Bestia

Bestia is one of LA’s most celebrated Italian restaurants, turning out bold, flavour-packed dishes in a lively, industrial-chic space in the Arts District. Helmed by chef Ori Menashe, this spot is all about house-made pastas, charcuterie, and wood-fired pizzas that are anything but ordinary. It’s loud, it’s buzzy, and it’s the kind of place where every dish that hits the table feels like an event.

Start with the chicken liver pâté crostino, a rich, velvety bite topped with aged balsamic that keeps people coming back. The cavatelli with pork sausage and black truffle is pure decadence, while the spaghetti rustichella with dungeness crab and citrus brings a perfect balance of brightness and depth. Meat lovers should go for the slow-roasted lamb neck or bone marrow with spinach gnocchetti, both of which have reached cult status.

With a top-tier wine list and some of the best desserts in the city (the coconut panna cotta is a must), Bestia is an experience from start to finish. Just make sure to book ahead—this place fills up fast.