The owners of Taste restaurants, Morten Kaag, John Halter and Mina Azami, open Tortilla Republic on Robertson Boulevard, replacing Fat Fish. Think fancy Mexican food, homemade tortillas (one would hope) and classy ambiance. Using recipes created by Halter's mother and Tortilla Republic's consulting chef Cathy Shyne, farmers market ingredients and organic products are used when possible.

Interior designer Kirk Pereira decorated the space based on the owners' travels throughout Mexico, from woven equipale chairs to hand-blown glassware. The 125-seat restaurant has an outdoor patio, white onyx bar with art by L.A.-based contemporary artist Paul Robinson and glass tequila wall.

tacos de jicama; Credit: Tortilla Republic

tacos de jicama; Credit: Tortilla Republic

The menu is a mix of small plates and entrees including hibiscus flower enchiladas, tacos de jicama and duck confit tacos with sour cherry salsita. Vegan options include beans, rice and ensalada de casa with kiwi vinaigrette. Cocktails are based on the restaurant's list of more than 50 tequilas. Highlights include the “perfect” (Herradura resposado, Cointreau, agave, lime) and the “cucumber lavender” (El Jimador silver tequila, muddled cucumber, housemade lavender syrup).

ancho seared salmon; Credit: Tortilla Republic

ancho seared salmon; Credit: Tortilla Republic

Baja tacos (Hawaii location only); Credit: Tortilla Republic

Baja tacos (Hawaii location only); Credit: Tortilla Republic

Credit: Tortilla Republic

Credit: Tortilla Republic

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