About us

Casa Maya is the next chapter in a story built on family, tradition, and a love for sharing the flavors of home. Carolina grew up in Guatemala City surrounded by the recipes and traditions of her family’s kitchen. Nearly 30 years ago, she came to California’s Central Coast, bringing those traditions with her. Gabriel, originally from Chiapas, Mexico, brought his own culture and love for Mexican food. Together, they dreamed of creating a place where their cultures could come together through food and be shared with their community.

 

That dream became Azteca Taqueria & Pupuseria. In 2021, Carolina and Gabriel began building Azteca from the ground up, starting with nothing but an idea and four empty walls. After years of hard work, sacrifice, and countless challenges, they opened their doors in 2023. With their two daughters by their side, Azteca grew into a place where their family’s Guatemalan and Mexican traditions could be shared with the Central Coast. What started as a dream became a restaurant built through perseverance, family, and a deep love for their heritage.

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Today, that journey continues with Casa Maya. Created as a more relaxed dining experience, Casa Maya will bring together a variety of traditional Guatemalan dishes, comforting stews, Mexican favorites, and fresh Mexican seafood, while also carrying forward beloved dishes from Azteca, including handmade tortilla tacos, pupusas, and quesabirrias. With table service, draft beer, and a warm atmosphere made for gathering, Casa Maya represents the family’s growth while staying true to the traditions that brought them here. Casa Maya means exactly what it represents—a home where family recipes, cherished traditions, and the comfort of a homemade meal are shared with everyone who walks through its doors. The food served here comes from the meals their family has grown up enjoying and the recipes they would lovingly prepare for their own table. By opening Casa Maya to their community, they are simply making room at that table for others, inviting every guest to experience a taste of their home, their heritage, and the love behind every meal.