Descanso Mexican Restaurant Offers Elevated Street Food

Back in 2018, Descanso Mexican Restaurant made a name for itself when it opened its flagship eatery in Costa Mesa. Inspired by Mexican street-side taco vendors, founder Rob Arellano created a full-service restaurant that offered elevated street food and never looked back.

Now an L.A. outpost, following the same format, is open along busy Wilshire Boulevard in Miracle Mile. And I must say, it’s a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Descanso, a contemporary taqueria that blends traditional Mexican recipes with modern influence, offers a unique and nostalgic dining experience serving Central West Mexican elevated street-inspired cuisine, featuring fresh bold flavors and seasonal ingredients.

At Descano, you can eat and drink at the bar, in the main dining room, or dine at the plancha (Spanish for grill) where your very own chef prepares a multi-course meal right in front of you. Think Mexican-style teppanyaki ala Benihana and you’ll get the picture—and love every bite.

 During our recent visit for dinner, we started with the El Descanso margarita. Made with Milagro Silver Tequila, Agavero Orange Liqueur, agave and lime, it’s the right way to kick things off. Pro-tip, make it a Cadillac.

My favorite of the cocktails is the Cucumber + Sal made with El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, cucumber, cilantro, lime and black sea salt. It’s a tasty winner. It goes down easy so I always find myself getting just one more.

Another lovely and refreshing cocktail option is the Sandia Rita with Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, fresh watermelon, agave, lime and spices. This isn’t a spicy drink but it just really does hit the spot.

From the Aperitivos (appetizers) section of the menu, the Birria Empanadas is a great starter. Here, you get two corn masa empanadas stuffed with four-hour braised short rib birria, tres quesos, onion, crema, and pickled red onion served with birria consomé. Birria is all the rage these days and this is a really good option.

Likewise, the Taquitos de Camarón do not disappoint. Here you get four taquitos with marinated Mexican shrimp, blue corn tortillas, mango-habanero salsa, lettuce, micro cilantro and morita aioli. These are small bites but they pack a big palate pleasing punch.

An absolute crowd-pleaser of a dish is the Choriqueso Verde made with green chorizo, poblano suiza, tres quesos, avocado toreado salsa, spring onion, serrano chiles, cilantro and flour tortillas. This one can be a satisfying meal all on its own. Consider this a solid Happy Hour option. And speaking of Happy Hour, it is offered weekdays from 4-6 pm.

I love that Descanso offers Fideo—a noodle soup that many Latinos are raised on. Made with toasted noodles, tomato broth, avocado, crema, tortilla strips, cilantro and queso fresco, this is childhood in a bowl. This is literally Mexican soul food.

 For our entrees, we opted for the Short Rib Estofado with braised short rib, guajillo pinto bean jus, avocado, spring onion, micro cilantro, radish, serrano pepper, baby carrots and blue corn tortillas. This dish makes excellent short rib tacos, which is exactly what you do with your side of tortillas. Delicious!

The Pato Con Mole Negro (duck with black mole) is another winner. This is a duck leg with mole negro, crema, onions, sesame seed, micro cilantro and blue corn tortillas. Again, duck tacos with mole sauce is as good as it gets.

If you’re game for liquid dessert, the Espresso Martini with Herradura Ultra, house horchata, cacao blanc, banana, and Espresso Cold Brew is an interesting choice, otherwise the Tres Leches De Coco—white cake soaked in sweet coconut milk with fresh whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes and strawberries—is an excellent way to top off a great meal.

Descanso Miracle Mile is located at 5773 Wilshire Boulevard. Open daily. Call (213) 672-2444.