Casa Maya Grill

You know those places that you end up discovering while on the hunt for something else that makes you feel like a complete explorer and compelled to let everyone know about it?  Well, within The Cove Shopping Center off of Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield beach, Casa Maya Grill sits among many other businesses and restaurants but will most likely be the only eating destination whenever going north.   

Casa Maya Grill is a quaint restaurant with the feel of a Bistro but at the same time has a warm and inviting “part of the family” atmosphere with seating for 80.  If dining alone, there is not any stigma to sitting at the bar and you will most likely meet the genuinely friendly Emilio, the proud owner.  Originally from Mexico Emilio has been part of the South Florida restaurant industry for over twenty years and now has a restaurant of his own with Mexican Mayan cuisine from the Yucatan Peninsula.  When entering you will feel the warmth of the restaurant in their golden yellow walls and hanging lights that give way to amazing shadows. The lighting transforms the rooms into works of art.   

With only 30 menu items Casa Maya Grill has truly honed their craft and dedicated themselves to creating amazing yet authentic food using only the best cuts of meat and local seafood.  It has been said that the true test of the quality of a Thai restaurant is their Pad Thai and their actual rating is based on that.  Using that marker, with most Mexican restaurants, on the first visit, some version of Carne Asada is ordered.  When the Carne Tampiqueňa arrived with fresh grilled cambray onions heaven could not be that far away.  It comes with refried beans and quite possibly the tastiest yellow rice ever but the best part was a cheese enchilada with a chipotle sauce that was so flavorful that it makes other place’s chipotle seem fake.  In the mood for a light appetizer?  Well, the people next to me ordered the Corzito which are stuffed and rolled tortillas that are served with a chipotle sauce and sour cream that looked amazing.  However, The Casa Maya Soup with a light chicken broth, all white meat chicken, carrots, potatoes, and corn on the cob sounds amazing.  A house favorite would be the Mole Rojo Burrito that features a Mole Rojo Poblano, imported from Mexico and has 78 spices and apparently is one of the most intricate sauces in the world.    However, after reading the menu descriptions the Conchinita Pibil will be ordered next time.  With hand-trimmed lean pork that is marinated in annatto seed and sour orange mix for 24 hours, it is then slow-roasted in a banana leaf wrap.  Yum!  

The Casa Maya Grill is definitely one of those places that you could go alone, in a group, or is romantic enough for just two.  With enough warmth in the atmosphere, friendly service, and amazing food, Casa Maya will be your destination too.