Mayan Grill - Xinyi

The Mayan Grill, Xinyi, is a comfortable establishment located in the bustling Xinyi area - Taipei's east side shopping district. This California style bistro serves up light meals in a laid-back location. Mayan's menu does a take on Italian and Mexican cuisine served with imported bottled brews and specialty beers on tap. For a more delicate drink, try one of Mayan's delightfully fresh cocktails. For a hot summer evening, nothing beats the Mayan margarita - easily one of the best cocktails in town.

Paying homage to the society after which the eatery was named, the owners of Mayan take pride in their clean, green approach. Mayan's menu nods to their natural, chemical-free frame of mind. Mayan promises flavourful food from healthy, fresh ingredients and keeping it organic as far as possible. From salsas, to marinades and corn chips - everything at Mayan is said to be made from scratch, using authentic ingredients. Spices and chile, imported from North and Central America, have customers flocking back to Mayan for that original flavour.

Serving up contemporary Mexican cuisine puts a fusion spin on the servings, but when it comes to quality and attention to detail Mayan is miles from another Tex Mex restaurant.

The big players on Mayan's main menu include 'Spicy Volcano Shrimp Tacos' and 'Reina del Mar', while classics like burritos and enchiladas provide slightly more affordable options. Pastas, risottos and sandwiches are also available for those looking for a easy way out of a palate full of flame.

If you're up late morning and are looking for a way to play brunch, keep in mind that Mayan also serves a Western-style brunch menu - featuring French toast, burritos and bagels to name a few. But as always, its best to hit a restaurant to try their signature servings. In the case of Mayan, that'd be the fruity cocktails and fresh, fiery food.