descanso_official_photo1.jpg
Logo with the word 'Descanso' and a graphic of a flame and knife.

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 Sergio Lopez, 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.

People sitting at a bar counter in a restaurant with decorative plants and wine bottles on shelves in the background.
Yellow cocktail in a textured glass with ice and dried citrus garnish, wooden table background. 
UPCOMING Events
HAPPY HOUR
Two slices of French toast dusted with powdered sugar, served on a blue plate. Accompanied by whipped cream, sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Chef using a squeeze bottle to ignite a hibachi-style flame on a grill, surrounded by diced vegetables and meat. 
WEEKEND BRUNCH
Plancha dining
Wooden lockers with mesh doors containing various bottles and items inside.
Hibachi grill table setup in a restaurant with place settings, red napkins, and wooden cabinets in the background. 
CASILLERO CLUB
Plancha PRIVADA
Grilled octopus taco with arugula and cherry tomatoes on a decorative plate, accompanied by lime wedges and a small bowl of red sauce.
Mural of a faceless figure in a wide-brimmed hat playing a guitar, surrounded by flowing red fabric and colorful flowers.
A brown ceramic bowl filled with a baked cheese dish, garnished with fresh herbs and tortilla strips, placed on a black plate with a colorful patterned cloth around it, and a spoon beside the bowl.
Bar with brick archway, modern seating, and hanging lights
A cocktail in a stemmed glass, topped with a cinnamon stick and smoke, against a dark background.
Modern bar interior with a semi-circular counter, high chairs, glass bottles on display, hanging greenery, and an open kitchen in the background.
Interior of a modern restaurant with teal banquette seating, wooden tables, and pendant lighting. Hanging plants decorate the space. Barstools line a curved bar on the left, and tables are set with red napkins and glasses.
Tamale wrapped in corn husk on plate with creamy sauce and grilled lime.
Outdoor patio made of brick with hanging greenery, and warm lighting.
Plate of gourmet shrimp tacos with colorful toppings, garnished with sliced red pepper, cilantro, and a side of lime wedges.
Inside view of a modern restaurant with red chairs and set tables, featuring a decorative wall mural of a woman and colorful flowers.
Cocktail with mango, limes, lemons, and El Tesoro Tequila, surrounded by bar tools and a crystal decanter.
Three tacos with assorted meats, garnished with onions and herbs, on a wooden board. Bowls of refried beans and rice are partially visible in the background.
Modern home bar with seating and wall art
Green cocktail in a decorative glass, garnished with colorful edible flowers and a leaf, with a metal jigger in the background.
Modern restaurant interior with tables, chairs, and string lights

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.