Maya — Restaurant in Portsmouth

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with my dining experience.

I decided to give the place a try after hearing several recommendations and driving past it numerous times. I figured, why not? Let’s give it a go.

We were greeted pleasantly at the door, though there was a minor miscommunication at the start. That aside, the service throughout the evening was good—friendly and attentive.

Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite live up to expectations. I spent around £70 for five dishes and two non-alcoholic drinks. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Coconut Prawn Taco – The highlight of the meal. Nicely cooked, fleshy prawn paired well with the salsa, onions, and accompaniments. A solid 4/5.

Al Pastor Ribs – A real letdown. They looked great and were slow-cooked to a soft texture, but lacked flavour. The BBQ mezcal sauce tasted like the pre-packed kind you get from a supermarket. Wouldn’t order again. 2/5.

Nikkei Belly – Just average. Fried pork belly with sauce. The fatty parts were extremely crispy, while the meat was quite chewy. Tasted okay, but nothing special. 2.5/5.

Sea Bass Ceviche – Disappointing. Possibly the worst version of this dish I’ve had. Lacked balance, the accompaniments didn’t work, and the sea bass itself was barely noticeable. Not worth the price. 1/5.

Maple Squash Manchego Salad – Nicely put together and tasted good. Probably the second-best dish of the evening. Could’ve used more of each ingredient to really shine. 2.5/5.

All in all, it was a quick and pleasant enough visit. I’m glad I tried it, but I don’t see myself returning.

The decor is stylish and distinctive, staff are friendly, and the location is convenient with plenty of parking and the option for a nice walk afterward. But for me, it's missing the key ingredient that makes a restaurant truly memorable: standout food.

Worth trying once—just don’t buy too much...

So firstly I have to say the staff member looking after us was highly attentive and took pride in what she did, she was always keeping the area clean and it really showed. The decor is certainly one that would be great for a romantic meal or a lovely catch up, and the food tasty which garnered it 3 stars. However the reasons it wasn't a five where simply due to how the meals impact my economical position. The price for the tapas wasn't to bad but the portion size for some of the meals where to small or could have done with an addition to make them more appealing. There are some dishes worth there price and even there size such as the garlic quesadillas and steak (which was well prepared and melt in the mouth). The pork belly (beneath the greenery) was worth every penny including have atleast 4 pieces each to be able to share. The pork rinds although a decent size where (not to the chefs fault) just to oily and stale in taste. It is a hard thing to get rid of when they are puffed so it left a very unsavoury taste. I would avoid them on the menu at all costs. Keep in mind as a customer where inflation is increasing and restraunt prices are higher for cost of ingredients this mean cost us £41-£46 and was shared between 2 which is not alot when you are faced with a hungry tummy. I believe any customers would benefit from paying the extra and going for vegetable sides or a dessert as well. Furthermore for the restaurant to keep going up in these trying times I would reccomend you look into joining to good to go where you can get rid of your surplus food and potentially incorporating a dish of similar size to the pork rinds that can be eaten throughout.

I hope Maya stays for its unique dining experience and warm atmosphere. I say give it try for a couples night or a different way to spend your night drinking...

Maya is one of those places that instantly feels inviting. The lighting is warm and low, the décor has a stylish Latin touch and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between lively and intimate. The menu focuses on Latin American tapas style dishes, which makes it perfect for sharing and trying a bit of everything. We started with garlic quesadillas and jalapeño fritters, both fresh and full of flavour. The aubergine al horno was rich and comforting, the avocado tacos tasted fresh and vibrant, and the seafood stew was hearty with a gentle spice that lingered just enough. Portions are generous for tapas and the plating is as appealing as the taste. The cocktails are another highlight, crafted with care and presented beautifully, with plenty of variety for different tastes. Service is friendly and attentive, with the team happy to recommend dishes and explain flavours. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful and feel just as thought out as the meat and seafood choices. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and the overall experience makes it easy to see why people keep coming back. It is a place that works well for a date night or a relaxed evening with friends, and I am already thinking about what I will order on...