Overview

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn at 55 Water Street, The Maiz Project offers a fresh and authentic dive into Latin American flavors with a particular focus on the arepa, a traditional staple made from heirloom corn. This restaurant transforms the humble arepa into a culinary canvas, bringing together rich textures and inventive fillings that appeal to both casual diners and food enthusiasts seeking a genuine taste experience.

The centerpiece of their menu is undoubtedly the arepas, skillfully crafted using heirloom corn that provides a distinct, earthy foundation. Each variation, from succulent braised pork cheeks to grilled mushrooms paired with mozzarella and salsa verde, highlights a marriage of simplicity and depth that elevates familiar ingredients into something remarkable. Seafood lovers will appreciate the shrimp arepa, kissed with garlic butter, while meat fans can indulge in the steak option adorned with grilled white cheese and chimichurri, delivering vibrant, layered flavors.

Starters like the Tequeños and the Maiz Project Elote bring complementary bites that enhance the dining journey. The elote, with its umami-rich butter and dusting of tajin, offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Sweet Plantains with Venezuelan cream add a gentle sweetness, rounding out the menu’s diverse yet cohesive offerings.

The Maiz Project’s space is intimate yet welcoming, reflecting the Brooklyn neighborhood’s dynamic energy. It feels approachable for solo diners, couples, and small groups eager to explore elevated Latin American cuisine without pretense. The atmosphere pairs well with the menu’s focus on quality ingredients and straightforward preparation, inviting guests to focus on the harmony of flavors.

For those craving a flavorful and authentically inspired meal anchored by heirloom corn, The Maiz Project stands out as a destination in Brooklyn. It melds tradition with a touch of culinary creativity, resulting in an enjoyable dining experience that honors heritage while embracing modern sensibilities.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

What Customers Say

Nicole Eats & Roams
Mar 7,2026
5/5
We had the cheese cachapa, perfect balance of sweet corn with salty cheese. Would definitely visit again to try the arepas. The lady at the counter was super friendly. Wait time was quick.
Tian Carling
Mar 7,2026
5/5
Charlie, the new manager, and Victor, were so great! Charlie especially was super outgoing, helpful and made me feel like family. The Maiz Project is lucky to have him! I wasn't sure what I wanted so I got grilled chicken and added mushrooms, sweet plantains, mozzarella and cilantro mayo. It was BURSTING W/ FLAVOR, so fresh and not too salty (I usually find things too salty). I can't wait to come back and try the pork belly and the steak.
Athena Hayes
Mar 7,2026
5/5
OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD AMAZING! Beautiful arepas filled to the brim with amazing fresh ingredients. You could taste the smokey charcoal from the grill in the steak arepa, and the chicken and avocado arepa was Didn’t realise how huge and filling they’d be! Luckily my husband hadn’t ordered his lunch yet, because I don’t think I could finish 2 by myself. 100% recommend!!!!!! Best arepas I’ve ever had in my life ¡Qué viva Venezuela!
Douglas Barbosa
Mar 7,2026
5/5
I ordered two arepas, one with procciuto and burrata and one with avocado and shrimp. Both were delicious. For the price, they could be bigger. Ingredients are fresh and high quality and are also prepared in front of the customer. Finding a seat is difficult so be patient. Arepas are a great snack option.
Isadora Carvalho Abreu
Mar 7,2026
5/5
Perfect! I ordered the arepa with pollo and it was really tasty: generous, lot of cheese, hot, fresh, the avocado completed the packaging of flavors, very good. I recommend it to anyone interested in try venezuelan food.
Jesús R. L.
Mar 7,2026
5/5
Hidden Gem! We had the Elote (corn), the chorizo arepa and the mushroom arepa. Everything is home made, arepas made from the scratch with real corn, not industrial flour, the flavors are amazing and we had so much food, and super worth value for the quality. Super friendly staff. Will definitely came back every time we are in NY!
David and Monika Crocker
Mar 7,2026
5/5
Holy cow, this was fantastic! Truly, the steak arepas were so tasty; just full of flavor, the steak was perfection, and the chimichurri sauce couldn't be any better. The chicken soup was like your grandma made it. The arepas were made from fresh dough right in front of us. Kind and sweet service. Can't wait to try everything off the menu!
Bharat Shah
Mar 7,2026
5/5
The vegetarian Arepas were very good. Try with Salsa verde. Excellent!

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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