Chichen Itza is a fairly large site with numerous big and small sites with their own structures and attractions.
It is divided into various zones and tourists have to walk a moderate amount to witness the architectural marvels that prove the genius of the Maya in subjects like astronomy and mathematics.
From the awe-inspiring El Castillo to the fascinating El Caracol and much more, the things to explore and learn about the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza are limitless.
Whether you take a self-guided audio-narration tour of Chichen Itza or the usual skip-the-line tickets, it is fairly natural to work up an appetite after walking and exploring a vast area.
Since Chichen Itza is situated deep in the jungle, you must wonder what your options are.
For more details, read how to get to Chichen Itza so you don’t have to struggle for transportation and your visit is smooth.
Well, a little bit of snack and water are readily available in the area so you shouldn’t worry but after walking that much you would certainly need much more than that.
The most logical, value-for-money, and convenient option for you is to just book a tour inclusive of food.
The other options are simply buying a skip-the-line entry ticket to Chichen Itza and then finding a nearby restaurant to eat.
So let’s take a look at the options you have as far as tickets with food and restaurants near Chichen Itza.
Mayan Cuisine
Before jumping onto the list of restaurants nearby, let’s learn about the fascinating Mayan Cuisine.
Mayan Cuisine is known for its traditional and innovative use of plants, vegetables, and wild fauna that transcends borders symbolizing the rich culinary diversity.
The cuisine is characterized by the use of a variety of ingredients, including their staple corn which is used to make a variety of dishes including tamales, tortillas, and atole.
You can try all of these in the nearby Chichen Itza restaurants and will be able to learn about them and try them if you pick the Chichen Itza, Hubiku, and Valladolid tour.
Other plant-based ingredients include beans, squash, chili, pepper, tomatoes, and avocados.
Mayan cuisine includes a variety of meats and fish as well. Other staple ingredients are chicken, pork, beef, and seafood.
The cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the centuries, including Spanish, Mexican, and Caribbean.
Top 5 nearby Chichen Itza restaurants
There are a bunch of big and small restaurants just a small drive of less than a mile.
These restaurants will serve some amazing traditional Mexican as well as local dishes.
The best thing is there is a good restaurant for every budget so let’s check out the nearby restaurants you can dine at after your visit to Chichen Itza.
Oxtun
Oxtun is the nearest restaurant to Chichen Itza. It is a Mexican restaurant.
It has a traditional but modern-looking up-scale restaurant vibe with an inside as well as an outdoor shaded seating area.
The interior is cozy and pleasant. The staff is equally polite and the service is on the mark as well.
From beer to light snacks and fan favorites such as fries, sandwiches, and burritos, all are served here.
You can try some traditional dishes here. You get free WiFi and the portion size is fairly good considering the reasonable prices.
Services
Dine-in and Takeaway
Opening hours
10 am to 5.30 pm
Pueblo Maya
For those looking to try some delicious Maya food along with delicious tacos and other traditional Mexican dishes, this is a perfect spot for them.
Pueblo Maya is one of the most popular destinations nearby Chichen Itza for all tourists.
The place is really pretty with colorful Mexican wall decorations along with a poolside hut-like structure which will give you an open-air feel without facing the harsh sun.
Anyone who visits the place can’t speak more highly and recommend it enough.
The ambiance is immaculate and the device is equally great to match it. Pueblo Maya is one of the best options to eat great food without spending much.
Services
Dine-in and Kerbside pickup
Opening hours
9 am to 5 pm
Las Mestizas
This is another great option situated just a bit further up Pueblo Maya but still less than a mile drive from Chichen Itza.
This is a Yucatan restaurant so you will be able to taste some delicious local delicacies.
The ambiance is relaxed and laid-back with overall white and wood decor making it feel pristine and calm.
The service and staff are amazing here, you will feel taken care of. The food without any doubt is delicious, to say the least.
The menu is fairly extensive including dishes such as an egg with ham to fajitas de Pollo, everyone can find something they like here.
The food here is made fresh and will taste homemade so you know you won’t be disappointed with it.
Services
Dine-in and Takeaway
Opening hours
8.30 am to 10 pm
Restaurante Las Redes
It is one of the rare ones in the area which remains open late till 7 pm.
If you are looking to try an amazing buffet lunch consisting of plenty of variety and filled with authentic taste, then Restaurante Las Redes is a perfect spot.
The interior and decor are pretty simplistic and functional but comfortable.
It is a good option for those who are looking for vegan-friendly places as the menu includes options for them as well.
The service is good and the food is delicious, the price is also fairly reasonable so it’s not heavy on your pocket as well.
Pro tip, don’t forget to try their amazing selection of Yucatan dishes available in the buffet.
Services
Dine-in and Takeaway
Opening hours
9 am to 7 am
Hacienda Xaybe’h D’Camara
If you want to eat at a place that looks the part as well, then it is a great option with its upscale Mexican decor and exterior.
The place looks amazing and consists of a pool area as well.
This is another place where the buffet is amazing. The selection of dishes is extensive and the service is pretty great as well.
It is one of the affordable places where you can try a buffet full of authentic local and Mexican dishes.
And it is pretty close to Chichen Itza as well. This makes it one of the most popular spot for tourists to eat.
Services
Dine-in and Takeaway
Opening hours
9 am to 5 pm
Chichen Itza tour with food
Buying tickets online for Chichen Itza have its fair share of perks and the biggest of them are the numerous options.
There are multiple tours of Chichen Itza with food options available.
For instance, you can purchase the Chichen Itza with Cenote and Lunch with wine tasting. With this, you get early access and be able to dodge huge crowds as well.
For more information, you can read about the best time to visit Chichen Itza. You will certainly learn a few hacks to plan your visit smoothly.
You can get a private tour of Chichen Itza at night with cave adventure and dinner included if you want to explore Chichen at night.
You will be able to witness the magical Night shows including the mesmerizing Light and Sound show as well.
If you want to visit multiple attractions of the Maya then you can go for the private tour of Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum with Lunch.
Or, go on a full-day tour of buffet lunch included with the Chichen Itza, Ik-Kil Cenote, and Valladolid trip.
If you want the taste of traditional Mayan dishes then getting the transfer tour of Chichen Itza, Hubiku, and Valladolid is perfect for you.
You can choose your pickup and drop-off location from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum.
Booking a round-trip transportation tour of Chichen Itza or multiple attractions including food is the most convenient way of exploring these amazing sites without worrying about anything. Just book, show up and enjoy the exploration!
Featured Image: Mercadolapaloma.com
