Izakaya Maíze

  4.6 – 74 reviews   • Izakaya restaurant

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Izakaya Maíze is a modern wagyu-focused Izakaya with influences from Japan and throughout Mexico. Chef Nate Horton’s seasonal menu features a wide array of specialty items such as Japanese A5 Wagyu along with seasonal produce sourced locally throughout San Diego county. Izakaya Maíze offers a full bar highlighted with a diverse cocktail program, a variety of Japanese whiskeys and sake.

✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in Izakaya Maíze 91942

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Reviews

Melissa Chu
Food here is mediocre; the meat didn’t seem fresh or of high quality, the frying pan’s oil likely needed a refresh, and the flavors of the dishes were not well balanced. Cocktails were interesting but not sophisticated. Given the quality of this food, the dishes were extremely overpriced. We visited at 8:30 PM on a Sunday evening, and the restaurant did not have any other customers. On top of that, I did not feel welcomed by the waiter who didn’t seem amused that we walked even though we had a reservation. The bartender was friendly though. Great ambiance and relaxing vibe.
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Adrianna Aguayo
Great experience eating here! We came to celebrate a birthday and were pleasantly surprised by every dish. The takoyaki fries and karrage mushrooms were both amazing. The wagyu dishes are really good, and the cocktails are great! Nice servers and relaxed atmosphere. The bar seating is a nice set up as well but we did sit at a table.
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Phillip Andrada
My gosh. Or should I say OMG. This.place.slaps. While you may wonder that this place serves sharing-style or Tapas-style servings or that the place only has 35 seats, it is big on flavor and service. We tried almost half their menu and were just blown away. We had the scallop skewer, the Wagyu skewer, along with the Wagyu egg rolls, sliders, crudo and other items that at this point we can’t remember because it was so good. We also had a few of their libations which were extremely tasty. Pretty much a repeat for us next time we visit. The staff are polite and professional. They are following current respiratory hygiene guidelines. Extremely recommended.
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Jason Streets
I was very hesitant when my wife said we are going to eat at a Mexican/Asian fusion restaurant. However I am So glad we drove an hour a ten minutes, so worth it. The combination of flavors Chef Nate throws together, absolutely incredible. Service was amazing, food was the best and it made it even better when Chef Nate takes the time to talk with each customer. Props kind sir for your creation, we will be back for sure.
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Mai Vang
A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure to dine in for their 1 year anniversary dinner. Chef Nate Horton served us some of his best Japanese-Mexican infused cuisine. For the dinner feast, we had their welcome drinks, which was delicious! He started off by serving us the wagyu eggrolls, blistered shishitos, fried calamari, and bruesselsprouts, which all of it tasted great! Next, we had the izakayasliders (my favorite of the night), mushroom karrage (which we thought was a little too salty), and the duck fried rice (the duck was too dry for us). Lastly, he served us albondigyus, austrialian NY steak, and we had pre-ordered the 3lb wagyu. Overall, this experience was wonderful and such a pleasure to be served by the chef. Most of the time, we don’t see them. However, disappointed that they told us we were done when we didn’t get the dessert, which was included in the dinner feast. First, the server said chef is making some browning with miso ice cream, then he told us they didn’t have brownie and gave us some ice cream. You think with such an elegant place, they would serve you a more delicate dessert. However, I have great experience and would recommend trying !
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Danielle M
I just recenty heard about this spot in an article about the hottest newly opened restaurants in SD. It’s close by so I had to try it out. Located in an unassuming strip mall, we weren’t even sure which door was the front door. Once inside, it’s a simple small space. We ordered the VIP margarita and the mole old fashioned. Both were tasty, definitely not your traditional old fashioned but still good. We also ordered the gem salad, sliders, duck fried rice and Australian wagyu. I gotta say that I’m craving that duck fried rice right now, wow! The wagyu had a nice char on it and was cooked perfectly. The chef, Nate, welcomes all guests and describes the food which is a really nice touch.
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Dan Howe
You need to try this place! One of the most unique spots in San Diego, with some of the most delicious and carefully crafted dishes I’ve had.

Their A5 wagyu will be the best steak you’ve ever had, I guarantee it. But the side dishes are amazing too. We had the wagyu sliders, egg rolls and albondigas soup with wagyu, which was an awesome flavorful twist on the traditional Mexican dish.

The other real treat is having the chef come out and chat for a bit, and personally share all of the details of the food you’re savoring. The drinks are great too. Definitely recommend!
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Matthew Guillory
The restaurant is truly unique with a private “speak easy” dining experience. The food is absolutely incredible with all the right flavorings and pairings. I would highly recommend doing the private dining area with a group of friends.
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guillermo sanchez
Highly recommend the mile old fashioned and if you want to try 3 kinds of wagyu I highly recommend “meat sweats.” It comes with some bone marrow and 3 different kind of sauces to go with the cuts of meat! I couldn’t pick a favorite out of the 3 sauces because they are just amazing! The duck fried rice was incredible and savory! Definitely going to be going back soon!
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Sijia Sun
Good service. But over priced for the food and location. All dishes are salty, wayyyy too salty. The duck fried rice is basically soy sauce rice, super salty. A bit of let down. Servers are nice tho
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