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Roam by San Chez

4.3 (340 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

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ROAM BY SAN CHEZ ATMOSPHERE

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The Red Desert
Vanetta G.

We mistakenly thought this was a food hall, but we were still pretty happy with our visit here. It's light and airy inside, with lots of color and references to different countries and cultures. The waiter was friendly and quick to check in. He also made suggestions of things he really liked. I went with a delicious non-alcoholic drink. I love anything with desert or prickly pear, and the Red Desert ended up being the perfect bright and refreshing pairing for our lunch. My husband and I shared the jollof rice. It was good and plenty spicy. It was wonderful with buttery and slightly sweet parantha. Overall, I was very happy this wound up on our radar.

Sunil A.

San Chez was my favorite restaurant in GR for years, so when by sheer happenstance I walked into this location and discovered that it's by Sna Chez, my estimations went from curiosity to high expectations. Let me say there was absolutely nothing disappointing about this experience. For some idiotic reason I forgot to write down the name of my dish, probably cause I was shoving it into my mouth super fast but the one thing I can tell you was that it was amazing. The sheer mix of flavors was nothing short of a wild disco on my taste buds. It was so amazingly delicious, the service was impeccable and the setting so stunningly beautiful and I can't wait to come back again.

Mango sticky rice
Stephen L.

If you want a wide range of cuisines in one place, Roam is the place to eat. I've never had west African jollof rice nor even seen it on a menu so I had to try it. While warned it was spicy, I did not find it spicy. Yes, it had a touch of heat especially compared to Midwestern American diet, but it got neither my nose nor eyes running and only mildly hit my tongue. If you cook, you know you have to peel away all layers of an onion to the first fully hydrated layer. Partially dehydrated onion once cooked becomes like cardboard or paper. I found once such piece of onion in my dish. Since it was just one, it didn't ruin the dish but they need to peel more carefully in the future. They have good hummus. They serve it with sliced vegetables and pita. It's a generous amount of hummus and vegetables and pita and hummus didn't outlast the dippables and dippables didn't outlast the hummus. GET THE MANGO RICE! Wonderful, toasted, nutty almonds slivers, warm sautéd mango chunks with hint of cinnamon, warm sticky rice, and a lightly sweet cream to pour all over. Reasonable prices, many menu choices. Ambiance is basic but food is great.

Jian Bing
Vanessa T.

Oh yes! Immediately a yes from me, this is exactly my kinda place! A restaurant that makes dishes from all over the world, yes please! We stopped in here with our food tour ( highly recommend!) we all got a drink and this chinese wrap called Jian Bing, a thin crepe wrapped with egg filled with pork and a sweet like hoisin sauce, it was delicious! Unique, filling, and tasted great! I got a margarita with a mango tajin popsicle in it and super cool you could take it with you and walk around!

Elote Salad (Mexico)
Evanka A.

Service was phenomenal here! Also every bite felt very well crafted and intentional. Where my experience felt missed was with the jollof rice and the paratha- I was confused about the two pieces when the meal didn't necessarily need that. Paratha is usually dipped in a curry or scooped with fried veggies, but not with rice. So just confused about the plating otherwise perfect portion sizes! The smokiness of the corn really elevated the ensalada de elote!! The inside of the restaurant was perfect for both date nights and big group dinners- the lighting and vibes 5/5!

Brent B.

while in town for conference, we decided to give Roam a try and we were so pleased that we did. Their menu is a variety of ethnic cuisines that one would only describe as unique to the area. Servers were very attentive, and the food was very flavorful. A very short walk from our hotel and I'd certainly come back and try it again.

Paratha tacos
Katy C.

This spot is always packed on Broadway GR performance nights due to its proximity to DeVos but it was just never really on my radar. I went in 2018 and that was the last time I'd been, until recently. A friend told me about the paneer poutine and how much she loved it, so I decided to check and see if I could get a reservation before our showing of Hamilton. The only time I could get at first was 4:15 pm (for our 7:30 show)... not ideal, but I took it just to have on the books. I checked the afternoon of the show and was able to update to a 6 pm reservation, which was perfect. The menu is really interesting because they serve dishes from all over the world. Some of the items are fusion/inspired cuisine, and everything sounded really tasty. There are not many options for vegans. We were seated right away when we arrived and the whole restaurant was full. Definitely make a reservation! Even if you think it won't be busy, with the Amway across the street and convention attendees etc. it's a popular spot. It was also VERY loud. Our server was very kind and friendly and pointed out some special features, including their fun Hamilton-themed cocktails. Nate was pretty hungry but I didn't want to eat too much before the show... spoiler alert, we still got way too much food. I ordered the paneer poutine with lamb, and Nate got the paratha tacos (one mojo chicken and one Korean BBQ) and we also ordered a side of veggies, for health. Our food did take longer to come out than I was expecting, considering they were hustling and must be used to the pre-show dinner rush crowd. I was actually getting a little anxious as I saw other dishes coming out for other groups, but we finally got our food and it was delicious! The poutine was so tasty and a massive portion. We definitely could have split just that and still been very full. It would make a good starter for a group of 4. The tacos were a big portion and the paratha bread they're on is super delicious and flaky. I really loved the food we had and would definitely come back before a future show! I'll just remember to order less.

Misgana S.

Roam is a gorgeous melting pot of different cuisines from around the globe at a central location in downtown Grand Rapids. The food was excellent and the drinks were even better!

Bianca N.

Pleasantly surprised! Love the concept it's so fun trying different foods from around the world. The fried were delicious I love the sauces it came with, the hummus was good the raw garlic was a bit sharp, and the fried potato balls were great. Lovely drinks, ambiance, and service as well.

Strawberry Fields
Amy W.

We were looking for a unique experience and found Roam. We absolutely loved the environment! It was beautifully decorated. Lots of windows and sunlight. We enjoyed some delicious cocktails and really enjoyed our meals.

Tracey W.

I could see Roam from my hotel window and had to try it. I am still thinking about the scrumptious Sweet Aloha Skewers: Two sweet & salty glazed pork belly & pineapple skewers, mango guacamole, pepper jelly, charcoal grilled corn in the husk. My friend had the fish and chips and they were a bit too crispy. I also had the Gochugaru Shrimp: Cast Iron skillet shrimp with clarified butter, garlic, gochugaru flakes, cilantro, & lemon. Served with crostini. The shrimp were quite flavorful and I loved dipping the Crostini into the butter sauce! They also have a very nice drink menu. I liked the relaxing casual industrial vibe and the customer service was excellent. I wanted to try to go back before leaving but unfortunately could not make it back over. However I do plan to return when back in Grand Rapids just for the skewers if nothing else!

Popsicle drinks
Mirna I.

Truly an eclectic menu with influences from all over the world. You are sure to find something (if not many things) that spark your interest. Also great options/modifications for vegetarian/vegan. I'm still dreaming about the mango sticky rice and the slam slammy. I will say, the parking situation is not ideal and it's right in front of the theater so be aware if there is a big show, might be more challenging or just be prepared to park in one of many parking lots.

McKenzie K.

Very unique restaurant concept- every menu item is from a distinct country/location. The food was delicious. I did feel like the service was adequate- but our waitress seemed to not be as attentive to us after we decided not to order drinks (compared to the service I saw her give others)- that would be the improvement I would suggest to earn the 5th star. I would return again though.

Bar and dining area with the coolest vibes!

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the friendly, attentive staff, unique global menu, and flavorful, creative dishes. The vibrant, cozy atmosphere and creative drinks also stand out.

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4 months ago

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5 months ago

Unique, delicious food & drinks, great service & atmosphere, recommend the fish taco & a margarita.

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Thank you for the 5 stars & great recommendations, Dionne! :)

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Ask the Community - Roam by San Chez

Is the menu vegan friendly?

Yes!

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Roam by San Chez - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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