Maíz Maíz is one of the most exciting new openings in Sant Antoni right now.

It’s the new project from Mexican chef Nicolás de la Vega, co-founder of both Michelin-starred Slow & Low (now closed) and Bar Canyí, a place I already love. After years in high-end kitchens, he wanted to do something very different: a small, casual restaurant built around the Mexican street food he grew up with, particularly flautas, tostadas, corn and the flavors of his family.

Maiz Maiz Barcelona — *Maiz Maiz, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

The space is small, but it doesn’t feel cramped at all. The design is fun and well thought out, there’s an open kitchen and counter inside, plus a terrace outside. Everyone was incredibly friendly when we visited, and I especially loved seeing Nicolás there greeting customers himself. It immediately makes the place feel very personal rather than like another fancy new opening.

The menu is short and sweet, which I’m always a fan of. It changes with the season and focuses on a handful of starters, tostadas, flautas and desserts rather than trying to cover every corner of Mexican cooking.

The elotitos were one of my favorites. Small corn cobs are cooked slowly and served with smoked-chile mayonnaise and fresh cheese, then finished with a very unexpected ingredient: ground coffee. It might sounds slightly strange, but it works perfectly and brings out the smokiness.

Maiz Maiz, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.

The tuna tostada was delicious, and I also loved the oyster served with corn soup and a little spice. The oyster itself was huge, and there was just enough heat to make it interesting without overpowering it.

And then there are the flautas, which are really at the heart of Maíz Maíz. They’re crisp, packed with filling, and the kind of thing that makes you curious for trying another one. Nicolás has said that flautas are everyday food in Mexico, in the same way a sandwich or tapa might be here, and that sense of something familiar and casual is very much part of what makes the restaurant interesting.

What’s particularly fascinating is that the fine-dining background hasn’t disappeared. The techniques and attention to detail are still there, but they’ve been transferred into food that feels fun and playful. They say it’s Mexican street food seen through a contemporary lens, and that feels pretty accurate.

There’s also plenty happening beyond the regular menu. They already have collaborations planned with other chefs and projects, which I’m very curious to follow, and they’ve even managed to make the merchandise really cool.

Maíz Maíz feels casual, energetic and personal, while still having the kind of cooking background that makes you have a second look. It’s an exciting addition to Sant Antoni and one I’m very happy to have on my radar.

Maiz Maiz, Carrer de Vilamarí, 9, Barcelona (Sant Antoni).

They currently don’t take reservations except for groups of more than five people.

Maiz Maiz - Mexican Street Food in Sant Antoni

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