Mayan Kitchen — Restaurant in Sunnyvale

4 stars - Tapas! A good vegan/veg friendly option if you want to try a little bit of everything without breaking the bank.

Went around noon on a Saturday and were able to secure a choice table outside - noticed it really picked up about half an hour later, but the service remained prompt and friendly despite the rush. Ordered the Strawberry Hibiscus Iced Tea, one appetizer (Yucca Fries) and three tapas (Pollo Salbute, Pollo Bao Bun, Vegan Empanada) and a dessert (Coconut Plantain Ice Cream Sundae) and it was enough food for two decently hungry people.

Strawberry Hibiscus Iced Tea - 5 stars. Highly recommend! Perfect amount of sweet.

Yucca Fries - 4 stars. A bigger portion than I expected, plus the fries themselves are cut large and very filling. We ordered the thin version because we wanted the fries crispier, and they delivered. They went well with the chipotle aioli dip.

Pollo Salbute - 3.5 stars. Really lovely presentation, and the corn tortilla was crispy and perfect, but it had less flavor overall than I expected, and even the pickled onions and salsa were very mild.

Pollo Bao Bun - 3 stars. The bun was too sweet for my taste, and there wasn't enough filling - or the filling there wasn't as explosive as I wanted it to be.

Vegan Empanada - 4.5 stars. Not sure what the vegan filling was exactly other than it was TASTY! The chipotle aioli drizzled on top made it messy and meant that what you tasted first was a big hit of the aioli, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Perfect size, great flavor.

Coconut Plantain Ice Cream Sundae - 5 stars. Star of the show by far. Overwhelmed by how good this was. Great to share, but you won't want to!

Service - 5 stars. All the servers were really attentive and friendly. We never felt rushed even when tables started to fill up.

Overall a very pleasant experience, would go back to try some of the other plates. Docked a star because I do think the food caters to a more American palette instead of being authentic as advertised, and the chipotle mayo on and in everything we ordered was kind of a downer. But you have to go try it if only for...

Title: A Marvelous Mayan Culinary Experience in Downtown Sunnyvale

Review: I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mayan Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant heart of Sunnyvale. This charming locale is surrounded by a lively outdoor street scene, where one can revel in the festive ambiance of numerous bars, wine bars, and other restaurants that offer delightful outdoor seating.

From the moment we stepped in, we were met with an exceptional level of service. The hostess and servers truly set the standard high with their efficiency, swift service, and most importantly, their warm and friendly demeanor. Their hospitality left a memorable impression and contributed significantly to our overall dining experience.

Our gastronomical journey at the Mayan Kitchen was truly impressive. The dishes we savored were not just good, they were outstanding. Each dish had its unique twist and showcased a tantalizing blend of flavors that left us craving for more.

We started with the Vegan Bun Bao, a dish that deserves a solid 5/5 for its innovative take on vegan cuisine. The Eggplant Roll followed next, which was equally delightful and earned a strong 4.5/5. The Mayan Hot Chocolate, a signature drink, was a rich and indulgent treat, albeit a tad sweet for our palates, and we'd rate it at a 4/5. Last but certainly not least, the Shakshuka was an absolute hit, a true 5/5, with its warm and hearty flavors leaving a lasting impression.

Mayan Kitchen offers a vibrant atmosphere, top-notch service, and a superb menu with ample vegan choices. Standouts include the Vegan Bun Bao, Eggplant Roll, and the unforgettable Vegan Plantain Salbute. Commendable staff attentiveness, evidenced by prompt return of forgotten keys. A must-visit gem in downtown Sunnyvale.

In conclusion, Mayan Kitchen offers a wonderful blend of a festive atmosphere, stellar service, and a culinary experience that's simply hard to resist. Whether you're a local or just passing through Sunnyvale, this restaurant is a must-visit. Give it a go, and you'll likely find yourself recommending it to others, just as I...

ALERT! Today was our second visit to Mayan Kitchen in 2 months. Sitting across from one another, we asked, WHAT TOOK US SO LONG? We met the Executive Chef - Ed today, what a delight and master of his craft. Katie was there today as well, and remembered us at first sight. The food here is exceptional. I did not indulge in taking photos today, instead, I let my belly focus on nourishing it with the scrumptious foods. Beef Empanadas, Churrasco Beef Tacos, Conchinita Pibli (beyond fabulous), Yucca Fries, Quesapollo Tacos, and the ultimate of them all, POLLO PIBLI. A must, a must to return in a couple of weeks. What are you waiting for?

More napkins please! Wow. We live in Sunnyvale and have been wanting to try Mayan Kitchen for a couple of months now. Today was it. We met the lovely Katie (presumably a business partner) who gave us some insight into the Mayan Culture and Cuisine. We decided to indulge with 2 Pan Fried Crispy tacos each, (1 chicken and 1 pork), the 3 dip and chip platter, one Beef Empanada and 1 each, Soft chick and pork tacos. Well, well, well, the food was exquisite. Spices, herbs and flavors all well balanced with a bit of earthiness. If you are in to hot sauce - you need to ask, but be careful, even the mildest out of three will burn a hole through the tablecloth. We were so impressed, we actually ordered a Chicken lunch to go! When we got home, we tasted a bit of everything in the to go container. Delicious once again. We are now planning a pre-Christmas lunch with family and friends. Thank you Katie and Mayan Kitchen for opening here in Sunnyvale. We look forward to being...