Maya in Portsmouth

Very Disappointing. They entitle themselves as Latin American Food. I’m Brazilian and this is nothing like latin america. The cod and the steak were both tasteless, the rice which is the only dish that has taste, is very oily, greasy… The sweet mash is a disaster. Someone needs to tell them to better study latin american cuisine, especially the drinks, being Brazilian and seeing someone serving Caipirinha with Brown Sugar is a terrible, Caipirinha is made with white sugar! I was expecting way more when I read the reviews. I don’t recommend.

Best restaurant I've been too in some time! The hispi cabbage is probably the best I've ever eaten. Loved everything about this place...I will be back without a doubt

Nice resturant, but food very mediocre. I can't honestly say that there were any distinguishing flavours which made my food choice stand out. It's ashame,as I had high hopes, especially for the price. Atmosphere was ok,but we were sat downstairs in what felt alot like the seller. Some would consider it to be cosy, but it felt a little cramped and somewhat dark. On the plus side, the Cocktails were delicious and the staff attentive, however the whole meal.did feel a little rushed. Im assuming because they wanted us out within the designated time slot,something I dont agree with. It was very obvious that they we're trying to rush things along, as there was this eagerness to clear plates, and at one point, empty plates were being taken away,before the whole table had finished their meals, not at all good, especially for the total cost of the bill and service charge. Unfortunately I have no desire to return. Sorry Maya!

Best vegan food in Hampshire and London that we have had- and that is for many years, since we were last ate here.. Very tasty and good selection. All plant based. We had a brilliant meal here tonight for my husband's birthday and we will be back- it is soooo good. Thank you so much.

Very tasty and unique unusual food. Priced on a bit higher side of scale, but it was tasty and well presented. Service was very good and didn't have to wait for food long - liked that .

In our experience the food was style over substance. The place and the food look great, but it wasn't great to taste. We couldn't eat the tacos (pictured) and no questions asked if anything was wrong when the server took away a full plate. Also pictured: patatas bravas (was okay) and a £9.50 singular carrot with some goats cheese on top. Friends had the steak which was chewy. Wouldn't go back.

Went here for the first Sunday they did roasted and wow. Outstanding the food was incredible. The service was on point and the atmosphere amazing. A table of 11 with children on the first day of a new menu. Take a bow Maya. Can't wait to come back. Honestly one of the best roasts I've ever had.

Fantastic restaurant with lots of choice. Four of us went for dinner and everyone ordered different dishes, every dish was delicious, really fresh ingredients and the service was excellent. Highly recommend.

I've been a regular customer since moving here a couple of years ago and there is a reason this place is top of my list as my absute favourite place to go. So when they added a Sunday Roast to the menu you I HAD to check it out pronto... and wow did they deliver!! They've taken a Sunday roast and elevated it to another level with a huge Maya stamp on it. Every part of it was packed full of flavour unlike any roast I've ever had. Add to that and the atmosphere is always so lovely and every person that works here makes the whole dining experience a very special one every single time! Thanks Maya.... you've nailed it again Hayley

The atmosphere was really lovely and cosy and staff were lovely, but the best thing was the food. Really nice range of dishes to choose from the flavours were so good. Highly recommend for a romantic meal! Only downside was that it was over too quickly.

Great selection of drinks and incredible tasting food and Jonnie was very clued up on allergens and ingredients and was a great help throughout our experience with their contagious charisma.

Fantastic evening throughout! We got the high table and we loved it, getting to see the food preparation and have fun with the chef was great. The staff are attentive but not over bearing, making us feel welcome throughout. The food was delicious, fresh and we felt made with love and care. We look forward to bringing our friends here.

It's a five star review so note that any criticism is small when compared with the entire experience. Pork belly, tuna, pork tacos all very good. Patatas bravas was exceptional; an unexpected style different from any patatas bravas I've had before. Squash maple salad was a revelation with the manchego. Cod was ok but didn't really have anything to say for itself compared with the other dishes. Cocktails were excellent. The banana pie was in a deconstructed style. In retrospect I could have lived without it as it would be very simple to replicate at home but I'm splitting hairs here. The service was friendly and attentive and the environment pretty chic. Would absolutely visit again and I hope they stay booked up so that they can be open for many years to come. When you don't mind or critique the bill you know you've had a really good dining experience.

I had a really great dinner with my girlfriend. The atmosphere was lovely, the staff very nice and helpful, the food was absolutely delicious for a reasonable price. I would love to come back another time.

Delicious and interesting food, fantastic service, and great atmosphere.

Went for my birthday - and as usual this place is phenominal. Great selection of old favourites and new things on the restaurant - all carefully presented and delicately crafted. Chris - owner - has done a brillint job of creating this wonderful restaurant.

Our 3rd visit, by no means our last! The food is unbelievably good, so much variety, so incredibly flavoursome and all cooked to perfection The cocktails are delicious and really nicely presented A fantastic night out every time. Couldn't recommend more highly

We enjoyed a wonderful meal. Although nice I think the deserts could be better.

Very fancy restaurant that has a unique feel and atmosphere. The food is so tasty and fresh! A brilliant treat for a birthday or anniversary.

Booked table couple of months ago for birthday treat, arrived at what appeared to be lovely restaurant, there were a few tables available when we arrived. However we were shown to what only can be described as an unlit cellar No windows, no atmosphere whatsoever, and smelt as it was next to the toilets. This felt like an over flow are for when bus. Warm beer, overpriced and my advice is to steer clear.

Hi all. Little advice about Maya, Portsmouth. Booked 2 months We arrived on time and the restaurant looked lovely. Plenty of empty tables , thought we were going to have a great evening. Then they took us to our table. It was down a set of stairs, though an unlit corridor to a windowsless cellar. It smelt as there was no air down there and next to the toilets. My advice, Maya is to be avoided, unless to like to have your birthday dinner, where beer barrels should live. You have been warned.

I’m a self professed food snob and I have to say Maya was fantastic. Great atmosphere, excellent service and the food was incredible! Lots of flavours, creatively delivered… can’t fault it and would highly recommend and will definitely come back for round two! Thanks for having us!!

We went for a meal in my husband’s birthday, this was our second visit. Food is delicious and great choice of tapas dishes with a twist. Reasonably priced too.

A gorgeous feast for the senses from the delicious food to the cosy atmosphere. The service was excellent even though the restaurant was busy. We enjoyed every part of the meal and the experience.

Really nice chilled and romantic atmosphere, and amazing food. The nikkei belly with the pineapple salsa was one of the best things ive ever eaten, I would and will be coming back just for that.

Fantastic Latin American fusion. Excellent service and great vibe.

Adding to my review from a year ago ! We revisited last night and it was just as good - if not even better food ! Immediately noticeable from the “Nibbles menu” that the food here is something special. We ordered between 2-3 dishes per person (group of 6) and there was plenty ! Creative dishes that are just full of flavour, and love the unique twist on usual favourites like Patatas Bravas. All topped off with THE best spicey margs in town ! Honestly expected the bill to be more - £53 a head incl tip, all drinking and had nibbles, mains and 3 desserts. Keep doing what you’re doing Maya - it’s such a treat to visit you 🙌🍸 Perfect birthday venue ! .. Our group of 16 pre-booked the basement bar for a birthday celebration and couldn't fault the experience. Amazing range of food for all dietary requirements (we had a range in our group incl. veggie and pesc) and portion size is well above the usual tapas style restaurant - we were also given the option to box-up anything left so win-win ! Cocktails are definitely the best quality in Southsea, AND don't take 25mins to make ! A genuinely seamless night all round, the staff just knew the meaning of true hospitality from start to end.

Great selection of food. The ribs were really good.

Lovely cosy restaurant perfect for date night. Great portion sizes. Had great cocktails, katsu cauliflower is divine 💘

Some of the best tasting food in Southsea. Really recommend the banana rum cocktail too

Incredible meal Didn't fully finish any dishes because I wanted to try too many (6) Attention to detail was evident in everything

Had a wonderful time and meal tonight with my other half everything was delicious and service was very friendly. Will definitely be back.

Very nice restaurant in the heart of Southsea. Great combination of Mexican and Spanish tapas style plates. Staff really helpful in recommending combinations and quantities. Would Def visit again. Recommended.

My husband booked here for my birthday eve outing but we were disappointed that we were sat on the high table next to where the food gets brought out. I'm not sure what went wrong as we were quite certain that we had booked a table downstairs. I'm quite particular about where I sit anyway so it just killed the mood a little bit. My mocktail was nice and I enjoyed the food but we didn't feel like we wanted to stop around for long. The vegan options are good.

A real gem. Subtle unassuming exterior, but cosy interior, very friendly and helpful staff, and amazing food. So many tempting veggie plates to choose from which is very unusual for tapas. All dishes well presented, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. Recommend beef chilli ragu, seabass ceviche and verduras. Need to come back to visit Portsmouth and try some of the other dishes on offer.

Absolutely sensational. Really, really, really good food, drinks and service. This has quickly become a firm favourite. Can’t wait to go back!

Great service. Plenty of veggie choices. Simple food prepared and presented beautifully. Pricing is reasonable. We will definitely be back

The food was excellent 10/10! But the service was 100/10! Grace our waitress was so busy with a full restaurant but still had the time to give recommendations, check in with us and make us feel very welcome, thank you Grace!!

Lovely meal again - change in menu from last visit . Still amazing and would strongly recommend Maya

Don't say this often ... but superb. Need to go back to try some other menu items. Had about seven dishes... 2 cocktails and a house red. £120. Funniest surprise was the Green Rice. Oh, the Al Pastor ribs. Get 2 of those.

Very unfriendly atmosphere, staff looks like they don't want to do the job..no imprest about food nether.

I hate to do so, but we have travelled to see this place, walked for 25 mins to get there to be told in not a good manner that "he is done and won't serve us" at 9pm while on Google they close at 11.. well that much for customer service. Thank you

Small plates, over seasoned, loud atmosphere (to the point that the waitress couldn't hear us), and over priced.

What incredible food- this place is a gem for foodies! the menu is made up of lots of small dishes like tapas. We were a group of 4 and we all ordered 2/3 each and shared them. I love this style dining as you get to try so many different meals and tastes and it is very social. Every dish was stunning, full of flavor, textures, beautifully presented, such interesting food - a real tasty treat. The restaurant is beautiful, with dark tones, and lovely lighting - we loved the ambiance. Relaxed service and great cocktails. Very good place for vegetarians, as a good selection of the meals are vegetable based, and done in really interesting and unusual ways (loved the carrot dish) rather than a boring token 'vegetarian meal' that is often added to a menu. The price is good for the quality of food you get. We will be back!

Proberbly the best food in Portsmouth/ Southsea currently

Do you ever eat something and just think…. Wow, so many flavours, so many textures! It shouldn’t work… but it does! This restaurant is amazing, it’s like my tastebuds are in a playground. And it doesn’t stop at the food, the drinks are spectacular also! Forget the popular cocktail bars in southsea, this place should be your new cocktail spot! And thank you to our amazing waitress Cat who was so lovely and made our visit especially perfect. We will definitely be back! <3

The food was overall good. We ordered a few different dishes and discovered some really good ones, which we really enjoyed. We also had a couple of good and ‘ok’ plates. Service was excellent. Really attentive and helpful staff. Well worth a visit

The cocktails were good but the food and atmosphere were disappointing. The tuna and tacos al pastor were bizarre mix of flavours that absolutely didn’t go together. We also ordered the steak which came totally over done, poor quality and smothered in sauce, nothing like some of the pictures. The atmosphere just felt like we were sitting in a room with a bunch of people. Not worth the cost of the meal at all. Poor quality.

I am sorry. I was expecting more from the food. The waitress and the team were great, but the food was nothing from ordinary. Very expensive and not that grear food.

Disappointed as the food standard has slipped. We are local and have eaten here a few times, the last over 1 year ago. Everything is nice, but not exceptional and certainly not value for money. The ‘triple cooked’ belly pork was quite tough and not what we remember. Aubergine quite bitter. We expected more and felt it has become a bit tired and lazy.

Incredible food that was imaginative and well presented. Probably the best meal I have ever had, and also such good value for the quality and the service was amazing. The restaurant was well designed and the atmosphere pleasant. Would 100% recommend to anyone, fabulous.

Very good food. We really enjoyed our meal here, we ordered quite a bit and every plate was delicious (but especially the prawn tacos!), good service and nice wine too. We were in Portsmouth for a night before catching a ferry to France for a few days and Maya was by far the best meal we had on our entire trip.

We arrived for our 6.30 booking and the place was already buzzing. The staff were very friendly, helpful, and attentive. They were all happy and smiling like they were having fun. The four of us chose 9 dishes of corn, ribs, katsu cauliflower, chicken tacos, pork tacos, patatas bravas, aubergine, chips, and pork belly. It was all delicious, although the pork tacos weren't as amazing as the rest, but they were still good. We then followed that with all four desserts, which were incredible. The food is different from other places, which makes it extra special. They were also vigilant for allergies. I ventured downstairs to be nosy, as it was our first time there, and downstairs looked a lot more intimate than upstairs. We want to go back again. For 4 people, 9 dishes, 4 desserts, 1 bottle of Maya wine, and a couple of soft drinks, it came to £160 including service.

Simply wonderful food, nice atmosphere,lovely drinks. Would return in a heartbeat. Every dish we had was really tasty and well presented.

2nd visit to Maya, food is always fantastic. Never had a bad appetiser or main they are all fantastic. Deserts aren't up to the standard of the mains but everything else is great. Staff are always friendly and very responsive when you want to order something else. Price wise is really good for the amount of food you get, definitely worth it!

Stunning food ....portions were a perfect size. Helpful and attentive staff. Great place....new favorite place in portsmouth.

Excellent service and good food.

Absolutely brilliant food such a choice would love to go back again

Dined here with my wife prior to my son’s graduation. Food is exceptional and the service superb.. thoroughly enjoyed and recommend

Great food and excellent service

Food is so delicious and service excellent. It was a very special evening to celebrate a big birthday. The cauliflower steak and bravas were delicious. As was the ragu. Thank you Maya!

Love this place so much. You deserve more stars. Fab food. Great service. Gorgeous cocktails. Cosy setting. Love love love

Have been a number of times now and keep meaning to write a review. Love this place. Everything I have eaten here has been super tasty. Some real standouts the pork belly, the aubergine, the ceviche and the guacamole. Oh and the fries… A really flexible menu which is great when there are different dietary requirements within a group. A lovely atmosphere and great service too.

What’s a beautiful place. The small plates were incredible! I loved them all! Standout was the steak and peppercorn and the tuna! Really nice wine. Outstanding service and staff! An absolute gem and a perfect evening with friends

Service excellent. Food amazing. All was goood

Food is delicious. The cocktail were also very tasty! Good service. Very expensive but nice for a treat. Wasn't so sure on the caramelised which chocolate pudding. Didn't seem to deliver the flavours it promised.

amazing , love this place . food is awesome . staff are wonderful .....but book b4 you go

We were part of a large group which was well catered for by attentive wait staff. We chose a variety of Tapas style dishes to share across the table and the quality and variety of dishes was fabulous

What a find!. Didn't k ow what to expect. Lovely friendly welcome by staff. Service wicked abd excellent. Food, the best food ever tasted. Every meal we saw looked delicious and left us wanting more. Just a shame we live in South Wales. We would be here everyday if we could. When are you expanding ?

A real gem, lovely atmosphere and great service. The real star of the show is the incredible food, there is something for everyone, ranging from vegetable, to fish, to meat. The menu is nice and easy to read with a good selection of dishes. If you live in Portmouth or just passing through, this would be on the top of my list to visit.

First and foremost, the food is excellent, supported by great, friendly staff, and, downstairs, a nice, slightly calmer atmosphere than upstairs.

My first time at this very exclusive restaurant, and it won’t be the last. Simply, excellent food, and service, and the cocktails are to die for. Thank you to the amazing Chefs, and Staff. We will be back.

Remarkably good place to eat. Beautifully constructed menu and cocktail pairings. Subtly lit downstairs making it feel a really intimate dining experience. Highly recommended

Great place, really nice food, a bit pricey but definitely a nice experience

This restaurant is amazing. The food was beautifully presented, quick to arrive and delicious. The service was excellent, attentive and helpful. The bbq carrot was outstanding and the caramelised white chocolate dessert was mind blowing.

We tried this restaurant tonight , having read a review. It was well worth it. Not too expensive and amazing food. We were served by a nice young lad called Connor and a young girl but I didn’t get her name but both very good. I’m not sure if a tip was added to my bill and as I don’t carry cash very often , a well deserved tip didn’t get to the staff.

Great selection of small plates with imaginative ingredients. Good cocktail and wine selection. Seating in booths very cramped so ask for a table with chairs

Amazing food and great service, very accommodating ❤️

We were staying at a band b local to maya so booked and had the best tapas I can remember Unfortunately our table was right next to where all the dishes were having there final touch which made us order more and more food !!! Fantastic place to eat , great vibe , great food , great wine and all well priced , can’t wait to return 👌

Fabulous. On a short 3 day break to Portsmouth I booked here after reading reviews online. Loved it so much we went twice. Food outstanding. Had prawn tacos, patatas bravas, steak, pork belly, to name a few. Great selection of cocktails. We were given complimentary drinks as an apology for service being a little behind, which was a nice touch. Book ahead if you want to eat here as very popular. We were very lucky to be able to go back for a second visit as they were fully booked but had a cancellation. I’d say this is one of the best meals out we’ve had in the UK for a very long time.

Fabulous. On a short 3 day break do Portsmouth I booked here after reading reviews online. Loved it so much we went twice. Food outstanding. Had prawn tacos, patatas bravas, steak, pork belly, to name a few. Great selection of cocktails. We were given complimentary drinks as an apology for service being a little behind, which was a nice touch. Book ahead if you want to eat here as very popular. We were very lucky to be able to go back for a second visit as they were fully booked but had a cancellation. I’d say this is one of the best meals out we’ve had in the UK for a very long time.

We had a brilliant, really tasty vegan meal here. We had the vegan options and really enjoyed them. Well priced and excellent service. Great atmosphere and clean loos too. We will be back for special occasions. Thank you for great meal.

Picked this restaurant as a different choice to usual food options, and it did not disappoint. Combination of flavours was great and tapas sizes meant we could choose so much without over ordering. Staff very informative and helpful, service was great and drinks fabulous. Great value for money, very warm and friendly.

Fabulous meal, beautifully presented and could not fault any of the dishes we tried. The griddled corn and the slow-cooked beef were particularly amazing. Service is friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable, with helpful recommendations. Great cocktails too. We will be back, I'm sure!

The food here was excellent everyone enjoyed it. The passion to serve great plates was obvious. Not enough table staff, but that’s a common issue for most restaurants. They dealt with this really well and even asked if we were ok with the service charge. I’ve never been asked that before and it was a nice touch (we were btw).

Fantastic tapas evening, lovely atmosphere, great service and high quality food. Thanks Maya for a super enjoyable evening.

Always absolutely spectacular dining experience. 10/10 my favourite restaurant in Portsmouth!

We could only get a really early table - 5.30 - so did'nt eat much after breakfast. And we were glad we did as we could try more of this delicious food. It's a bit like tapas, but slightly bigger portions. Waitress v friendly and extremely helpful, and made the experience even better!

Delicious and beautifully presented food, tastycocktails and great service. We enjoyed every bite. Highly recommended.

This was our 2nd visit as friends had brought us to try last year. We knew with friends visiting this had to be the place to bring them. We were greeted by Grace who asked if we had been before but as our friends hadn’t explained the menu. She gave some great recommendations. The food was amazing and service outstanding. Will be back again. Grace is an asset to the restaurant.

Not quite knowing what to expect we arrived at this oasis of flavour to be greeted and seated in a manor which was to set the tone for the evening. Latin Amazing sums up the menu that we were guided through by or server Grace. Great experience all round, quality quantity and value topped with outstanding service. Sadly we don't live locally but we will be back for sure.

Had dinner here last night with friends and it was outstanding. Every dish we had was delicious and lots of interesting flavours. The service and the lady who took us through the menu was also great. We will be back.

We visited Maya for valentine’s weekend and it did not disappoint. Cocktails were amazing with such a big choice. And the vibe of the restaurant, especially downstairs is so different to anywhere else in Portsmouth. Food was 10/10, we had some nibbles to start including the katsu bombes which were insane. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Suitable for couples /friends/ families.

Absolutely gorgeous food: everything was delicious. Particularly recommended Katsu Bomba and Beef Ragu. Friendly and helpful staff, great atmosphere. Wished we lived nearer would love to go again. Best Kir Royale I have ever had too!

Amazing food and fantastic cocktails 5 stars all round. Managed to get a table last minute, food came out quick and fresh. Service was impeccable.

The BEST place to eat in Portsmouth. Amazing food, cocktails and service. Thank you Chris!

Absolutely incredible tapas at Maya. I’d recommend 3 dishes per person and it was all absolutely delicious! The service was excellent and so was the atmosphere.

Booked for 4 with different tastes. The menu is exciting and different. It was fun choosing snd eating. Nice staff. Efficient.

The best restaurant in Portsmouth. I highly recommend it. Please try to have steak, mash, fries, manchego, and cheesecake! It is sooo delicious! The waiters are so kind and friendly. The atmosphere has dim lights which I love it. I shared the bill that I had

Excellent all round. I liked it so much I returned with some other friends the following week and have to say I wasnt disappointed. Great food and service. Probably one of the best tapas bars in Pompey.