The restaurant's owner, Ramón Alberto Lizaola, gained a strong affinity for the Maya from his grandfather. He dreamed of introducing people to the Maya through their cuisine. Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant is the fulfillment of the that dream.

Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant has recently been remodeled and expanded. The kitchen has doubled in size and is open so you can see our chefs at work. The renovated main dining room has air conditioning now. Outside, our new garden dining area is a wonderful place for a quiet lunch or romantic dinner. The fountains, frescos and facade echo work at the Tulum ruins. Come for lunch or dinner, or have an agua de chaya at the new bar.

The restaurant is available for special events like weddings, conferences, and private parties. The restaurant staff can also plan surprises for birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, or other special occasions.

We invite you to dine at Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant and experience Maya cuisine when you are in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, or try the cuisine at home with our Maya recipes.

Inspiration: The Grandfather; Don Andrés Hernandez

These photos were all taken by Don Andres Hernandez. He lived in Merida, the cultural center of the Yucatan. When he moved to Merida from Cuba, Don Lizaola became fascinated by the local Maya.

Throughout the 1930's to the early 80's he traveled the Yucatan peninsula talking to the Maya and learning their language and history. Along the way, he visited ruins of Maya religious and governmental centers. Some of these had only recently been uncovered by archeologists, and were not often seen by anyone other than ranging Maya hunters.

Don Andres, known as 'El Cubano' to friends and travelers, passed on his interest in and respect for the Maya culture to his grandson, Alberto. Alberto began to dream about bringing a bit of Maya culture to the outside world through a restaurant serving Maya cuisine.

Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant is dedicated to memory of Don Andres. Rest in Peace.

YUX BOTIC ABUELO