Chichen Itza Restaurant

About the Business

Specialties

Chichen Itza Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving delicious Southeast Mexican cuisine inside the Mercado la Paloma in south Los Angeles. We specialize in Yucatecan food, maintaining the authentic flavors while adding a modern twist. Our food is unique and delicious, made with fresh ingredients by a renowned local chef. The Yucatan peninsula of Mexico has one of this country's richest culinary heritages, including a mixture of Mayan, Spanish and Lebanese recipes. At Chichen Itza, we bring these cultures to life through traditional dishes such as Cochinita Pibil, Tamales and Panuchos. We offer a wide variety of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, entrees, tacos and desserts to satisfy any palate. We also offer catering for corporate meetings, weddings, USC activities and other events. Located in the heart of Mercado La Paloma, Chichen Itza is a refreshing change from the ordinary that you will certainly enjoy

History

Established in 2001.

Over the past decade, Chichen Itza has become one of the most recognized restaurants in Los Angeles. Chef and Owner Gilberto Cetina adds his own touch to traditional recipes to give customers an experience that can't be found elsewhere. Chef Cetina has been hailed as one of the top Latino Chefs in the country, and has been featured in several national publications. Chichen Itza frequently appears in L.A. Weekly's list of the top 99 restaurants in Los Angeles, and customers have continued coming back for years.

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Chef Gilberto C.

Business Owner

As a boy growing up in a timber town in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, Chef Gilberto would watch his mother as she cooked for hard-working loggers, often having to help her with her chores. He was fascinated by what she was doing, and was always by her side watching and learning. When he moved to the U.S., he worked in various restaurants where he honed his culinary skills. Along the way, he never lost his love for traditional Yucatecan foods, just like his mother. When he had the opportunity to open his own restaurant in 2001, he jumped at the chance. Today, Chichen Itza Restaurant has received accolades from food critics and customers who keep coming back for more.