Following the success of their 15-year-old La Casita Mexicana, award-winning Los Angeles chefs Jaime Martin Del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu opened a second restaurant, Mexicano, in a South Los Angeles shopping plaza in early February. The restaurant, which showcases authentic Mexican cuisine traditions, draws on Mexican design authenticity as well.
Working with Wick Architecture + Design and LAND Design Studio, the chefs created a comfortable and contemporary space. Wrought iron gates at the restaurant’s entrance lead to a courtyard with outdoor seating, a fountain and Mexican tile finishes.
Inside, a long dark-walnut bar lines one wall, backed by a vibrant Mexican mural. Interior spaces feature architectural and design details such as wood beam ceilings, arched dividers, metal work and contemporary and traditional light fixtures. Hexagonal turquoise, sienna and cream tile flooring and indigenous artwork from Jaime and Ramiro’s hometown of Jalisco blend Mexican craftsmanship with modern finishes.
Additional outdoor dining is available on an extensive patio with white stucco wall, burnt orange tiles, and suspended Edison-style bulbs and steel pendant fixtures.
