In SoCal everyone has a favorite local Mexican restaurant. It’s a badge of honor and if you don’t have an opinion or loyalty to one everyone knows you’re an outsider. Sometimes it’s simply the margarita factor that dictates a favorite, other times it’s the region of Mexico that inspires the cuisine, or it could be simply a matter of family tradition. One thing is for sure, the best and most authentic Mexican food generally is in strip malls and hole in the wall locations and doesn’t require a credit approval or additional mortgage to pay for dinner.
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Palm Desert is Casa Luna Mexican & Seafood Restaurant located at the Desert Crossings Shopping Center. It’s conveniently located by one of my happy places – Total Wine & More so it’s a two-fer one visit usually. Casa Luna is a family owned and operated restaurant that not only has exceptionally good and balanced margaritas, but excellent food inspired by the Jalisco region of Mexico. Combine this with exceptional service, casual ambiance that is great for meeting friends or family, and budget friendly prices it is one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants in Palm Desert.
Jalapeno Margaritas are one of my favorite cocktails and ways to celebrate. I order my Jalapeno Margarita skinny style (this is basically tequila and lime juice with maybe a smidge of agave syrup) and Tajin Rim instead of the traditional salt. It’s a perfectly balanced margarita – not so strong that it knocks you senseless, but that just right amount of tequila and lime juice that makes pleasant conversation and dreams of sunny vacations on the beach.
Casa Luna has a varied menu from the classics to specialties they feature. My favorite is the Camarones (Shrimp) Poblano. This dish is absolutely perfect for lunch or dinner and the generous portion of shrimp is cooked perfectly and served in a Poblano chile cream sauce. The sauce is absolutely delectable and not to spicy or rich with the cream. it is accompanied by your choice of flour or corn tortillas, rice and beans. If you’re adverse to rice and beans they will serve with fresh vegetables. I’ve had it both ways and there’s rarely leftovers!
If I’m feeling particularly indulgent, I love the chicken chimichanga Christmas Style. If you’ve not experience Christmas Style, it’s basically where you have both the green and red sauce and a great option if you can’t decide on red or green sauce. One chimichanga for me ends up being two to three meals and reheats for home or office exceptionally well. In the heat of summer or if watching the calories, the ceviche is fresh and delicious.
Whether you are a local to the Coachella Valley or a tourist, Casa Luna is definitely worth visiting. You won’t be disappointed!
Casa Luna Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
Desert Crossings Shopping Center
72335 Highway 111 Suite C, Palm Desert CA
760-340-3468
www.casalunarestaurant.us
Totally agree. Definitely a hidden, but we’ll know gem.
Hope to see you there soon!
One of our favorite “hole-in-the-wall” places to go. Always friendly service and great food.
Always great! Thank you for introducing us to it!