"This spot is a gem for atmosphere! The food had highs and lows. The grilled octopus, while flavorful, was a bit on the dry side. However, the branzino was absolutely amazing - perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. My only wish is for a more expansive menu; a greater selection would make return visits even more exciting."

"Food: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Hostess: 1/5 Hostess (Kana): We had a 5:30 reservation and we arrived 15 mins late (I know our fault), the hostess told us there is a reservation at 7. I asked what about the bar, I think there were 4 seats open, she said those are reversed. So I said no problem, we’ll take our table and we’ll finish by 7:00 (again our mistake for arriving late). After we sat at the table and got the cocktail menus, by the time we got our cocktails it was already after 6 PM and we still didn’t put any food in. I noticed two additional seats at the bar that just cleared out, since it was getting late, I asked if we can move to those and we did. Here are my problems: 1. We finished at 8 PM and the table and half of the restaurant was empty (see pics) 2. Our waiter at the table said bar seating is for walk-ins, so I am not sure how there were some reserved seats when we arrived. Service: The bar staff Christian and Zoie were so sweet and attentive. As well as our waiter for the few minutes that we sat at the table, he was awesome (I am sorry I didn’t get his name!). Drinks: we got the basilica, that was bad! We got their old fashion which was OK, and I finished with a vodka dirty martini which was great. Food: 1. Falafel: it was awesome. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. 2. Cucumber salad: it was good if you got a bite of everything, but it wasn’t worth it. 3. Octopus: it was good, but not the best we ever had. 4. Whole Branzino: please don’t call a fish whole on the menu if it doesn’t have the head, it isn’t whole when it is missing a whole body part!! With that out of the way, the fish was delicious, the skin was super crispy! Excellent overall! 5. Shawarma beef skewers: I wouldn’t call it shawarma but it was our favorite bite of the night, the mushrooms were amazing as well! Overall, I will return for the food and the service (besides the hostess). Our favorites in order are the shawarma beef skewers, branzino, falafel… then octopus and cucumber salad."

"Amaya is a must, an upscale Mediterranean place right on Rainey street. We enjoyed amazing cocktails and delicious delicacies including a whole branzino served on top of a superbly seasoned tabouli. We loved the hora negra, aka espresso martini and the costa verde, a spicy shishito gin and tonic. We also loved the patates bravas served on a bed of Muhammara. Great atmosphere and Zoe was fabulous with her recommendations. Don’t sleep on Amaya, folks."

"A beautiful atmosphere and wonderful staff with food to match. Papas Bravas are a must to accompany any of the delicious plates! S/o Christian for being great!"

"Classic Austin fusion-y restaurant that is overpriced and inauthentic. But stars for our friendly waitress (slow kitchen) and the decor."