Low-key place in a strip mall offering traditional Mexican food for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Michael Guynn
Maria’s is a solid little local Mexican cafe. It’s cozy and inviting and hearty enough.
In an unassuming little storefront in a plaza off Sycamore, it doesn’t look like much – but the interior is actually pretty roomy, decorated with tile and papel picado.
The service is fine, and it’s the kind of place you can get in and get out or have a long, relaxed meal with a group.
The food itself is probably the weakest point. The seasoning is a bit off across the board, the eggs are tough, the tortillas are a bit stale, the ingredient prep is a little sloppy – but it’s all serviceable. It’s not bad and it’s clearly made from scratch, and sometimes that’s all it needs to be.
… moreEmma M
We went twice in one week. The first visit had terrible service. We arrived around 11:50 a.m., ready for lunch, and I basically had to beg for chips and salsa. It’s lunchtime. The server said she would only bring them since we ordered from the lunch menu. After that, she rarely checked on us. We had to flag her down for basic things like drink refills and napkins, and her attitude was noticeably sour.
I honestly wouldn’t have gone back if my husband hadn’t really liked the food.
On our second visit, we had a much nicer young server, but she was very inattentive. No drink refills, and she didn’t come back after the food was brought out. Another server came over when my daughter moved to a neighboring seat, which felt unnecessary since we were the only customers and the restaurant was empty.
Bottom line: the food is good, but the service is consistently poor. Unfortunately, it’s not worth it.
… morePatrick R.
Simi Valley has no shortage of great Mexican restaurants, and Maria’s stands tall among the best. A true David among some well-known Goliaths.
The service was impeccable during my first visit. I barely finished saying “I’d like a Pacifico” before an ice-cold one was placed in front of me. The complimentary salsa and chips were perfect—until I knocked the salsa bowl over like an amateur. No judgment, just a fresh bowl delivered with a smile.
The fish tacos, rice, and beans were all spot on. I wish I could recreate that flavor at home. Honestly, the meal was so filling, I could’ve wandered the desert for 40 days without needing another bite.
Moses highly recommends Maria’s.
… moreBen Kutcher
For as long as I can remember, I’ve gone out for breakfast at Eggs N Things, Firehouse Cafe, and occasionally Egg House. Today, we wanted to celebrate family birthdays over breakfast. Finding a table for 12 at popular breakfast spots isn’t easy, so we decided to look for an alternative, and that’s how we found Maria’s. What a pleasant surprise!
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like someone is cooking you an exceptional meal in their own home, all in a quaint and welcoming environment, I highly recommend Maria’s. I ordered the tamale and egg breakfast with flour tortillas, while another in our group chose a traditional French toast breakfast. The ability to choose between Mexican or American-style breakfasts, both with generous portions and excellent quality was truly impressive.
I rarely write reviews, but this place absolutely deserved one. I sincerely hope Maria’s continues serving breakfast for many years to come, because I know I’ll be back again.
… moreMike Waldron
We love Maria’s! We go there frequently as they are in the same location as our son’s Taekwondo. We needed a 14 party reservation on short notice on Christmas Eve and they even opened the restaurant early to accommodate us. The food (as always) was amazing and everyone in our party loved it and ordered a huge variety of dishes.
… moreMauricio Vazquez (Something Witty)
Excellent food here. I love their asada plate and tacos. They also have great horchata. The decor is nice and there is also a patio section if you’d like to be outdoors. Very good service as well. Simi Valley is not a great place for hardcore foodies, but Maria’s would hold its own in most cities with their quality of food. There is also plenty of parking right in front.
… morekevin welker
Nachos are fire. Tacos are too. My wife liked her Passion Fruit Margarita. Had to buy her one so she wouldn’t be mad that I wanted tacos again. Taco Tuesday special is up to 10 street tacos for 12 bucks. Since we had a huge plate of Nachos I was only able to eat 6. So disappointed in myself. Rookie numbers. I did try all 4 meats tho & they were all bomb. Go to Maria’s. Do it.
… morePat B
First time here, and Maria’s Did NOT Disappoint. In fact at 3am this morning, not being from the area, I asked my Simi Valley Family, ‘Who serves The BEST Breakfast in All of Simi Valley?’ The resounding response was “Maria’s!!” And Boy, the reasons to enjoy Breakfast In Particular at Maria’s are Plentiful! They have multiple staff on hand that come to your table and check on you constantly. Although Maria wasn’t in, like many of the reviews I read where service was lacking due to this fact, Today Service was On Point!! We had a total of 6 meals for breakfast. Although I can only speak for My Meal, the others meals looked equally scrumptious. Their Chili Colorado Omelette was delivered hot And tasty. However, perhaps because I ordered it made with egg whites, it wasn’t quite an omelette. It looked and was cooked like a Chili Relleno, but was not. Anyway, the bottom line is that it was deeeelicious!! Upon leaving they gave me info about their M&B Steak and Seafood, which has a 4.4 Stars. Apparently they will start offering Lunch Service Soon! I’ll have to make my way back out to Simi, to give that place a try! Keep up the Great Work, Maria’s. I can see why YOU are the ‘breakfast dining choice’ of many local residents.
… moreTracy Gizatullin
The Chile relleno and Chile Verde dishes are fantastic! The homemade salsa and refried beans are the best I’ve ever had. Margaritas also great! A very family friendly restaurant. Maria is the nicest kindest lady!
… morebob mack
Been going here for 9 years or so. Nice festive atomsphere. Everybody is so nice and helpful…..Lets talk breakfast. One of the best in town. Can you say chilaquiles !! Lunch and dinner is amazing. Food is so fresh and delicious. It isn’t frozen and reheated. Everything is made from scratch …You can’t go wrong. Bring a date, or just chill with the wife or friends. Try the tropical margarita. I love them.
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