Maydan Market — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Would really, really love for this place to do well, but would encourage them to read the reviews and consider some adjustments to their operations:

The landing page of the Maydan website notes the opening hours of 11-10, however that isn’t quite true. All of the vendors, with the exception of the bar in front, are closed for service from 3-5. No food - just a few takeout sandwiches sitting on a counter tray in the sun. That info is buried in the site FAQ and is noted nowhere prominently onsite. What’s more, the QR code POS doesn’t even show the vendors / menus during this period, ie even if you were waiting until 5 to order something you can’t even browse a menu. In terms of the hours: traditional restaurants do need service breaks, but is Maydan not intended to be more of a high end food hall? For an area chock full of young families, it might be practical to rethink continuous hours for some of the vendors - at least on weekends. Late afternoons are often the most lucrative for said audience. If not, why even have the main seating area open during this time? Maydan’s vendor browsing and ordering process is err….unique. They try to mitigate the abstract ordering process and vendor wayfinding with paper signs all over the space, but it’s still confusing and makes you wonder: if it requires that much signage and contextualization and it’s STILL confusing, maybe worth rethinking? One idea: make one of the many staff members roaming around accountable to spend a few seconds greeting people at the front door and giving them a quick overview of things. I saw the owner walking around for 45 minutes while I was there, and not once did she stop to chat or check in with people arriving, despite me and several other couples looking at their phone menus bewildered. To the contrary, the 20+ staff in the market between 3-5 just seemed to be annoyed that people were even there during those hours. Couldn’t even get someone to make eye contact to ask a question, and when I did finally approach the bartender at Compass Rose to ask about food, she seemed equally annoyed Lastly: make a small central service station. Folks shouldn’t need to go to an individual vendor to ask for napkins or extra...

From the moment I walked into Maydan LA I knew I was in for something special. Owner Rose Previte greeted guests with genuine warmth, overseeing every detail to make sure things buzzed smoothly. The restaurant’s design is stunning with vaulted ceilings, richly textured tiles, a massive live fire hearth, and distinct seating zones that shift their mood from high energy bar and grill in front of the flame to intimate corners tucked away for two. It’s rare to find a place that can be lively and romantic under one roof.

We started with their hummus and marinated pickled vegetables. The hummus was beautifully balanced, smooth yet rustic, and paired with excellent warm bread. Then came the chicken skewers, charred just right, fragrant with spices, juicy and generously portioned, one of the best I’ve had in town. Rose had recommended the lamb shoulder from the tawle menu, calling it a standout. She was absolutely right. The slow roasted lamb shoulder, spiced with Syrian seven spice, sumac onions, and fresh herbs, arrived as a grand centerpiece and delivered on every level: rich, smoky, tender, and layered with flavor. It’s the sort of dish you’ll talk about long after dessert.

The wine pairing suggestions from the staff were thoughtful without being pushy, and the service overall struck the perfect balance between professional polish and warm attentiveness. Our server anticipated when we needed bread refreshed, explained each course clearly, and checked in at just the right intervals.

The bar area in front of the open grill is vibrant and social, perfect for a pre dinner drink or a lively evening out. Meanwhile the more secluded side alcoves and tables tucked away from the hearth have a softer, more romantic energy. Between the design, the firelit cooking, and the lively cross section of guests, it feels like LA has finally landed a destination that can handle date night, milestone dinner, or energetic gathering without compromise.

In short, Maydan LA delivers on style, heart, and extraordinary cooking. Rose and her team have created something more than a restaurant. They’ve made a place worth returning to again and again. I cannot recommend it...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A Must-Visit at Maydan Market! 📍 Lugya’h by Poncho’s Tlayudas If you're anywhere near Maydan Market and haven’t tried Lugya’h yet — you're seriously missing out. This new spot from the team behind Poncho’s Tlayudas is easily one of the most exciting things to happen in L.A.’s food scene this year. 🔥 The Food: Absolute flavor bombs. The tlayudas are smoky, crispy, and layered with love. I had the tasajo and chorizo — both phenomenal. Every bite is packed with texture, fire, and tradition. The salsas? Next-level. Smoky, tangy, and totally addictive. Even the sides shine — fresh, punchy, and never boring. 🌽 Authentic Oaxacan flavors with a real fire-grilled soul. It’s clear they’re not cutting corners here — everything feels intentional, bold, and deeply rooted in tradition. 👥 The Vibe & Service: Friendly, fast, and passionate. Staff were super helpful in explaining the menu and recommending favorites. You feel like you're being welcomed into something personal — not just another trendy food stall. The ambiance is warm and rustic, with visible flames and a buzz that makes you want to linger. 💸 Value: Great portions for the price. Quality like this at these prices? Rare in L.A. Definitely feels like you're getting more than what you pay for. ⚠️ Heads-up: It can get busy, so be patient — it’s worth the short wait. And if they ever add mezcal or dessert options? I’m never leaving. Bottom line: Bold flavors, beautiful execution, and heart in every detail. Lugya’h isn’t just a great new restaurant — it’s a new classic. Run, don’t walk. ✅ Would 1000% recommend. 📅 Already planning...