Ocho Taqueria

Ocho Taqueria Restaurant Review:

Tucked away in the corner of Del Amo Fashion Center, Ocho Taqueria is another in the growing list of L.A.’s gourmet Mexican eateries. An airy dining room is painted terra cotta red, with little dolls standing within alcoves along the walls. Tables throughout the center of the room are large enough to accommodate parties, while banquette seating hugs the outskirts of the dining area. A bar showcases the 50 tequilas and mezcals on offer, including rare labels. Of course, there’s also a lengthy list of flavored margaritas with the likes of watermelon and strawberry-cucumber. Guacamole is prepared tableside, and has the option to add crab on top, which is worth ordering as a starter. Empanadas are also well-crafted, consisting of crispy and fluffy shells around chopped shrimp with Oaxacan cheese, and plenty of garlic. Large plates have the requisite burritos and tamales, but the ‘platos principales’ are the most interesting dishes. Pork shank is tender, having been braised in a tomatillo-habanero sauce, while chicken mole is a touch too heavy with cacao. Unfortunately, tortillas fall apart under the slightest degree of weight. To finish, tres leches cheesecake is a fulfilling, albeit heavy, caramel-infused dessert.