Xelas by El Sazon

4.3 (51)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Latin

1180 W Frontage Rd, Stillwater, MN 55082-1054

About this restaurant

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Charming

We invite you to experience the soul of Mayan cuisine like never before. Guided by the vision and culinary artistry of Chef Cristian De Leon, our menu is a celebration of memory full of traditions and bold flavors of Guatemalan and Mexican heritage.

Chef Cristian brings his deep roots and passion for authentic Mayan-inspired dishes to every plate, crafting recipes that honor history while embracing innovation. From smoky recados to fresh handmade tortillas, every bite is a tribute to his culinary expertise and love for his culture. In memory of his late mother.
Complementing our menu is the creative brilliance of mixologist Zoilo, who transforms the vibrant flavors of Central America into unforgettable craft cocktails. Using fresh ingredients, regional spirits, and a touch of artistry, each drink is designed to perfectly pair with our dishes and enhance your dining experience.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary Latin, Latin American
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 15:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–21:00
Phone number
(651) 571-3170
Website
https://elsazonmn.com/xelas
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Cristian De Leon

Location
1180 W Frontage Rd, Stillwater, MN 55082-1054
Area
Stillwater
Parking Details
Private Lot
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Ceviche
Poached shrimp, marañon leche de tigre, habanero, jicama, cucumber, red onion, celery, tostadas
Enchiladas Guatemaltecas
Tostada-style tortillas, picadillo, pickled squash, avocado, lettuce, pickled onion, pickled tomato, cheese (3ct)
Guatemalan Sausage
House sausage, curtido, chirmol, guacamole, tortillas
Mole
Sweet plantains, mole sauce, berros, salsa macha, crema
Pepian Verde
Acorn squash tomatillo pepián, herbs, marinated chayote, jalapeño
Yuca Chicharron
Yuca, pork belly (chicharrón-crusted), bone marrow salsa, curtido, chirmol
Chuchitos
Corn masa, chicken, salsa, curtido slaw

Segundo

Hilachas
Short rib, tomato-chile guaque demi-glace, potato pavé, seasonal vegetables
Cochinita
Pork shank, achiote, pickled red onions, xni-pek salsa, frijoles charros
Pepián de Pollo
Chicken, pepián sauce, seasonal vegetables, MN wild rice
Pescado Pachay
Market fish, potato scales, tomato fume, corn, sundried tomato, capers, olive relish
Wedge
Iceberg lettuce, agave dressing, salsa macha, radish, pork belly, cheese
Jocon de Pato
Tomatillo-poblano stew, onions, cilantro, pumpkin seeds, duck terrine, wild rice pilaf

Tercero

Manzana en Conserva
Poached apple (red wine vinegar, piloncillo, spices), whipped cream, puff pastry
Chocoflan
Chocolate cake, egg custard, burnt caramel
Pumpkin Spice Tart
Squash custard (nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon), pumpkin seed brittle, dried meringue

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Xelas by El Sazon.

4.3

(51)

4.5Food
4.3Service
4.1Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Minneapolis - St. Paul
Innovative
Twin Cities / Eastern Suburbs
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Xelas by El Sazon offers an "amazing dining experience" with "creative, authentic Latin cuisine." Guests rave about the "spectacular presentation" and "unique cocktails." The ambiance is elegant, and the service is "highly recommended." While some mention occasional staffing issues, the outstanding food and innovative dishes make it a "hidden gem."

51 Reviews

S
Susan
Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review
4.0
Dined on 3 October 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Very good food. They were out of a few things. Totally filled up on Saturday night.
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D
Donald Gold
Minneapolis - St. Paul3 reviews
4.0
Dined on 26 September 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
The Latin cuisine was innovative and extraordinary. The dishes we ordered were delicious and plentiful. However, during our Friday evening visit, the restaurant was short-staffed and it showed. Our server was also the host and bartender, and when we needed his attention, he was busy elsewhere. Also, a couple items on the menu were unavailable. We will come back because we loved the food and want to support the restaurant. But management needs to work on a few things if it hopes to succeed.
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L
Lisa Gold
St. Louis6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. Cocktails were creative and yummy. Cheesecake was light and creamy.
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R
Rachel
Minneapolis - St. Paul3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 11 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went to the Chefs table experience. I cannot say enough about how amazing the food was! Great value for the experience. Service was wonderful. Highly recommend.
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B
Brittney
Minneapolis - St. Paul4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 August 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely amazing food. Drinks were tasty. Service was great. Highly recommended!!
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C
Chuck Gold
San Francisco Bay Area6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 July 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very unassuming building from the outside. Inside bright fun, surprising given the outside. We did not sit on the patio, but also a nice spot in cooler weather. Food was the star, great flavor, well executed; you could not ask for a better meal.
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A
Alexander
Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review
2.0
Dined on 18 July 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
I was super excited to Check out Xela. Loved the concept. Found it completely underwhelming. The ceviche was super disappointing, With plain precooked shrimp sitting lazily on a sauce. The Califour Tinga tostada was an absolute mess that amounted to a single mush texture. The Short rib was the highlight but it was ultimately forgettable. The Churrro looked great but we were sad to see it was raw in the middle. Entirely forgettable experience. Stick to your Taco concept. Your flavors are there it just didn't translate to fine dining.
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a
angela
Minneapolis - St. Paul23 reviews
1.0
Dined on 17 July 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
I arrived at the restaurant and there was another couple behind me that arrived at the same time. We were seated at separate tables. Next to me at another table there was another couple seated. I waited patently for someone to acknowledge me or bring water as it was *90+ degrees outside. Both the couple seated a time i arrived and the second were both greeted by their respective servers and bought water and plates tom their tables. I was not acknowledged and i got up from the table spoke with the reception about this and left your restaurant.
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E
Elton
Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review
2.0
Dined on 17 July 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Long wait for food. Had to ask for water. Ask for plates for tacos, ask for the bill
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E
Elaine
Minneapolis - St. Paul4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 July 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Xela’s absolutely provides one of the best meals in Stillwater/Oak Park. So fresh. So well prepared. Ample portions. Excellent value. Very creative as well as authentic. The inside is open and light filled. They also have a small outside area. I’ve been there three times and look forward to going back sometime soon.
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary Latin, Latin American
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 15:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–21:00
Phone number
(651) 571-3170
Website
https://elsazonmn.com/xelas
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Cristian De Leon

Location
1180 W Frontage Rd, Stillwater, MN 55082-1054
Area
Stillwater
Parking Details
Private Lot
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options

FAQs

Yes, Xelas offers a $45 three-course pre-fixe dinner and several special experiences, including the Friday/Saturday 7 PM Chef Bar Omakase and large-format items that require advance booking.

Yes, Xelas has a small outdoor/patio area that guests mention and enjoy, especially in cooler weather.

Yes, families are welcomed: guests report dining with children (one party included two children) and the restaurant has a changing station in the women's restroom.

Casual dress, light, comfortable clothing is appropriate and nothing formal is required.

Yes, Xelas is often chosen for anniversaries and special evenings, with attentive service, creative cocktails, and elevated, beautifully plated dishes.

Xelas by El Sazon feels bright, stylish, and welcoming, guests note Mayan artwork, an open, light‑filled dining room, and carefully plated dishes; some also mention the space can be bright and occasionally noisy when full.

How FAQ content is generated

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Xelas by El Sazon

About this restaurant

Not bookable

There’s more to explore

Additional information

Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Primero

Ceviche

Enchiladas Guatemaltecas

Guatemalan Sausage

Mole

Pepian Verde

Yuca Chicharron

Chuchitos

Segundo

Hilachas

Cochinita

Pepián de Pollo

Pescado Pachay

Wedge

Jocon de Pato

Tercero

Manzana en Conserva

Chocoflan

Pumpkin Spice Tart

Reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

Does this restaurant have any specials deals or experiences?

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What is the dress code for Xelas by El Sazon?

Is this a good pick for date night?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Not bookable