Maya

Had dinner at Maya last month and had a lovely experience. The food was delicious and my wait staff was so friendly. I felt at ease, welcome and had a great dinner. I Highly Recomment It.

Pros: food,staff

Came here for a friend's birthday. It was damn tasty ... had the seven course meal ... although the portions looked small I still was stuffed (which I wasn't expecting from a place like this)

The decor and ambiance here were damn good. Probably won't come here again any time soon (a bit cost prohibitive) ... but will definitely keep in mind for a special occasion.

Pros: food

Cons: small portions,pricey

we tried this restaurant because we had beedn to zengo in dc, and we liked it a lot. first aand foremost try to make reservations before you go. when you get there try the plato maya, not bad to get a sampling of three. The picadillo de atun is very good and plenty. the ostiones sandoval are excellent. my friend raved about the carnitas maya, if you like pork. the pescado ala veracruzana is excellent and well portioned. the pato ahumado will make you like duck, if you never tried it before. the langosta y camarones was an excellent dish for lobster lovers but may be a little skimpy on the lobster. the chocolate flan and cholocate mousse are excellent. try the chocolate expresso, you can't go wrong. the restaurant is loud but the food is good. stay away from the sangria, it is very weak. the prices are a little high if you indulge in liqour. if you have a good meal and one bottle wine or a couple drinks for two people with a desert expect to pay about 60 to 75 per person, considering the high quality of food and attentiveness of the staff, and of course the fusion style of the food. this place should be on your angenda but not too often.

Pros: excellent food, service, unique

Cons: loud, prices, small tables

I had been to Maya a few times over the years and remembered the food was good and the restaurant was very busy. In fact, I always wondered why Rosa Mexicano has expanded to several locations when Maya serves comparable food. My dining partner and I ordered a pitcher of Sangria for $38. Although the sangria was quite nice at first taste, the after taste was bitter. Plus, the small pitcher (approaching carafe size) was filled with large chunks of ice and fruit. It seemed as though half of the beverage was not even liquid. We ordered the guacamole and chips. Again, rather expensive for $13, and a bit heavy on the onions. One bright spot in the dinner was the attentive and friendly staff, eager to refill our water glasses and bring more chips. For the main course I had the lamb shank. It was smothered in a gravy-like sauce with minimal flavor. I could probably purchase more flavorful sauce in a can at Food Emporium. Plus the sauce was a flat gray which made the presentation look grim. The accompanying vegetables were unremarkable, either stiff or soggy. While eating this meal I began to feel nauseous, as if the ice in the sangria or water was not clean, or the sauce had an unintended "ingredient".

As I felt myself getting ill, we skipped desert. The bill was over $120, not including tip. I will not be going back. For less money, one could enjoy a perfectly fine dinner at Rosa Mexicano or Mi Cucina. Although given the popularity of Maya, I doubt that my experience will be considered typical.

Pros: Attentive, friendly service, nice decor

Cons: Overpriced, bland food

I've always avoided this place because of the crowded bar tables you see from the outside, but last night we decided to venture inside because we really felt like some Mexican spices. I was so happy to see a beautiful, relaxing room. There were calm friendly people there to see to our needs and make sure we were happy. That's so unusual in Manhattan.
The margarita was mediocre. The guacamole was very good and the chips were great. My lobster entree wasn't good. There was one tiny peice of lobster in the whole dish. The flavors were good, but I think they should leave it off the menu if they're not going to put some lobster in it. My friend's seafood medley was good, good, good. Loads of seafood and a delicious sauce.
Nice bathrooms.
So, I guess I'm saying I'd like to go back but I won't get the lobster. I'm happy to have discovered this place finally.

Pros: professional staff and beautiful dining room

Cons: where the heck is the lobster???

The food is although expensive is very tastey and has some kick to it. The guac is a bit disappoints (this Dos Camino's has better) but the entries are away containing new items and flavors. The service was quick and the place was busy. My only complaint is that it was very loud in there and it was tough to hear people next to you. In the summer they open the bay windows but cut the AC as a result so if you are in the back it may get a little warm.

I came here last night with my husband after I read the reviews. In all honesty it was overrated and overpriced. I oredered the Tampiquena entree which was "filet mignon". I know my beef and that was a good cut of skirt steak. $29.00 for that. The guace and chips were not a good size. The waiter recommeded the chicken breast for my husband and prmised him it was not dry. It wasnt dry- it was extremely dry! The food is not authentic , if you want authentic mexican you have to go to those mexican dives in an urban neighborhood. I was so dissapointed I did not want dessert , I just wanted to go home all the way to Rockand County. It was not worth the trip.

Pros: cute restaruant, attentive busboy

Cons: overpriced, not that authentic

I went to Maya for the second time last Saturday night. The ambiance is great (there wasn't an empty seat in the house). We had a reservation and were seated right away. The food is excellent. I highly recommend the pescado a la veracruzano (red snapper) or the tampiquena (filet). Well worth the price.

Pros: Great food, warm atmosphere

Cons: a bit loud

I stopped by Maya last Friday night and am thrilled to have discovered this neighborhood spot. I have never had such innovative Mexican cooking - the food was creative and delicious. We also had top notch margaritas. Our server was friendly but very professional - he worked well in the energetic space - I will definitely go back.

Pros: warm, welcoming atmosphere

3 of us went at 7:30 on a Saturday night without a reservation and were seated in about 30 minutes. The restaurant was full and with good reason. The drinks, food and desserts were all terrific. Each of us had different meals and we all loved our choices- chiken in mole, swordfish special and tamiquena with potatoes. I am usually afraid of mole sauce, but this was wonderful- not bitter or medicine tasting. One friend wanted to lick her plate - we allowed her to do it when it came to the chocolate mousse dessert. Guacamole and quesadillas for appetizers are recommended also. Drink, apps, meals, 1 dessert ran 3 of a total of $200 before tip. I will definitely be back.

Pros: We were shuffled around a bit between tables, but were comped the appetizer

I went to Maya last night after reading reviews here, and the food and drinks were awesome! I highly recommend this place. I am vegetarian, and there was just one vegetarian option but it was so tasty. My husband loved his chicken dish as well. The food was very flavorful and rich in spices. The only downside is that there is a wait inspite of making a reservation. I made a reservation and still had to wait for at least 20 minutes. But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it. I had a mango-lime margarita, which was also very tasty. I will probably go back there - probbaly only because it is very far from where I live. FYI, the place is very loud and full. Also, a tad expensive - 2 margaritas and 2 entrees with 1 order of quacamole came up to $102 with a tip, which is still fine for NYC.

Pros: Friendly people, good food and drinks

Cons: Very expensive

took my boyfriend out for dinner on his bday (7/31) and we had the guacamole which was chunky and tasty, tacos de camaron al pastor (delicious), empanadas de costilla (didnt care for it much), and we split the carnitas maya which was awesome, the pork was so juicy. we mentioned to the waiter that it was his bday and they brought out a flan for him on the house which was really sweet. i really enjoyed this place, and i think i like it better than its sister, Pampano. i'll be back.

Pros: food, service

Their food and service was excellent as well as the portion sizes being perfect. Also the ambiance was stellar.

This place has delicious up-scale Mexican food and a nice selection of tequilas. It's a bit pricey though, so be prepared for that if you decide to go.

Pros: Great food

Cons: Price

We had a weekend reservation and were at table w/i 5 min. Good atmosphere, bit noisy, but not too loud. Margaritas good. sangaria not as bad as reviewed... Best guacamole ever! Snapper was excellent tho the pepper wasn't stuffed fully. Good menu selection. Watch out, servers will bring 2nd glasses of marg/wine w/o asking and charge bill if not careful. Other than that it was excellent. Would go back. Didn't think it was terribly expensive for the quality of food.

Went there on a weeknight. The service was excellent. Food was great. The margaritas were especially good! Definately try those.

not the best Mexican I have had and very noisy. The Tuna entree was delicious but the appetizes were just ok. Its a little far away so I would not go back. The drinks were good but the food definetly too pricy for what it really is. Would rather go back to Rosa mexicana

i came here friday for restaurant week dinner ($35pp). the place is very loud and the tables are really close together. the atmosphere is more boisterous than romantic. service is good considering the busyness of the restaurant.

once seated, we were asked if we wanted to start with guacamole & chips ($11). they dont make it tableside like they do at rosa mexicanos but they do have a guacamole station where the waiter pounds the stuff out. we asked for medium spicy, which ended up to be very spicy so watch out! the guacamole was really good though, with chunks of avocado and well-seasoned with chilis & lime juice. the chips were salty, crispy, and thick-cut (perfect for dipping).

we opted for the restaurant week menu. we started off with scallops & duck quesadilla. the scallops were slightly grilled, warm, and very buttery. the quesadilla was less outstanding i couldnt taste the duck and the goat cheese was slightly overpowering. however, the tortilla skin was hot & crispy. for our main courses, i had the monkfish & my bf had the skirt steak. the fish was ok, fresh but more on the bland side. the steak was very good, tenderly cooked medium rare and served with a spicy lime sauce. dessert was chocolate flan (no choice here), drizzled with caramel sauce. it was ok, but not good enough for me to finish it as i was stuffed by this point.

overall, i had a good experience and would like to come again for their regular fare. i had a quick look at their normal menu, and prices were comparable to rosas, so expect to pay at least $50pp during non-restaurant week.

Pros: guacamole, service, steak

Cons: really loud, cramped seating, expensive

I went on a weeknight around 10pm. Ok, you could say this place is cozy with tables around corners and nooks but it is also exceptionally loud. Don't go there on a first date and expect to have a meaningful conversation! That said, the food is very nicely prepared. Portions are large and (too) satisfying. My server was very good. She asked if we wanted some guacamole - mild, medium or hot, to start. Sure, & hot. A large portion arrived and it didn't seem at all hot so I asked for some hot sauce. Their homemade hot sauce is excellent! I usually like to ask what they recommend or what the house signatures are. After gorging on the homemade guacamole and chips and this being my first visit, I opted to try the appetizer sampler (seafood poblano, veggie quesadilla & cornmeal covered chicken). It was really delicious and filling. Almost a perfect meal. Unfortunately, all of this good food and noise doesn't happen cheaply. Be prepared to spend, especially if you drink. I would certainly go back, but sparingly.

If you a looking for a cozy mexican place to have a date or family night Maya is where you got to go. They also have a great bar to get some drinks - the fresh fruit margaritas and mojitos are amazing!
The food was extraordinary, all flavors reminded me of my childhood in Mexico; presentations are something I have never expected to see in Mexican cooking, kind of elegant. The flavors are very well balanced - not too spicy no too cuminy - just right! PLEASE order the queso fundido - it is a delight! and NEVER ever live the place without ordering the TRES LECHES for dessert, I've never tasted anything like that - wanna have it every day!!!

Pros: great tasty food, cozy, good service

If you are looking for a good Mexican in the UES this is the place to go. The food is not pretentious, if you have been to Mexico, you will know what I'm talking about. It is full of flavor, chiles are used in many different ways and there is a variety of choices on the menu, from pork, lobster and shrimp to vegetarian entrees. The margaritas are awsome ( easily addictive ) , the tequila selection is one of the best in the city. The space ( I was told ) was just redesigned, it is simple, cozy and has a great mexican feeling. I don't recommend you go with kids, but I recommend it for an after work drink.

Pros: great drinks, great ambiance, excelent music

Cons: not good for kids

I've walked past this little place many times, and finally went after work for a drink or town with friends. While the drinks were delicious, they were definitely over-priced. For an appetizer, he recommended a "sampler platter" that wasn't listed on the menu - but he said it included three appetizers that he pointed out for me. I ordered, I ate, I choked when I saw that this plato pequeno cost a whopping $38 - which is a lot for a girl on a budget! I have never in my life paid that much for an appetizer, I can't imagine what it is like to have a full meal there. All in all, I think this restaurant is trying to milk its hype as an "authentic Mexican" restaurant - while you can get a much better meal at one of the other hundreds of places in the city.

Pros: Good drinks

Cons: Expensive and beyond, Cramped bar

I had passed by Maya a thousand times, being that I live in the area. I met some friends for drinks. I found Maya had an amazing selection of Tequilas. The margaritas are top notch. We had some appetizers at the bar. I highly reccomend the seared tuna and the Chile relleno. Ive been back to the bar a couple of times since then, cant wait to sit down and dine..

Pros: Home made margaritas, Lively atmosphere, knowledgable staff

Cons: Waking the next morni

Since having a drink at Maya a few years ago I had always wanted to eat here and so I made a reservation through this website. This is definitely recommended for a Friday night as the place was hopping at 8.15pm and we started on a drink at the bar before our table was ready. Service was fine and the food delivered in reasonable time given the crowd, but for the price I was disappointed. The food was good, but nothing exceptional. The drinks were the high point, a strawberry margharita was delish and the tequila I ordered came with a spicy tomato juice chaser which was intriguing.
Good for people watching, fun with a crowd, but much better if you're not paying!

Pros: People watching, Drinks

Cons: High Price

When I arrived with my friend, we were told we'd have to wait 10-20 minutes. An hour later, we were still standing (or, rather, getting bulldozed by customers and waiters in the "waiting area") while EVERYONE we'd arrived with had been seated already. The hostesses LIED multiple times when we inquired about the wait, promising "you're next" only to call multiple parties before us. They were rude, condescending, and unapologetic - never once did we receive even an insincere "sorry for your wait".

When we finally were seated at our cramped table, we practically had to read each other's lips it was so loud. When the bill arrived, I almost fell out of my chair when we each owed over $70 and did not order appetizers or desert.

Bottom line - Nobody cares how good your guacamole is when your employees can't be bothered to treat customers with respect.

Pros: who can remember?

Cons: rude hostesses, unbelievably loud, EXPENSIVE

Richard Sandoval's cuisine is outstanding! Excellent ceviche + quesadillas. Al seafood dishes are exceptional, with lots of "kick."

"Happy hour" drinks + appetizers are a bargain.

Pros: Space age Mexican

Cons: Noisy

Maya has a great choice of drinks and unforgeable food. The best thing for the apps is the chili relleno. Other than that, the ceviche and the quesadillas is very good!!!!!!!!!! Lobster and shrimp is my favorite dish and I hope they will bring back the pipian de puerco.

Pros: romantic, great food, great wine selection

Cons: table sizes, heavy spanish pronoun, unfriendly busser

Maya is no hidden gem of value, but if you're looking for a delicious Mexican meal, an attentive but not intrusive waitstaff, and a delightful atmosphere - you'll find it here.

I thought I'd hate this place after reading all of the neg. reviews. The place wasn't bad at all--actually pretty good. I had the restaurant week prix fixe special: hamachi ceviche, some kind of salmon, and flan. Tried someone elses skirt steak--tasty. No major issues with seating party of 5 w/reservations. However, had drink at bar before dinner and they overcharged us.

We were looking for good mexican food that wasn't just your run of the mill mexican food. We had heard about a few places but we wanted something that was fun and good quality. After a few friends suggestions, we went to Maya. It was a little crowded at the door, but had great energy and color. We waited about 10 minutesf for a reservation, but it was well worth it. They had this great pineapple flavored margarita, I swear it must be the best one I ever had. I'm not much of a foodie, but my boyfriend is a chef, and he loved all the creative flavors in those dishes. Try the the truffle oil in the tamal. Ask for Claudia, she's the tall one.

Pros: fun colors, great food, cute crowd

Cons: , reservations, small bar

Drove down from upstate, Wanting to try an upscale mexican restaurant during restaurant week. It was a choice between Dos caminos and Maya. Maya had a higher Zagatz rating so we opted for Maya. Ended up NOT choosing the fixed price menu. It was way to limited and for a few dollars more, girlfriend and i opted for what we would prefer. Price would have been about the same except we were "conned" into purchasing bottled water. Even though friendly and efficient, we couldn't quite understand the broken English spoken by the waiter. Therefore the $7 bottle of water. Food was tastefully prepared. However, do not come hungry and order the Pork dish. Very skimpy with the serving. Have had just as good food at less expensive Mexican restaurants found in Central Manhattan. If you only have time for one Mexican restaurant in NYC, try another.

Pros: Good food, Friendly

Cons: , crowded

Definitely one of my favorite restaurants, "Maya" has great food, a energetic atmosphere (without being too noisy for conversation). The service is also great. I recommend the tamal al chipotle (a chicken tamale) appetizer, as well as the langosta y camarones (lobster and shrimp) and the costillas de cordero (grilled lamb chops) entrees. And all the margaritas I've had so far have been amazing here! It's a bit on the expensive side, but a great way to splurge for a night in a trendy restaurant without snobby attitude.

Pros: food, atmosphere, service

Cons: bit pricey

THis open and spacious restauarant has a long menu of some unique dishes. I had a great pork dish and a chcoclaty dessert. The margharitas were very tasty and overall it was a good experience.

tried twice. both times the food was average. certainly no match for Rosa's, and less tasty than Dos Caminos too. let's face it, it's tough finding good mexican in this city. Very good water glass refilling though!! Every time I took a sip, it got refilled. I tried just making motions toward the water glass, and he would react. He's fast!!

Pros: water glass filling

Cons: food, uptown stuffy

If you want Mexican food, go to another restaurant. The food was definitely not worthy of being called Mexican food. The tortillas were hard & tasted as they had been frozed & then warmed for serving. The mole was served over chicken that was too dry...and so on. At least, the staff was nice.

Great food, great atmosphere, interesting presentation. The service was very attentive and prompt. We had a great experience there. I would go back!

Great mole poblano, great chipotle prawns, fun atmosphere, effective margaritas (not chintzy on the tequila!). Try the Mayapolitan - better than a cosmo for sure. Friendly hostess, efficient service. The Mexican hot chocolate (I think it is called Chocolate de Abuelita or similar) is to die for. I am a Mexican food snob and think the only good Mexican food is made in Mexico or select locations in Southern California and I thought this place was great for high-end stuff. Don't expect down-and-dirty old school Mexican food though. Hostess was extremely accommodating when we arrived an hour early for our reservation.

Pros: FOOD yum!, Accommodating

It's interesting to see negative ratings on a place that I had such a great experience with. The decor is lovely, the food was scruptious, the service was great - prompt, not pushy. I was with family that are super tough customers - and they concurred. The lambchops were phenomenal, as were the goat cheese crepes for dessert. And don't miss the guacamole!!

Pros: Great Food, Interesting Decor, Great Service

Cons: Noisy, Pricey (But worth it)

The food is creative and wonderful. The best (we had a lot of seafood) Mexican I've had- even better than Rosa Mexicano. Unfortunately, it is a bit loud inside.

Pros: great food

Cons: loud

I had reservations yet the hostess searched for my name for 15 minutes. We ordered drinks at the bar but were seated before we received them. The bar tender told me canceling the order wouldnt be a problem, yet 15 minutes after having ordered drinks at our dinner table, she came over with those we had ordered and a bill. Seated at a table so close to two other couples that if we had lifted our elbows we would have had to apologize, we also had to deal with four drinks on our table. The food arrived and mine was dreadful. My fiance, who eats anything, couldnt touch it. Upon the waiter noticing that I had only had one bite of my food, he cleared it from the table. He took off the charge of one drink to compensate. Please, I beg you: Dont waist your time or money.

Good Food. Not your typical Mexican Restaurant. Creative Mexican dishes that are not so typical in Mexico. It is worth a try if you are in the mood to try new dishe. Some dishes can be a little expensive. Definetly fine Mexican cuisine and not your mom and dad mexican restaurant. I think the dishes were more americanize and not as authentic.

The food was bad, the service was bad. The only thing that was good was the Margaritas.
Better off going to a traditional Mexican restaurant and saving $60.

I went to Maya this past Friday night. I usually go to Mex Rosa's on 60th & 1st but wanted to try something different. I had a 8:45 reservation and wasn't seated until 9:20. The place was very crowded usually it is a good indication that the food would be worth the delay. The oyster appetizer was very flavorful as well as the shrimp entree however is was cold. This is certainly not the best Mexican I've ever had. I was very disappointed with the guacamole. It wasn't made tableside like Mexicano Rosa's and not as tasty. Maybe it was a off night but I feel too expensive to hope for a better experience the 2nd time. Sorry I'll stick with Rosa's! Aprilann

Pros: Great sangria

Cons: parking, crowded, cramped tables

delicious! i went late night on a tuesday and the entire waitstaff was professional and perfectly at hand. the food was gourmet and beautifully presented - not to mention the taste was out of this world. prices were totally reasonable. it was small and romantic - great for a date. my suggestions would be this sweet corn soup for your appetizer and the filet mignon entree - they are very descriptive with their ingredients but dont let that scare you - whatever it is they put in all mixes up into one fabulous dish! although gourmet - it is perfectly propotioned so you leave pleasantly plump! try a margarita too - very smooth.

I am a regular, 91 -2x per month), and the staff is very personable. I often just go to the bar for appitizers and/or dessert and people watch. I often leave my choices up to the staff, and they have NEVER disappointed me yet.
If you go say hello to Claudia at the bar. Great People

Pros: Bar is GREAT, Staff is personable, My Favorite in NYC

The food at Maya is a Meixcan dream. Each dish is well prepared and exquisitely presented. The decor is lovely, and the service is well-informed and efficient. There is no comparison between Maya and the other "Haute Mexican" places in the city (read Rosa Mexicana, Calle Ocho, etc.). Maya wins hands down, on every category. Be sure to try the Pico de Puerco, you won't be sorry.

Pros: Haute Mexican Food, Terra Cotta Hued Room

this is definately one of my wife's an my very favorite restaurants in the city.......sometimes a little too loud but the food.... oh the food. exceptional food---------too bad so many people discovered it

Pros: food, unique, ambience

Cons: loud

Reservation was at 8, didn't get a table untl 8:45. It's almost like I just walked in without a reservation. The food is really good, but wait just unnecessary. Too crowded by the door - you feel like you're gonna get run over by waitstaff every 2 mins. The hostess even tries to sweet talk you to not make the wait seem as bad, but quite frankly the wait is BS!!!

Pros: good food

Cons: RIDICULOUS wait