Greer's OC

Maizano, the cornerstone restaurant of Costa Mesa's Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market, has extended its hours to now offer lunch service. Originally launched in November with a dinner-only concept, the restaurant, under the helm of Executive Chef Alan Sanz, is introducing a carefully crafted lunch menu as spring approaches. 

Available Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the menu spotlights masa-centric dishes that honor the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Mexico with vibrant and contemporary twists.

Chef Sanz's lunch selections showcase Mexican haute cuisine with a modern edge. The lunch menu's antojito section features a variety of small plates, all utilizing fresh masa sourced from Mercado's Tortilleria La Gonzalez. Offerings include Gordita de Pulpo with adobo octopus, fresh green salsa, and chicharron crumble; a playful Chapulín Taco with grilled Oaxacan cheese, smashed avocado, and fried grasshoppers; and a vegan Tlacoyo topped with green fava beans and nopales salad.

Additionally, Sanz has introduced exclusive main dishes for lunchtime diners. Options include lamb barbacoa Flautas Ahogadas with tangy pulque sauce and crema, and Enmoladas de Pato showcasing braised duck with blackberry mole, hibiscus-pickled onions, queso fresco, and crema. Vegetarian choices feature Mole Blanco with nixtamalized chayote and broccolini, as well as a little gem Ensalada Caesar topped with hemp seed crumble and avocado cream.

Beverage Director Rodrigo Velez oversees Maizano's drink program, which complements the restaurant's culinary vision. Alongside a notable selection of tequilas, the cocktail menu pays homage to Mexico's vibrant spirits industry. Signature drinks include the Clean Martini with Las Californias Gin and pickled nopales, and a bold Carajillo featuring espresso. The wine program exclusively highlights wines from various Mexican regions, carefully curated to complement Maizano's modern take on regional Mexican cuisine.

Maizano, the latest endeavor from Gruppo Apapacho's Jorge Salim and Javier Hernandez Pons, renowned for their successful restaurants in Los Angeles and Mexico City, transports diners to the culinary heart of Mexico City. Its contemporary dining space, characterized by revolving glass doors, leather-bound chairs, crimson marble counters, and warm-toned walls adorned with Mexican artifacts, creates an immersive experience celebrating Mexico's culinary legacy.

For reservations and more information on Maizano Cocina, please visit the website

Maizano is located at the entrance of Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market (2300-C Harbor Blvd.) and is open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner beginning at 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday for lunch beginning at 11 a.m.