One thing about Angelenos—we know Mexican food isn't just a cuisine, it's a lifestyle. It's the post-party taco truck run, the heirloom mole made from scratch, and the occasional margarita spicing up your brunch, lunch and dinner. From the Eastside to the South, Los Angeles has its fair share of Mexican joints. But, since opening its doors in October, MXO (Mexican Origins) has been turning heads in WeHo—offering a smoky, sultry take on tradition with a side of modern flair.
MXO opened its doors in Fall 2024, bringing wood-fire cooking, Monterrey-inspired dishes, and deep cultural roots to the heart of the city's most scene-y neighborhood. La Cienega Boulevard is a foodie's favorite, home to some of the city's most buzzworthy bites. While neighboring establishments like Barton G. and Norma, MXO introduces a refined twist of a cultural classic with Chef Wes Avila leading the charge. Known for redefining L.A. street food with his cult-favorite Guerrilla Tacos, Avila's journey from taco truck to fine dining has always been about honoring his heritage while pushing boundaries. That same energy fuels MXO, a collaboration born from his creative vision and brought to life alongside restaurateur Giancarlo Pagani and Sam Nazarian, the chairman and CEO of hospitality powerhouse SBE.
Walking into MXO feels like stepping into a chic coastal retreat in Mexico. A glowing neon sign marks your entry, followed by sleek glass floors that guide you into the heart of the restaurant. Inside, the ambiance is a love letter to both modern Mexico and moody L.A. elegance with an interior that blends rustic textures with sleek modern edge. At the bar, expect top-shelf cocktails that lean heavy on tequila and mezcal. The Espejismo and Paloma Rosa were standouts during our visit. The menu is where MXO really shines.
Built around wood-fire cooking, Avila's dishes pull heavy influence from Monterrey, delivering bold flavors and perfectly charred textures that elevate the traditional format. Leaning heavy on fire and flavor, standout entrées like the bone-in ribeye and halibut Veracruzana showcase his signature approach—smoky, seasoned, and deeply layered. But MXO's brilliance doesn't stop at the mains. Start your meal with Michelada oyster shooters or a braised cabbage à la Caesar, both packed with flavor and inventive edge. Of course, no modern Mexican spot is complete without a Taco Tuesday menu, and MXO's lineup delivers. From crispy pocho tacos and pollo guisado to fish, cauliflower, and the indulgent ribeye Perrón tacos ($14–$22), each taco feels like a love letter to L.A.'s taco culture. Pair them with signature cocktails like the MXO Margarita or the smoky-smooth El Ranchero, each crafted to complement the spice and sizzle on the plate. And to finish? A nostalgic-but-elevated choco taco that offers just the right amount of sweet.
Whether you're making dinner plans before a night out in WeHo or showing off your go-to spot to out-of-towners, MXO checks all the boxes. With its inventive menu, effortlessly stylish vibe, and cultural authenticity, it's one of this summer's must-visit restaurants. Between Chef Avila's culinary chops and SBE's signature hospitality, MXO is more than a trendy WeHo spot—it's a bold new chapter in L.A.'s love story with Mexican food.
MXO by Wes Avila, 826 North La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 90069; Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
