Astoria Openings: Mexican Restaurant, Napoli Pizza Returns

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Two Astoria restaurants opened about just steps apart from each other in recent days: a new Mexican eatery, and a longtime Italian pizzeria reopening months after a devastating fire.

Mayahuel, on 34th Avenue between 32nd and 33rd streets, and Napoli Pizza & Pasta, on the corner of 35th Avenue and 33rd Street, are separated by just one block, though their cuisines have little overlap.

Mayahuel opened Monday, as the self-described "Mexican Restaurant & Agaveria" takes over a tucked-away storefront that was previously home to the Mexican restaurant Maizal.

On the menu are entrées like skirt steak tampequeña, mole enchiladas, grilled octopus, and chiles en nogada, plus seven varieties of tacos, appetizers like guacamole and calamari, and desserts.

As might be expected of a restaurant named for the Mesoamerican goddess of the agave plant, Mayahuel features a lengthy list of tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails, as well as beers and wines. Photos show a sleek, dimly-lit interior, with colorful murals lining some walls.

A block south, meanwhile, Napoli has officially reopened six months after a two-alarm fire badly damaged the 25-year-old restaurant.

Owners launched an online fundraiser to pay their employees as they worked to renovate the space, amassing nearly $9,000 in donations.

The newly reopened Napoli features an all-new black-and-white awning and signage, with its interior looking much the same as before.

Learn more about Mayahuel on its Instagram, and Napoli on its website.