Masala y Maíz
Write A Review
"My Favorite Meal in CDMX"
We decided to take a chance on this restaurant while in the area, and luckily were able to get in as walk-ins after a cancellation. The food turned out to be both delicious and inventive, blending Mexican cuisine with Indian and African influences in a refreshing and creative way. It was a great change of pace after several days of eating tacos and similar dishes. We especially enjoyed the mussels, prawns, and hen, all of which were well-executed and flavorful. Our server, Israel, provided excellent service throughout the meal, adding to the overall positive experience. While the restaurant was quite busy and a bit loud, it was still comfortable enough to enjoy. Overall, a fantastic discovery and highly recommended—definitely worth a visit.
"Underwhelming food"
We had planned to visit this restaurant during our 2024 trip to Mexico City but were unable to secure a reservation, so we made sure to book well in advance for our return this year and were genuinely excited to dine here. The service was outstanding throughout—warm, welcoming, and relaxed—with a clear sense of passion from the team, especially in the way they described each dish and the philosophy behind the restaurant. It was also evident that the owners’ values, particularly around staff wellbeing and fair working conditions, are reflected in the positive energy of the place. The drinks menu was excellent and well-curated. However, the food itself did not meet the expectations created by its reputation following its feature on Chef’s Table. While fusion cuisine can be exciting when done well, this particular menu felt inconsistent and somewhat confused, landing neither firmly in one style nor the other. Although the presentation was beautiful, the flavours and textures did not come together as hoped, resulting in an overall underwhelming dining experience.
"A simply wonderful lunch."
It’s a spectacular spot. Don’t trust the negative reviews that are just there to spite their political views. This spot is a true culinary standout! It’s spotless. The service is impeccable. And the food was innovative, beautifully presented and so memorable. It isn’t for people on a budget but still far less than most Michelin starred spots. We spent $130/couple and that included a bottle of Italian white wine for ~$75usd. We got the chefs choice option where they just brought us food and we devoured it all.
"As delightful as unexpected – India meet Mexico, meet Ethiopia and Kenya – who knew we were waiting for this!"
Located on a modest street lined with supply shops, Masala y Maíz delivers a truly surprising and memorable dining experience, with flavours that feel both inventive and deeply personal to the chefs’ backgrounds. The combinations on the menu are bold yet thoughtful, and the creativity behind each dish shines through in every bite. Standout highlights included the best ceviche we have ever had, elevated with papadam on top, as well as a refreshing watermelon salad with black mustard seeds. The amuse-bouche selection was equally impressive, particularly the peanuts served in a broth that was so good it felt irresistible to drink. The prawns dipped in ghee infused with vanilla were another unexpected and delightful surprise, showcasing the restaurant’s unique approach to flavour pairing. While the space itself is not focused on aesthetics or quiet dining—featuring a lively soundtrack and simple seating—it ultimately doesn’t matter. The food carries the entire experience, leaving us delighted from start to finish. At around $50 per person, it also feels like excellent value for the quality and creativity offered. We would happily return.
"It’s not worthy"
I really wanted to enjoy this restaurant, but unfortunately I don’t think I would return or recommend it. The location is quite inconvenient, with limited parking options and very little atmosphere in the surrounding area, especially with ongoing road construction that makes the environment feel dusty and uninviting. There is also no bar or nearby place to relax before your reservation, which made the arrival experience less enjoyable. Although we arrived early for a pre-dinner drink, there was nowhere to do so. We were seated slightly ahead of our 5:45 pm reservation at 5:35 pm, but were immediately asked to place our food order because the kitchen would be closing at 6:15 pm, which made the entire experience feel rushed from the beginning. While the wine list initially looked promising, most selections were unavailable, and the bottle we first ordered was poor, something even the waiter acknowledged. The replacement wine was only marginally better. The food itself was inconsistent. The peanut appetizer was soggy and lacked flavor, although the shrimp appetizer and carrot salad were enjoyable highlights. However, the main fish dish was disappointing, arriving overcooked and still full of bones despite being described as deboned. Shortly before the main course, we were also asked to place our dessert order as the dessert section was closing, which further reinforced the rushed pacing of the meal, and we ultimately chose not to order dessert. Overall, the experience felt hurried and disorganized, and while a few dishes showed promise, the food and service fell well below expectations.
"Best meal in North America"
This place turned out to be an incredible surprise and easily became our favourite restaurant after spending 10 days in Mexico. The food and drinks were absolutely exquisite, exceeding all expectations from start to finish. Everything we tried was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavour, making the entire dining experience memorable and enjoyable. A special highlight was the mezcal paloma—highly recommended and beautifully crafted, it perfectly complemented the atmosphere and cuisine.
"Innovative and delicious"
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, as many Indian restaurants often lean into familiar “butter chicken” territory—either very good or quite average. However, M&M was a refreshing exception. The flavours were well-balanced and nuanced, with no single spice overpowering the dishes. Instead, there was a thoughtful interplay between Indian and Latin American ingredients and culinary traditions that made the menu feel both creative and intentional. A standout example was the Chile Rellenos, a classic Mexican dish reimagined with Indian spices and techniques, adding depth without losing its original character. The carrot salad was another highlight—light, bright, and elevated with preserved lemon and a gentle heat from fresh chillies, making it particularly memorable. Service was attentive overall, although at times slightly rushed, but this did not significantly take away from the experience. Overall, it was an inventive and well-executed dining experience that showcases a unique culinary perspective and careful attention to flavour balance
"Vibey and hip, but may not be for conservative diners"
This is a highly hyped restaurant, and overall we found it to be fairly good, with innovative flavour combinations that were interesting even if not always consistently successful. Some online reviews may be influenced by the restaurant’s openly progressive messaging, including pro-feminist and pro-Palestine elements found in menus and coasters. While diners are free to have their views, it’s important that feedback remains fair and focused on the actual dining experience, including food, service, and cleanliness. In terms of the food, there were clear highlights. The ceviche stood out as exceptional, and we also enjoyed the chocolate tamale dessert, though it seemed divisive even among diners at nearby tables. Some dishes were more uneven—the mango salad, for example, would have benefited from more acidity in the dressing, while the paratha grilled cheese was rich and comforting but slightly heavy. The accompanying salad, however, was fresh and well-balanced. Service throughout was kind, attentive, and professional, and the restaurant has a lively, “vibey” atmosphere, especially in the smaller front seating areas, which feel more intimate compared to the louder and more crowded main dining space. Overall, while it feels somewhat over-hyped and on the pricier side, the restaurant still offers creativity and quality that justify a solid 3–4 star experience rather than the extremes some reviews suggest.
"It’s a trap for tourists."
The reservation process requires a credit card in advance, and the dining experience is structured around a tapas-style menu where each dish is explained in detail as it is served. However, there is no visible drinks menu with prices, which led to an unpleasant surprise when ordering a glass of Tempranillo wine. A 4-ounce pour was charged at $28 USD, which felt excessive, especially for a wine enthusiast, and far above what is typically expected in comparable restaurants. This lack of price transparency creates an uncomfortable experience and should be improved to avoid surprising guests. While the concept and presentation suggest a premium dining experience, it felt as though the pricing strategy prioritizes profit over clarity. Service was inconsistent, with several waitstaff involved but not all equally attentive. At one point, when I mentioned that a dish had too much vinegar for my taste, the response from one staff member was visibly defensive, and afterward the level of attention declined noticeably. Overall, this affected the atmosphere and hospitality experience. Unfortunately, this visit did not meet expectations, and I would not recommend the restaurant, as it appears to cater primarily to tourists rather than offering a consistently welcoming or transparent dining experience.
Masala y Maíz
A bold and unique restaurant combining Mexican, African, and Indian culinary traditions into one innovative concept. Its “mestizaje” philosophy celebrates cultural diversity through food.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
Read real Masala y Maíz reviews from customers. See ratings, customer opinions and experiences to help you make an informed decision.
Address
https://www.masalaymaiz.com/
Website
https://www.masalaymaiz.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+52 (55) 1313 8260