Overview
After two years in its heritage-listed King Street digs, Maiz Newtown is closing. One of Sydney's best restaurants, the beloved Mexican eatery will wrap up its stint on south King at the end of 2023 — but never fear, it'll be open again before you know it. After a couple of weeks off, you can expect to find it serving up all of your favourites over on Enmore Road, taking over the former home of Hartsyard.
The Maiz team is taking the reins of 33 Enmore Road from Jarrod Walsh and Dot Lee after the pair closed their beloved Inner West diner to take control of the food and drink offerings at The Old Clare Hotel, and also open the sleek new seafood restaurant Longshore.
33 Enmore Road as Irene's between Hartsyard and Maiz's time in the space.
The new space is being created with the help of GURU Projects, who worked on Longshore, as well as other Sydney stunners like Londres 126, Maydanoz, Mille Vini, Shaffa, Ezra and Marrickville Metro's Panetta Mercato. Together, GURU and the Maiz crew are building a restaurant that promises to boast all of the charm of the original with more space for the staff to get creative. Expect a sleek but simple fitout, with Mexican art bringing the space to life.
"We're really looking forward to staying here for five-plus years," says Maiz's Owner and Head Chef Juan Carlos Negrete.
The heart of the Newtown menu will remain at Enmore, but with some tweaks and a few added elements. Brunch is back, with favourites from Maiz's 2021 menu like tlacoyos Divorciados and tortas set to be available in the am.
Maiz by Debbie Gallulo
And a more robust drinks list is also on its way to accommodate people popping in before or after a show at Enmore Theatre — including a collaborative beer with beloved Alexandria brewery Yulli's.
"As a chef and as a creative, I'm definitely one to shake up things a little bit and play with new things," continued Negrete. "It's been quite challenging because we have so many good ideas and want to implement them all but, obviously, there is a limit of dishes you can put on a menu."
Maiz as you know it will continue to operate until the end of 2023 before Maiz 2.0 arrives in mid-January. Keep your eye on the restaurant's Instagram account for updates.
Maiz is currently located at 415 King Street, Newtown. It'll reopen on Enmore Road in January 2024.