Oste

Tucked into Beverly Grove on 3rd Street, Oste brings Roman-inspired Italian cooking to one of LA’s most walkable neighborhoods. The dining room buzzes with energy—you’ll find everyone from fitness enthusiasts powering through post-workout carbs to couples lost in each other’s eyes over shared plates of burrata. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a quick weeknight dinner before catching a movie at The Grove or a leisurely meal with your most discerning foodie friends.

The menu leans into Rome’s culinary traditions with generous portions that don’t break the bank. Pinsas—those oblong Roman-style pizzas with their signature focaccia-like crust—are a rarity in LA, and the potato version here is outstanding. The burrata selection goes beyond the usual caprese treatment, with the pesto version standing out thanks to fava beans and an unexpected hit of fresh mint. For pasta lovers, the rigatoni amatriciana delivers that perfect balance of chunky tomato and rich guanciale in every forkful.

What sets Oste apart is its approachability. The owner makes rounds through the dining room, the staff knows their menu inside and out, and the prices feel fair for what you’re getting—where else can you find branzino for thirty bucks? The charming patio comes alive on warm evenings, and while reservations are available, there’s something to be said for walking in on a whim and grabbing a drink at El Carmen next door while you wait.

Whether you’re a food snob who needs to be impressed or you just want a reliable neighborhood spot with genuine hospitality, Oste delivers. It’s not reinventing Italian cooking, but it’s executing the classics with care and serving them in a space that feels alive. Come hungry, order the rigatoni, and don’t skip the housemade sorbet.