MANHATTAN BEACH, CA—Jesse Gomez is excited to reopen Mercado Restaurant Manhattan Beach for indoor dining on Tuesday. The Manhattan Village Mexican eatery is his fifth and largest in the Los Angeles area.

"I can't wait for patrons to dine inside again," said the restauranteur. "This location is 7,000 square feet and has a cool, dynamic vibe."

The Manhattan Beach Mercado's interior design includes nine original pieces of artwork, all depicting the restaurant's branded Day of the Dead theme. The space also features five large windows.

"When the windows are open, it makes the place feel vibrant and alive. It's especially appealing on warm summer days," he said. "The bar has a window that opens to the outdoor patio."

Gomez literally grew up in the restaurant business. His grandparents, Gustavo and Irene Montes, opened El Arco Iris in 1964 in Highland Park. Gomez later spent several years managing and operating some of LA's well-known restaurants for Hillstone Restaurant Group and Innovative Dining Group.

Gomez opened his first restaurant, Yxta Cocina Mexicana, in downtown Los Angeles in 2009. In 2012, Gomez and his chef friend, Jose Acevedo, opened the first Mercado restaurant in Santa Monica, which was followed by locations in Hollywood, Los Angeles and Pasadena in 2018.

The local restaurant, which first opened in 2019, has only been open for outdoor dining and take-out due to COVID-19. "I'm excited to get back into some normalcy," Gomez said.

The menu will continue to feature Mercado's popular items, but Gomez has a few suggestions.

"If you order our world famous guacamole, Chef Acevedo's carnitas, and flan, which one reviewer called 'best in the universe, for dessert, you will be hooked," he said.

Currently, Mercado will only be open for dinner, Tuesday - Sunday, and Sunday brunch. Because indoor dining can only accommodate 25% capacity. Gomez encourages patrons to make reservations, especially on weekends.

Mercado is part of the $250 million Manhattan Village redevelopment and large expansion project which began two years ago. The new space will consist of curated open-air dining, and retail space with a modern luxury feel.