Mayfield
Restaurant · San Juan Capistrano ·
Modern Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, creative cocktails, stylish space
Modern Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, creative cocktails, stylish space
"George Barker opened Mayfield in 2020 and sparked a new dining movement in San Juan Capistrano. The food is influenced by Levantine regional flavors, with hints of North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East mixed with California. There’s a solid burger with harissa aioli at happy hour and za’atar fried chicken for dinner. For brunch, there’s avocado toast and egg sandwiches, but there are also Turkish eggs with labneh and fiery tomato shakshuka, showcasing the variety from the kitchen. The restaurant is also known for its cocktails, one of which is featured monthly and whose proceeds are given to a local cause." - Jenn Tanaka
"Caliterranean? Medifornia? The cuisine on offer at this San Juan Capistrano restaurant and market isn’t easily summarized. Its Westward Bound cocktail, though, shows off the bar’s influences nicely, taking a Westward Whiskey-amaro-lemon base and adding orange blossom and cardamom, a flavor profile often seen in Mediterranean dishes. Pro tip: grab a seat that faces out into the pedestrian-friendly, historic downtown of San Juan Capistrano for excellent people watching." - Vox Creative
"The honey blossom mousse at Mayfield is layered with compressed kumquats and lemon curd, and tucked beneath a delicate honey shard. The dessert blends the flavors of California with those of the Levant region." - Jenn Tanaka
"Mayfield is technically a Levantine-leaning restaurant and market, but its coffee program is fine-tuned and exceptional, grander than some cafes even. Neither a server nor a bartender would dare make a coffee here without months of training first. Mayfield’s owner, George Barker, is partial to the Fancy Man cappuccino (made with bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup and cinnamon, and topped with Maldon smoked sea salt) paired with sticky toffee pudding. Or for a nightcap, the Italian Job includes espresso, house-made soda water, and Italian Amaro." - Jordan Morosco
"San Juan Capistrano’s dining resurgence began a few years ago, and Mayfield was one of the key players. Mayfield’s modern Mediterranean-inspired menu includes traditional brunch dishes as well as inventive takes like brown rice bowls with poached egg, Japanese sweet potato, greens, veggies, and crispy-skinned salmon. Other dishes like the za’atar-spiced fried chicken sandwich are both classically comforting and modern." - Jenn Tanaka
