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1. I recently had the pleasure of dining at Bestia, an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, and it was an incredible experience. The authenticity of the cuisine truly stands out, with each dish bursting with rich, traditional flavors. The service was over the top, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who made the experience even more enjoyable. The ambiance is equally impressive, combining a lively vibe with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of Italian food or just looking for a memorable dining experience, Bestia is a must-visit. Highly recommend!

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2. At Bestia, I had the best Italian food. Each plate is meant to be shared, so I recommend ordering different items from the menu. The pasta was so fresh and delicious. Bestia was crowded that night, and seating us took a little longer. Still, as a surprise apology, the chef sent a complimentary pizza to our table, which we appreciated and respected. The energy is lively and loud, perfect for meeting with friends for drinks and a great meal. We loved it!

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3. Bestia, located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, is a culinary gem that continues to live up to its reputation as one of the city’s top dining destinations. From the moment we arrived, the experience was exceptional, starting with the warm and efficient service provided by the hostess. Despite not having a reservation, we were seated within five minutes—a rare stroke of luck given how bustling the restaurant was. It’s a testament to Bestia’s popularity, and I would definitely recommend making a reservation to avoid the wait.

   Antipasti: A Perfect Start
   We began our meal with a selection of antipasti, and I must say, Bestia truly excels in this department. The Salumi platter, featuring a mix of Italian and Spanish-style cured meats, was a standout. Paired with housemade pickles and mustard, each bite offered a burst of flavors—smoky, tangy, and perfectly balanced. The craftsmanship behind the cured meats was evident, and this dish alone is worth the visit. The antipasti offerings are a great way to start the meal, setting the tone for what’s to come.

   Pizzas: Classic with a Twist
   The pizzas at Bestia are another highlight and come highly recommended. We tried the Margherita, with its classic combination of San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and sea salt. Simple yet perfect, the flavors were incredibly fresh, and the dough had just the right amount of chew and char. Best of all, $1 from every Margherita pizza goes to Alex’s Lemonade Foundation for Childhood Cancer, adding a feel-good element to an already delicious dish.

   The Burrata pizza was equally delightful, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, oregano, fermented chilies, and, of course, creamy burrata. The combination of flavors was both comforting and surprising, with the fermented chilies adding a unique, slightly spicy twist that elevated the entire dish. For anyone who loves pizza, Bestia’s offerings are a must-try.

   Pasta: Buckwheat Tagliatelle
   The pasta at Bestia is where things get truly exceptional. The Buckwheat Tagliatelle was a revelation—perfectly cooked with an al dente texture that held up beautifully to the rich mushroom ragu. The dish was enhanced with fresh thyme, a sous vide egg that added a luxurious creaminess, fried basil for a bit of crunch, and a hint of chili oil that brought just the right amount of heat. The complexity of flavors and textures made this dish one of the standouts of the evening. It’s a must-order for any pasta lover visiting Bestia.

   Main Course: Slow Roasted Lamb Neck
   The true star of our meal, however, was the Slow Roasted Lamb Neck. This dish was nothing short of spectacular. The lamb neck was slow-roasted to perfection, tender and falling off the bone with the slightest touch. It was served with a smoked anchovy crème fraîche, which added a subtle smoky and umami depth that perfectly complemented the rich flavor of the lamb. The gem lettuce and fresh herbs provided a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the dish. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors that left us utterly satisfied. If there’s one dish you absolutely cannot miss at Bestia, it’s this one—it’s that delicious.

   Wine and Dessert
   Bestia also offers a great selection of wines, carefully curated to complement the menu, with options available at reasonable prices. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a good glass with your meal, you’ll find something to suit your taste here. Though we were tempted by the fantastic dessert menu, we were too full to indulge further. That said, from what we saw and heard from other tables, the desserts are equally impressive and worth saving room for.

   Overall, Bestia delivers on all fronts: incredible food, outstanding service, and a lively atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. With its expertly crafted dishes—from the antipasti and pizzas to the standout pasta and lamb neck—this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in Los Angeles. The attention to detail and passion for quality ingredients are evident in every bite. Highly recommended!

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4. Wow! What a difference from several years ago! This place is fantastic! We really enjoyed the pate, so creamy. The Caesar salad was huge and delicious! We asked for the squid ink crumbs to be put on the side due to my allergies and they did it no questions asked! Last time I went they just used a sharpie to blacken out most of the menu and wouldn’t put anything on the side! What a difference!!! The pastas were all fantastic. We also had two different pizzas, delicious! My daughters both liked the rhubarb dessert. We will definitely be back. Oh, the service was beyond fantastic. A really wonderful evening!

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5. First time here at Bestia for dinner. Our dinner experience was decent. Service was outstanding but some food items missed the mark.

   We ordered the following items:
   1. Grilled prawns/shrimp – yummy!!
   2. Melon and prosciutto – delish
   3. Bone marrow with pasta – wow, one of the best I had
   4. Squid ink pasta with lobster – lobster was good, but very small portion of it. Pasta was definitely not what I would order again
   5. Cavatelli pasta – liked the truffle part, that’s it. Would not recommend it
   6. Ribeye – delish, definitely recommend
   7. Deserts were ok, not the best.
   8. They don’t offer latte or cappuccino – drip coffee only.

   I’m not sure if I will be back.

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