MARACAIBO — Restaurant in Union City

5-Star Review for Maracaibo

I had an absolutely spectacular experience at Maracaibo and can’t stop thinking about how perfect the evening was from start to finish. Everything from the moment we arrived to the final farewell felt thoughtfully curated and genuinely guest-centric.

Service Alex Valencia** was beyond amazing. From the moment we sat down, he exuded warmth, attentiveness, and a remarkable amount of knowledge about the menu and pairings. He anticipated our needs before we even realized them—refilling drinks without being asked, recommending dishes tailored to our preferences, and sharing little stories about the ingredients and origins behind each plate. His troubleshooting for a dietary preference without compromising flavor was flawless: he suggested alternative preparations that maintained the integrity and style of the dishes we loved. He checked in at just the right intervals, offering gracious pauses between courses so we could fully savor the experience. Alex’s genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine and for ensuring we had a memorable night shone through in every interaction. He treated us like VIP guests and left us feeling warmly cared for long after the check was settled.

Food The menu showcased a masterful balance of bold flavors and thoughtful technique. Every course felt intentional and cohesive with the overall dining narrative. Star dishes included [insert standout dishes if you know them], each delivered with precise execution: vibrant textures, harmonious seasonings, and impressive presentation. The pacing was perfect. Courses arrived in a rhythm that allowed us to appreciate the artistry without feeling rushed, and the kitchen’s timing was consistently on point.

Venue The venue is truly stunning—an atmosphere that feels both inviting and refined. The interior design, lighting, and acoustics contributed to a warm, celebratory mood without being stuffy. The dining room offers a sense of intimacy while still feeling expansive, and the ambient music complemented our conversation rather than competing with it. The bar area deserves special mention for its chic vibe and the bartender’s flair—great craft cocktails and carefully chosen wine pairings that elevated each course.

Overall Experience From the welcome to the farewell, the entire Maracaibo experience was elevated, professional, and joy-filled. The staff’s attentiveness, the cuisine’s sophistication, and the venue’s beauty combine to create a rare, memorable evening. If you’re looking for a dining experience that excels in hospitality, flavor, and atmosphere, Maracaibo is a standout choice and definitely a 5-star destination. We left inspired by the care and passion evident at every touchpoint, and we’re already planning our next visit to relive this special night.

Recommendation Highly recommend asking for Alex Valencia by name when you book for an extra layer of personalized service. Consider the tasting menu or chef’s specials to truly savor the kitchen’s breadth and depth. If you have dietary needs or celebrations, share them in advance; the team is incredibly accommodating and will tailor the experience to you.

In short: Maracaibo delivered a flawless, memorable evening. Five stars all the...

Stepping into MARACAIBO Restaurant felt like coming home. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and an inviting atmosphere that instantly transported us to Venezuela. The lively music, cozy decor, and the mouthwatering aroma of freshly made arepas set the stage for an unforgettable meal.

The menu features all the Venezuelan classics, and I couldn't resist starting with the tequeños filled with white cheese. They were perfectly paired with a side of pink sauce. For the main course, I had the pleasure of trying Asado Negro, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This classic Venezuelan dish was prepared to perfection, showcasing deep, rich flavors that made every bite unforgettable.

The beef was slow-cooked to absolute tenderness, coated in a glossy, caramelized dark sauce that balanced sweetness and savory depth beautifully. The sauce had just the right amount of richness, complementing the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the meat.

Of course, no visit to a Venezuelan restaurant is complete without trying an arepa. I went for the Reina Pepiada, a creamy, well-seasoned chicken and avocado mix inside a perfectly grilled corn pocket.

I couldn’t leave without trying their signature drinks, and they did not disappoint. Each cocktail was expertly crafted, bursting with tropical flavors. "Cepillao" cocktail is a creative and refreshing twist on the traditional cepillado, which is Venezuela’s version of a shaved ice treat, similar to a snow cone. This cocktail combines the icy, fruity flavors of a cepillado with the kick of Ron Diplomatico. Every sip was a delight. The bartender truly deserves an award for their skill and creativity!

For dessert, I couldn’t pass up their churros, which were golden, crispy, and paired with rich chocolate and dulce de leche sauce.

Beyond the food, the service was top-notch. Our server, Daniel, treated us like family, going above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. The service was friendly and attentive, with staff happy to offer recommendations and share the story behind each dish. The prices were reasonable, especially considering the generous portions.

Overall, MARACAIBO delivers an authentic taste of Venezuela with every bite. Whether you're familiar with Venezuelan food or trying it for the first time, this place won’t...

I had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant due to poor communication and the unprofessional attitude of one of the owners, Greyly Boscan.

I reserved the event hall over a month in advance for my husband's birthday. When I first booked, the host assured me that I could use the large hall for my 25 guests with no issue. However, just one week before the event, the owner rudely informed me that the hall could not be rented for less than 40 people. Instead of taking responsibility for their mistake, she simply gave me three last-minute options: take the small hall (which was too small), pay for 40 guests, or get a refund. No apology, just attitude, as if this was my fault instead of theirs for failing to properly inform their staff.

The problems didn’t stop there:

I arrived one hour before the event, and the hall was not ready—the floor was dirty, and the windows and mirrors were foggy. They only started cleaning 30 minutes before the event, and guests arrived while they were still wiping down the mirrors. The parents of the birthday honoree (both over 70 years old) arrived 15 minutes early and were not allowed to enter just because it wasn’t exactly 5:00 PM. The restaurant offers music service through a tablet. I repeatedly asked the manager if I could log into my Spotify or YouTube account to play my playlist, and he always said yes. But 10 minutes before the event, the owner suddenly told me I couldn’t do that and that if I didn’t use their account, the whole system would be disconnected. Why tell me this at the last minute? That being said, I want to acknowledge that the waitstaff was nice, the food was good, and the sound system worked well. The manager even called me the next day to apologize. However, this whole situation could have been avoided if the owner had properly communicated with her staff from the beginning. Instead, I was met with zero accountability and a rude attitude from someone who should be setting an example for...