Maria's Buena Cocina has quickly become a beloved gem in Highland, Indiana. This cozy Mexican restaurant, located at 2936 B, Highway Ave, prides itself on delivering an authentic culinary experience that leaves diners raving. Customers like Steven Bishop share glowing reviews, citing the outstanding quality of the food and service. The Carne A La Mexicana and Chicken and Mole Dinner are among the chef's specialties, each bursting with flavor and freshness, while breakfast options like Chilaquiles and Huevos Rancheros showcase the menu's depth. Allison Iverson’s enthusiastic review encapsulates the warm, inviting atmosphere—"like hanging out in their home"—and the attention to detail that makes each visit special. The homemade chorizo and freshly toasted coffee with cinnamon are noteworthy highlights, enhancing the overall experience. While the restaurant is small and intimate, diners appreciate the high level of service and the commitment to freshly made dishes. With a menu that features vibrant flavors and generous portions, Maria's Buena Cocina stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking the rich, comforting tastes of true Mexican cuisine. Overall, it’s an experience that many, like Courtney H and Ron L, recommend wholeheartedly, often stating it's the best Mexican restaurant they've encountered. Don't miss your chance to savor the vibrant flavors and welcoming hospitality at Maria's Buena Cocina!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Maria's Buena Cocina
Steven Bishop
May 16,2025
This place is the real deal. We Came with 4 people and we all ordered 4 different things. No one could find a bad thing to say and infact, we all loved it. Service was also amazing. Expect to pay a little more than you would at a big chain Mexican Restaurants but it's well worth it.
Allison Iverson
May 7,2025
WOW!!! I am so impressed with this place!!! Service was excellent. They are so welcoming and friendly. They make you feel like you're hanging out in their home or patio while they cook for you. I felt very special like I've known them for years. Our drinks never ran out. The coffee?! WOW!! They toast the coffee beans with cinnamon. The food?! OMG WOW!!! Jam packed with flavor in every bite. They make their own chorizo in house which is also amazing. They make all the food to order so everything is fresh. HIGHLY recommend!!!! I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars :) this is hands down the best mexican restaurant I've ever been to :)
Courtney H
Apr 26,2025
Loved this place. Food was so fresh and service was wonderful. The only thing that was missing was the pickled carrots and peppers. The chip and dip salsa came out and the salsa was warm, chips were fresh. The dishes we ordered was delicious.
Ron L
Apr 8,2025
Very small comfortable well decorated spot. Everything was very fresh. From the hibiscus tea to the steak tacos. The first few bites of the warm chips and salsa left a burst of fresh homemade flavors. The meat on the steak tacos was very tender, juicy and seasoned well. Didn't even need the hot sauce. But along with other reviewers I have to agree. Probably the best rice and beans I've ever had. It was a perfect touch to the lunch. The service was perfect. Definitely recommend. Ps. Not sure why I was given Lemons with my tacos but aside from that perfect experience. Update: Went back again with my wife and ordered the Costillas En Salsa Verde. Let me say hands down this was the best salsa verde I ever had. Ribs were juicy fall off of the bone. The recipe for the salsa verde was just like her mother used to make. Believe me when I say the homemade with love flavor is there!
Jazmine A
Mar 27,2025
Beautiful place, great tasting food, great service ! Will be back again when in Ind. Ty !
Alexis Lumpkin
Mar 14,2025
The food is always amazing and flavorful. The rice and beans are some of the best I've had, and so are their tamales. They're my favorite, and they're always moist. You can buy them by the dozen, and it's so hard to find really amazing tamales you can buy by the dozen. I just finished my last 2 and will be back next week for more.
Dr. DarkSky Marty
Feb 20,2025
WOW, on site chef Maria makes it all by hand and in her kitchen here and has for years, even the waitress for years! The food is simply awesome, not good, not great but AWESOME. Find this place and eat here.
Devonte Malone
Feb 11,2025
When I say this is the #1 best authentic Mexican food spot in Indiana, it’s honestly an understatement. The food is incredibly good. I even call Maria my Mexican grandma—that’s how much I love this place. Everything Maria cooks is picked fresh daily , and you can taste every single ingredient. The flavors are so vibrant that each bite feels like a celebration. She even let me try a dish she made just for herself—not even on the menu—with some sweet potato fries. I don’t usually like sweet potatoes, but this was so good it actually inspired me to try making my own! Now, about these tostadas... One bite and I immediately regretted not ordering more. They were that good. This place is hands down the most underrated authentic Mexican food spot. If you don’t believe me, just go try it yourself. I’m confident you’ll feel exactly the same way I do. I’ve been to thousands of taco and burrito spots, but this one? #1, without a doubt. Thank you so much, Maria. We are beyond grateful for you and the amazing food you bring. Your family must feel so lucky to enjoy your cooking all the time. Honestly, I wish I could have you at home—it would feel like being at my grandma’s house every day. And while my grandma could cook, Maria, your cooking is on another level. Thank you so much, and please, keep up the amazing work. We truly appreciate you!
Reviews For Maria's Buena Cocina