Descanso Restaurant

Bringing the flavor and charm of the beloved Mexican taco stand into a full-service restaurant setting is a highly talked about restaurant in Costa mesa Called Descanso. This Taqueria presents a unique experience while preserving the tradition and authenticity of the dishes and recipes. Taquero’s cook your meal right in front of you on a hot grill and  the distant sound of live music from the patio echos through the Plancha room.

I visited for the first time last week and had such a fantastic experience. Upon arriving my friend and I were seated in the plancha room. This is a large room with 2 hibachi grills and seating for 16. There are 2 huge high-powered ventilation system in the room continuously circulates outside air and exceeds CDC recommendations.

The first thing we did was order some cocktails. I chose the “Mi Corazón”  ($13) which is made with Villa One Silver Tequila, Agave, Blood Orange, Pomegranate, Passionfruit, and Lemon. Not only is it a pretty drink but it tasted so refreshing. My friend ordered a watermelon Margarita and they  rim the glass with Tajin. So delicious!

One thing that impressed me is as I was walking in is I noticed a cart full of fresh ingredients. I love knowing that my food is made to order and all the ingredients are freshly prepared on the spot.

I highly recommend you start with an appetizer. Descanso’s appetizers are some of the best I have had. We chose The chips and guacamole (a wonderful classic) and the mexi poke. The poke had a bit of a kick to it made with Ahi Tuna, Tamari Soy Morita Dressing, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Avocado and Sesame Seeds.  We used the tortilla chips to scoop it up!

Next up our Taquero prepared our food! The menu for the plancha room has lots of choices. So if you don’t eat meat no worries, there is fish on the menu as well as something called “Rajas Con Queso”.   It’s made with Oyster Mushrooms, Tres Quesos, Roasted Bell Peppers, Onions, Corn, Serrano Chiles and Epazote Herbs. Here is a video of our Taquero in action:

They can also make you a cheese pancake on the griddle. It is so good over steak!

It was so fun to chat with the people around us and  just have some fun conversations with new people! But save some room for desert. You will definitely want to try the flan. This creamy and smooth custard has a soft silky texture topped with rich golden caramel and a sprinkle of blueberries.

Thing To Know about Descanso

• It is recommended that you make a reservation for the Plancha Room
• There is a happy hour Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm
• There are bottomless mimosas on Sundays 11am-3pm
• Each Plancha Table holds 10 people. They can put two planchas together and hold up to 20. It is possible to do 11 at one table, but it is extremely tight. If there are smaller people in the group it can work out.
• The patio is dog friendly
• If you are a Vegan, know that Descanso does not use Lard in their beans.

For more information visit Descanso in Facebook and Instagram.