Bret Thompson (Milk) is going big, this time at Pez Cantina, a massive coastal Mexican restaurant right up in Bunker Hill amidst skyscrapers, museums, and concert halls. Inspired by dishes from the Yucatan peninsula, Baja California, Oaxaca, and more, Thompson is preparing an extensive list of Mexican bites, from griddled pambazo sandwiches, sweetbreads and chicken tinga tacos (among others), main course salads, and fresh grilled sustainable seafood. See the rest of the dinner and lunch menus below, but there seems to be something for everyone here.
Opening December 22, the 125 seat plus patio eatery will serve craft cocktails from Irene Martinez, who will blend in some Caribbean flavors into the drink program, like mezcal margaritas. Bret's wife Lucy will helm front of house operations; Laura O'Hare, who worked with Thompson at Patina Group, will consult; Jose Estrada will help Bret helm the kitchen. Brother-in-law Israel Ramirez joins in as partner, traveling with Bret Thompson through Mexico to find culinary inspiration.
As for decor, the blue hues and bright colors evoke a sort of ocean meets land motif, with a nice patio overlooking the buildings nearby. The private dining room shows off a 750 porcelain "school of fish," which should impress any law firm looking to celebrate a win in the courtroom. Over a year in the making, Pez Cantina is Bret Thompson's triumphant return to the L.A. restaurant scene.
Pez Cantina
401 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
