Ixchel Mexican opens in Setauket

Located in a stand-alone house that used to be Old Fields Tavern in Setauket, the new restaurant Ixchel, a swank Mexican spot focused on the delicacies of the Mayan people, is a real stunner.

Daphnee and Juan Munar said Ixchel is the Mayan moon goddess, linked to rainfall, harvest times, fertility and medicine. While the duo have long dreamed of owning their own spot, inspiration came when the couple traveled through Mexico learning about Mayan history and culture.

There's a whole cocktail menu based on the Mayan calendar — try the Balam (Jaguar), made from mezcal, fresh blood orange, mint leaves and citrus ($15). Bartenders mix beautifully hued drinks made with hibiscus, pineapple, and mango — all topped with a flower or piece of dragonfruit. If you like your drinks neat, there are rare tequilas aged in bourbon and wine barrels as well as Mexican wines.

Daphnee designed the dramatic entry, a sunken room anchored by an L-shaped blond wood bar. Romantic wisteria hangs from the rafters. In the dining room, wooden tables are accented by turquoise velvet banquettes, woven lighting and leather-backed chairs.

Chef Amelia Sanchez was born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and you can taste the country in her food. Word of caution: Don’t fill up on the housemade salsa and gratis chips, the portions are huge.

Start with the sopecitos ($17): three large discs piled high with grilled steak, buttery chicken and a crumbly chorizo that packs a nice bite. Tacos, especially the birria, are a popular starter, as is the tableside guacamole cart ($16). Aguachiles Tulum, a Mexican shrimp and scallop dish akin to Peruvian ceviche, is mixed here with pineapple and habanero, topped with avocado ($27). There’s also grilled octopus ($21), flautas ($18) and a tuna tostada ($20), less indigenous, but crowd pleasers, nonetheless.

Nobody should pass up cochinita pibil ($34) on any Mexican menu, let alone one focused on the region from which the recipe hails. The traditional Yucatec Mayan dish is made from slow-roasted pork flavored with oranges, achiote seeds (which give it its vibrant color) and wrapped in banana leaf. At Ixchel, it doesn’t disappoint. For diners less concerned with regional specialties: salmon in mango sauce ($39), filet marinated in mezcal and chipotle ($40) and chile relleno ($18) are also on offer.

Ixchel Mexican Cuisine, 130 Old Town Rd., Setauket, 631-526-2004, Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., Sunday from 3 to 9:30 p.m.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.