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Descanso Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Descanso Restaurant
8.0
Descanso brings its plancha-style concept to Miracle Mile, where cooks sear tacos, skillets, and bowls on a flattop just steps from the dining room. It reads like a modern taqueria in service of sit-down dinners, with a bar program and plates designed for lingering on Wilshire.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plancha Tacos, Crispy Carnitas Skillet, Mexibol Bowl
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Interactive plancha cooking that turns tacos and skillets into a show.
Who should go: Dinermates wanting modern, sit-down tacos near the museums.
When to visit: Pre- or post-museum evenings on busy Wilshire stretch.
What to order: Plancha tacos, crispy carnitas skillet, build-your-own Mexibol.
Insider tip: Sit near the plancha to watch tortillas and fillings cooked live.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the Wilshire corridor ($12–$15). Metered street parking can be found on adjacent residential blocks, but becomes competitive after 6pm and during museum event nights.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly polished—think casual date-night attire or elevated museum-adjacent outfits.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but plancha sizzle and bar energy create a steady background hum.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30pm and 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—veggie tacos, bowls, and shareables can be adapted easily.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—expect 2–3 items plus customizable bowls; confirm sauces and tortillas.
Gluten-free options: Many tacos and bowls can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas; staff is familiar with requests but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The plancha cooking adds built-in conversation starters and the room has enough energy to feel fun without overwhelming quieter moments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for small parties, especially early evenings or later dinners. For peak museum traffic or weekends, booking ahead avoids a 30–60 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably. Older kids and teens enjoy the live cooking and customizable bowls. For younger children, the noise level and bar-forward atmosphere may feel busy.
Best For
Better for: Interactive cooking and elevated plancha-style plates that bridge street-taco flavors with sit-down polish—ideal for groups and date nights.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional regional Mexican cooking or a quiet, low-energy dining room; other nearby spots offer more classic preparations.