Inside Maydan Market, the Flavor Food Hall Helping Define West Adams

**New food hall is drawing more eaters further East!**

*Compass Rose patio vibes comes with pretty greenery and a little set back from the street so it’s still cozy without feeling like you’re on the sidewalk*

Y’all, I am low-key embarrassed to admit… I basically live at the new Maydan Market food hall . Last weekend was a blur; I went not once, not twice, but four times in a single weekend. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Friday was a date night (it went well, thanks for asking).

Saturday morning I treated myself to a solo latte and a pistachio-cream-filled pastry. Sunday I went back to catch up with a friend — and of course, ran into my sweet neighbors! Then Wednesday rolled around and, yep, another date (also good), where I happened to meet Tara, the Community Manager at Maydan Market.

Tara and I ended up chatting about the future of the space — and she’s got big ideas. Once things calm down a bit (maybe early 2026), she’s hoping to introduce sound bath mornings or yoga at the market to give locals (aka ME!!) a reason to linger, not just grab food and dash.

We also talked about opening the space for neighborhood gatherings — like our West Adams Ladies monthly meetup — and she was genuinely excited to make it happen. When I asked where a sound bath or yoga session might fit, she pointed right to the center of the hall.

Picture it: all those tables and chairs moved aside, soft music playing, sunlight filtering in. You can practically feel the calm already.

At the time I’m writing this, you can actually browse all the Maydan Market menus online — and even add to cart and check out before you get there (keep reading for the link and my tips).

Genius move if you’re in a rush. On a busy Friday night, it took about 20–30 minutes for our food from two different vendors, so I could totally see myself pre-ordering before leaving the house and having it ready right as I walk in. Strategic and efficient.

Tara was super helpful; she even gave me the inside scoop on what’s new and worth trying. Malena just launched a pozole tasting menu that looks incredible.

While, I don’t eat meat, I couldn’t help admiring the presentation from the couple next to us. The dish came out beautifully plated on a wooden board, with the server walking them through the story behind it. You could feel the care and creativity in every detail. Yum.

Order Online for the Maydan Market Food Hall

At the time of writing this post, you can view all the Maydan Market available menus here!

It appears you can even add to cart and check-out without even being at the market, which may save you some time if you’re in a hurry. On a busy Friday evening, it took 20-30 minutes for our food to be ready across two different vendors. I can definitely imagine ordering the food as I’m leaving the house and it being ready shortly after I walk thru the doors! Something to think about strategically!

What To Know About The Maydan Market

It’s spacious and stylish. The market is a large, single-story open space filled with natural light and anchored by about [insert number] food vendors. Each one has its own vibe and specialty, so you can easily make a full meal (or day) of it.
One vendor rotates regularly. They’re planning to swap out one stall every month or so, which keeps things feeling fresh and gives locals a reason to come back and see what’s new.
There’s a tiny lifestyle corner. Near the entrance you’ll find a small nook stocked with spices, candles, and home goods like hand lotion; perfect for last-minute gifts or a little “treat yourself” moment.
The back-left corner is home to Maydan, the signature restaurant. This spot is designed for sharing—think tables completely covered in dishes. It’s best enjoyed with four (or more) people, so you can actually sample everything without drowning in leftovers. Reservations are recommended, but on a Wednesday night I still spotted a few open bar seats.
The layout is actively evolving. At the time of writing this, while they’re new…. They’re still fine-tuning the space. For example, there are now high-top tables near the entrance so guests can linger, browse menus, and wait for friends to arrive. (It’s an improvement, I promise)
Extra hangout space in the back. Toward the restrooms, what used to be a lonely chair setup has been upgraded to longer high-top communal tables—a great overflow area when the main dining space gets packed (which it absolutely does on weekends).

*Foreground: The countertop at Malena, before it opens for the lunch time rush. Background: Sit-down restaurant Maydan (good for groups!)*

How To Order Food At The Maydan Market

The first time I walked in, I was greeted by these giant wooden doors with Moorish details, already propped open and welcoming me. Inside? A sea of people eating, drinking, laughing. A total sensory overload in the best way. But if you’re like me, your first thought might be something along the lines of:

“Yikes! Where do I go? What do I do? What should I order? Are there even tables left?”

It can feel a little chaotic at first—especially right now, when the market’s still new and buzzing. If you show up during prime time (think Friday at 7:30 p.m.), expect crowds, chatter, and that very LA mix of excitement + slight panic.

So here’s what to do once you walk in:

Start with the digital menu. You’ll see a QR code or link—scan it to browse menus, add items from multiple stalls, and check out all at once.
Pay once, pick up twice (or more). Each vendor you order from will text you when your food’s ready. So if you order from two stalls, you’ll get two separate texts—and yes, you’ll need to physically walk over to each one to grab your food.
Keep your phone handy. Your text notifications are your order numbers, and food doesn’t magically find its way to you.
Learn the layout. It helps to know where each stall is ahead of time (I’ve included a quick map below so you’re not wandering around like I did on my first visit).

Link to the Online Menu Where You Can Order! >>

At the time of writing this, I am able to actively review which sections are open, and browse the currently (live) available food options using this link here. <<< Click and see which food areas are actively open, and browse prices and availability!!

7 Different Sections of Maydan Market: Quick Explainer

*Quick reference guide for navigating the Maydan Market food hall in West Adams*

At the time of writing this, only two of the Maydan Market food section have clear signage! So picking up your food and/or ordering comes down to wandering, and asking the workers - which restaurant are you?!?! Thus, it is helpful to use the above map and familiarize yourself :) See below for my quick explainer of each section of Maydan Market so you’re prepared:

*Main free-for-all seating at the Maydan Market*

Maydan the Restaurant - the main sit-down restaurant with table service (reservations recommended); mainly for more than 2 people to share family style
Compass Rose - the front patio, outdoor area and restaurant/bar, (visible from the outside and street) which doubles as the main day-time coffee shop! Bar, table seating available. (lunch & dinner)
Malena [Mexican]- the larger wrap around restaurant with pozole, tacos and tamales, and other traditional Mexican fare (lunch & dinner)
Sook [shop] - which is the small corner of spices, small goods and a compact selection of salads, sandwiches
Club 104 [rotating food stall] - Currently, it’s Melnificent Wingz (fried chicken). No idea what this is. It’s on the map but currently does not exist. I imagine it will be the outdoor section once it’s up and running. Ignore this for now.
Lugya’h [Oaxacan] - the main Mexican (Oaxacan) restaurant known for its ttayudas!
Yhing Yang [Thai] - Thai food called Yhing Yang (specializing in chicken), with bar seating as well!

*Main free-for-all dining seats/tables at Maydan Market*

Where do you recommend eating?

Daytime: When I came in, I saw Compass Rose as the best day-time spot as it had coffee, pastries, and khachapuri for daytime dishes. Lugya’h has a lunchtime menu for more substantial meals! As of now, Malena is also offering tacos and tamales during lunch. (see below section with food pics!!)
Evening: Most people either wanted the full family meal style of the sit-down restaurant Maydan otherwise went with Malena, Lugya’h or Yhing Yang (Thai), or Melnificent Wingz (fried chicken) - as more stalls were open and available. (see below section with detailed food pics!)

Day Time to Nightime At Compass Rose (@Maydan Market)

Lunch & Dinner from Lugya’h (@Maydan Market)

Tacos from Malena

*Initially there were two tacos, but I ate one! Fried, fish tacos!*

For a Sit-Down Dinner With a Group: Maydan [the Restaurant]

*Maydan the Restaurant, is in the back left corner and along the woodfire area (under that brass drop-ceiling). Which means, those back seats are reserved for sit-down restaurant patrons only.*

*Maydan [the sit-down Restaurant], inside of Maydan Market: Main Menu*

*Seating for Maydan the Restaurant! Gorgeous interiors*

Sook, The Marketplace at The Maydan Market

When I stopped by Sook, the little marketplace inside Maydan, I found a carefully curated mix of goodies: think skincare oils, artisanal chocolate, spices, cookbooks, lip balms, and small home gifts.

Everything was thoughtfully displayed and totally aesthetic (the kind of setup that makes you want to linger). I’m already planning to go back for that lip balm and a few chocolate bars to satisfy my sweet tooth.