of that «Sweet Potato Pie»!

Sah-​roam is how you pronounce this lovely lady’s name! Truly a beautiful lady within!
This restaurant has been on my radar since Pepsi Scott reviewed it plus he had gotten ROTD too! Most recently Alex L had been on Good Day Sacramento for Sarom’s Southern Kitchen.
We actually missed it so we watched it online to get the gist of the visit! Even read his five star review so I knew we had to visit it soon!
You know she’s well known for her jambalaya plus chicken & waffles but we wanted breakfast even though it was lunchtime! I went with the French toast combo which included the applewood smoked bacon & scrambled eggs. Gosh that was yummy! BTW they serve breakfast all day! Yay!
Hubby got Sarom’s special omelette with country potatoes & toast. OMGOSH that was excellent. Those potatoes were like butter in my mouth! HB did mention the omelette was a lot like the Denver omelette which is my fave by the way!
I’m glad I didn’t finish my food bc I prefer to not be overly stuffed. Before you know it out came a sample of her infamous sweet potato pie! My tummy did the happy dance! And that’s the first time I ever had sweet potato pie! I was in foodie heaven!
I kept eyeing her carrot cake which was deliciously decorated with white coconut frosting in the dessert case from the time I entered the restaurant until we almost left!!! She was so sweet and brought me a sample too! I didn’t taste it until I got home! I’m sorry I didn’t try it there as I would have purchased the entire carrot cake! That was way better than Freeport bakery or Ettore’s! I’m sure it was due to the pineapple! So delish and that’s a frickin understatement!!!
We got to talking and her background was such that she previously had three donut shops: Davis, locally on Broadway & lastly in Elk Grove. But we informed her this is her forte! What a delightful lady! We were smart to come during the week at lunchtime too! Just parking was a bit scarce but we managed to find one across the street! Btw her bathroom had the nicest hallway prior to entering!
Though she has been opened for only ten months, I’m so glad it did not take years for us to try this quaint establishment out. Best to come during the week if you can or she can be literally slammed on the weekends!!! Good luck with that and don’t complain bc I did warn you!!!
You know we will be back as Sarom is so personable! She is there seven days a week. She’s one of those rare ladies that once you meet her she’s like family to you. How lucky are we to have her in Sactown!!! Don’t you want to frequent this place now? What are you waiting for??? We will be back so very soon! Got to try her infamous chicken & waffles and Jambalaya!!! See you soon Sarom! Now I want coconut TDF pie!!! LOL!!!

Sarom’s may not technically be in the South, but some of the dishes are as close to authentic Louisianan goodness as you can get without hopping on a plane. This is a gem of a discovery in an unlikely corner of Sacramento.
I first came in without high expectations. After all, there are numerous spots that lay claim to the best Southern cooking in Sacramento, and they all liberally throw around adjectives like «authentic» and «genuine.» Sarom, who I soon discovered had little experience with this style of food, took to it like a true natural. Her gumbo is as good as anything I ever ate in New Orleans, her cornbread is sweet and rich and moist and her sweet potato pie is second to none. Just to give you an idea of how incredible her sweet potato pie is, one man down the street apparently ordered thirty of them for Thanksgiving!
Their busiest days are brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Come in on a weekday and you’ll find no wait and friendly service. And fingers crossed, I hear they are considering dinner service on weekends!