Aaktun Clayton

A welcomed addition to Clayton. This restaurant has it all, great atmosphere, nice outside seating, the food is absolutely delicious and fresh. And our server delightful and attentive.

Everything my party had was very fresh and delicious for dinner. Fan favorites for apps were calamari, the grilled romaine and the tropical shrimp. For the main course, the short ribs were super tender and flavorful. The jerk chicken was cooked perfectly, but it’s spicy. The Affogato presentation and favor was superb!! They have a small menu, but everything we had was delicious!!

Armosphere 10, Food Top Notch (see pics), Drinks were beautiful, Presentation 10, Brianna was attentive and pleasant. Her recommendations were exactly what I wanted. This may be my new favorite place.

This place is simply amazing! The food is 1000/10, the atmosphere is lovely, and the service is wonderful. I truly recommend it and would go back as many times as I can. I especially recommend the appetizer—plantain baskets filled with crab salad. It’s just perfect!

Open for breakfast. Can’t wait for dinner ! They are awaiting their ABC license to open for dinner. Breakfast was great and service was wonderful. Went back for dinner everything was delicious. The flavors will wow your tastebuds. Great interesting combinations. Highly recommend the small plates. Service was a bit slow but nothing a drink can’t fix.

Aaktun is an absolute must-try! We drove 40 minutes for lunch, and it was more than worth the trip. They graciously made us their ceviche, typically a dinner item, and it was a revelation – so refreshing and perfectly balanced. The addition of coconut milk and Peruvian corn was truly unique and a delightful surprise. The pan with butter was another standout, with the pink peppercorns adding a distinct and delicious flavor. For our main, the fish tacos were outstanding. The carrot slaw provided a burst of freshness, and the light tempura batter in homemade street-style corn tortillas kept the dish feeling light yet incredibly flavorful. But the meal's grand finale truly blew us away: the Papaya and Goat Milk Cheesecake. Garnished with spring flowers and edible seeds, this dessert was utterly unique, luscious, and had a delectably rich mouthfeel. OMG! We even had to take some home for our kids to try, fearing they wouldn't believe us when we told them how amazing it was. Our drinks, the watermelon and cucumber-infused agua de jardin and the tropical sangria, were light and perfectly complemented our meal. Dining outside in the shade with the fans made us feel like we were on a tropical island getaway. We're already planning our next 40-minute drive to experience the coffee bar and the dinner menu!

What a great experience! We had a wonderful waiter named Cole who gave us fantastic service! The atmosphere is very nice and also beautifully unique! The food was absolutely yummy! Our group ordered the bread, fish tacos, tottisupreme, & Lomo Saltado, & shrimp & grits. We were all very pleased with everything we ordered- I highly recommend a few visits!!

I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. I came in midday and had a Caesar Salad and Pan Y Butter - both amazing and like nothing I had tasted! It was so good I wanted to extend my stay so I order a desert - I can’t remember the name but it was a cinnamon pastry - so good! I savored every bite and bought an extra one to take home. I ended my meal with a coffee- I let my fantastic waitress choose so that I would be able taste something new. Every little bit of my meal was satisfying. The atmosphere adds to the experience - the colors - coral and emerald - lends to the feel of comfort and nourishment. I felt like a traveler in my own country. Lovely and worth sharing.

Kim was wonderful. Friendly, attentive, knowledgeable of the menu and cuisine. I took advantage of the Triangle Restaurant Week prefix menu and it was outstanding. I’ve been a few times for breakfast and iced coffee but haven’t been for dinner. It’s a fun, high energy vibe with food and drinks to match. Very lucky to have this in downtown Clayton!

Varied, delicious, food that breaks the mold of the ordinary food fare normally offered at other restaurants. Great service and an upscale atmosphere make it exceptional. My only disappointment was that the table we were assigned was less than six feet from the front entrance; especially on the chilly night we attended which offered a cold draft each time it was opened. In all fairness it was new years eve and other tables were already spoken for according to our host.

I went here for the first time for brunch and everything was great! My server Sebastian was so patient and explained everything on the menu to ensure I made the right choice in my brunch selection. I had the slow poke bowl and it was delicious! If you enjoy sushi I would definitely try it! The drinks are perfect! I will be back for sure

Oh. My. Gosh! I hesitate to post this review because we might not be able to get in without a reservation when everyone discovers this awesome place! 🤣 We’re completely smitten with this restaurant! The atmosphere is delightful, the staff is attentive and polite, and we thoroughly enjoyed the creative and DELICIOUS menu items. Definitely try it out, and if you’re going at a busy time, get a reservation.

THE BEST GIRLS NIGHT! Everything was delicious—we tried each other’s meals and literally fought to get our plates back. Definitely coming back. Get the salmon. Get the Brussels. Get the jerk chicken. Get the bread. Get everything you see in my pics! BRIANNA WAS SO AMAZING! She was patient and checked on us at a wonderful interval.

Went for brunch, and The Supreme & Vegetarian Totchos Bowls and Breakfast Plate were soooo delicious! Have been for coffees and dinner before as well - fish tacos, huli huli chicken, and wow the calamari 😍 & I LOVE the strawberry matcha! Everything has been so delicious, the atmosphere is fantastic, service is always amazing - highly recommend!

All around amazing dinner at Aaktun! The food was so fresh and bursting with flavor. Every dish was presented beautifully (look at that Lychee cocktail!). The service was top-notch. Decor was upscale Tulum-inspired. Great ambiance. We're so happy to have this spot in Clayton and can't wait to return!

I’ve been here a few times but will certainly come back more and more. This place is amazing. The atmosphere and design is breathtaking when you first walk in. The staff is very friendly and can we talk about the food and drinks?! The presentation is so beautiful it makes you not want to eat it or drink it! This is the perfect spot to grab a nice brunch or dinner.

Absolutely loved this place! The food was incredible fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Big heads up to the chef for such amazing dishes! The service was warm and attentive, and the atmosphere made the whole experience even better. And the coffee… just perfect! Smooth, rich, and easily one of my favorites. Can’t wait to come back!

This restaurant is special and very nice atmosphere. They have great options for dinner and the cocktails/beer offered are delicious. I had some short rib dish I’m still thinking about today. We had a great server too, Emma was so attentive and thorough. Love when servers check in all the time. There was an option on the menu to buy the kitchen staff drinks after their shift is over. I loved that concept and of course bought them a round.

DELICIOUS and BEAUTIFUL!!!! we absolutely love this place they have freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade ice cream , the fluffiest eggs and all the sauces are so yummy. Everything is packed with flavor , ive tried breakfast and lunch so far just WOW. AND did I mention beautiful !!! the selection of plates, the fun glasses , the presentation is always spot on , so nice! This is where we bring friends and family that come visit and our go to for date nights

Everything here was delicious and affordable. I can't recommend coming here enough. I loved it so much that I came for breakfast the next day!

Wow—what an experience! This restaurant is unbelievably delicious. The food is packed with flavor in every bite and has easily made this our new favorite spot. The grilled romaine was out of this world and bursting with flavor. The smash burger was phenomenal, and the short ribs were absolutely to die for—melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Every dish we tried had so much depth and flavor, it was impossible to pick a favorite. And let’s not forget the drinks—the red Sangria is hands down the best I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for bold flavors, great vibes, and a place that knows how to do food right, this is it. Highly recommend!

We celebrated my 30th birthday at Aaktun in Clayton, and it was an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, everything was top-notch. The vibes were immaculate — elegant, warm, and just the right balance of lively and intimate. A huge shoutout to Sebastian, our server, who went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable throughout the entire evening. He was attentive without being intrusive, and he even carefully packaged our leftovers and placed them in gift bags — a classy and thoughtful touch that really stood out. The food was phenomenal, and the service made it even better. I absolutely recommend this spot for any special occasion or just a night out when you want something truly elevated. We’ll definitely be back!

If you want a great brunch experience, AAKTUN is definitely the place to go. The menu variety will leave you feeling like you missed out. If you are a coffee lover, the Affogato is a must!! I suggest getting it at the beginning of the meal and let it melt; by the time you are done eating it will be ready to sip through. For dishes the Totchos are simply to die for. My personal twist is switching out the tatter tots for yuca instead. Service is amazing and decor and atmosphere is beautiful and inviting. Enjoy!!

This place is a jewel! The atmosphere, the ambience and decor are warm and cozy. The menu is amazing. I ordered a banana pudding latte! Omg so good. I will definitely be returning for the brunch

So glad I gave this place a second chance. Amazing breakfast, great drinks (both nonalcoholic and alcoholic), and one of the best mojitos I’ve had. Perfect spot for a late breakfast and a drink.

It’s great to have a restaurant in Clayton serving such flavorful dishes. Our server, Cole, made the experience even better with his excellent recommendations. He was warm, personable, and had a fantastic attitude. We were pleasantly surprised by how savory and well executed each dish was, from the grilled romaine and tropical shrimp (definitely add the bread to soak up the sauce, so delicious!) to the P.E.I. curry mussels. We especially appreciated the touch of diced pickled onions that accompanied many of the dishes. That hint of acidity really elevated the overall flavor profile. We’ll definitely be back to explore more of the menu, everything we tried was a hit!

First time coming here and it was nice from the start. Our waitress Kim P. was awesome from appetizers to dessert. The atmosphere is great for date night or just a chill night out. Definitely recommend 10/10

This restaurant is the perfect place to meet up with friends or a date night for drinks or a delicious meal. Their menu is creative and tasty and don't skip out on the mini churro bites! I ordered the salmon and it was amazing!

The food was amazing, not only in the presentation but in the taste. We order the experience option and everything was so good, From the starting course of ceviche all the way to the dessert that was a churro with a chocolate sauce. I also tasted the best Brussels sprouts I’ve had in my life. Highly recommend. The only warning is the price, it’s definitely on the pricey side but I felt it was worth it. We spent about 70 per person and that was without alcoholic drinks. Just the experience option and sodas.

What a cool spot for Clayton. Just what this area needs. Our server, Ximena, was the highlight of our meal! She was so warm and knowledgeable and just easy going. Cool girl! The arepa, I wanted ten more of them. My cocktail, Agua Jardin, went down too easy! So good! I had the salmon for my entree and enjoyed everything but the calamari. We also got the shooters, delicious 6 shots for two people haha. Silly us. We will totally be back. We normally go to the location in Durham but this one is way closer! Another shoutout to our server, Ximena, she treated us too well! We are leaving with nothing but smiles and full stomachs

I had a latte and the mushroom breakfast sandwich. Tots came with the meal. I really liked the sandwich. The sauce was wonderful. The latte was really excellent. The dining is noisy but I'm older. This place is very hip for Clayton. Nice to see such an eclectic restaurant in iur neighborhood. A little pricey but its worth it.

We had an incredible experience at Aaktun Clayton. The concept is truly unique and the food was excellent — creative, well-balanced, and full of bold flavors. Our server, Sebastian, made the evening even better with outstanding service. His explanation of what the chef is trying to express through each dish added depth to the experience and made it feel special and memorable. Everything — from the atmosphere and service to the food itself — felt like a five-star experience. Our guests visiting from Florida were absolutely impressed with the blend of flavors and the overall vibe of the restaurant. Aaktun Clayton is definitely a standout dining spot and well worth the visit. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Always a wonderful experience dining at Aaktun in Clayton! The food is absolutely delicious as every dish is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. You can really tell care goes into both the ingredients and the plating. The atmosphere is just as impressive: warm, inviting, and aesthetically beautiful, making it perfect for a date night or special outing. The ambiance, décor, and overall vibe makes the meal feel extra special. Highly recommend Aaktun if you’re looking for amazing food and a great dining experience!

I liked the restaurant; it was cozy. It doesn't have much open space, at least not near the entrance where I was, but I liked the decor, the tables arranged like little caves. As for the food, I ordered a sirloin steak. The presentation was excellent, and the flavors and textures really stood out. The portions weren't huge, and the price was reasonable—neither expensive nor cheap. For someone with a big appetite, I suggest ordering appetizers and dessert. The service was very good, with bilingual staff, appropriate lighting, and a nice Valentine's Day theme. I would recommend it.

Was here for dinner with family and kids. Great island atmosphere as they promised. Nice n relaxing. The food felt really fresh and tasty. Cocktails were good to try and refreshing ! and I like the mocktails options in the Menu. Which is very hard to find. Food was good. Shrimp appetizers were amazing! I would say they are must try. Huli huli chicken skewered were ok. Felt the chicken was a bit dry. Fish tacos were mild and different which I liked. We wanted a vegetarian option and they substituted fish with oyster mushrooms in the tacos. Jerk half chicken was another must try! Rice could be more flavorful but the chicken was nice n juicy. Perfectly grilled. Kudos for the staff.. they were friendly n welcoming.

This place was great! The service was friendly, with workers consistently checking in on you. A wide variety of menu options and drink options as well. I enjoyed my Jerked half chicken and recommend it! The place is also visually appealing! Beautiful decorations and ambient lighting make for a nice atmosphere.

The food was unique and flavorful! Unlike any other dishes I have tried around here I loved that. The staff lacked professionalism and they had “we are better than you” attitudes. Loved that mocktails were on the menu and the decor was adorable.

The food and our service was great. I just think it’s silly that if you come as a party of two you’re forced to sit at the small tables. We requested to sit in one of the booths and they refused due to their policy of 4-5 people for that specific seating. The entire time we were there three of those booths stayed open. I would understand making that a policy for the weekend but on a Tuesday.. in Clayton. We had drinks, appetizers, and entrees and the table filled up quickly which made the experience less enjoyable as we had to make room for everything we ordered. Again, The food was really good and our waitress was perfectly fine but that rule is dumb. 🤷🏽‍♀️

It was not worth the prices they charge for very small portions. The waiter was very pleasant but unsure of which menu to use because of the holiday? The whole concept here is about presentation and not about making sure you left full and happy. I prefer quantity over inedible garnishment. This place definitely caters to a high-end clientele. Not for me.

Beautiful restaurant. Love the ambience and lighting. Service was ok. But the biggest culprit was the food. All of the ingredients are there, but the ratios are off. Whoever is making the dishes is adding too much of everything to the dish. This place has potential, but they need to improve the ratios of their sauces/seasoning. Good luck!!