A new restaurant blending tavern-style pizza with Nepali flavors has opened on West 7th St., bringing a fresh concept to the neighborhood.

Pizza Maya opened April 20 in a brand new building where a former produce warehouse stood at 1324 West 7th, offering a menu that pairs Chicago-style tavern pizza with momo dumplings, sandwiches and a full bar. The restaurant is owned by Naveen Shrestha, whose portfolio includes Himalayan Restaurant and Highland Cafe & Bakery.

Manager PJ Cadotte said the concept reflects Shrestha’s long track record of adapting to customer demand—something that dates back to the early days of Highland Cafe.

“We put a couple curries and some dumplings, the momos, on the menu,” Cadotte said. “That became such a success that people wanted more and more Nepalese food.”

That demand eventually led Shrestha to open a dedicated Nepali restaurant in Minneapolis. Pizza Maya, Cadotte said, represents a new step—bringing that same spirit of experimentation into a more casual, neighborhood-friendly format.

“This is our fusion,” he said. “He’s done other concepts, but he’s never done a pizza place.”

The menu reflects that mix. Alongside thin, square-cut tavern pizzas are steamed or fried momo dumplings filled with options like chicken, vegetables or Italian sausage. Sandwiches include a chicken parmesan and an Italian beef served on ciabatta, while appetizers lean toward bar fare such as wings and pickle fries.

Early customer favorites highlight the restaurant’s hybrid approach.

“The prosciutto was our number one selling pizza,” Cadotte said. “And the momo comes in second, followed by pepperoni.”

The prosciutto pie, finished with hot honey, has quickly become a standout, while the momo pizza incorporates the same seasoned filling used in the dumplings.

Beyond the food, Pizza Maya is designed as a social space. The restaurant features a full bar along with its multiple seating options and big-screen tvs. Cadotte said the pairing of pizza and drinks was intentional.

“It seemed like a good concept for a new bar—beer, pizza,” he said.

The space itself offers distinct experiences, from a darker, bar-focused interior to a bright, year-round patio room with skylights and floral decor. “Completely different rooms,” Cadotte said, noting the patio is designed for all seasons.

Looking ahead, the restaurant is preparing to open an adjacent event space and host a grand opening celebration later in May. Plans for the event include live entertainment, a cultural dance troupe and giveaways, with early attendees receiving free food items. The event space, which is nearing completion, will be available for private rentals ranging from meetings to wedding receptions and can accommodate outside catering.

Pizza Maya is also leaning into early promotions. For Cinco de Mayo, the restaurant plans to offer a taco pizza special along with $5 house margaritas.

With off-street parking, daily hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and a menu that bridges cultures, Pizza Maya is positioning itself as both a neighborhood staple and a destination.

“We’ve had no complaints,” Cadotte said.

If you go

Pizza Maya

1324 7th St W. St. Paul, MN

Open 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.

@pizzamayamn