CHAAK KITCHEN

Had high expectations because my wife loved this place. Ceviche and Empanada were pretty good but the other dish was way too salty that it felt like I was getting high blood pressure eating it. Ended up barely eating less than half and stopped. We came to the restaurant to have this dish but apparently it changed. $44 wasted. Don’t know if I will ever come back to this restaurant….

Absolutely loved this place! Every dish we tried was full of flavor, fresh, and beautifully presented — but the real standout was the branzino. Perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat — it was one of the best fish dishes I’ve had in a long time. Highly recommend it if you’re visiting! The staff was attentive, and the cocktails were great too. Will definitely be coming back!

The restaurant was recommended to me by no one but I did see it on the Michelin app and decided to go out with my gf to go eat. We looked at the menu and decided on four items + 1 dessert. We started with the Pulpo Al Guajillo. That dish is octopus with garbanzo purée , chayote, and red chorizo. Ima start off by saying I’m typically not a fan of chewy food . It doesn’t sit right with me BUTTTTTT this dish for some reason has an exception. I fully expected to give this a 2/5 but it’s an easy 5/5 dish. The octopus was indeed chewy but the flavors I was chewing were absolutely delicious. The surroundings of the octopus were what really helped the solidly the perfect rating. This dish set high expectations for every other octopus dish in my future. Salbute Pato Ahumado was our next dish and this duck taco of some sorts was out of this world. Fluffy soft tortilla and juices every single bite. As a fan of cherry tomatoes they definitely added more to the already great flavor of this taco. NOW the moment I was waiting for… the COCHINITA PIBIL. Right away when the dish was sent out to our table I spam the statement “ Do you smell that?” I’m still dreaming of the smell as I write this 4 hours later. The smell alone warrants a 10/5 but after eating it, it definitely is up there for one of my favorite dishes of all time. It’s a make your own taco dish with some sort of limey salsa verde, guacamole and diced tomatoes. You want to definitely make your taco and then rub your taco on the side of the meat plate. Im not going to explain anymore, you just have to try yourself. Lastly we got the enchiladas, to some of you it may be good but it wasn’t my cup of tea. The cheese and enchiladas sauce wasn’t something i enjoyed but to others they may love it. We ended up liking the food so much that we got dessert. We decided on the bombas and they’re nice and fluffy. It’s one of the desserts where you can’t do anything too great that would make it an outstanding dish, you can only mess it up. Glad to say they didn’t mess it up. It was good and as expected as a dessert. Dulce de leche & really good chocolate with sugary beignets. My experience was a 5/5 love it and would definitely go back.

This was my first time experiencing Mexican cuisine with Yucatán roots, and CHAAK Kitchen delivered a flavorful and upscale take on it. The atmosphere had a refined, intimate vibe that paired well with the dishes. The enchiladas were a standout—definitely a must-try—with a satisfying cheese pull and bold, layered flavors. I tried the smoked chicken as well; while it was a bit dry for my preference, the seasoning was on point and made it enjoyable overall. The drinks were creative and had an elevated twist on traditional cocktails, adding to the high-end feel of the meal. Our server was very friendly, though there were a couple of small hiccups—he needed a reminder about a salad for one of our guests and forgot my wife’s glass of wine (which was left off the bill, so we didn’t bring it up). CHAAK is a cozy spot, so I’d recommend keeping group sizes under 8 unless you call ahead—they likely can accommodate with notice. One of the coolest features was the retractable roof, addin

This Michelin bib gourmand restaurant should get a star at some point. The Yucatan peninsula inspired food is near perfect. The cocktails are well thought out and inspired without being trendy. The atmosphere is nice and friendly, but not pristine. Better than 90% of the places out there, yes. Perfect? Not yet.

Amazing upscale Mexican style food. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious. We let the server order for us which includes the ceviche (delicious), the clams (so amazing), the pork (chefs kiss) and some other sides. Truly excellent food and service! The atmosphere is fun, casual enough to wear what you want but also charming with lights and a huge open wall to a heated patio. I highly recommend trying this place!

The service started with the front male at the door. Not welcoming. He looked at us like we either didn’t dress the vibe or we weren’t about to handle the prices. That’s the look we received from the guy. We were seated at the bar because he said that was all that was available. Which was fine by us. The server was pleasant. He went over the menu and was to serve us. Everyone at the bar was keeping it moving and seemed all professional. Nice corner spot. The lighting was perfect for the place. The seating area I actually prefer the bar. Not really a private spot. More for a social event or get together.

Real good and fresh food. Upscale twist on Mexican cuisine with real friendly staff. Not a big menu but it does have great flavor combinations on each dish. Highly recommend the pork entree as that was the highlight of the meal. Dining room is pleasant with a view into the heart of the restaurant, the kitchen.

Tulum vibe dinner. I tried: 1. Camarones en arroz negro - prawns & scallop 2. Pulpo al guajillo - grilled octopus 3. Smoked duck tacos 4. Chaak house margarita 5. Grapefruit & hibiscus margarita

I used to see this place while passing by the aesthetic old tustin neighborhood and decided to try it out, but it doesn't live up to its reputation. You can reserve ahead online and on weekdays or early weekend hours, there's free 2 hr street parking on the lot. But the lanes are pretty busy so I'd plan accordingly. They have a huge space but it's neither arranged nor managed well. They have too many 4 seat options that are always empty and they're holding for some reservation so if you're a party of 2 it's just the bar and high tops, both of which are not well insulated from the outside and if it's cold like it was when we went, then good luck getting through. We asked the server if there was any other seat since the booths were all empty and it was freezing and he said it's just the bar and high tops and we can leave if we wish to. Which was incredibly weird way of addressing a question. We sat at the corner end of the bar and the only saving grace is the bar staff. They're really nice and knowledgeable, the previous server had to do double takes on every dish or item we were asking about. At the bar, we tried two of their signature beverages and called for the trio chips/dip, enchiladas (only vegetarian entrée), beets, chicken tamal, n the chocolate mousse. My fav was the light,dark, slightly bitter sweet dessert, my partner liked the enchiladas. Having had authentic sikil pak and Yucatan food from the province, this really falls short of what it advertises. L Drinks were alright, we also got the desert egg nog drink and that shot was really bad and way too eggy not in a good way. That and the overall bad seating situation make for a mid experience which is pretty steep. Would not recommend

If you like Mexican food, but are searching for something a little different... Chaak is the spot for you. ::Food:: Chuuk Trio / Hiramasa Crudo / Parrillada Yucatan / Bombas Chuuk Trio: Next level chips and salsa. You get "spicy" guac, red salsa, and sikil pa' k which is like a pumpkin seed hummus-ish. The chips are a combo of homemade blue corn tortilla chips, chicharrones, taro root mini tostadas. Overall 5/5 Hiramasa Crudo: Maybe the best thing I ate here. There is so much going on at once that I cannot even describe what I ate. The fish is fresh, the apple is total wildcard that works perfectly with the dish and everything else is just a vessel to the greatness. Use the chips from the trio to make small bites even better. Overall 5/5 Parrillada Yucatan: Sausage, Chicken, Steak + homemade corn tortillas. The star of this was the chicken for me. It was nicely smoked giving it some depth of flavor. The steak was pretty standard for me, nothing too special. The sausage was unlike anything I've ever tasted. The flavors were unique and potent. Overall it was just okay imo 3.5/5 Bombas: Beignets meet Churros. They were good and a nice way to end the meal. They are served with some dark chocolate and dulce de leche to add some sweetness. 4/5 ::Service / Restaurant:: Issa, our server, was great. She was super attentive, gave recommendations, and was constantly checking on us. You will never run out of water here as they are always stopping by to refill glasses nonstop. The decor inside is very nice and fits the Mayan / Yucatan theme nicely! ::Notes:: Overall it was a very pleasant experience. Some of the flavors were not my cup of tea, but that's okay because at least I tried them!

This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a Mexican restaurant, especially surprising since they're known for their great hospitality! The host at the front was too busy on her phone to be attentive. Despite there being plenty of empty tables both inside and outside, she kept insisting they were reserved. While we were there, only one table was seated, but she still didn't bother walking us to a table. Instead, she pointed us to the bar top without offering a menu or anything. I had to ask a waiter for a menu, things were already off to a bad start. I noticed on the wall that this restaurant was Michelin-recognized in 2021, but it seems like those days are long gone. The food was overpriced, with tiny portions of raw meat and fish that were heavily oversalted. Even the chips were drenched in oil, overly salty, and way too spicy. We didn't enjoy any of it. Despite being ignored and never offered a proper table, we decided to leave. The only things we liked was the cocktail, a cucumber margarita that had a refreshing taste and ambiance. Other than that, it was a complete disappointment.

Mexican food is an aphrodisiac which excites the passion for living. It courts, seduces, ravishes, then cherishes all five senses -- Richard Condon, The Mexican Stove: What To Put On It and In It, 1973 Somehow my Chaak review has disappeared...my photos used to be featured too. Very weird. Anyway, Chaak in my mind is the best restaurant in OC. So it gets one of the first 2025 reviews from me. Been here multiple times including ordering takeout during the COVID years. Prefer the table for 5-6 at the corner window. Best items to order: Ceviche, Charred Octopus, Duck Salbutes, Smoked Pork, the meat plate, basque cheesecake...oh, also the charred carrots when in season. Cocktails and wine list are interesting. Corkage I think is up to $30. Service is usually very friendly. The ambiance is cool yet OC. It's nice when the food opens up in the summer. A huge missed opportunity for them not having live music or staying open later. Especially with the strong drink program. Highly recommended :-)

Tried to get reservations at Gabbi's (their sister restaurant Orange), but they couldn't accommodate us and suggested we try here. Came here on a Saturday night and it was pretty busy. The host and hostesses at the front were very nice and friendly! Our waiter Ryan was awesome and very patient with us as we didn't know what to order. He was very knowledgeable about all the dishes! Service was amazing too! We got drinks to start, the Orange Margarita and Copal (Ryan's great recommendation). The Orange Margarita was good. My husband REALLY liked the Copal. We ordered a bunch of stuff... Chuuk trio - chips and salsa - it was served w/ three different "dips". Guacamole, salsa and sikil pak (pumpkin seed). The best was the guacamole! Carne Crudo - beef tartare - it was served with chips. It was pretty good. I had a nibble as my kids gobbled the rest up. Pulpo Al Guajillo- grilled octopus - had a nice char/smokey flavor. The octopus was good too! It wasn't chewy either which was great! Esquites - grilled corn w/bone marrow - this was very tasty! With the marrow mixed into the grilled corn, it gave a different flavor! Castacan - pork belly tacos - something in there was pretty spicy for my kids. The pork belly was also a bit salty too. Cochinita Pibil - smoked pork shoulder was big enough to share with another person. The pork was soft and tender. The tortilla that it comes with...sadly I don't know what "fresh" tortillas taste like...I'm not sure if this was the case, but it wasn't the American style type of tortillas that I'm used to buying from the stores. Overall, delicious drinks! Amazing service! Great food! I'd recommend checking this place out!

Nice interior, kind of open lighting/jungly bar concept. Went at a brunch time and it was rather empty. Had some expectations being in the bib gourmand, pricing is like $15-20 per dish which was less than expefted. Ii thought we wouldn't be full with the portions/ number of dishes but we were. I kind of didn't like the service, menu wise was rushed, they cleared our plates too early, and barely came to give water or check on us until the end, the male buser was nice. However, I do admit this might be partly a mistake on our part as our reservation was at 1 and they closed at 2, with kitchen closing even earlier so I'd recommend to change the reservation times available on yelp. However, there was a party seated after us (midway through eating) that seemed to have a smoother interaction. The food arrived fast and close to each other. Anyways food! Tacos- yummy flavor profile, corn tortilla, not too strongly smoked but had good flavors without being too oily Habanero cream sauce but not too spicy. Huaraches- if i were to colonise this I'd say its like a flatbread on a blue corn based bread. Again nicely executed with not making it too oily despite a fattier meat and I enjoyed the toppings. The cheese was yummy too and had a nice pull as expected. Recommended if mexican food isn't your forte Ceviche- strong flavor, actually had a bit of a kick. They have a tin of what looks like house made blue corn tortilla chips. The chips are a bit thin to hold the ceviche, but i enjoyed the flavor. I think this was my favorite Overall, the food is well executed for the design, after all its quite rare to see mayan food. I would say its sort of gentrified ish, definitely not like hit your soul, bang for your buck mexican food. Besides the service, I think it would be a nice dining experience to try if you are a foodie.

Great vibes, good food albeit pricy, and nice service. Dips: the chips were good and kept us full. The pumpkin dip was good. Nice filler starter but I wouldn't crave it. Ceviche: pretty good, suggest getting this over the dips Cesar salad: typical but good Pollo pibil: the chicken was tender and it was a good dish to get. Big enough for sharing with 2-3 people (or more if you get other items). Bone-in prime New York strip: delicious, nicely cooked. The potatoes went well with it, although I would have preferred something mashed. Still my favorite of the meal. Cheesecake: skip. It was good, but the fig or sauce didn't go well with it. Chocolate mousse: tasty but I likely won't get this again. Drinks were great, but one non-alcoholic one we tried had a really off-putting flavor (agreed by multiple people). Service/ambience: we sat outside and it was still nice. The inside looks beautiful. Server was friendly and attentive. Parking: don't park next door - there should be signs. There are plenty of street/public parking that you can walk from.

Good Friday dinner spot! Food: Hiramasa Crudo 4/5. Flavorful, slightly too much acidity. Could be dialed back just a smidge. Tamal colado 4/5. Seasonal item so wanted to give it a try good but missing that extra umph in an exceptional flavoring. Topoxte 5/5 cocktail! Cool vibe with indoor and outdoor seating. Large bar area. You can make a reservation at the bar so not only first come first serve. Kylie and Rahul were great bartenders! Providing recommendations even in the area. Parking is limited in the area.

My goodness, this was one of saltiest meals I've ever eaten. We came for a friend's birthday and I love the vibe. Modern but rustic. Nice outdoor and indoor space. But it started going downhill after that. First, I ordered a regular old fashioned. My friend got the El Hefe. His drink came with a block of ice and mine came with crushed ice. WTH? Who serves a whisky drink with crushed ice if you have access to the block ice? Then the food started coming out and it was salty from the first bite. We started with the clams and thankfully that came with grilled bread (which was cold). The clams and the sauce with the bread masked the saltiness. The same with the octopus. The sauce helped masked the potentially saltiness although I was disappointed with the portion of octopus. Very small. We also ordered the empanadas which was the only appropriately salted dish although it tasted a little bland after all the overrated dishes. Our final appetizer we shared was the bone marrow. Might have been the worst bone marrow I've ever had. Barely any marrow, no vessel to eat it with except what had to be the saltiest corn I've ever tasted. We ordered the steak and the pork shoulder and the saltiness didn't stop. Thankfully the pork shoulder came with tortillas to balance it out. That dish was actually enjoyable for it's spices and flavors. But the steak was SO salty along with the potatoes and even the sauce. We finished with the bread pudding and the "beignets". The bread pudding was good. Could still taste salt but it was a well rounded dessert with a nice balance of salt and sweet. The beignets were not beignets but basically a donut or a round churro. Good but don't expect a beignet. Do NOT come here if you have high blood pressure because this is not a place for people who shouldn't have a lot of salt.

Dinner reservations for 4 at 7:30. Parking is limited on the streets, but it's still accessible. Friendly staff and service was great. Ambiance : the decor was warm and inviting space was a bit small. We ordered : *Tartar : 4/5 Delicious perfect for sharing and had a bit of a bite to it. * Caesar salad : 4/5 - fresh has the perfect sauce ratio * Octopus ceviche : 5/5 - smaller plate, chunky pieces had a nice spice to it. * New year steak with potatos : 5/5 - order medium rare it was smoky and cooked to perfection and the potatoes had a nice seasoning perfect to share * Fish - 5/5 - seasoning was wonderful it was so delicious would def order again Overall, the food service and ambiance was wonderful would definitely be back

this place has been on my bucket list for a year now and it blew my mind away! the flavors were rlly rich, but not overpowering at the same time. we ordered the ceviche campeche, chakut platter, smoked chicken salad, salbute pato ahumado, castacan, cochinita pibil main, tamal colado, bombas, capirotada. i went with a group of 6 ppl and we finished everything clean. it was pretty loud so we couldn't hear much but the interior was vibey and staff were on top of it with helping us. parking was easy to find nearby

I had the pleasure of dining at Chaak Kitchen, and I was absolutely impressed! The ambiance is stunning--so chic and trendy, yet warm and inviting. Even though they were fully booked, they graciously accommodated me right away, which I truly appreciated. The service was impeccable! Everyone was so kind and attentive, from the waiter to the manager, who made sure everything was perfect. And the food? Incredible! Even though I'm vegan, I couldn't resist trying their fine fish dishes, and everything was so fresh and full of flavor. My top recommendations: the tamale, the fish, and the dessert--oh my, the dessert was divine! This place is a total gem, but definitely call ahead for dinner reservations because they fill up quickly. I can't wait to go back!

I recently visited Chaak Kitchen in Old Town Tustin with a couple of girlfriends and OMG was it good!! The restaurant was brightly lit up with outdoor lights on their patio and the inside had various colorful decor. I ordered an orange margarita as my beverage. The glass was generously salted and I appreciated that the drink wasn't overly sweet. We decided to order a bunch of dishes that sounded good and share. We ordered Ceviche Campeche, empanadas, Almejas al Vapor Picante (clams), and Branzino. The empanadas came out first and they came out with a zesty red sauce. It was cheesy and delicious. Next, we got the ceviche. This was also delightful with a little kick. There was a good portion of fish and it was a perfect dish after the warm empanadas. The little neck clams were up next (Almejas al Vapor Picantes). They came in a green broth with chorizo and was served bread on the side. This dish was probably my favorite. I love clams and this dish did not disappoint. The broth was tasty and went so well with the bread. The branzino came last and it was one of the larger branzino dishes I've had. It came with a side of tortillas and a dish of sauces and limes. The fish was nicely seasoned and there was so much meat. We ended the meal with bombas which were cinnamon-sugar beignets with a chocolate and dulce de leche sauce. We were so full at this point but the perfect end to an incredible meal. Service was friendly and attentive. I drink a ton of water and I really appreciate that my water was always replenished. The dishes came out at a good pace, and we all loved our food. Parking was a little tricky to find but not impossible. I ended up circling the area a couple of times but found a spot nearby quickly.

This is my first time here. Initially called to make a reservation for 6 but was asked not only my credit card info, but also the CVV number. I was uncomfortable giving away that info and they informed me they wouldn't be able to take the reservation without it. I tried the OpenTable app as well, but the indoor seating option were blocked off which I knew were available when I called. So we decided to just do a walk in figuring it won't be that busy on a Thursday evening. We were wrong, they were pretty full. After about 30 minutes, we were seated outside. Luckily, they had heat lamps. The food and service were both pretty good. Would probably visit again.

Food and drink here are always very good. The Cochinita pabil and the pulpo iare my go to dishes. Also the tequilas are too good to pass up

We came here for lunch on Christmas Eve. We arrived on time and were seated immediately. The restaurant has a very inviting atmosphere and cozy vibe with a bit of Christmas decorations. We ordered the bone marrow, grilled octopus, clams, duck taco, martini, and Bloody Mary. Everything was great, but a little bit too acidic for my taste. Overall it was good and would recommended this place. There was plenty of parking on the street, but I came on Xmas Eve right when it opened so it might be different on a regular day.

Ambiance: Based on first impressions and experience eating at the place, it seems like a more intimate setting for a date night or for a special occasion, such as a birthday celebration. There is only street parking. It would be better to call for reservation as the place tends to be crowded and you may be waiting longer than expected for walk-ins. However, there is an open bar (first come first serve). The food is based off of the Yucatán Region and culture (Shared dishes with focus on spices) Recommendations from the server and based on personal experience: Esquites (savory corn dish that can add variety to your meal), Chaak Caesar (server mentioned that it would be removed from the menu soon, if not already), and the Cochinita Pibil (one of the larger plates that provides protein and sustenance to a meal). Note: Order 3-5 dishes for every two people and this is a setting where it would be best to eat family-style as the dishes themselves are small but provide variety. Be warned that some dishes tend to be saltier than others; I would double check to see which ones come with chips and substitute it with a different dish. Our server was amazing and adaptable to my party's needs (as we came as a party of 4 and celebrated a birthday). Personally, you pay for the ambiance (as it's a "trendy" and unique place that serves a specialized cuisine). I would go back and try their special: lamb ribs (on half or full rack)

Chaak Kitchen has been on my list of restaurants to try for some time now. I have always passed by it while in Old Town Tustin. It has such a lively vibe that I felt like I probably should go when I have people to dine with. I am so glad that I was able to get a group of friends to go with. The restaurant has an open roof in the center of the dining room, which I thought was cool. I would definitely recommend the place for a nice girls night out or date night with your lover. Food was delicious, but I would caution those who look at menus on Yelp beforehand because I came in expecting to order one thing, but ended up ordering another thing as the menu was different than the ones people posted for pictures. It did take awhile to get my food though. I believe I was the last one at my table to get my food and some of my friends finished theirs already.

Get food and great ambiance. Nice outdoor seating that is pet friendly. My favorite is the ceviche and the duck tacos. All cocktails have been exceptional as well.

Hidden gem! Tried for the first time and we are hooked! This Yucatán inspired restaurant has a quaint and elegant ambiance. The handcrafted cocktails are superior and the food is really something special. We had 3 appetizers and a the pork belly tacos. Finished up with the bombas for dessert which did not disappoint. Highly recommend. Service was great! Very attentive and kind. We went on a Thursday right when they opened and didn't need a reservation however, it was pretty busy by the time we left.

I heard about this restaurant from a friend who mentioned that it was really good and the fact that they're on the Michelin bib gourmand. So, I made a dinner reservation for my partners birthday. We ordered ceviche, grilled octopus, tamale and the chicken. Every dish was so good and my favorite was the tamale and my partner's favorite was the octopus. The only critique I had was probably the chicken's sauce that was on the side. It was a sweet and tangy sauce with a kick. I only had to use alittle bit of the sauce with the chicken but I wished I had a more savory sauce than a sweet sauce. Other than that, everything was delicious. For drinks, I got the pineapple mocktail drink and my partner got an old fashion and they were both good too. Our waitress timed our meals out and it was all so filling with leftover chicken. I'm definitely coming back and trying the other dishes.

Citizens of Orange County (: what a gem of a Mexican restaurant in downtown Tustin. It was destiny that brought us here, long story. So glad it worked out this way. Thank you restaurant Gods. Our group was able to get a table without a wait at 1:30 on a Sunday. Lucky!!! And we all could not stop admiring and commenting on the interior design; live plants, open ceiling, airy, gorgeous, big bar, mid century modern meets paradise. The wait staff so professional and friendly. They served a brunch menu surprisingly with such a variety of dishes. I decided on Manila clams with a flavorful green broth with sausage served with a generous side of garlic bread. My friends ordered ceviche, empanadas, pork sandwich, chilaquiles and turkey sopas. Everyone was smiling when the food arrived and reporting happy taste buds on their first bite. Going here next time for a bender at their beautiful bar area.

Such a delicious experience. Went with a group of friends and we actually ordered more than half the menu! Our waitress was great at explaining the unique Yucatán menu and provided us her recommendations. Some of my favorite standout dishes- shrimp with black rice, clams with green chorizo and grilled bread. And of course the branzino with fresh Housemade tortillas. Perfect spot to hang out with friends or for date night. Enjoy!

Definitely one of the best restaurants I've experienced since moving to the OC. Thoughtfully constructed menu and great service are at the top of my reasons to come back. Cocktails were prepared well and our server was friendly and knowledgeable. We ordered a variety of dishes and each dish had something notable or unique which we loved. Great variety of flavors and textures on each plate as well. We will be back :)

Chaak, recommended as a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the Michelin guide, is known for its yucatecan food of Southeastern Mexico. As such, you can get some truly unique dishes here. Ambiance and service is nice here as a date option, but I really come here for the food. I like coming for brunch. Their Chuuk trio allows you to enjoy their plantain and taro chips in their guac, salsa, and pumpkin seed dips. So good. You can't miss their empanadas, my personal favorite, because of their thick masa. For entrees, we really enjoy their cochinita pibil, which is a classic yucatecan regional dish with spicy and citrus kicks. I also can't pass up a good enchilada, which they fill up with gruyere here. I really appreciate that, as southern Californians, we can get food that's representative of so many regions of Mexico. With its Yucatecan roots, you can get a feel of its Mexican and Mayan roots. This restaurant is definitely worth visiting for a different angle to Mexican food.

Came here on a Saturday for dinner. Got the Ceviche Campeche ($21), Pulpo Al Guajillo ($24), and empanadas ($16 + $4 for an extra empanada) to share with our friends. I also got the Cochinita Pibil ($42). The ceviche was yummy with good pieces of fish and octopus in it. It came with huge tortilla chips. The pulpo (grilled octopus) was pretty tender, and the garbanzo puree/chayote added a unique twist to it. The end of the octopus was overburnt/salty though. The empanadas were the most disappointing. The Oaxaca cheese didn't taste as good as the cheese as I've had in Mexico, and tasted slightly off. The empanadas would have been better with some meat inside instead of just cheese. The habanero-romesco salsa was pretty good and wasn't too spicy. My fave dish of the night was the cochinita (pork shoulder). It was so tender and juicy! It came with a generous amount of warm/fresh tortillas. I tried my boyfriend's Pollo Pibil dish, which was pretty good. The chicken was not super tender or super dry, and the sauce was tasty. The roti with the dish wasn't good. Overall, it was a solid meal, although most of the dishes were on the salty side. Note: they added a $13.59 kitchen fee for our party of 7. The inside of the restaurant is classy and great for a night out with friends!

My husband was looking for a spot to take a family member and we stumbled upon this amazing restaurant. It was in the middle of the week so it wasn't overly packed but the room was full. Little did I know this was a Michelin star. The food is inspired by Yucatecan roots and comes in small plates that are shared. We asked for recommendations from the staff but everything tasted amazing from the apps to dessert. Here's what we ordered to share with three: Camarones en Arroz Negro Esquites Tamal Colado Empanadas Castacan We also ordered almost like a beignet that was covered in cinnamon that came with caramel and chocolate dipping sauce, but I don't know the name of it. The restaurant is super cute inside and the vibe at night gives you all the feels. The mirrors at the bar tricks you into thinking that it's bigger than it actually is.

Nice ambience, great guacamole and salsa, My margarita was also good, and our server was very friendly, though service was a bit slow. I ordered the Camarones with prawns and scallops on a bed of black rice. The flavor was just ok and it was plated very nicely, but overall I didn't care for it. The texture and combo with the tomatoes was just off to me. It's also very pricey, so I probably won't return.

A bit on the pricey side ... but tasty and good. The star of the show was definitely the whole branzino ... yummy! Indoor and outdoor seating with full bar. Could use a few more servers ... as our waiter seemed to disappear at many times that we needed something.

This restaurant is excellent. Every dish is a 10/10. Service was amazing and the ambiance is lively. I've been here twice and both times were perfect. Definitely one of my tops restaurants in OC. It's a must try.

Came here for my anniversary. My husband and I ordered the duck, pork belly tacos, esquites, and then the tarte de Mamey for dessert. The duck was my favorite. It had a good balance of flavors and the duck was super tender and juicy! Thinking about it now makes me want more. The pork belly was crispy but a little too sour for my taste. I wouldn't say it was super sour, I just wish it had a stronger savory component. The esquites were a huge punch of flavor in a good and bad way. Alone, they definitely needed a couple sips of water in between since th e flavor was so strong. But I loved complementing the other dishes with it. Lately, the tart. It was very light and kind of underwhelming. I'm not sure what mamey is but the server compared it to papaya. I loved my experience here, but it might not be something that I come back to.

First and foremost, let me compliment our server/bartender Angel for stellar service, knowledge, and conversation. He immediately understood our vague descriptions of we wanted to eat and drink and made excellent recommendations. The Ceviche was savory and uniquely creamy with dollops of avocado mousse and the Huarache with Sausage and Serrano Peppers both hit the spot. Of course, the simple and clearly fresh ingredients in our classic and spicy Margarita's complimented the choices perfectly. We were there mid-afternoon when the menu is limited so we're looking forward to going back at night when candles illuminate the tables and a few corners of the walls.

Came out here for a friend's birthday, and I would say that I am quite delighted with this place! It's a pricier establishment but I would say that the food and the ambiance is on par with the prices. Dim lighting, very nice, even the dishware was nice too. We all got drinks and I got a little taste of them all and it was all good. I got the orange margarita: not too sweet, very orange! I liked it and I'm not a big drinker. Food: Ceviche: amazing. it's bomb. I LOVED it, I wanted to DRINK the soup left over it was that good. I would 100% get this again Empanada: their take on an empanada, made with corn masa vs flour. It's...okay. I'm actually not an empanada fan in general and I like the corn better than the flour counterpart but I would skip and get something else like the tacos instead. Chaak Cesar: it's a cesar salad. Nothing crazy, we just wanted something easy and safe, and it's still really good though. Is it the BEST cesar salad? No, but it's one of the better ones that I've had. Esquites with the bone marrow: decadent, flavorful...but TOO SALTY!! It was entirely way too salty. I can handle salt, but it was too salty which overpowered the actual flavor of the corn and the richness of the bone marrow. I was really sad about this one. I KNOW if there was like.. half the salt in it, this dish would sing. Carne Crudo: tartare- it was really good, love the taro chips, wish there was more for a crunchy texture change throughout the entire crudo. weird presentation of the triangle out of it, but alas, it is still art, and the dish was just beautiful Parrida: So this dish had the chicken pibil, sausage and steak on it. Steak is fine, cooked perfectly. Sausage I did not like, nor did anyone at the table did. I had one piece, didn't like it...and tried it again to see if it was me, but I just did not like it at all. It was very soft and it fell apart. Not the type of sausage I like (I like argentine style or any other place) but this was really soft- like...a blood sausage or like a chorizo that just fell apart, and the meat was made into such a fine paste like texture. That's the best I can describe it as and the flavor was not good. BUT I want to say that I was blown away and surprised by the chicken. When it got to the table, I didn't have high hopes. I dont really like chicken at all, and this chicken looked dry just by looking at it, but I was so wrong. Even the breast was juicy and moist, the skin with all it's flavor was so good. The flavor was smoky and sweet and salty it was SO GOOD. I am astounded. If I were to come back, I would get the chicken or the steak only but not this plate because the sausage was not good in my opinion. Beignets: little dense, but came with a lot! Not my favorite. Ixcacao: chocolate mouse with little granola thingies and cacao nibs: amazing. Strong chocolate taste (without all the sugary sweetness) so you get the bitterness of the cacao coming through, with the fluffy and sweetness of the mousse in general- the crunchy stuff on top is great.. ANDDD it was a BIG ass desert! This was actually a great value. All in all I think I had just a wonderful meal, and although the esquites was way too salty, everything else was seasoned right, tasted good and plated beautifully. Service was very nice however, it was really slow. We were kind of waiting for a long time to get our drink order, then our food order, then our check. We didn't mind waiting because we were all catching up, however it was a long time. Also, our waters were slow to fill and wasn't filled for a long time so I was thirsty from all the salt I was eating. Regardless I think this is an excellent place to go, I'd love to come back again and eat the ceviche and try some other new dishes.

We stopped by for lunch while car shopping and were seated promptly. David was our server, and he was attentive, professional, and customer friendly. We started with a couple of tequilla drinks with chips and guacamole. My wife ordered the chicken tacos, and I had the steak and potatoes. Both meals were good and the drinks fantastic. The ambiance is positive and bright in downtown Tustin. Recommended.

Love the natural lighting inside the restaurant during lunch time; it really makes you feel good... unlike other restaurants where you're more "trapped" inside? The food was on point. My fav was the chorizo taco looking thing in my picture... completely forgot its name lol but it was not nearly as salty as I expected. Also enjoyed the grilled fish. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was not salty at all. Though I would've preferred if there weren't any bones inside. Parking was a pain during lunch time though... I'll be back for dinner sometime and update my review

Came here on a whim. So glad i did. The food was amazing, service was amazing. And the restaurant is very nice. I've never had such a flavorful experience. If you read this i highly indulge you to try out Chaak. Menu has many unique options, the food was light and left my stomach feeling full and happy. No slow feelings after the meal. 10/10 thank you Chaak for the excellent experience

This place is absolutely amazing! The best way to describe the type of food is that it is gourmet South American. It was served in family style. We were a large group so we got to try almost everything on the menu. Every single thing that everyone tried was absolutely amazing the best way to describe it, it was a symphony in my mouth. The service was absolutely excellent. I loved the fact that the wait staff, told us that we are to order everything we want and they will stagger it accordingly. It worked out very well. I am definitely coming back to this place!

This is a special meal you'll savor long after you leave. Which is all you can ask for from a great restaurant. The esquite with bone marrow may easily become your new obsession. Parrillada plate - juicy grilled chicken pibil and a really uniquely seasoned smoky sausage that contrasts beautifully with the arrachera skirt steak. The grilled octopus is the most tender you'll probably ever have. Guava gelato - it's been months and we're still talking about it I left Chaak wanting to sing it's praises to everyone I know. If you're a local who wants to support the best of the OC food scene and haven't been, I can't recommend them enough.

Come here with my friends at least once a year to celebrate each other and catch up. We generally always get the pork belly tacos, cerviche, octopus, clams, and branzino. Everything is seasoned perfectly and is perfect for 4-6 people to share. We ate so fast I barely had time to take any photos.

Came here again just for drinks and dessert. Got sat at the bar nearly immediately around 8pm on Friday night. I was DD so got the blackberry agave lemonade. It was the perfect combination of sweet and sour. Legit mocktail on its own. Hubby got the old-fashioned inspired cocktail (El Jefe I think?) and he loved it but still preferred the original old fashioned a tad more. We split the chocolate mousse and it was divine! Slightly salty, a bit of crunch from the pepitas and the mousse flavor was rich but the texture was light. The chocolate was a perfect balance of sweet and bitter. New menu item and I hope it stays omg it was so good. The bartenders were super friendly and great. We had our eyes on the dessert cocktails too but ended up being too full. Will have to come back.

Boy oh boy was it busy and we were quoted a 1 hour wait, but we only ended up waiting about 30 mins. During our wait to be seated, we had a drink each, both of which were delicious. We were seated at the bar which allowed us to chit chat with the bartenders and learn a little more about their drinks, their origin and recommendations on what we need to eat/drink while there. All of our food choices were delicious! And as we watched plates pass, we saw more items that we were looking forward to returning to try.

The food was great!! Friendly service. Not too noisy! I can't wait to try other menu items. Will definitely go back.

Great food, service and drinks. Cute place, bar is open seating. Wait was busy but not too crazy considering we were first on wait list. Portions are very generous

After seeing Chaak Kitchen's Bib Gourmand rating in the Michelin guide, I had to try this celebrated spot for regional Mexican flavors. The trendy, artfully decorated interior set the tone for an upscale dining experience. Our fantastic server recommended several standout dishes, including the must-try signature "Pavo en recado negro." This turkey bathed in an intricate blackened spice sauce was an absolute revelation - I'd go back just for this entree alone. We also savored the gooseneck clams in a zesty broth and the cochinita pibil sandwich with mouthwateringly tender, sweet-savory shredded pork. For starters, the sikil pak featured an incredible salsa accompanied by crispy taro chips and chicharrones. This unique dip combining roasted tomatoes, habaneros and pumpkin seeds packed so much delicious, nuanced flavor. From the exceptional service to the vibrant, meticulously prepared dishes representing diverse regional cuisines, Chaak Kitchen far exceeded my expectations. The innovative flavors and focus on sourcing high-quality ingredients really shine. It's restaurants like this that make me appreciate OC's incredible culinary scene.

Beautiful restaurant with amazing and delicious entrees. My personal favorite was the quail, so so good. The lavender lemonade was sooo yummy and refreshing. Our server was very nice and attentive too. He knew exactly what to recommend based on our preferences. When we ordered an entree, he went out of his way to check if it was made with lard, and came back to us and confirmed it was. A lot of my experiences include servers pretending they know what the ingredients are just to avoid asking. I was happy to see that he took it seriously. My husband and I really enjoyed our anniversary dinner here and would definitely come back here!!

Our visit to Chaak was an unforgettable journey, starting with the El Jefe drink--a delightful blend with a kick. The ceviche was a fresh delight, while the esquite with bone marrow and grilled octopus showcased the kitchen's mastery. Cheese empanadas added a comforting touch. The highlight was the Parrillada Yucatan, a carnivore's dream with perfectly cooked arrachera, spicy sausage, and pollo pibil, each bite a harmony of flavors. Service was stellar, making our experience truly amazing. Chaak is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional culinary adventure in Tustin. We're already looking forward to our next visit.

Food was very flavorful!! The branzino, ceviche and enchilada were my favorite! Drinks were also very tasty. Def recommend.

Wow, this place is so delicious. We had the Caesar salad, enchiladas, and chips and salsa trio. The salad was possibly the best Caesar I've ever had, it's a chimichurri base with a fresh baked crouton finely grated on top. Even the water was super clean and filtered with crushed ice. The flavors of every dish were so unique, and different, The prices were super reasonable considering the outstanding quality of the food and ingredients. We had Isa as our server, she was very knowledgeable about the menu and very sweet. She perfectly timed the food, and had so many great suggestions and an incredible attention to detail. Highly recommend!