Restaurante Kinich Izamal — Restaurant in Izamal

We came here with a tour group during a Carnival cruise excursion. My immediate impression of the place was that it's gorgeous in its decor and ambiance, and the servers are dressed beautifully. We were seated as a group at three tables and ordered our drinks, for which they charged $2 USD apiece, even for water. Our meal was paid for as part of the excursion, but drinks were extra. The problem is, we were never offered a menu, so they did not tell us drink prices ahead of time, or I would have ordered a soda in a nice glass bottle like my man got instead of the bottled water, had I known. They should be clearer about their drink prices.

They brought the tortilla chips (authentic, huge Yucatan ones), which were not very salty but cooked just right. The sauces they offered for dipping were a really good pico de gallo that was more like salsa (which is my preference) than I'd ever had before in the Yucatan, along with runny, hot habanero sauce (a local favorite), and dark refried beans (also a local standard). It was all yummy. After awhile, they brought our drinks and baskets of shredded tortilla chips, and then they brought a delightful lime and chicken soup with delectable broth and flavor. My man said the meat tasted more like turkey than chicken. Most people at our table put some of the shredded chips in their soup.

A couple at our table ordered more soda after downing their first ones, and the waitstaff took a long time to bring them, but to be fair it was pretty crowded while we were there. There was no salt or pepper on the table and a few people wanted salt, so I asked for some and it was brought immediately.

Finally, they brought some of our entrees. They brought the pork first, which is what I had chosen (we got to choose between chicken, pork, and vegetarian). The pork dish consisted of a long, thin, fairly dry but flavorful strip of pork meat, along with one large, very wilted piece of lettuce, orange wedge, and a pile of pickled, diced red onions. We had to share a covered gourd full of warm corn tortillas shells, which were good, but it would have been nice to have more of them. I only got two, with more meat and onions left to make more tortillas.

My man chose the chicken, of which they brought several smaller pieces, along with lettuce, pickled onions, tomato, lime wedge, and two slices of avocado. I thought they did a much better job on the chicken dish than the pork, with much less skimpy toppings.

After the meal, I used their restroom, which was in better shape and cleaner than most of the other restrooms I've used in Mexico. I loved their toilet paper dispenser, which feeds tp up out of a hole in the top and another roll down out of a hole in the bottom. Wish they'd put those in everywhere in the US! While waiting in line for the restroom, I could see back into the kitchen, and it was neat to see how they cook the food.

Overall, despite a few issues, we enjoyed our meal, thought the staff were friendly and professional, and were happy the restaurant was included in our...

Restaurante Kinich in Izamal is truly an extraordinary experience that always leaves a lasting impression. This hidden gem offers a unique culinary journey into traditional ancestral Mayan cuisine, where every dish is a masterpiece crafted with ingredients grown on site.

The star of the menu, the pollo pibil, is a true testament to the culinary expertise at Restaurante Kinich. The succulent chicken, marinated and cooked to perfection, is a flavorful delight that captures the essence of Mayan flavors. Equally impressive is the sopa de lima, a refreshing and zesty soup that combines local citrus and turkey with fragrant spices, creating a bowl of warmth that transports you to the heart of Yucatan.

The enfrilojadas de camote showcase the restaurant's commitment to authenticity. This dish, featuring locally sourced yam, is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy. And for those with a sweet tooth, the flan de café is an absolute must-try. Silky and rich, it's a perfect finale to an already remarkable culinary journey and pairs beautifully with their cafe de olla.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, the service at Restaurante Kinich is nothing short of outstanding. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience, providing attentive and friendly service that adds a personal touch to the entire visit. The warmth and hospitality of the team truly elevate the overall dining experience.

The restaurant's decor is a visual feast in itself, with a perfect blend of modern elegance and traditional Mayan aesthetics. The attention to detail is evident, creating an ambiance that complements the rich culinary offerings. The lush vegetation surrounding the dining area enhances the overall charm, making it a serene and picturesque setting to enjoy a memorable meal.

Restaurante Kinich is a culinary haven in Izamal, Yucatan, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the traditional Mayan cuisine. From the outstanding dishes to the impeccable service and beautiful ambiance, this restaurant stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable...

We passed by this beautiful building when trying to find our hotel in Izamal and were totally enamored with it. Unbeknownst to us, it happened to be the restaurant that our hotel owner sent us to! The restaurants' facade at night really brings you in. Upon entering, you kind of feel like you are in a gift shop or a hotel lobby. But beyond that is a gorgeous, dimly lit dining area; rustic and elegant at the same time, with the staff wearing the traditional clothing of the region. The menu is simple but packed with local flavors at a wicked reasonable price. They start you out with fried, homemade (obviously) tortillas and a tasty bean paste, and most regional dishes come with their black bean soup. Margaritas are boozy and come on the rocks or frozen for a steal of a deal at $50 pesos. We ordered the Filete a la Yucateca (tender pork marinated in achiote and sour orange and slapped on the grill) and the Dzic de Venado (deer leg that is slow cooked underground, shredded and mixed with radish, sour orange and cilantro). Both meals were SO flavorful and delicious, we were just surprised that the deer leg dish was chilled, as it did not day so in the description. We got the Dulce de Papaya for dessert (green papaya cooked in simple syrup and topped with a sharp Dutch cheese). It was not my favorite--I wanted the flan--but my wife loved it! Amazing experience and we hope to make it back again some...