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Logo of Descanso with a red flame and stylized knife design.

BRINGING YOU THE FLavors of michoacán

Welcome to Descanso

Descanso is a contemporary kitchen & bar that blends traditional Mexican recipes with modern influence. Created by Rob Arellano, the concept draws inspiration from his Mexican heritage, offering a unique and nostalgic dining experience. At Descanso, you can choose to dine at a standard dining table or a la Plancha. Dining a la Plancha, you'll witness skilled chefs prepare authentic Mexican dishes at your table in a lively setting, immersing you in the ambiance of a bustling Mexican town. Led by Chef Jose Angulo, Descanso serves Michoacán inspired cuisine, featuring fresh bold flavors and seasonal ingredients. Our dishes and cocktails are rich in history and flavor, reflecting traditional Mexican dining.

A musician playing guitar and singing on an outdoor restaurant patio, surrounded by dining guests under large umbrellas. One man is sitting nearby wearing a blue cap, while others are conversing at tables. Red umbrellas and potted plants are in the background.
A cocktail in a glass with ice and a curled cucumber garnish. 
UPCOMING Events
Happy Hour
Plate of tacos with various fillings, accompanied by sauces and lime wedges, on a wooden table.
Red wine being poured into a glass held by a hand. 
TAQUERO TUESDAY
wine wednesday
French toast topped with powdered sugar, served on a blue plate with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Chef cooking hibachi style with large flames on a grill, using black gloves, with assorted vegetables and meat sizzling. 
weekend BRUNCH
Plancha dining
Close-up of a Mexican dish on a blue plate, featuring a crispy tostada topped with meat, diced vegetables, and mixed greens.
Interior of a modern restaurant with string lights, blue chairs, wooden tables, and decorative wall elements, featuring an open kitchen area.
Grilled steak seasoned with spices on a hot surface, surrounded by colorful vegetables, including bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and grilled spring onions.
Assorted colorful cocktails in different glasses with garnishes on a dark surface and black background.
Chef cooking shrimp and vegetables on a flat grill
Bowl of ceviche with citrus sauce, sliced tomatoes, avocados, onions, and microgreens.
Interior of a modern restaurant with a large grill table, brown leather chairs, and colorful mural on the wall.
Elote corn in a green bowl with cheese, chili powder, microgreens, and a lime wedge.
Colorful plate of food with garnishes, sauce, and lime wedge on a blue ceramic plate.
Stuffed pepper and microgreens on colored tortilla on turquoise plate
A glass of dark red cocktail with ice and lemon twist garnish on a dark surface.
Modern bar interior with teal barstools, overhead liquor display, exposed brick walls, and large windows.
Gourmet taco with purple corn tortilla, grilled chicken, vegetables, and garnishes on a black plate.
A yellow cocktail in a glass with a blue rim, garnished with salt and pepper on the edge and slices of green chili, on a wooden surface.
A hand sprinkling ingredients over a cocktail with ice and a cucumber garnish.
Wooden bowls with seasoned tortilla chips, green salsa, and red salsa on rustic table.
Orange cocktail with dried chili garnish in a coupe glass on a dark background.
Hibachi-style grill setup in a restaurant with chairs around a cooking station, vibrant wall decor, and ceiling art.
Grilled spring onions on a green plate with char marks and lime wedge.

GUEST REVIEWS

  • "Came here for a girls night dinner. Parking lot is pretty busy for the shopping center. We arrived a little early and had a drink at the bar for happy hour. We did the Plancha experience and got the great show that comes with it! The pace was great of the food preparation. I got the salmon - delicious! Highly recommend the plancha experience instead of a La carte dining. Would also love to come back and try brunch."

    ★★★★★

    - Kris C.

  • "This place has the concept right. If you want plancha dining (cooked right in front of you), making reservations is best. My friends and I checked too late, but still made reservations for a standard table because their menu looked great."

    ★★★★★

    - Allyson D.

  • "I highly recommend Descanso! We reserved a Plancha table for our party of 10, and had an all-around great experience. The servers were friendly, our cook was fun and entertaining, the food was very tasty, and the whole restaurant had a great ambience. We celebrated a birthday and they even brought a delicious dessert! I'm looking forward to going back! Thank you Rob!"

    ★★★★★

    - Sheila G.

  • "My group was really impressed and I liked watching my nephews eyes get huge when he saw the fire and other parts of the "show". I love that you can ask about sauces and ingredients as it's prepared. Jackson is awesome if you're looking for a recommendation."

    ★★★★★

    - Allison R.

  • "Hands down the best taco Tuesday on planet earth. Descanso has elevated Mexican eats, served taco-truck style. They're famous for their amazing food and hands-on grilling experience. Similar to a hibachi style dinner, you'll be able to mix and mingle as your chef preps your dinner right in front of you."

    ★★★★★

    - Hayley H.

  • "The ambiance and service was extremely nice and friendly, the food was absolute delish...it was a super fun and great experience. I highly recommend if you want to have a great time with good food...this is a must try! Loved the experience"

    ★★★★★

    - Thuy L.

  • "Honestly this is one of the best restaurants in Orange County. My gf and I go here on dates quite often. It is a breath of fresh air to the sea of regular Tex-Mex food served the same way almost anywhere. This place is specified authenticity and tries its best to be laid back and let everyone enjoy the atmosphere. I highly recommend this place!"

    ★★★★★

    - Brother R.

  • "Excellent! Excellent on every account. The food is killer, service is great. Warm inviting ambience. Top it off at the Plancha for some fun. Reservations are recommended for groups. My wife and I walk in often with no problem inside / outside, dining, either way highly recommended. (Salsa is to die for). Appreciate the catering as well. Never disappoints. Thank you."

    ★★★★★

    - Shawn L.