Yxta Cocina Mexicana Restaurant Review: The least conspicuous of the cluster of haute Latin spots downtown, Yxta is one of the better-kept secrets for authentic yet upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila cocktails. It’s a less than chic neighborhood (bordering skid row), but inside you’d never know it. A beautiful, spacious room is framed by vintage whitewashed brick, a high redwood ceiling, and modern wire-filament designer lamps that cast romantic shadows on a lively young crowd boasting more downtown artists than bankers. Owner Jesse Gomez, third-generation heir of his grandparents’ Highland Park restaurant El Iris Arco, dropped out of law school to follow his vision, and is attentive to every detail. A large list of tequilas or high-end cocktails, like the La Fresca made with silver tequila, muddled strawberries and mint, pair well with citrus-marinated white fish ceviche, cheese empanadas and roast pork loin with guacamole. Many dishes have a pleasing tropical tinge, like al pastor tacos of tender marinated pork with pineapple, cilantro and lime, and daily fish specials like mahi mahi paired with mango or tomatillo. Traditionalists will also savor free-range chicken with a rich mole poblano, and the thick, creamy homemade flan for dessert.
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