Descanso LA: Mexican Food With a Hibachi Twist

If you’ve ever wished dinner could be both a meal and a show, Descanso LA is your spot. The restaurant, which just opened its flagship location inside the historic SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Wilshire, takes Mexican food to a whole new level—think hibachi-style, but with tacos, sizzling meats, and fresh tortillas cooked right in front of you.

Street Food Vibes, Hibachi Energy

Descanso’s whole concept is built around the Plancha dining experience. Instead of hiding in the kitchen, chefs fire up a flat-top grill right at your table. You watch as they chop, sear, and season everything on the spot—carnitas tacos, ceviche tostadas, short rib estofado, you name it. The energy is loud, fun, and interactive, just like the plazas and street food markets of central Mexico that inspired it.

It’s dinner theater for food lovers, with a soundtrack of Latin music and the unbeatable smell of fire-kissed tortillas filling the room.

From Costa Mesa to LA

Owner Rob Arellano launched Descanso in Costa Mesa back in 2018 with Executive Chef José Angulo leading the kitchen. Their mission? Keep Mexican food fresh, bold, and honest. No lard, no cans, no shortcuts—just handcrafted dishes made with passion.

The Costa Mesa spot quickly built a loyal following, and in 2025, Descanso made the leap to Los Angeles, bringing their signature style to a bigger stage.

The New LA Home

The Los Angeles outpost landed in the SAG-AFTRA Plaza, a building with its own legacy as a gathering place for Hollywood’s creative community. Now, instead of film scripts and union meetings, it’s buzzing with sizzling planchas, clinking tequila glasses, and the hum of people coming together over food.

It feels like the perfect fit—Descanso has always been about community, energy, and a little bit of performance.

Not Just Dinner, But an Experience

The team keeps things fresh with seasonal events and playful menu pairings. This summer, they celebrated National Tequila Day with a month-long lineup of chef-curated tequila flights. Each night featured a different brand—Don Fulano, Casa Azul, Olmeca Altos—paired with dishes designed to make the flavors sing. (Think ceviche with silver tequila or tres leches de coco with a neat pour of añejo.)

Even when it’s not tequila month, the menu leans into classics with a twist—artisanal tacos, fresh seafood, indulgent desserts—and of course, cocktails that are just as much a reason to come as the food.

Why You'll Love It

LA has endless options for tacos and tequila, but Descanso stands out because it’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience. You don’t just order a plate; you watch it come alive in front of you, chat with your chef, and soak up the energy of a lively room that feels equal parts restaurant, street market, and party.

So next time you’re cruising down Wilshire near Miracle Mile, listen for the sizzle, follow the aroma, and pull up a seat. Descanso LA isn’t just another Mexican restaurant—it’s a vibe.

📍 Descanso LA 5773 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | descansorestaurant.com | @DescansoRestaurant