We came from Queens, the Bronx, and Upper Manhattan, thinking we were prepared for anything—except, apparently, the fact that this place now takes reservations even though they told me otherwise when I called. So yes, the evening started off with some frustration after we waited an hour and a half for a table. I may have mentioned (loudly and often) that we traveled across boroughs for this meal. That said, once we were finally seated, things turned around fast. The place was packed, but not in a chaotic way. Everyone seemed to be having a great time—laughing, eating, drinking. It had good energy. The food was excellent. We started with two appetizer samplers and they were perfect for the group—plenty to share, super flavorful, and not a single bland bite. The drinks were fun and well-made—one even came with cotton candy, another in a glass bag (yes, really). They were creative, but also strong—one drink gave me a buzz, which doesn’t happen often, so bonus points there. The main dishes were massive, especially the parrilla—honestly enough for two people or a solid leftover lunch the next day. Great value. The service was a standout. Every staff member we interacted with was friendly and engaged. My partner, who’s from Maracaibo, Venezuela, was thrilled to connect with the staff in Spanish and swap stories—it really made him feel at home. All in all, it was a fantastic experience Great food, great service, good vibes. The only thing I’d do differently? Make a reservation. Save yourself the wait—and the grumbling. Final Takeaway: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Delicious food, warm hospitality, and creative cocktails—definitely worth the trip. Just plan ahead.

The food is authentic and delicious.. they really make you feel at home in Maracaibo.. Daniel Castillo our server was so kind, helpful and very friendly. Great food, great atmosphere and great people.. Venezuelan are the best 🇻🇪

Loved the food and ambience! Our server, Diego I., was very attentive and gave us some recommendations. Overall our experience was amazing. Will definitely come back!

Jose G was an amazing server, very enthusiastic and happy to give you recommendations if needed. I would come back

Don’t walk. Run in! We never leave a review, pero OMG! The ambiance, service, food and prices - top notch! Thank you to Giovanny and Harold for an amazing experience.

Harold was amazing! I will definitely come back. Greta food and great service!

Amazing experience at Maracaibo, food is really good, the location it self is stunning and the service was great, cocktails aré aswell very good.

I've been here a few times with my kids and it's was always wonderful. They have many different drinks that looks great but I usually stick to wine. The price and quality are decent average cost. There's free parking and even a valet.

Alex is the best server! Food was amazing! We can’t wait to be back!

+1

Amazing experience at Maracaibo! The food was absolutely delicious, full of flavor and beautifully prepared. The service was outstanding, especially Frandery )Frank), who was incredibly attentive and kind. Even though we arrived close to closing time, we were made to feel truly welcome. Exceptional food and service. Highly recommended!

This Venezuelan restaurant is excellent and easily the best Venezuelan good in the area. The food was outstanding, every dish I tried had authentic flavors that took me back to Venezuela. Has a kind of fancy but cozy atmosphere, good for a date night or a night out with friends and family. Cocktails are delicious, the live music adds nice and lively vibe. Each dish is beautifully presented, and the coffee has that comforting, homey touch Venezuelans know how to make. Most of the staff members are Venezuelan and were warm and hospitable, making me feel at home the moment I arrived. The location is great, and there’s parking, which makes it easy to go. If you’re after a top-notch Venezuelan dining experience, this is the place

Absolutely loved it here! Such fun and elaborate drinks, delicious food, and a great vibe. Dessert was amazing as well. Came with my boyfriend for date night and can’t wait to come back and try more! Everyone was so nice

+2

The food, the service, the atmosphere, amazing!! So well priced! If I could would give them more stars. Will return soon and if you can ask for Harold to be your server he is the best!

Daniel Castillo was a fabulous waiter and truly demonstrated a good time. Offered many tasting and advice on dishes. None were upsetting. Simply an amazing experience. The atmosphere is unforgettable.. the pricing is very fair for the quality food.

We had such an amazing experience at Maracaibo! My mom found this place on Instagram and knew we had to try it. The presentation was exceptional and the flavors lived up to the hype! The drinks were balanced and delicious! Food was great and they even had a Plato Navideño for the holiday season, brought me back to childhood memories in Maracaibo with my family. Fun ambiance and Jackson, our waiter, was excellent — so friendly and gave us some recommendations. 10/10!

+3

We had the parrillada for two and it was amazing. All the meats were properly prepared and seasoned well. Harold was attentive and explained the dishes well. Really enjoyed our experience and will definitely return.

Everything was delicious. Gustavo was the server with Darwin, they’re very kind. I’ll absolutely come back. I had a pepito and a grey zuliana and for dessert I had quesillo and golfeado.

We were in the area and saw this highly rated restaurant and decided to give it a try. Best decision! What followed was delicious food, friendly service and a super fun dinner experience. We had several vegetarian options to try: vegan arepas, vegan patacon, yuca fries and the antipasto. The passion fruit juice was great too. The waiter was very nice and wanted us to try all the Venezuelan specialties. People with birthdays were being wished all around us and drinks were presented in such unique ways. I loved that the prices weren't too high even for an upscale restaurant. We will definitely be back.

+4

Daniel C. was a great server. Very polite and well educated with the menu and culture. Food and drinks were amazing and well presented. Highly recommend it

Thanks to everyone yesterday made our dinner an amazing experience. Gustavo, our server, was absolutely fantastic, so nice and welcoming!!! The food was exquisite, the Patacon Amarillo (never ever again maduro), was just perfect. Excelente calidad y servicio!!!

Nestled in Union City, Maracaibo is a hidden gem that delivers an exceptional dining experience. I had the pleasure of trying their signature Parrilla Maracaibo, and it was nothing short of spectacular—a solid 10/10. The meats were expertly grilled, full of flavor, and paired with sides that elevated the meal to perfection. What truly stood out, beyond the incredible food, was the service. The staff was warm, attentive, and quick to ensure everything was just right. From the moment I walked in, I felt genuinely welcomed, and their dedication to making every guest’s experience memorable was evident. With its inviting atmosphere, mouthwatering dishes, and top-notch service, Maracaibo is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Venezuelan flavors. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their offerings!

Coming to MARACAIBO is an incredible experience, with a spectacular atmosphere that takes you to our beloved Venezuela, Perfect flavors 100% from Venezuela! This place has become our place! The service is so special and welcoming led by the charming owner Grey, she always makes us feel so comfortable that we feel Maracaibo is our home! Our waiter Harold was always attentive to everything we needed, thank you!!! Thank you @maracaibonj for giving us this beautiful experience and such delicious food!

+1

I just had to share our wonderful experience at Maracbio Restaurant, which truly immerses you in Venezuelan culture. We were a group of five celebrating my husband’s birthday, and I must say, the restaurant exceeded our expectations! From the moment we arrived, the service was attentive and efficient. We began our meal with tequeños, the Venezuelan sampler, and chicharrón, which were absolutely delightful! The tequeños had the perfect ratio of dough to cheese, while the mini empanadas melted in our mouths, leaving us craving more. For the mains, I ordered the sweet patacón, and every bite was bursting with delicious flavor. My husband chose the Maracaibo, which was cooked to perfection. My sister and her husband enjoyed the Arroz Chinozuela and churrasco, and they felt like they were transported to Venezuela with every bite. We also tried the fettuccine Mcbo Way; although I didn’t get to taste it myself, I heard it was so flavorful that you could savor each ingredient. The cocktails were another highlight! We had the sueño mi gente and Cepillao which it was a special raspado (snow cone) that was served in a cart, accompanied by a bum box playing music from Maracaibo. They shaved the ice right in front of us, and we could choose our flavors to add to the rum, topped off with condensed milk and toasted coconut. It was a truly unique experience! Overall, the ambience was fun, the food was delicious, and the service was fantastic. I’m so grateful we discovered this gem! We will definitely be returning. P.S. sorry that my pictures were taken from a video I took.

+5

Had a super fun dinner experience here with amazing Venezuelan food and such an energetic atmosphere! Daniel Castillo,our waiter, was so kind and attentive. 10/10 would recommend this restaurant! Very busy so sometimes you have to wait a tad longer for things to come out but the service and food are amazing so it’s 100% worth it

Maracaibo is a gem of Venezuelan cuisine. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere and the attention make you feel welcome. The food is simply delicious: full of flavor, authentic, and prepared with so much care. Each dish has beautiful presentation, and you can really see the creativity and love for detail. The drinks are incredible, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, ideal to pair with the food. Everything is designed to offer a complete experience, not just a good meal, but a special moment. The service is spectacular: attentive, kind, fast, and always with a smile. You can tell they truly care about making sure every customer has a memorable experience. Maracaibo is definitely a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Exquisite food, amazing drinks, impeccable presentation, and top-notch service. Highly recommended!

We had a great experience, Harold was absolutely amazing and the whole staff was taking care of us. This was my first time and definitely I’ll be here soon!!

We had a wonderful dinner experience. Everything was great, and our waiter Richard Tobias truly made the evening even more enjoyable. He was friendly, attentive, and very professional. He followed every detail of our order carefully, gave excellent recommendations, and made us feel genuinely welcome. The service was flawless, and the food was delicious. Many thanks to Richard Tobias and the entire team. We will definitely be back.

Awesome dining experience with authentic Venezuelan cuisine. Absolutely incredible service and the waiters are the absolute best. Thank you to Alex Valencia for the hospitality and charisma. Very attentive and respectful. 100% recommend.

This was my first time at Maracaibo Restaurant and I will definitely go back. I really loved everything. The food was amazing , the service was incredible. Our waiter Harold was so lovely and friendly. We highly recommend this place. Thank you !

Best Venezuelan Restaurant in the whole northeast! We’ve tried Venezuelan restaurants all over from Washington to Philly, NY and Boston. And this is definitely the best one, the atmosphere was amazing, the food delicious, the service was awesome and on top of it the price was great. The papelon had great natural taste, the sampler was a total experience, the patacon mechada, the Parilla were delicious, we ordered food for the next day and came back a few days later. Truly the best around will definitely be back whenever I’m in the area, highly recommended!

Everything we tasted, food and drinks, we loved it. The Extravaganza was awesome and enough for two hungry adults. The service is the best and most courteous I have experienced in years. Giovanni, our waiter was the best, very attentive and respectful, even with the children. Next time I come to visit the family, this will be our spot for dinner.

I haven't worked in many restaurants. Chain and fine dining. There is no other place to go for excellent food as well as service. The food is more than affordable. Some of their best dishes are under 20$. Highly recommend if your around the area. The server was Daniel Castillo

Everything was really good, service was super great Diego was really nice and accommodating! My family and I split the ceviche, the roasted chicken, and the Churrasco and everything came out great. Would recommend the lady Mendoza drink if you don’t want alcohol as well as the quesillo, very good caramel queso flan!

Such a great place! Everything is first class and top notch. You are greeted by nice hostesses and welcomed by pleasant servers. The food and drinks are outstanding! Unique in presentation and delicious in taste. I highly recommend.

Giovanny, Harold and Victor are excellent service people. all your personnel is super professional and really go the extra mile to make people feel great.

Celebrated my cousin’s birthday in Maracaibo and had the BEST experience! Our server, Harold G., was AMAZING, and the rest of the staff were just as wonderful. The energy was so welcoming and warm from the moment we walked in. The food was absolutely delicious, and the portions were huge! We’ll definitely be back!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Without a doubt, if you want to experience Venezuelan food on another level, this is the place to do it! The portions are abundant. The drinks are on another level! I'm a bartender and I fell in love with the whole menu! The service was very attentive, friendly, I felt at home and the manager Saul gave us very good recommendations!! .

+6

Harold and Darwin were great servers. kind, and attentive. The food was amazing, not to mention that the price was great for such big portions, not to mention the amazing taste. One of the best restaurants my family and I have tried.

Absolutely great place to come with the family the whole entire staff is super friendly Elvis, Luis and Gladys are amazing Food is excellent

Food was fantastic. We got that amazing ferris wheel appetizer. The look of my daughters face when it came out was priceless. The Cachapa was delicious and the Picadilla was so much food. The mean was tender as well as the chicken. Everything was juicy and well seasoned.

This place always surprises. Amazing food, but the server Harold was so attentive with our order. We’ll come back for sure, amazing staff !

One of the best Venezuelan restaurants I've been to in the tristate area. My mother has been searching for a great Cachapas spot for 25 years, and after reading some online reviews, I brought her here. She said it's the best she's ever had it took her right back to Venezuela. I absolutely recommend this place to anyone missing that authentic Venezuelan taste. Shout out to Daniel Castillo and Giovanny Rojas for helping us out today.

Absolutely delicious from start to finish! Every dish was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. The entire experience was wonderful, and I already can’t wait to come back. Our server, Alex, was the best! Attentive, friendly, and made us feel so welcome. Thank you for such a fantastic evening!

I am Venezuelan and I enjoyed this place very much. They have a large selection of food and drinks. Price is very reasonable giving the area. The portions are good as well. We tried the arepas, steaks and appetizers. The music was a little too loud for my taste and I think they could pick better restaurant music to provide a more relaxing experience to their customers. Otherwise, everything was on point, clean and good customer service! I want to come back soon

+6

I took my friend for her birthday 🎂.. it exceeded my expectations.. the food was very good! but I have to say the service made the evening so pleasant and enjoyable! I will definitely recommend it to all my friends and family! Danielle Castillo was excellent! He treated us like royalty! It was fun with all the different drinks and how they served their appetizers and desserts!

Today I had the most beautiful dining experience at MARACAIBO. I went with my boyfriend, and from the very first moment until the end, everything felt truly special. The service was outstanding💯🙏🏻 warm, genuine, and full of care. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Elvis and Jarold, whose kindness, attention, and recommendations made us feel so welcomed and taken care of. The food was absolutely incredible, full of flavor, tradition, and love. Every bite felt comforting and nostalgic. The atmosphere is simply amazing, cozy, familiar, and full of soul. It truly felt like being at home. For me, it was like traveling back to Venezuela and reconnecting with my roots, even if just for a little while!! This place is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience that touches your heart. I’m deeply grateful for such a wonderful moment and can’t wait to come back. 100/100, highly recommended.

The food was excellent, full of flavor and very well prepared. Everything we tried was delicious and you could tell the ingredients were high quality. Giovanny and Daniel provided great service—both were very friendly and attentive. Definitely a place I would come back to and highly recommend.

Jose is amazing! Great hospitality, great server. The food was amazing! He is very attentive, quick and kind!

Absolutely amazing experience! From the moment we walked in, the service was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Our server was knowledgeable, patient, and made excellent recommendations. The food arrived promptly and everything was delicious, but what really stood out was how cared for we felt throughout the meal. This is the kind of service that makes you want to come back again and again. Highly recommend!

This place was beyond all conceivable expectations! Food was amazing and generous, Harold’s service was impeccable, and the presentation… unmatched! What a fun night!

Amazing restaurant. Definitely a place to visit and enjoy very often. The service is excelent. Shout outs to Jose Gonzales for the welcoming attitude.

We had such a great experience at Maracaibo for my sister’s birthday! The food was absolutely delicious, every dish was full of flavor and so well-prepared. The atmosphere was really nice, making it a perfect spot for a celebration or just a casual night out. The service was great—friendly and attentive without being overbearing. And the best part? The prices! Four of us enjoyed a fantastic meal for under $80, which is practically unheard of these days. Definitely a hidden gem worth visiting!

Our first time trying Venezuelan food…A TRULY WONDERFUL AND DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE…the people and the amazing atmosphere made the evening a memorable experience…10 out of 10!!!!…Gustavo was Amazing

+5

This restaurant lived up to the hype. Quality, presentation and attentiveness was very well thought out . I celebrated my anniversary today and I’m so glad my bf chose this spot.

First time here & I gotta say the food was great, dessert was 20/10. Great atmosphere and our server Harold was very attentive and helpful! Definitely coming back here

I was a little nervous to come here because of a video in social media that said that the service was terrible. I have to say that video is very wrong. Our experience was great. We drove from Greenwich CT to eat here and it was worth the trip. The hostess greeted us at the door with a wonderful smile and she took us to our table right away. Our server Diego Infante greeted us and started our experience with a recommendation of the appetizer sampler. He was very friendly and very attentive. I mention it was my husband birthday and he exceeded my expectations on making our experience great. Will definitely recommend this place and will definitely visit them again.

It was truly an incredible experience. The place is spectacular, with a warm and special atmosphere. Gustavo, our waiter, along with Elvis, Salvador, and the manager Daniel, provided impeccable service. They were attentive, kind, and always paying attention to every detail. The food was simply wonderful; it reminded me so much of Venezuela, those flavors that fill your heart with nostalgia. And the drinks… they are out of this world! Creative, delicious, and perfectly crafted. I went with my family, and it was a 10/10 experience. We will definitely be back!

Absolutely wonderful time at Maracaibo!!! I came with my fiancé and my in-laws who are all Venezuelan and the food, ambiance, and service could not have been better. Hiiiiighly recommend the cachapas with pernil! Also the espresso post-meal was delicious and full flavored. Darwin and Brian helped us and were so kind and welcoming. Will be back 10000%!!

Our dining experience at Maracaibo was excellent! The attention and service was above and beyond. The presentation of the drinks and food was very unique and artistic and everything was delicious. I definitely recommend Maracaibo. I look forward to coming back.

The best place in jersey! Truly Venezuelan food with a modern twist. Love it. We take arepa bowl, the burger and carne asada pepito so so yummy. The best service from Juan and Gio, really nice and kind guys.

I really liked the food! It was delicious if you are from Maracaibo Venezuela it takes you back home with every bite. I enjoyed it a lot! The servers were attentive and friendly. P.S parking in Union city sucks but thankfully they have valet parking😅.

I loved this place! Maybe I’m a little biased because I’m from Maracaibo, but this was by far the best Venezuelan restaurant experience I’ve had in the United States. The food was spectacular — I had the lomo negro and it tasted like Christmas… I may have even shed a tear or two because of the nostalgia. From the appetizers to the drinks, the servers, the hosts, the music, and the ambiance — everything was excellent and absolutely worth the 1.5-hour drive. I can’t wait to go back!

This Venezuelan restaurant offers a creative and modern take on traditional flavors. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, blending authentic ingredients with inventive twists that make each dish feel unique. Everything was well-prepared and full of flavor, making it a memorable and satisfying dining experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This restaurant deserves a Michelin star. Hands down the best Venezuelan restaurant in the U.S. The food quality and flavors are truly authentic—classic Venezuelan cuisine, incredibly tasty and well prepared. The service is outstanding, the place is beautiful, and you can really tell the owner is deeply involved and pays attention to every detail. I travel all over the U.S., and honestly, I haven’t found a Venezuelan restaurant this good—even compared to well-known spots in Doral, FL. This place truly represents the best of Venezuela. Congratulations to the owner and the entire team. Exceptional food, service, and experience all around 🇻🇪👏

I went there a couple of times with friends, the place is so cute, the food is amazing and the service is 1000/10, I’m not an expert on Venezuelan cuisine (although I LOVE Venezuelan food) and the waiter Richard guide us and explain the dishes to us, every time we go, we want to sit in his area! The attention from everyone is amazing, I really recommend this place ❤️❤️

Visited Maracaibo Restaurant to celebrate my birthday. Our two hosts were amazing and attentive (Harold Guevara and Giovany) we had an incredible time. The menu offered so much variety and so many different drinks also. If you are looking for a dish that would remind you of home this would be it. Kid friendly and affordable. 10/10 ❤️ Thank you to the staff for the amazing customer service.

L C

The food was so good The live music was amazing! definitely a must revisit place, thanks Richard Tobai for your excellent service

+2

Helen Gonzalez

Excellent friendly service, delicious food, fabulous presentation, family friendly atmosphere. We had a great time! Parking is limited but they have valet parking, for tips, which I highly recommend. We are visiting from Florida, and this is our First time eating Venezuelan food. All around recommended.

+1

Vanessa Rivera

Alex was beyond amazing! His service was outstanding! The way he took care of each one of us individually was amazing! The food was amazing! Maracaibo is one of those places that makes you feel at home from the moment you walk in. The atmosphere, the service, and especially the food take you straight back to Venezuela. Every dish is delicious, full of flavor, and made with so much love! Truly a little piece of home in New Jersey! The owner is the sweetest, kindest soul! What an honor to have met her!✨❤️✨

Emily Litman

A friend took me here to celebrate my birthday. The ambience is understated elegance with a touch of whimsy with the presentation of the cocktails and food. I really enjoyed the shrimp arepa bowl and steak with onions. We had 2 cocktails, one appetizer and the two entrees for about $90. Everything tasted great and the service was friendly and professional. I hope to return soon!

Carlos Aguilar

Truly a phenomenal restaurant with excellent service. Our server, Daniel Castillo, was outstanding and guided us through the menu. I was really impressed with the details.

Nolan Rizzo

This restaurant is exceptional! This is hands down our best meal my wife and I had on our vacation. The atmosphere, Service and Food were all wonderful! Our waiter Luis was so nice and helpful walking us through the menu and giving us recommendations which were perfect! My wife ordered the Maracaibo sampler which gives you a little bit of everything and it was delicious! Luis walked us through everything that came with the sampler. I ordered the Patacon Apollo Mechado and it was incredible! To finish off this awesome meal we ordered the flan and it was the best I have ever had. We enjoyed our experience so much we made reservations to eat here again before we leave. Thank you Luis for our wonderful experience. We will be back for the service and food!

Jo Gu

The experience was great, it was really a piece of Venezuela in New Jersey. We had the example as an appetizer, then we had soup, pabellon and patacon everything tasty and delicious; for dessert cabello de Angel tres leches cake wow definitely recommended.

+3

Mike V

I had the best experience celebrating my mom’s birthday at Maracaibo Restaurant in Union City! From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, welcoming, and attentive — they truly made us feel like family. The food was absolutely delicious, full of flavor, and came out fresh and perfectly prepared. On top of that, the prices were very reasonable, which made the evening even better. The staff went above and beyond to make my mom’s special day memorable, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect celebration. If you’re looking for a place with amazing service, great prices, and outstanding food, I highly recommend Maracaibo. We’ll definitely be back! 🎉👏

Just Me

Between the taste of the food, the hospitable service, the atmosphere. I was thrilled to have learn about this place for the first time! My husband being Venezuelan now I know he’s not alone. It’s not easy finding great Venezuelan places like these. The pork chops from the parrillada extravaganza were INCREDIBLE soooo tender. The tequenos were unbelievable with their dipping sauces! Please if you’re in town, or want to have a birthday party or you just want to go for drinks and appetizers come try this place! It’s incredible 🙌🏼❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Cynthia Salamanca

5-Star Review for Maracaibo I had an absolutely spectacular experience at Maracaibo and can’t stop thinking about how perfect the evening was from start to finish. Everything from the moment we arrived to the final farewell felt thoughtfully curated and genuinely guest-centric. Service Alex Valencia** was beyond amazing. From the moment we sat down, he exuded warmth, attentiveness, and a remarkable amount of knowledge about the menu and pairings. He anticipated our needs before we even realized them—refilling drinks without being asked, recommending dishes tailored to our preferences, and sharing little stories about the ingredients and origins behind each plate. His troubleshooting for a dietary preference without compromising flavor was flawless: he suggested alternative preparations that maintained the integrity and style of the dishes we loved. He checked in at just the right intervals, offering gracious pauses between courses so we could fully savor the experience. Alex’s genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine and for ensuring we had a memorable night shone through in every interaction. He treated us like VIP guests and left us feeling warmly cared for long after the check was settled. Food The menu showcased a masterful balance of bold flavors and thoughtful technique. Every course felt intentional and cohesive with the overall dining narrative. Star dishes included [insert standout dishes if you know them], each delivered with precise execution: vibrant textures, harmonious seasonings, and impressive presentation. The pacing was perfect. Courses arrived in a rhythm that allowed us to appreciate the artistry without feeling rushed, and the kitchen’s timing was consistently on point. Venue The venue is truly stunning—an atmosphere that feels both inviting and refined. The interior design, lighting, and acoustics contributed to a warm, celebratory mood without being stuffy. The dining room offers a sense of intimacy while still feeling expansive, and the ambient music complemented our conversation rather than competing with it. The bar area deserves special mention for its chic vibe and the bartender’s flair—great craft cocktails and carefully chosen wine pairings that elevated each course. Overall Experience From the welcome to the farewell, the entire Maracaibo experience was elevated, professional, and joy-filled. The staff’s attentiveness, the cuisine’s sophistication, and the venue’s beauty combine to create a rare, memorable evening. If you’re looking for a dining experience that excels in hospitality, flavor, and atmosphere, Maracaibo is a standout choice and definitely a 5-star destination. We left inspired by the care and passion evident at every touchpoint, and we’re already planning our next visit to relive this special night. Recommendation Highly recommend asking for Alex Valencia by name when you book for an extra layer of personalized service. Consider the tasting menu or chef’s specials to truly savor the kitchen’s breadth and depth. If you have dietary needs or celebrations, share them in advance; the team is incredibly accommodating and will tailor the experience to you. In short: Maracaibo delivered a flawless, memorable evening. Five stars all the way!!!!! Los Amo!!!

danny velez

Of all the things to say about this place, I'll start by saying that the food is great, the atmosphere is great, and the portion sizes are great. This place is all about getting that perfect picture for Instagram but without compromising on taste. All their drinks come in special glass. The food is delicious. The wait times aren't too bad, though sometimes it appears like they're completely packed (cause that parking situation is bad). Speaking of parking, they have valet as well. Pass by and enjoy great food with a great staff at great prices, especially if you've never had typical Venezuelan food.

+4

Ray Mendez

I fell in love with this place. The food? Absolutely exquisite! every bite tastes like Venezuela itself, rich, soulful, and made with love. The papelón? To die for, sweet like a memory you never want to let go of. And for my birthday, they surprised me with a golfeado.. soft, warm, and sweeter than the gesture itself. The people here aren’t just kind, they’re tender, genuine souls who make you feel at home the second you walk in. This week alone, I’ve already been twice that’s how good it is. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a little piece of home, a hug disguised as a meal.

+2

Mayra Ortiz

At first when I saw the menu i didn’t know what it was and I was unhappy, than came our waiter to help us explain the what the dish were I was still a little off until the appetizers came they were delicious than came the main course I was blow away with the taste and the presentation I do say you need to try this restaurant if your not sure exactly the menu is ask for help and they would be gladly to help I do t like to give 5* but they deserve it. You might think it’s expensive but it’s not we had drinks appetizer main dish and dessert all for under 150. Yes we order many drinks

+2

Natasha Reyes

This restaurant and it’s staff has been the best by far I’ve ever been to and that’s including Disney! Our waiter Jose Gonzalez was absolutely attentive and did it all with warmth and welcoming hospitality. The food is all delicious! Can’t wait to come back

Fatima & Juan Carlos Benitez

What a gem of a find!! We had our eye on it for a while and today was the day to check it out and it sure did not disappoint! From the atmosphere, the delicious food, and the friendly staff, our experience was the best we’ve had in a while. We had never tried Venezuelan food and it’s so nice to find out we have one so close to home! Posted a few of the things we ordered. Give it shot, you won’t be disappointed! Shout out to Harold Guevara and his amazing team for taking care of us as if we were in their home ❤️ thank you, we’ll be back again!

Mariana Raquel

This is a must try! I’m from Maracaibo, Venezuela🥹 This place is the best Venezuelan restaurant that I have tried in my 4 years living in New York. Went with my family to celebrate my brother’s birthday, drinks were amazing, had a Polar negra, had the Cara-Caracas and a cepillao (This one came with music, made me feel at home). We shared the Mcbo-sampler to start, my favs were the mini Cachapas and the tequeños. Then we had main course, I shared an arroz chinozuela (20/20), I tried the asado negro, patacón de pernil and we also shared the Parrillada Maracaibo. Everything was delicious, atmosphere and playlist were amazing, staff were super kind and attentive with me and my family, they even sang happy birthday with us, I truly appreciated it. If you are thinking about going here or somewhere else, just don’t think it twice and go to Maracaibo, you will not regret it. Thank you guys for making my brother’s birthday dinner very special. ❤️‍🩹

+8

Jordan Casanova

I went with my family, we are all Venezuelan and we have gone to many Venezuelan restaurants before, tried some good places, but Maracaibo is by far one of the best restaurants we’ve ever experienced. I say “experienced” because that’s what it is. From the moment you walk in, they make you feel comfortable and welcomed into the establishment. The whole staff was very kind and helpful, but a special mention has to go our waiter Daniel Castillo. He was amazing! Kind, friendly, polite, knowledgeable and above all, a really really nice guy. He Made our time there even more enjoyable. We will definitely be back!

+1

The atmosphere and service were excellent; the staff was very attentive. The food, this time, lacked flavor and some items felt a bit reheated. I also noticed an unusual smell on the silverware. Not a big deal, but these are details that could be improved to match the great service.

Great Venezuelan food!! The place is beautifully decorated and the service is excellent. The only thing disturbing was the music. It was nice but way too loud so we couldn't talk without screaming a little. About the food: We tried the "sampler" as an appetizer. It comes in a wheel 🎡 so cute and it was really yummy! Tequeños, arepitas, empanaditas, etc.. very nice! For our mains we choose patacon, arepa rellena & cachapa. Big portions and generous protein in all of them. Soooo good! We ate so well that we didn't leave room for dessert. But definitely coming back for that!! Prices are also very accessible and it's worth every penny. Go for it!! Maracaibo rules!! 💅🏻💯

+6

Was there for a wedding reception. To be fair we were there for our friends. Not on our own accord, so we were in a reserved room. So our experience was limited. In any case we enjoyed ourselves.

Came to the restaurant for a private event so we were upstairs. They have valet parking which is great because it’s in a busy area. They work off tips. We were greeted upon entering. The event space is really nice with a bar area. Loved how they set it up. Servers were very attentive. The appetizers were delicious. My faves were the calamari and chicharron. The food was buffet style which included sweet plantains, white rice, chicken and beef. They also had salmon. They served churros and tres leches as the dessert. The churros were so good and fresh!

Catalina Leuro-Rey

I had high expectations for this restaurant — the social media posts made it look very appealing. To start, I tried to make a reservation, but there were no openings, so I was advised to arrive and wait, which I did with my family. Parking was quite difficult even though there’s valet service, since the space fills up quickly, so we ended up parking on the street after driving around for a while. The decoration and presentation of the dishes were very creative and visually appealing. We ordered the Venezuelan Sampler, which allowed us to try five different items. For our main courses, we had the Arepa La Venezolana, Arepa Manjar Llanero, and the Classic Pabellón. Unfortunately, the meat for all of the entrees were very tough, which we mentioned to our waiter. He was very polite and offered to replace the dish, but by that point we weren’t in the mood for anything else. We hope to have a better experience with the food next time, as the concept and atmosphere truly stand out.

+1

Victor Hernandez

I’ve visited this restaurant several times and always enjoyed it, but on this occasion I noticed the quality has gone down a bit. Food quality: The Caesar salad had no dressing and the garlic shrimp lacked seasoning also. The sides of tostones were old, they just heated up a little. I truly hope they bring back the great flavor and freshness that used to set them apart because I’ve always liked this place, but they definitely need to fix something with the kitchen staff. On the other side… They have a very good customer service, what always makes us return there. The beautiful host Camila was very kind and find us a comfortable table. And our server Richard was attentive and kind. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Prices 💰: For such a fancy place, the prices are very suitable to your pocket, we had 2 main course, 2 no alcoholic drinks, one appetizer and a salad for $53 excluding the tip. Which is not bad at all.

My experience with this place was disappointed. It was my first and it’ll be my last time there. The place and decorations were aesthetically appealing and the food was great looking too but not the taste of it. First I ordered a cachapa with beef and cheese on it and it wasn’t pleasant to eat it, the cheese texture was pretty much like chewing gums and no flavor whatsoever. The 2nd order was okay, I had churrasco with rice and beans and maduros but also the beef wasn’t great enough. At the end we ( me and bf) finished with brownies and coffee, and it was even more disappointing to me, the coffee tasted like burnt. 200$ for a lunch for two people was way too overpriced vs what that should have cost for the level of food quality they served us. The only good thing about the place were the drinks. I hope they consider to focus more on the food quality rather than the aesthetics.

Interstellar Productions

Food was low quality and bland with no flavor, whoever the chef is has got no creativity on his food, it was dishes one expects at a fast food truck. Plato Navideño ; Waiter was rude instead of helpful and made a rude comment telling me he didn’t care. This is when I told him the salad was too small of a portion for the price of almost $30. It was the chicken salad. The hallaca had no flavor on it’s stew and corn flour. I would give it 1 out of 10. And the Ham bread it was the smallest two slices i ever received in any restaurant. Listen you are not Gourmet , it’s street food value food and by putting it in a fancy carousel Does not make it fancy . Small portions don’t help either unless you’re running out of business and are portioning your budget. Maracaibo Parrilla , it was small boring and nothing fancy but it’s decor. The Sopa de Lenteja; was bit watery and miss the flavor it was meant to have. It did have pork for smokiness. Nothing good or fancy about it. Almost bland. Try some flavor meat stock instead of water to get that intended flavor. Or let it cook little longer to get the lentils to become thicker and flavors to come throughout. Desserts were the typical boring what you expect from a food truck , I didn’t bother to waste my time with another flan or tres leches. Be original and invent this old recipes and turn them into fusion beauties. Overall food was bland and missed the mark, and the poor portions in pretending to be a fancy Michelin restaurant its failed missionary. They spend more money on the look which attract young audiences of a tick tock and Instagram flair. And finally just another Venezuelan restaurant playing with the nostalgia of those who seek an authentic flavor.