Chichen Itza Restaurant

01/16/09

Big Let Down!!

by Yogurtgirl at Citysearch

Chichen Itza was a big let down!! We drove all the way from Orange County and were very disappointed with the food! It came very highly recommended by a local. But did not meet our criteria! We will not be returning . . . Ever!

06/17/08

Diamond in the ruff

by YucatanMerida at Citysearch

Dinning here is as close to Yucatan your going to get, without the travel...Thank you for the incredible food, great serivce and memorable evening with my family. We are from Yucatan and we cound not have been more pleased.

• Pros: Food, Service, Clean
• Cons: Location

05/05/08

You gotta try it at least once

by junekook at Citysearch

I've only been to this place once and I will have to agree with everyone else: the service rocks. The food was simply awesome. I lived in Yucatan for over 6 years and let me tell you folks- the flavor is as close as you can get to the real thing. My boyfriend had the cochinita pibil which he totally fell in love with. For appetizers we had the panuchos which I HIGHLY recommend. If you thought Mexican food was all about burritos, quesadillas, and taquitos think again. Yucatecan cuisine is like no other. We can write great reviews about t his place ranting and raving about the excellent food and service but you have got to check it out for yourselves.

• Pros: the food
• Cons: nada

02/28/08

five star experience

by latinamerican at Citysearch

I don't know much about food ingredients, but guys, this is my favorite place in town, and I'm sure it is from some other people too. I have been traveling to the Yucatan and I have to say it, this place it's pretty much the closest you will get to try the real flavors from that region. For me this place is great , they have fantastic food, it's a nice place inside( I agree, the neighborhood is not the best area), and the waiting staff is very nice and friendly. About the bakery near this place .... I have to be honest, I saw the place, and I did not even want to try it out, maybe could be cheaper than Chichen Itza, but i rather pay a lil more and get better service and food. Believe me Chichen Itza's food worth the bucks !!!

• Pros: Great service, great food
• Cons: music...i think it's too romantic for groups of people

02/23/08

Great Cochinita Pibil. Great overall food, and excellent service

by AFuentesllp at Citysearch

I have to strongly disagree with the last reviewer who called Chichen itsa's Cochinita Pibil blad. I was in for valentine's day and ordered this dish, the meat was super flavorful, tender and just plain delicious. My date had a beef dish that was so tender you didn't need a knife to cut it. Maybe the previous reviewer got a bad batch of cochinita? The service was warm and friendly, it was packed on valentine's a we got quick (not rushed) service. They also had a tasting menu that looked very good for the price. Yes, the neighborhood is not the best but you barely have to step outside, just use the valet parking that is at the front door. Oh, and by the way, I'm also of Yucatecan descent and the flavors were right on, truely authentic. And in regards to the comparisons with La Flor de Yucatan... I've been going to La Flor for the past 10 years for hojaldra de jamon y queso & other great stuff, but their cochinita is NOT better than Chichen Itza's and there is just no comparison, their both great in VERY diferent ways!

• Pros: Great food, great service, valet parking, great music selection
• Cons: nothing

02/19/08

Was not what it seemed

by KathySami at Citysearch

I wanted to review this Restaurant because my sister had told me about its Authentic Mexican Flavors.This is my first review ever because I want people to know what happened when I tried this place out. The area is a little out of sorts in the later evening hours so ladies don't go it alone.

We sat down at a decent table, the atmosphere felt O.K but it was not "homey" as my sister led me to believe it was because it is family owned. The food was not the best that Los Angeles has to offer, I was born and raised here in California being of Mexican Decent I was looking for that special spices in the flavoring of the meats and this place didn't bring what I was expecting to the table. I had the Cochinita Pibil , along with my date for the evening it had been the first time he tried this dish and he was as disappointed as I was..I'm sorry to say we will not be returning to this place for this dish. I'm not so sure I will ever visit again unless The flavor picks up. I"m shocked and quite surprised this place gets so many great reviews...

Not happening here.

• Pros: Place was Romantic
• Cons: Hated the food

02/19/08

Looks can be Deceiving...

by RosaaMaria at Citysearch

After so much hype of Chichenitza and their Yucatan dishes; I decided to check it out myself. Though their service was...eh, o.k. I expected a lot more for the price and certain ratings. Unfortunately I was completely let down. As a native of Yucatan, I know the authentic flavors...and let me tell you they're lacking it. Yucatan flavor is LOADED with seasoning, but not necessarily spicy...and definitely NEVER EVER BLAND!!

If your curious to know as to why I gave them only ONE star it is because of their presentation, which was well. Not to be confused with the flavor of their food. When asked how the food was, and I commented on it, the individual took it to the owner/manager, who showed minimal concern.

In my experience, for a place that has captured the true essence of the Yucatan flavor, is a small family owned bakery that converts themselves to a culinary gem on weekends."La Flor de Yucatan", is just about a mile south of Chichenitza, on Hoover off the 10 fwy. It is mostly take out, although they have tables available outside. It is a very cozy casual place, which wont strain your pocket-book.

These guys have been in business for over 30 years (so they must be doing something right!), and their expertise is mind-boggling! Talk to the guy in charge of the show....and get some insight of Yucatan as he makes you some tacos of Cochinita! (yummy!)

• Pros: Valet parking
• Cons: The Food

12/09/07

Great Meal

by rckero3 at Citysearch

Went here on a Saturday night not knowing what to expect. I must say that I was very impressed. The neighborhood is not great however the restaurant had Valet Parking. Inside, decor was nice (pretty trendy but not too fancy) As far as the food, it was an awesome meal. (not expensive at all) The ceviche was delicious and the Pork Pipian was amazing. Service was great too. I will definately go back very soon.

• Pros: Service/Yucan Cusine
• Cons: Neighborhood

10/19/07

Good, but not Great

by nsofia at Citysearch

After all of the hype surrounding this place following Jonathan Gold's review in the LA Weekly, I decided to give it a try. Hidden on the first floor of an old Hollywood apartment complex in Mc Arthur Park, Chichen Itza is a fun find if your in the area. The quality of the food is good--but not worth a drive to the East side if you aren't already in the area. We ordered the Sole with jicama salad and the chile reyeno stuffed with albacore. The sole was well cooked and pretty delicious, but not worth the hefty $15 price. I wouldn't order the chile reyeno again--the tuna didn't taste entirely fresh and its accompanying sauce settled badly.

For delicious food in this vain, I would instead opt for places like Loteria at the Fairfax Farmer's Market, Ciudad downtown, or Border Grill in Santa Monica.

10/10/07

Authentic and Tasty Food From the Yucatan!~

by lovekobe8 at Citysearch

I went there on Friday night with my boyfriend and his family. The service was great. They didn't have the "That's not my job" attitude. Everyone was helpful and non-pretentious. They were attentive and knowledgeable of the food. They have the best Ceviche and Chips! Along with the great service, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The restaurant is definitely a destination spot; so make sure you get directions before going there.

• Pros: Appetizers
• Cons: Area