Bestia

Step into Bestia and you’ll immediately understand why this Arts District institution has maintained its status as one of LA’s most sought-after reservations for over a decade. The industrial-chic space buzzes with an infectious energy—conversations rise above the hip-hop playlist, glasses clink at tables celebrating everything from birthdays to business deals, and servers navigate the room with the confidence of luxury concierges. This is Italian dining with the volume turned all the way up.

The menu delivers on every front, but the housemade pastas are where Bestia truly shines. Each dish arrives perfectly al dente—whether it’s silky squid ink spaghetti studded with lobster or ricotta cavatelli tossed with truffle and sausage. The wood-fired pizzas emerge from the oven with beautifully blistered, slightly smoky crusts that almost steal the show from their toppings. And the house-cured salumi board? It’s practically edible jewelry, with rotating selections of spicy chorizo, peppery soppressata, and creamy nduja that spread like butter.

This is the kind of place where you’ll want to bring out-of-town guests, close a big deal, or celebrate a milestone. The counter seats along the salumi and pizza area offer prime kitchen views and are often the easiest to snag last-minute, though larger groups will want to book a table a week or more in advance. Come prepared to spend—the prices match the splashy atmosphere—but know that you’re investing in one of the most consistently excellent dining experiences in the city.

Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The bittersweet chocolate budino tart with its cacao crust, salted caramel, and olive oil is the kind of finale that makes you forget you were ever full. Bestia proves that a restaurant can maintain its magic year after year when the fundamentals are this strong: exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and an atmosphere that makes every meal feel like an event.