Hippo

Tucked into Highland Park’s bustling stretch of Figueroa, Hippo occupies the kind of space you’ve probably seen before—high ceilings, pendant lights, exposed wood, and walls adorned with eye-catching murals. Yet despite the familiar trappings, there’s something comfortable and unpretentious about this Italian-leaning neighborhood spot that keeps drawing you back.

The menu reads like a greatest hits of contemporary California-Italian cooking: crudos, handmade pastas, and wood-grilled proteins. What sets Hippo apart is how well they execute these familiar dishes while keeping prices reasonable. The sweet corn cappellacci stands out as a must-order, with tender pasta pockets bursting with corn sweetness balanced by a savory mushroom sauce. The heritage pork ragu delivers the kind of depth that only comes from patient, careful cooking. And if you’re looking for something lighter, the snapper ceviche is bright and refreshing.

The dining experience here is remarkably flexible. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, grabbing a solo meal at the bar, or bringing the family for a casual weeknight outing, Hippo accommodates without feeling like it’s trying too hard. The patio is particularly inviting, and the service strikes that sweet spot between attentive and relaxed.

What makes Hippo worth knowing about is its reliability. This is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that’s genuinely useful—consistently good food, fair prices, and an atmosphere that works for almost any occasion. It may not be flashy, but sometimes the best restaurants are the ones you can count on again and again.