Chaak Kitchen

Orange County has hundreds of Mexican restaurants to choose from – many if not most of them focused on providing affordable, family-friendly meals in comfortable, modestly decorated settings. Only a handful are at the opposite extreme, delivering both food and ambience that have been elevated to Michelin-worthy, “fancy date night” status. Tustin’s Chaak Kitchen is one of them.

Legitimately deserving of its Michelin Bib Gourmand and LA Times acclaim, this elevated Yucatecan “fancy date” destination serves, plates, and prices like an award winner – all while doing no harm to the numerous other authentic Mexican restaurants at the other end of the spectrum. Chaak is a place where you can order a decidedly upscale and authentic Mexican meal starting with guacamole, continuing with blackened chilmole turkey and tortillas, then grilled octopus with chorizo, and finish with a mamey tarte. It also accommodates the customer who wants a caesar salad, either branzino or a strip steak, and a margarita or two.