Begin with a basil martini. It’s as good as the Kappa Paloma, which owned me at first sip, but the basil. . .the basil achieves an imbibe-able breakthrough in martini magic. Much like the place you’ll drink it.
As hard as XOC Tequila Grill is to know how to pronounce (Shaw-K, actually), it’ll only matter before you visit. After that it’ll just become that place with the sushi grade Hamachi ceviche. Or that ridiculous homemade guac. That cheese crisp thing we had in Mexico but never anywhere else. Get back to me with yours.
Homemade, handmade, everything, actually – that’s how they roll, with quite literally, the whole enchilada. This place excels where so many before have missed, mastering the exercise of taking something indigenously delicious, and defining the next level by backtracking to the beginning. Allowing the gold standard to surface by means of preserving, perhaps resurrecting, an essence. Some of our greatest culinary achievements have been met this way. And this place, out in Woodland Hills, meets that mark.
Located in The Village, the mood matches the mingle – it’s vivacious, festive – a margarita incarnated as a restaurant. If you were not in good spirits at arrival, that’ll shift, and probably immediately. Definitely after the cheese crisp. It’s happy here. Informal and fun.
And savoury. Mayan origins dictate the spice spectrum which define all those fantastic flavors coming out of the kitchen. Everything, everything, is handmade, freshly prepared. Fourteen-hour mole sauce? Check. Prepare your palate to be treated to tastes of maize, tomatillos, cocoa, epazote . . .menu items may appear familiar, but something soulful results when flavour heritages are honoured and produced in the absence of compromise. This is Mexico City Mexican. This is real deal Mexican.
Don’t go expecting gallons of cheese or shreds of iceberg. XOC (again, Shaw-K) is a far cry from the far-flung incarnations that have amassed over the years, masquerading as Mexican food. If you haven’t experienced authentic Mesoamerican flavors, that’ll change, after this. Your perception of what Mexican cuisine should be, probably will too.
And the patio sprawls as far as the cocktail list. Block out some time to enjoy both.
The street corn (esquites) is killer. Off the cob with cotija cheese and chile powder, this is fabulous way to experience authentic street corn without having to floss immediately after.
The pescado al limon is excellently prepared, and the fajitas are must for anyone who has that as their go-to. Sizzling atop freshly grilled peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The handmade tortillas and guacamole clinch it. So good.
Even the coffee, served authentically blended with cinnamon, piloncillo, and a squeeze of citrus, is transporting.
If you can’t dip chips in guac with toes dipped in the sand, this is a great back-up plan. Surrounded by a salient energy and vibrant visuals where everything tastes as good as it looks, don’t worry if you can’t pronounce the name. You’ll find reason to find your way back regardless.
The Details
XOC Tequila Grill, 6316 N. Topanga Blvd. #1110, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Tel: +1(818) 992-7930
Web: http://xoctequilagrill.com/
Located in The Village on Topanga Boulevard, Woodland Hills. It is open Monday to Thursday from 11:30am to 9:00pm; Friday from 11:30am to 10:00pm; Saturday from 11:00am to 10:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am to 9:00pm.
Type of Restaurant: Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Insider Tip: It’s located in The Village. Save plenty of time on either end of your meal to peruse and shop.
Price Band: Medium
Reviewer’s Rating: 8/10
Author Bio:
Jolie Loeb is a Luxury Lifestyle columnist based in Los Angeles
Photographs by Jolie Loeb
Can’t wait to try it! Sounds like it may be worth the drive to the valley…
Truth be told, Mara and I meet there frequently and get our “healthy Mexican food” fix. Delish !
It is basketball season, You will find me sitting in the bar, watching some March Madness with a delicious margarita in hand and eating some homemade guacamole. Cheers to that!
Is this the original Mexican restaurant that opened up last year in the Village?
Yes! This is the one! Took me long enough to get out there, but the buzz did not disappoint. . .
Yum! Going on the my places google map!!
You had me at basil martini!
Correction, it was actually a basil margarita, a basil fusion margarita to be exact. Perhaps I should have fully digested the thing before writing about it.
Looks INCREDIBLE.
Sounds AMAZING! You make me want to leave the city for this place. Thanks as always Jolie!
This sounds amazing. I love authentic Mexican food and wonder daily why don’t have more restaurants like this in SoCal. So glad for this find! Thank you!
I was looking for something to replace my beloved Tinga. I wasn’t thinking I’d have to drive to Woodland Hills, but between the basil and the ceviche, you’ve convinced me!
I LUV LUV LUV it here. Anyone who dies over great Mexican Food…..stop where you are and call this your new found home. It’s Mexican Nirvana!
I’m a big fan. I loved Frida when it first opened and these guys have taken a similar concept to a new level. The basil margarita was something I’ll go back for on its own. The fish I had was perfectly cooked with a sauce that was tasty without being too salty or heavy. We’ll definitely go back again. Now they just need to open one in the city . . .
Delish! I’m hungry just reading this!
Sounds amazing! Love the name! I can’t wait to try this place thank you