CHAAK Kitchen

The story

CHAAK Kitchen: Yucatecan Mexican in Tustin – Bib Gourmand

Yucatecan Roots on El Camino Real

Executive Chef Gabbi Patrick draws on her Yucatecan heritage to create a menu rooted in Mayan staples—achiote-marinated meats, recados, seafood, smoke, and exotic spices. The Yucatán peninsula’s unique blend of Spanish, Caribbean, and Mediterranean influences gives CHAAK Kitchen’s Mexican cuisine a distinct personality, far from the familiar taquerías of Southern California. This distinctive approach earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, recognizing its exceptional value and quality cooking.

From the Hearth

The menu is divided across lunch, brunch, and dinner, each showcasing Chef Patrick’s modern flair on traditional preparations. Start with the CHUUK Trio—guacamole, sikil p’ak (pumpkin seed dip), and salsa—or the Ceviche Campeche, a mix of striped bass and octopus with leche de tigre. Smoked proteins are a signature: Cochinita Pibil features achiote-smoked pork shoulder, while the Pescado a la Talla presents branzino with hoja santa and roasted tomatillo salsa. The huarache section offers bold options like lamb merguez with schug and citrus labneh, or shrimp in recado verde.

For brunch, the Huevos Motulenos layer corn tortillas with sunny-side eggs, ham, peas, and black beans, while the Chilaquiles Rojo comes with a choice of smoked chicken or braised beef.

Atmosphere and Setting

The restaurant accommodates everything from casual meals to large parties. An outdoor patio provides a relaxed setting, and indoor spaces include air conditioning, a private room, and wheelchair accessibility. The kitchen uses highest-quality meats, gluten-free masa, and locally sourced seasonal produce, cooking exclusively with butter, tallow, and avocado oil.

CHAAK Kitchen is located at 215 El Camino Real in Tustin, serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday, with lunch on Friday and Saturday and brunch on Sunday.