High-end Mexican that ranks among the city's best.

(646) 461-3203

1191 1st Ave (Between 64th Street and 65th Street)
New York, NY 10021 40.7632 -73.9594

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Neighborhoods: Upper East Side, Midtown, Lenox Hill

RICHARDSANDOVAL.COM

Hours:

Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm

Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 4.16.09

Category:

Restaurants, Lounges

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Happy Hour

Restaurant Special Features:

Margaritas, Happy Hour, Food Delivery, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene

Cuisine:

Mexican

Special Offers

Editor's Tips

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What People Are Saying About Maya

The Owner

Maya

Owner

At Maya, Chef Richard Sandoval combines authentic Mexican flavors and innovative culinary techniques to create the signature dishes for which he has been recognized as Bon Appetit's Restaurateur of the Year, Mexico's Toque D'oro and the Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine. In the dining room and Tequila Bar & Lounge, enjoy hand crafted margaritas or choose from Maya's selection of over 100 fine Tequilas.All night, every night -$3 Tequila Bar & Lounge Menu -Tacos, sopes, ceviches and more...Happy Hour daily from 5-7PM -$5 Margaritas & Latin Cocktails

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Pastel walls decorated with folk art and glass shelves lined with silverware create a tastefully festive atmosphere. The dining room feels intimate but is actually quite large--nooks and crannies are dotted about everywhere. Service is variable: sometimes excellent, sometimes merely adequate. – – The Food – Richard Sandoval creates haute takes on familiar standbys, and invents a few of his own creamy confections, too. In the former category, quesadillas stuffed with cheese and zucchini blossom are soft and crunchy, while mole poblano features unusually…

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
Maya boasts more than 100 tequilas and a selection of excellent margaritas. Steer clear of the sangria, though; the mix is too heavy on wine.
The Extras:
Maya can host up to 40 guests and create a custom menu.
Save Money:
Daily Happy Hour at the bar serves $6 Margaritas, $4-6 cocktails, wine, and beer and $5-$6 bar snacks.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “Definitely one of my favorite restaurants, "Maya" has great food, a energetic atmosphere (without being too noisy for conversation).”
  2. “The decor is lovely, the food was scruptious, the service was great - prompt, not pushy.”
  3. “We had heard about a few places but we wanted something that was fun and good quality.”
  4. “Great mole poblano, great chipotle prawns, fun atmosphere, effective margaritas (not chintzy on the tequila!)”
  5. “Great food, great atmosphere, interesting presentation.”
  6. “V. nice atmosphere”
  7. “The space ( I was told ) was just redesigned, it is simple, cozy and has a great mexican feeling.”
  8. “The decor and ambiance here were damn good.”
  9. “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.”
  10. “If you a looking for a cozy mexican place to have a date or family night Maya is where you got to go.”
  11. “The ambience was good - it was a Friday night around 830pm and the place was crowded (wouldn't recommend for 1st dates or a romantic evening, but great place to go before going out).”
  12. “The ambiance is great (there wasn't an empty seat in the house).”
  13. “If you want great food in a great atmosphere then this place is for you.”
  14. “the decor is also enticing from the bar scene back to the dining area.”
dessert
80.0% positive
  1. “The drinks, food and desserts were all terrific.”
  2. “When the bill arrived, I almost fell out of my chair when we each owed over $70 and did not order appetizers or desert.”
  3. “All in all, a good dining experience, but try to stay away from anything with cream.”
  4. “had a great pork dish and a chcoclaty dessert.”
  5. “the chocolate flan and cholocate mousse are excellent.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “While the drinks were delicious, they were definitely over-priced.”
  2. “The drinks were good but the food definetly too pricy for what it really is.”
  3. “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.”
  4. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
  5. “the decor is also enticing from the bar scene back to the dining area.”
  6. “They also have a great bar to get some drinks - the fresh fruit margaritas and mojitos are amazing!”
  7. “went to Maya last night after reading reviews here, and the food and drinks were awesome!”
  8. “The drinks, food and desserts were all terrific.”
food quality
91.78000450134277% positive
  1. “my friend raved about the carnitas maya, if you like pork.”
  2. “The drinks, food and desserts were all terrific.”
  3. “could probably purchase more flavorful sauce in a can at Food Emporium.”
  4. “The food is excellent.”
  5. “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.”
  6. “The drinks were good but the food definetly too pricy for what it really is.”
  7. “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.”
  8. “It is rated the Best Mecixan food in the city for a reason.”
  9. “Definitely one of my favorite restaurants, "Maya" has great food, a energetic atmosphere (without being too noisy for conversation).”
  10. “Richard Sandoval's cuisine is outstanding!”
  11. “Almost a perfect meal.”
  12. “The food was bad, the service was bad.”
  13. “The food was good, but nothing exceptional.”
  14. “If you want great food in a great atmosphere then this place is for you.”
  15. “Great food, great atmosphere, interesting presentation.”
  16. “Unfortunately, all of this good food and noise doesn't happen cheaply.”
  17. “The food was very flavorful and rich in spices.”
  18. “went to Maya last night after reading reviews here, and the food and drinks were awesome!”
  19. “They also have a great bar to get some drinks - the fresh fruit margaritas and mojitos are amazing!”
  20. “the langosta y camarones was an excellent dish for lobster lovers but may be a little skimpy on the lobster.”
  21. “Excellent food”
  22. “have never had such innovative Mexican cooking - the food was creative and delicious.”
  23. “The oyster appetizer was very flavorful as well as the shrimp entree however is was cold.”
  24. “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”
  25. “This place has delicious up-scale Mexican food and a nice selection of tequilas.”
  26. “The food was good, too.”
  27. “Their homemade hot sauce is excellent!”
  28. “had a mango-lime margarita, which was also very tasty.”
  29. “My husband loved his chicken dish as well.”
  30. “good mexican food (and lots of it)”
  31. “Plus the sauce was a flat gray which made the presentation look grim.”
  32. “The mole was served over chicken that was too dry.”
  33. “Some dishes can be a little expensive.”
  34. “Very good food.”
  35. “Tried someone elses skirt steak--tasty.”
  36. “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!”
  37. “While the drinks were delicious, they were definitely over-priced.”
  38. “Oh Maya god, this food was rich”
  39. “Loads of seafood and a delicious sauce.”
  40. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
  41. “love Mexican cuisine and frequently make trips to various joints offering such.”
  42. “The food is really good, but wait just unnecessary.”
  43. “tasty food but small portions”
  44. “know my beef and that was a good cut of skirt steak.”
  45. “The Tuna entree was delicious but the appetizes were just ok.”
  46. “The food is delicious as”
  47. “Creative Mexican dishes that are not so typical in Mexico.”
  48. “The decor is lovely, the food was scruptious, the service was great - prompt, not pushy.”
  49. “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.”
  50. “had a great pork dish and a chcoclaty dessert.”
  51. “the food is ravishingly fabulous mixing both mexican and spanish flavors.”
  52. “The food was delicious and my wait staff was so friendly.”
  53. “The food is not authentic , if you want authentic mexican you have to go to those mexican dives in an urban neighborhood.”
  54. “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.”
  55. “Yummy food”
  56. “had been to Maya a few times over the years and remembered the food was good and the restaurant was very busy.”
  57. “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.”
  58. “We were looking for good mexican food that wasn't just your run of the mill mexican food.”
  59. “the steak was very good, tenderly cooked medium rare and served with a spicy lime sauce.”
  60. “The food is not pretentious, if you have been to Mexico, you will know what I'm talking about.”
  61. “the restaurant is loud but the food is good.”
  62. “I'm not much of a foodie, but my boyfriend is a chef, and he loved all the creative flavors in those dishes.”
  63. “The place was very crowded usually it is a good indication that the food would be worth the delay.”
  64. “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.”
  65. “I've always opted for shrimp/lobster/tuna entrees enjoyed my meal each time.”
  66. “Lobster and shrimp is my favorite dish and I hope they will bring back the pipian de puerco.”
  67. “The food is creative and wonderful.”
  68. “However, do not come hungry and order the Pork dish.”
  69. “Their food and service was excellent as well as the portion sizes being perfect.”
  70. “My friend's seafood medley was good, good, good.”
  71. “THis open and spacious restauarant has a long menu of some unique dishes.”
  72. “The margharitas were very tasty and overall it was a good experience.”
  73. “Have had just as good food at less expensive Mexican restaurants found in Central Manhattan.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “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.”
  2. “Good menu selection.”
  3. “The appetizer sampler is great because it give you a chance to sample different options.”
  4. “Maya's menu was very impressive and I was pleasantly surprised to find out the meals were just mouth watering!”
  5. “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.”
  6. “This place has delicious up-scale Mexican food and a nice selection of tequilas.”
  7. “THis open and spacious restauarant has a long menu of some unique dishes.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “If you want great food in a great atmosphere then this place is for you.”
  2. “If you are looking for a good Mexican in the UES this is the place to go.”
  3. “We were hoping for a good Mexican dinner at a nice restaurant, but were completely disappointed.”
  4. “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.”
  5. “The ambience was good - it was a Friday night around 830pm and the place was crowded (wouldn't recommend for 1st dates or a romantic evening, but great place to go before going out).”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “Our server was friendly but very professional - he worked well in the energetic space - I will definitely go back.”
service
90.20000457763672% positive
  1. “The decor is lovely, the food was scruptious, the service was great - prompt, not pushy.”
  2. “Our server was friendly but very professional - he worked well in the energetic space - I will definitely go back.”
  3. “The hostess even tries to sweet talk you to not make the wait seem as bad, but quite frankly the wait is BS!”
  4. “My server was very good.”
  5. “service is good considering the busyness of the restaurant.”
  6. “At least, the staff was nice.”
  7. “The service is also great.”
  8. “The food was bad, the service was bad.”
  9. “Overpriced and bland, but friendly service”
  10. “One bright spot in the dinner was the attentive and friendly staff, eager to refill our water glasses and bring more chips.”
  11. “The service was excellent.”
  12. “There were calm friendly people there to see to our needs and make sure we were happy.”
  13. “The service was very attentive and prompt.”
  14. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
  15. “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.”
  16. “The food was delicious and my wait staff was so friendly.”
  17. “Their food and service was excellent as well as the portion sizes being perfect.”
value
72.22000122070312% positive
  1. “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.”
  2. “tasty food but small portions”
  3. “Have had just as good food at less expensive Mexican restaurants found in Central Manhattan.”
  4. “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.”
  5. “prices were totally reasonable.”
  6. “For less money, one could enjoy a perfectly fine dinner at Rosa Mexicano or Mi Cucina.”
  7. “The place was very crowded usually it is a good indication that the food would be worth the delay.”
  8. “Some dishes can be a little expensive.”
  9. “But the people were very nice and friendly, and the food and drinks were worth it.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “THis open and spacious restauarant has a long menu of some unique dishes.”
3 Star Rating: Average

06/04/11

Good mexican food

by love27 at Citysearch

I went with my boyfriend and we like the food and the manager Zulima was very nice to us.

thanks

3 Star Rating: Average

03/23/10

Hip Mexican Restaurant

by ajk1 at Citysearch

I had a 30% off coupon from Blackboard so decided to check this place out with my sister. The ambience was good - it was a Friday night around 830pm and the place was crowded (wouldn't recommend for 1st dates or a romantic evening, but great place to go before going out). The food was good, too. Nothing to write home about, but it was good. Service could've been better, though. I know it was a busy Friday night, but the restaurant needs to increase wait staff to account for increased activity. I would go back to this place, but wouldn't necessarily crave it.

  • Pros: Trendy ambience, food
  • Cons: service
4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/09/09

lovely experience

by marrrio at Citysearch

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
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/27/08

tasty food but small portions

by enick at Citysearch

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
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/11/08

mexican in a different way

by vzones at Citysearch

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

The Details on Maya

Place Categories:

  • good upscale mexican food
  • excellent service
  • great mexican place
  • amazing fresh fruit margaritas
  • great overall experience
  • good little mexican
  • favorite chicken dish
  • great fun atmosphere
  • favorite restaurant
  • nice wait staff
  • terrific drinks
  • incredible guacamole
  • friendly people
  • nice fine dinner
  • creative flavors
  • delicious homemade hot sauce
  • very good server
  • great pork dish
  • good menu
  • delicious mexican meal
  • less outstanding quesadilla
  • outstanding mexican cuisine
  • gem plato maya
  • nice evening
  • well portioned pescado ala veracruzana

Message from Maya

  • Chef Richard Sandoval
  • Modern Mexican Cuisine
  • Margaritas & Fine Tequila

At Maya, Chef Richard Sandoval combines authentic Mexican flavors and innovative culinary techniques to create the signature dishes for which he has been recognized as Bon Appetit's Restaurateur of the Year, Mexico's Toque D'oro and the Father of Modern Mexican Cuisine. In the dining room and Tequila Bar & Lounge, enjoy hand crafted margaritas or choose from Maya's selection of over 100 fine Tequilas.

All night, every night -

$3 Tequila Bar & Lounge Menu -

Tacos, sopes, ceviches and more...

Happy Hour daily from 5-7PM -

$5 Margaritas & Latin Cocktails

Maya

Happy Hour Daily: 5-8PM

Join us at the Tequila Bar and Lounge for a complimentary hand crafted Margarita Maya. Also enjoy a $3 Bar and Lounge Menu and $5 Margaritas & Latin Cocktails.

Maya - 1191 1st AveNew York, NY10021 - (646) 461-3203

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