BestiaGreat Find But Questionable PricingWe had a party of four and came based on a recommendation from a friend. We arrived at 6 pm on a Tues and the place was completely packed by 7 pm. Decor is great with meat hooks hanging from the ceilings. Great open kitchen so it's like watching a performance. Ordered a kale salad, roasted veggies (do not order, not that great), meatballs, gizzards (our party's favorite by far), alla'nduja pizza, squid ink spaghetti, pici alla vaccarina, and "coffee & doughnuts" for dessert (amazing!!!). We also ordered bread ($4 for 4 slices) that came with olive oil. The service was unbelievable and really sets this place apart. The only issue I had was having to pay $1 per person for water. I felt like I was scammed but didn't want to complain.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMLove the dinner hate the barOverall great place to eat food is excellent and once we were seated the waiter and the rest of your staff was magnificent unfortunately the same cannot be said about your bar staff we arrive 1 1/2 Pryor to our reservations in order to enjoy the night and have a couple cocktails before dinner needless to say the bartenders or mixologist take themselves way to seriously we managed to order just one round of drinks during our wait having been a round the Los Angeles bar scene for over 15 years I can with sincerity let you know that the rudeness and lack of interest shown by your bar staff was unacceptable and almost ruined our night luckily your serving staff were fantastic they truly delivered .5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFull endorsementFabulous roasted vegetables. Salumi plate contained one item not to my taste, but it was nicely presented and everything else was delicious, so that's just my taste. Both pasta dishes were excellent, and the waitress picked us a lovely wine to go with our meal. Very much met the hype; I'd go back in a minute.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time here and we wereFirst time here and we were seated in a timely manner. The food is great... a bit too rich for my taste but still very good. Some oddities about cocktails... no olives for the martinis, unknown brands, but generally ok. Small tapas-size dishes at full size prices. The Jerusalem Artichoke soup, the roasted veggies, the buratta pizza were all outstanding. The house filtered water was tasty, if you can consider water tasty... it was. Very interesting menu and fusion. Will definitely come again and try other dishes on the menu. There is some parking on the street but best to valet probably.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing in every way imaginableI can't say enough about this restaurant. My friends said it was the best Italian meal they've ever had, and while I wouldn't go quite that far, I would definitely say that it's the best meal I've had in downtown LA by far. Everything from the bar to the decor to the service was top notch. A definite must for business meals, first dates, or group outings.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMEasy to see why this is consideredEasy to see why this is considered best new restaurant in downtown. Food, service, ambiance, energy were all excellent. Highly recommend.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMCool business dinnerHad a great experience. After the recent uproar about restaurants billing guests for missed reservations,Etc, I found the staff resilient and fair about late arriving guests.
We were seated at what I call the " Perch". It seats 8 on stools and has a great view of the bustling interior.
All the dishes the our waiter recommended were great!5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGo for the food!The food at Bestia is spectacular, the kind of meal that is so good it kills conversation. The roasted marrow bone with spinach gnocchetti was astonishing, a perfect blend of tastes. Ditto the pan-roasted chicken gizzards. The service was good, but the place was jammed so the staff was a bit overwhelmed. Everyone was very friendly, but I could sense they were rushing. The bartender took time to pour us some wine samples while we were waiting, but she was interrupted twice during our selection. Bestia is unbelievably noisy and so insufferably upscale, it might as well be in the heart of West Hollywood. Lotta fancy cars in valet parking (which costs $6). Dinner for two with wine is about $175. Ambiance is so-so... but go for the food!5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the HypeOne of the coolest spots I've been to. Total NYC feel tucked away in the DTLA arts district. Would recommend it to people looking for a fun, hip spot to check out.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMfood beats the noiseOn a Monday night Bestia was packed. All the food and waitstaff were outstanding. Only drawbacks are the noise (you have to yell a bit across the table), and the smokiness inside. They may need to work on their exhaust from the wood-fired oven in the open kitchen.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my second time andThis was my second time and Bestia and it remains both a palace of comfort-food and risk-taking cuisine. Beautiful food, great service, and a wonderful destination. I look forward to my third visit4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMReally great food, and niceReally great food, and nice hotspot! Really love the ambiance, and wait staff is always friendly and helpful!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMI now have a new "favoriteI now have a new "favorite restaurant" in DTLA. As soon as I pulled in off of Santa Fe Ave onto 7th Place, it's as if I was driving into an area totally disconnected from Los Angeles. The valet parking is convenient, and the exterior is inviting. The interior has a great vibe going, the place was energetic. The waiters were on top of everything, solid service. The dishes are family-style, small plates, but OMG...is there anything in that place I didn't find absolutely delicious? From the bread to the calamari to the squid-ink pasta to the bone marrow, no disappointments here. Pricey for sure, but great for ocassions. Thanks to Open Table for making it so easy.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious, fresh and fun....GreatDelicious, fresh and fun....Great atmos and cool digs...
delicious cocktails too.....definately going back4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding meal. Diver scallops,Outstanding meal. Diver scallops, veal tartare, calamari salad, uni pasta were all unbelievably delicious. Making another reservation right now... Service was phenomenal.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding dinner. ScallopOutstanding dinner. Scallop crudo, chicken gizzards, pasta with goat ragu were all exceptional. I have never tasted gizzards as tender. Dessert was chocolate boudini tart is not to be missed. This was definitely one of our best meals and we are already making plans to return. Noticed a lot of folks brought their own wine since the wine list is very limited. Loud room.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything about this restaurantEverything about this restaurant was superior - from cocktails to dessert. I'd return any time.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat creative Italian Food,Great creative Italian Food, went with a chef who specializes in Italian cuisine and she rated it highly as well.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHot spot in the hidden alleys of LAGreat place for date night or just getting together with good friends. Great ambience, can get very loud, but neither the less a great place to hang out. If your a foodie this is definitely a foodies delight. We started with the Salumi, they cure their own meats....was just a perfect pairing with their mustard concoction. Next we tasted a flavor with a twist their Crostino con il Cuore di Manzo (Beef Heart Tartare) Very interesting combination of flavor and texture, definitely different,but indeed good. Cavatelli alla Norcina was next for tasting, the dumbplings were al dente and the pork sausage was not over powered by seasoning. Following we cut into the Grilled Korubuta Pork Chop, just one word Delicious! Ending with the Chocolate Budino4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of Downtown's BestI have never had anything at Bestia that is less than amazing and the service has always been wonderful. This restaurant is a must for any foodie.
The menu is mostly tapas-style dishes to share with the table which makes it fun for a party of four. Larger groups get seated outside away from the action but at least they'll be able to hear each other. The place gets loud at the high point of dinner but if you are just two people you will most likely be seated at one of the large shared tables or at the counter where you can watch the food being prepped. These are actually cozy spots and the noise level will keep your conversation intimate.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBestia is the Best!A pocket of foodie dreams and wishes come true! Everything we tried was outstanding, new and inventive from the herbal infused hand built cocktailsl to the house made sausages, hand rolled pastas and dazzling desserts. Go, go now! Make reservations. If there were anything negative to say about this place, it would be the noise level. Some folk like it.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMCiao Italia en LA!Bestia is one of the best new Italian restaurants in LA. It's vibrant, energetic and not your Mom's 'pisghetti & meatballs kind of place. The menu is similar, but with a new twist. If you love new and different food then you'll love Bestia. It's a little noisy, so if you're looking for a quiet, romantic place, then this isn't it. I'd say it's romantic, but in a fun way... My only complaint is that it's hard to get a reservation, but I guess that's par for the course when you're doing something this good.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMHip Hoppin'If you like things like chicken gizzard beet salad and chicken liver pate on a toasted brioche, then this is the place. Simple dishes made to perfection. We also had the house made gnocchi with house made seasoned sausage and truffle oil. Delicious! The restaurant is situated on the bottom floor of an old renovated downtown factory made into lofts. We sat in the small courtyard, quieter and very cozy. If you sit inside, it will be loud with a frenzied open kitchen to entertain you while you dine. I recommend this hip hoppin' place anytime.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSnooty about seating, butSnooty about seating, but worth the wait with excellent food.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMSecond time at Bestia : totallySecond time at Bestia : totally awesome food but a bit too trendy and hip for my own taste, way too loud, almost impossible to have a normal conversation.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBESTia New LA Restaurant in 2012/13I have been to Bestia four times in the past 4 weeks. From the hostesses, to the busboy (Oscar is awesome!), to our waiters (I've even seen owner Bill Chait serving diners on super busy nights), to the awesome food from Ori and Genevieve, Bestia is one of the most satisfying and compelling dining experiences to hit Los Angeles in recent memory. I will keep coming back to this wonderful place. The Pizza Margherita the other night was hand-down the best Neapolitan style pizza I have had in LA. The 'Nduja pizza is my favorite. Cavatelli alla Norcina is worth every one of those 27 dollars -- I have ordered it every night I have been there - it is THAT good. So many great things on the menu - always fun to spot new items each time I return4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have not been to an outstandingWe have not been to an outstanding LA restaurant in long time. This was it. We live in downtown and many new upcoming places are missing the mark. Not Bestia.
The decor is perfect for the location and makes you feel as though you are in NY or what LA should be more like.
The food was creative and subtle. Im not a big fan of the small dishes being brought out as they come, but you can definitley over look it as soon as you sample the food! The olive dish was great with orange slivers and fennel. The meatballs were my favorite. Grilled for a crunchy texture and a sofrito that you will lick off the plate. The ink squid pasta perfectly cooked with a bit of spicy kick. A veal and pork casoulet was delicious and fell off the bone. And dessert w3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular place, food...couldSpectacular place, food...could not ask for a better Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. The chef and kitchen staff amazing to watch coupled with great diner scene.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is one of the best restaurantsThis is one of the best restaurants around town! Took some clients and couldn't have had a better time. Everything we had was so good! Highly recommend: kale, scallops, and mussels to start and any of the pasta dishes. Definitely go with a group of people who want to share, best way to try a little bit of everything. Cocktails and wines were also very good and unique. Service was great. Will be back.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Jeruzalem Artichoke soupThe Jeruzalem Artichoke soup was my favorite, but I also loved the bone marrow and the raw scallops. Fun vibe, nice decor.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMI've been to this restaurantI've been to this restaurant twice and have loved it both times! Stepping into the restaurant passed its unassuming exterior is like stepping into Wonderland, filled with beautiful people and food. Both waiters I have made me feel safe in their hands, so much so that this last time, I just asked the waiter to pick different things off the menu for me. And I was certainly right to trust him!
In short, Bestia delivers on all levels: great ambience, delicious food, and all around a great dining experience.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOpen kitchen they bring theOpen kitchen
they bring the food when it is ready
it is pretty loud but worth it because food is so good3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food! With home madeGreat food! With home made salumi. Great pastas and pizza. Sad that its a long reservation list . Its pretty noisy too!3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBestia lives up to the HYPE!RESERVATION IS A MUST!!!
Bestia is one of the new, TRENDY restaurant to hit the DTLA scene. It's always busy because the FOOD LIVES UP TO THE HYPE! It's no surprise why people from all walks of life are tripping over themselves to burn their hard-earned cash at this establishment.
The staff are VERY friendly and helpful IF you DON'T give them attitude. They're also easy on the eyes which adds to the culinary experience.
NOTE - go with a group of people so you can try more dishes!
For parking, you should be able to find street parking in the area if you're brave enough. Don't worry, the neighborhood might look sketchy but it's harmless. If you're not feeling too adventurous, valet is available.
Make sure you try the Bon3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMHip and deliciousExcellent food, hip scene...would highly recommend.3/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the trip to downtown LAFabulous food and service
Beef heart tartare incredible
Pizzas very good, a little too doughy
Desserts outstanding, get the sugar rolled "doughnuts"
Timing was good between courses but hen took LONG LONG time, they were apologetic and gave us dessert and a dessert wine which was great
They were oustanding in how they handled this delay1/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a FABULOUS new eateryWhat a FABULOUS new eatery in "downtown" Warehouse District? Love the ambiance, the food, the staff all so friendly and informative, just a WONDERFUL experience~ I will be back!1/4/2013 12:00:00 AM