Amaya Modern Mexican — Restaurant in Paradise

I had high expectations dining at Amaya, given the impeccable reputation of the Cosmopolitan, but unfortunately, this experience was a disappointment from start to finish.

We arrived at 1:30 today (Subday) without a reservation and requested a lounge table. Of the three tables available, we were told one was ready, one needed to be cleaned, and the third was reserved. The hostesses initially assured us we would be seated at the second table in from the entrance once it was cleaned - it had better views of the tv's. However, moments later, we witnessed a guest at the bar (without a reservation) inquire about a lounge table. One of the hostesses attempted to seat them at the first table, but the guest pointed to the very table we were promised.

In a confusing turn of events, the hostesses offered us the first table from the entrance that was cleaned instead, claiming the other guest had a reservation for the table we had been waiting on. If that were true, why were we told we would be seated there in the first place? The lack of organization and communication among the staff was glaring, and it left us standing awkwardly, questioning the process.

When we were finally offered the clean table, I asked for a moment to confirm with my boyfriend if it would work for watching a TV. In seconds, the third hostess gave it away to another party, again claiming they had a prior reservation. If that were the case, why offer the table to us at all?!

Frustrated but determined to give the restaurant a chance, we opted to sit at the bar. This, too, was chaotic. We waited 28 minutes for complimentary chips we didn’t even know to expect lol. Our drinks arrived after two other couples who sat at the bar well after us. The female bartender appeared overwhelmed, openly venting to coworkers about being understaffed and seemingly unprepared. We ordered drinks and food at the same time, ten minutes into sitting down, yet by the 45–50-minute mark, we still hadn’t received our food. At that point, I requested the check, deciding I no longer wanted our entrees. Ironically, the food arrived minutes later, but the damage was done.

Despite the apology from the bartender, the lack of management presence was disappointing. At a minimum, the manager should have acknowledged the situation. Our drinks weren’t comped, and the overall experience fell far below the high standard we’ve come to expect from the Cosmopolitan.

It’s worth noting that this restaurant is newly opened, but that doesn’t excuse the disorganization, lack of communication, and poor service we experienced. Compared to the stellar service we received at every other restaurant this weekend, Amaya was a glaring miss. I will never recommend this restaurant and will not...

Had lunch at Amaya with my wife. One of the bartenders suggested we try the restaurant as she had a good experience and raved about the food.

We went during their brunch hour, so the menu was limited.

We started with their guacamole. It was very one-note. I make guacamole often, and this one just lacked seasoning. The avocado was buttery and delicious, but I couldn't taste the lime, onions, or salt, so it was not what I expected.

I had the Flor de la Pasión margarita, and my wife had the Fuego y Hielo margarita. I preferred hers—the presentation and flavor really delivered. Mine was somewhat bland. I expected it to be sweeter or to wow me in some way, but it did not.

We settled on something simple and safe: we both had their carne asada plate. The meat was tender, well-seasoned, and flavorful throughout, with some sort of chipotle marinade accompanied by a grilled onion, sweet pepper, and chimichurri. I passed on the onion, but the sweet pepper and chimichurri were fantastic accompaniments to the asada. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We had a side of their Spanish rice, Mexican street corn, and charro beans. The corn was the star of the three—packed with flavor, and every bite delivered a punch. The rice, while good, was nothing special; it didn’t surprise my taste buds in any way, but it was well-cooked and seasoned. The charro beans were flavorful and met expectations, but they perhaps didn’t hit as well because the staff forgot to bring them out with the rest of the food. We had to ask twice to get them, and they were delivered halfway through our meal, which was disappointing.

The service was good and attentive.

The decor reminded me of being in a restaurant at a Mexican resort—very tan and tropical. The centerpiece of the restaurant reminded me of a school of fish. The price is slightly high for what you get, in my opinion, but I will likely go again. My wife enjoyed it. I'm often critical of high-end Mexican food, but I was not disappointed...

First impressions are everything! FYI they have a strict 15 min cancellation policy if you arrive late. Which is understandable because it’s busy. Hostess/staff in front were unwelcoming and not particularly friendly- and to me… customer service is important. Our waitress however was sweet kind and attentive! We were seated by the bar and I’d recommend to request a table in the back room for the aesthetics. There’s a show with fire dancers and that kept it lively and interesting.

Now. On to the food. Although the churro tree looks amazing- don’t do it. Highly disappointed. Way too much cinnamon sugar, and fried dough but not much filling or softness in the inside.

Our table ordered a variety of items- appetizers included octopus and oysters Rockefeller. Octopus was dry/burnt and salty. Average at best. Oysters were not impressive. Alot of breading, cheese and not a satisfying dish. I could barely eat one.

Food- Taco salad was massive. Carne asada was a solid dish. Comes with chimichurri sauce that was tasty. Scallops- spicy warning if you’re sensitive to that. Super flavorful, cooked well. There was rice with ingredients baked in like pieces of jalapeño and it was good but also salty- this dish was very filling. I left there very full- maybe too much. Tacos were average I assume.

Good vibes for a fun night out with the girls. I wouldn’t particularly recommend for the food alone. Decent but not exceptional. Minus stars for the service and stank attitude at the front. I feel other reviews on Google were being overly generous- maybe because of the vibes and guests that aren’t as...