
Best Mexican Restaurant Near LACMA and La Brea Tar Pits
Just steps from two of Los Angeles’ most visited cultural institutions—the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits—Descanso Los Angeles is a perfect destination for museumgoers seeking exceptional food and atmosphere. The restaurant sits in the heart of Mid-Wilshire, at 5773 Wilshire Blvd, and serves as a flavorful stop after a morning exploring galleries or an afternoon strolling through Hancock Park.
Descanso is known for its bold approach to Mexican cuisine, where flavor, presentation, and interactivity collide. Their signature plancha-style meals are prepared at your table by professional chefs, turning every meal into a culinary showcase. Options like Pollo Maya, Duck Pibil, and Pork Loin Alambre are seared to order and served with vibrant house-made salsas, fresh tortillas, and classic Mexican sides.
Appetizers like Chips & Guacamole, Ceviche Tropical, and Elote Asado offer a quick and flavorful bite, while craft cocktails, wine, and tequila flights provide a perfect pairing. Whether seated inside or on the patio, the energy is relaxed yet refined, offering an ideal transition from the artistic inspiration of LACMA to the culinary inspiration of Descanso’s kitchen.
Whether you're catching a show at the nearby Academy Museum or enjoying an afternoon with the kids at the Tar Pits, Descanso Los Angeles gives you a reason to extend your stay in Mid-Wilshire. It's more than a meal—it’s an experience that reflects the creativity and diversity of Los Angeles itself.