Standout tacos
Chicken, shrimp, short rib and soft-shell crab tacos are repeatedly singled out, with the chicken and short rib versions drawing especially strong praise.
Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval - Dubai
Dubai Marina
Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval is a contemporary Mexican restaurant in Dubai Marina, with indoor and outdoor seating in a hotel setting. Reviews make the tacos and ribeye fajitas stand out, while Saturday brunch adds live music, dancers and drink packages for a more celebratory visit.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
1,087 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Excellent fajitas
The ribeye fajitas are a consistent highlight; one long-time diner described the marinated meat as tender enough to melt in the mouth.
Lively brunch
Saturday brunch combines Mexican dishes with dancers, singers, live stations and drink packages, creating a festive experience without feeling overly chaotic.
Outdoor setting
The terrace looks onto hotel gardens with palms, peacocks and a walkable route towards the beach; winter al fresco dining is especially appealing.
Warm service
Several reviews describe attentive, welcoming service, including staff who explained dishes clearly and adjusted drinks to guests' preferences.
Easy parking
Self-parking and plenty of spaces were specifically appreciated, which is useful when visiting a hotel restaurant.
Fresh guacamole
The guacamole is a reliable order, with one review highlighting the table-side preparation as an enjoyable part of the meal.
What to Eat at Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval - Dubai How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval - Dubai, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval - Dubai got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 9
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Margaritas Net +6
“The tacos were bursting with flavor, the margaritas were perfectly balanced, and the service was attentive and warm.”
Positive 6Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tacos were bursting with flavor, the margaritas were perfectly balanced, and the service was attentive and warm.”July 2025
“The cocktail selection is impressive, especially the margaritas.”August 2025
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Ceviche Net +3
“While the tacos and ceviche are tasty, the real heros are the desserts on offer.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“While the tacos and ceviche are tasty, the real heros are the desserts on offer.”March 2024
“Short rib tacos were to die for, and the best ceviche we've had in 2 years in Dubai.”September 2022
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Nachos Net +3
“Best place to have Authentic Mexican food in Dubai. We tried their signature dishes on tacos, nachos, quesidella, guacamole and margaritas. Nice ambience and good courteous staff.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Best place to have Authentic Mexican food in Dubai. We tried their signature dishes on tacos, nachos, quesidella, guacamole and margaritas. Nice ambience and good courteous staff.”July 2021
“Starter Chicken Tacos and Nachos were flavourful (9/10).”September 2023
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Churros Net +2
“We had the churros after but instead of asking for regular chocolate, we asked for the salted caramel sauce from the crepe cake with it. This combo was an absolute winner, highly recommend.”
Positive 4Negative 2
Review excerpts
“We had the churros after but instead of asking for regular chocolate, we asked for the salted caramel sauce from the crepe cake with it. This combo was an absolute winner, highly recommend.”December 2021
“The kids can’t get enough of the churros.”October 2021
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Chicken tacos Net +2
“The Chicken tacos were amazing and also the steak Fajitas were the best I ever had. I highly recommend you go there and try both of those.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Chicken tacos were amazing and also the steak Fajitas were the best I ever had. I highly recommend you go there and try both of those.”April 2026
“Starter Chicken Tacos and Nachos were flavourful (9/10).”September 2023
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Grilled lobster Net +2
“Grilled lobster 🦞 tops off the main course.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Grilled lobster 🦞 tops off the main course.”February 2026
“🌟Ceviche, Nachoes, Tacos & grilled Lobster, Chicken beef &Churros live stations all very delicious”June 2024
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Margerita Net +2
“🌟Great mocktails, Margerita, Pinacolada, Mojitos we try it all our favorate is Margeritas🍹”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“🌟Great mocktails, Margerita, Pinacolada, Mojitos we try it all our favorate is Margeritas🍹”June 2024
“Visited in december, was very happy with the food and coctails, maybe music was too loud for a cosy evening dinner but anyways it didn't make things any worse as the staff was welcoming. I will go back next time. Especially I loved their Margherita”February 2026
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Short rib tacos Net +2
“Short rib tacos were to die for, and the best ceviche we've had in 2 years in Dubai.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Short rib tacos were to die for, and the best ceviche we've had in 2 years in Dubai.”September 2022
“This time we went for the short rib tacos, the soft shell crab tacos, the tuna guacamole and the ribeye fajitas. All starters were great but the real winner was the ribeye fajitas.”December 2021
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Tres leches Net +2
“Top tip- don’t miss out on the tres leches cake… it’s pretty epic!”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Top tip- don’t miss out on the tres leches cake… it’s pretty epic!”February 2024
“The tres leches (vanilla sponge cake, evaporates and condensed milk) and maya colada (coconut sponge cake, coconut sorbet, pineapple, passion fruit gel and berries) are the heros of the men.”March 2024
Honorable mentions (19)
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12 Taco platter Net +1
“We had the 12 taco platter and the pitcher of margarita, which were proceeded by frozen margaritas as an aperitif.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the 12 taco platter and the pitcher of margarita, which were proceeded by frozen margaritas as an aperitif.”February 2025
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Bandeja de carne Net +1
“My husband picked Bandeja de carne that included beef ribeye, chorizo and was very happy with the choice.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My husband picked Bandeja de carne that included beef ribeye, chorizo and was very happy with the choice.”October 2021
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Brisket wrapped in corn or flour tortillas Net +1
“Chicken, brisket, and lamb wrapped in corn or flour tortillas (in the pictures) are highly recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Chicken, brisket, and lamb wrapped in corn or flour tortillas (in the pictures) are highly recommended.”July 2025
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Choco-flan Net +1
“When it comes to Desserts- do try Choco-Flan; a mix of cinnamon ice cream, chocolate cake, neopolitan flan, and chocolate sauce on the side. If it wasn’t for the calories we would’ve gotten another one!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“When it comes to Desserts- do try Choco-Flan; a mix of cinnamon ice cream, chocolate cake, neopolitan flan, and chocolate sauce on the side. If it wasn’t for the calories we would’ve gotten another one!”July 2025
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Chocolate flan Net +1
“Dessert Chocolate Flan was 10/10 so flavourful and rich.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Dessert Chocolate Flan was 10/10 so flavourful and rich.”September 2023
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Fajitas Net +1
“Outstanding Tacos, amazing Fajita, highly recommend”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Outstanding Tacos, amazing Fajita, highly recommend”July 2026
-
Guacamoli Net +1
“🌟Guacamoli and some other yummy mexican delights live cooking going arround ta bles”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“🌟Guacamoli and some other yummy mexican delights live cooking going arround ta bles”June 2024
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Kimchi pancake Net +1
“The kimchi pancake was delicious, the BBQ setup was great, and the whole place had a very nice vibe.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The kimchi pancake was delicious, the BBQ setup was great, and the whole place had a very nice vibe.”May 2026
-
Lamb wrapped in corn or flour tortillas Net +1
“Chicken, brisket, and lamb wrapped in corn or flour tortillas (in the pictures) are highly recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Chicken, brisket, and lamb wrapped in corn or flour tortillas (in the pictures) are highly recommended.”July 2025
-
Mariscada Net +1
“I had mariscada - seafood dish with cilantro rice and loved it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had mariscada - seafood dish with cilantro rice and loved it.”October 2021
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Maya colada Net +1
“The tres leches (vanilla sponge cake, evaporates and condensed milk) and maya colada (coconut sponge cake, coconut sorbet, pineapple, passion fruit gel and berries) are the heros of the men.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The tres leches (vanilla sponge cake, evaporates and condensed milk) and maya colada (coconut sponge cake, coconut sorbet, pineapple, passion fruit gel and berries) are the heros of the men.”March 2024
-
Quesidella Net +1
“Best place to have Authentic Mexican food in Dubai. We tried their signature dishes on tacos, nachos, quesidella, guacamole and margaritas. Nice ambience and good courteous staff.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Best place to have Authentic Mexican food in Dubai. We tried their signature dishes on tacos, nachos, quesidella, guacamole and margaritas. Nice ambience and good courteous staff.”July 2021
-
Ribeye fajitas Net +1
“This time we went for the short rib tacos, the soft shell crab tacos, the tuna guacamole and the ribeye fajitas. All starters were great but the real winner was the ribeye fajitas. The marinade was perfect and the meat was just so tender, absolutely melts in your mouth.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“This time we went for the short rib tacos, the soft shell crab tacos, the tuna guacamole and the ribeye fajitas. All starters were great but the real winner was the ribeye fajitas. The marinade was perfect and the meat was just so tender, absolutely melts in your mouth.”December 2021
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Shrimp tacos Net +1
“The environment and service was good! The best thing I ordered was the shrimp tacos. Also wished they had mor varieties of tequilla. Overall its a nice place to stop in and grab a bite to eat”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The environment and service was good! The best thing I ordered was the shrimp tacos. Also wished they had mor varieties of tequilla. Overall its a nice place to stop in and grab a bite to eat”February 2022
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Shrimps Net +1
“I liked guacamole, shrimps, and beef. Actually, everything was delicious, just as usual people have their best favorites, so I mentioned mine.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I liked guacamole, shrimps, and beef. Actually, everything was delicious, just as usual people have their best favorites, so I mentioned mine.”June 2023
-
Spicy guacamole Net +1
“The spicy guacamole, el cactus margarita and Churros were our favorite!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The spicy guacamole, el cactus margarita and Churros were our favorite!”March 2021
-
Steak fajitas Net +1
“The Chicken tacos were amazing and also the steak Fajitas were the best I ever had. I highly recommend you go there and try both of those.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Chicken tacos were amazing and also the steak Fajitas were the best I ever had. I highly recommend you go there and try both of those.”April 2026
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Taco tuesday packages Net +1
“We visited Maya and tried the Taco Tuesday packages. You can’t go wrong with any of the Taco’s selections.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We visited Maya and tried the Taco Tuesday packages. You can’t go wrong with any of the Taco’s selections.”July 2025
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Tuna guacamole Net +1
“This time we went for the short rib tacos, the soft shell crab tacos, the tuna guacamole and the ribeye fajitas. All starters were great but the real winner was the ribeye fajitas.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“This time we went for the short rib tacos, the soft shell crab tacos, the tuna guacamole and the ribeye fajitas. All starters were great but the real winner was the ribeye fajitas.”December 2021
Drinks 3
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El cactus margarita Net +1
“The spicy guacamole, el cactus margarita and Churros were our favorite!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The spicy guacamole, el cactus margarita and Churros were our favorite!”March 2021
-
Pitcher of margarita Net +1
“Made a reservation by accident during cinco do mayo friday and was served with special menu combo of soft shell tacos and a pitcher of margaritas - all so yummy!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Made a reservation by accident during cinco do mayo friday and was served with special menu combo of soft shell tacos and a pitcher of margaritas - all so yummy!”May 2023
-
Sangria Net +1
“We ordered prawns, fajitas and chimichanga. Food was good and so was the sangria.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered prawns, fajitas and chimichanga. Food was good and so was the sangria.”April 2023
What to Avoid (3)
Food 3
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Donuts Net −1
“Maya’s brunch was great. Customer service is excellent and main food was good. Desserts were average and donuts were not fresh. Aside from this, we had a great experience.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Maya’s brunch was great. Customer service is excellent and main food was good. Desserts were average and donuts were not fresh. Aside from this, we had a great experience.”January 2026
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Enchiladas Net −1
“Disappointed by the enchiladas which were not quite matching the description and tasted rather bland.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Disappointed by the enchiladas which were not quite matching the description and tasted rather bland.”November 2021
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Short rib Net −1
“Main Short Rib felt lacking and a bit muted (under seasoned and spiced for my taste and I was longing for a splash of El Yucateco hot sauce) but maybe the dish is authentic and I was hoping for something it is not.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Main Short Rib felt lacking and a bit muted (under seasoned and spiced for my taste and I was longing for a splash of El Yucateco hot sauce) but maybe the dish is authentic and I was hoping for something it is not.”September 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Try brunch. For a lively Saturday visit, look at the 13:30–16:30 brunch, which includes entertainment and varied Mexican dishes.
Choose outdoors. Pick the terrace in Dubai’s cooler months for garden views, palms and a more relaxed al fresco setting.
Try Taco Tuesday. Taco Tuesday is a useful way to sample several fillings; one diner ordered a 12-taco platter with a pitcher of margarita.
Customise churros. If ordering churros, ask for salted caramel sauce instead of regular chocolate; one diner found that combination particularly successful.
Check entertainment. Confirm the entertainment schedule before booking if live music or dancers matter, as one review noted there was none during the holy month.
Use parking. Driving is practical here: a reviewer specifically noted self-parking and plenty of hotel parking spaces.
Plan the visit
Practical details
34PQ+GJ8 Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa - Al Mamsha St
Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina, Dubai
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Wed | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Thu | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Fri | 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Sun | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
Common Concerns
Loud music
Music can become loud enough to make conversation difficult, particularly during busier brunch or entertainment-led visits.
High pricing
Some diners found the portions small relative to the bill and described the restaurant as expensive or overpriced.
Uneven desserts
Desserts are inconsistent: one brunch review found the desserts average and the doughnuts not fresh, despite other strong dessert recommendations.
Sweet churros
One diner found the churros too heavy and sweet, while another disliked the large sugar grains used on them.
Muted short rib
A half-board diner found the short rib under-seasoned and less intense than expected, even though the tacos and chocolate flan were excellent.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
240 AED to 340 AED per head
Saturday afternoon brunch
“Maya may not be the very cheapest brunch in Dubai (estimate 240 AED to 340 AED per head), but with the great food and excellent facilities this is a decent spot for a lazy afternoon with friends, family and a fun vibe”Google review · March 2024
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval is a contemporary Mexican restaurant in Dubai Marina where the main draw is a lively meal rather than a quiet, minimalist dinner. Tacos are the safest starting point: reviews praise chicken, shrimp and short rib versions, while the ribeye fajitas and fresh guacamole also stand out. Margaritas are a recurring favourite.
Saturday brunch is the big occasion-style option, with a 13:30–16:30 schedule mentioned in reviews, live stations, dancers, singers and drink packages. It suits groups and families, and one brunch review noted a kids’ menu. The garden setting gives the outdoor tables a pleasant edge, with palms, peacocks and a walk towards the beach; winter is the more comfortable time for al fresco seating.
There are a few trade-offs. Music can be loud enough to interrupt conversation, and some diners felt portions were small for the prices. Desserts receive mixed feedback: tres leches, chocolate flan and choco-flan get strong praise, but another guest found the doughnuts stale and the churros overly sweet.
For value, check Taco Tuesday packages, brunch promotions and available hotel or dining-app offers. Self-parking is available, which makes the hotel location easier to manage by car.