Angeleno Magazine - Los Feliz Welcomes Encanto Restaurant & Bar
The best way to take over the space of a once-beloved neighborhood restaurant? Bring in an interior designer who frequented it as a kid.
The newly opened in Los Feliz occupies what was once Mexico City, the Mexican restaurant that shuttered its doors in 2018 after 25 years of service.
Now a destination for contemporary Mexican cuisine, Encanto promises to offer just as memorable an experience.
The restaurant will be open for dinner and cocktails Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Primed as a spot for the late-night crowd, Encanto also has plans to host DJ nights with the likes of Boss Harmony of Dub Club and Mr. Pharmacist. Also to come are boozy brunches on the 40-person patio with large format cocktails perfect for sharing among friends.
At its core, Encanto serves up a Cal-Mex menu enlivened with deep, smoky flavors by the kitchen’s Josper charcoal oven. Highlights by executive chef Arturo Quesada include whole branzino with mole verde and thyme; churro bites; gordo frijoles; pork cheek and swordfish tacos and roasted tomatillo salsa with guacamole.
Beverage director Taylor Barton’s curated bar program complements the menu with boutique agave spirits. Cocktails include El Tomi Mezcal Margarita, La Esquina and Volcán de Pasión.
Designed by William Emmerson, the sleek, sultry space champions intimate evenings and revelry among friends. It features a 360-degree bar; chiseled Indian limestone on the ceiling; black nickel-plated vintage bar stools refurbished from Amsterdam; tabletops made from afrormosia wood and some pieces of Emmerson’s personal art collection.
To celebrate, general manager Matt Greene and the team is inviting the community to a grand opening celebration on Sept. 8 from 8 p.m. to 12: 30 a.m. The night will include a live DJ and guests dining at the restaurant will be treated to a welcome cocktail (the restaurant’s classic margarita) and a complimentary taco (carne asada or braised chicken). RSVP is required, which you can do by emailing . If you can’t make it, reservations are open for other evenings on Resy: https://resy.com/cities/la/encanto
Encanto Restaurant & Bar is located at 2121 Hillhurst Ave 90027.
Written by Haley Bosselman