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Bestia
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Bestia
8.9
Bestia is a destination Italian restaurant in the eastern edge of Downtown where wood-fired pizzas share the spotlight with housemade pastas, charcuterie, and a serious cocktail program. Its pies lean rustic and charred, with toppings that show off the kitchen’s curing, fermenting, and vegetable work, making it one of the most sought-after tables in the Arts District for pizza-centric dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrata pizza, Margherita pizza, Guanciale pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizzas anchor one of Downtown’s most acclaimed Italian kitchens.
Who should go: Guests planning celebratory nights with serious food and cocktails.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners when the room buzzes but feels controlled.
What to order: Burrata pizza, guanciale pizza, seasonal vegetable antipasti.
Insider tip: Snag bar seats for better walk-in odds and kitchen views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at ROW DTLA garages, and nearby paid lots along 7th and Mateo run $8–$20 depending on the night; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; jeans are fine but most guests elevate with nice tops, jackets, or dresses due to the date-night atmosphere.
Noise level: Lively and buzzy, especially in the main dining room; you can hold a conversation, but it’s not a quiet environment.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits without a reservation—45–90 minutes for bar seats and walk-in tables.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner-only service means weekday evenings still fill up quickly, though early-week reservations are easier to secure.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several pizzas, antipasti, and pastas can be ordered vegetarian, often highlighting seasonal produce and housemade cheeses.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be modified, but pizzas and pastas are mostly dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Moderate availability—select dishes can be made gluten-free, but pizzas and some pastas cannot be adapted; always confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a high-energy, impressive setting. The open kitchen, cocktails, and shareable plates create an exciting vibe, though the room can be loud for deeper conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but competitive. Arrive early for bar seats or put your name down at opening; weekends often require patience, but weekday walk-ins have better odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space is busy, dim, and geared toward adults. Older teens comfortable in upscale dining environments may enjoy it, but it’s not ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Destination-level Italian cooking with wood-fired pizzas, standout charcuterie, and a polished cocktail program in a buzzy Arts District setting.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining rooms, need fully vegan or gluten-free pizza options, or want a casual, quick meal without planning ahead.
Bestia
8.9
Bestia is Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis’s perpetually packed Arts District Italian restaurant, where wood-fired pizzas, charcuterie, and pastas anchor one of the city’s most influential menus. A loud, energetic dining room, serious bar program, and a spot in the MICHELIN Guide make it a destination for special-occasion Italian dinners in 90021.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted bone marrow with spinach gnocchetti, Cavatelli alla Norcina with pork sausage and truffle, Spaghetti rustichella with sea urchin and bottarga
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: High-impact Italian cooking in a buzzy, warehouse-chic Arts District space.
Who should go: Diners chasing destination-level Italian and serious cocktails.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings when the room feels most electric.
What to order: Roasted bone marrow gnocchetti, cavatelli alla Norcina, spaghetti rustichella.
Insider tip: Bar seats often open before main dining; join the waitlist early and plan for nearby parking since the surrounding streets fill quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Arts District at night; arrive early if you’re hunting for a meter. Nearby paid lots typically run $8–$15 depending on the evening. No on-site valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished. Most guests dress up a bit—dark denim, button-downs, dresses, and elevated casual pieces fit the room’s energy.
Noise level: Loud. The warehouse-style dining room hums with conversation and open-kitchen energy—expect to lean in during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits without a reservation—often 60–90 minutes for bar seating and walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; dinner-only operation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—several pastas, salads, and vegetable dishes can be made or are already vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited—menu leans heavily on dairy, meat, and egg-driven dishes. Check with the kitchen for small modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some pastas can be adapted; pizzas generally cannot. Cross-contact is likely given the open kitchen and flour-heavy prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want high energy and destination-level dining. The space is loud and lively, so it’s better for fun chemistry than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect a wait. Your best shot is right when doors open or trying for bar seats, which turn over more frequently than tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the room is loud, fast-paced, and dinner-focused. Teens who enjoy adventurous food will fare better than families with small children.
Best For
Better for: High-impact pastas, expertly executed charcuterie, and a lively, sceney atmosphere that turns dinner into an event.
Skip if: You want a quiet Italian meal, vegan-friendly options, or same-day reservations without a long wait—try a more low-key Italian spot instead.
Bestia
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Bestia channels a roaring Arts District energy into house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and bold Italian-Californian plates in a cavernous warehouse space. Long waits, strong cocktails, and a tightly packed dining room make it a go-to for couples who like their date nights loud, lively, and food-obsessed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Bone Marrow, Cavatelli alla Norcina, Slow-Roasted Lamb Neck
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: High-energy Italian-Californian cooking in a buzzy, industrial-chic warehouse.
Who should go: Couples chasing big flavors and big-city dining buzz.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings, especially Thursday through Saturday nights.
What to order: Roasted bone marrow, cavatelli alla norcina, slow-roasted lamb neck.
Insider tip: Book late and linger at the bar to watch the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on-site in the shared Arts District lot; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm. Ride-share is strongly recommended on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; most guests wear elevated outfits suitable for a night out in the Arts District. Jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with a high-energy dining room; conversation across the table is doable but not quiet or intimate.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–90 minutes without a reservation; bar seats fill quickly but turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong vegetarian dishes, especially among pastas and starters, though not a fully dedicated menu.
Vegan options: Very limited; modifications are possible but the menu leans heavily on dairy- and meat-driven dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-free, but house-made pastas generally cannot be adapted; check with the server for safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a high-energy, food-centric outing rather than a quiet conversation. It’s ideal for couples who bond over bold flavors and lively atmospheres.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Walk-ins can try for bar seating or early/late dining windows, but expect long waits at peak times. Arriving before doors open increases your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The room is loud, tightly packed, and built for adult crowds. Older teens who enjoy adventurous food will fare better than younger children.
Best For
Better for: High-impact flavors, house-made pastas, and a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere that feels uniquely Arts District and ideal for occasions.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner; prefer vegan or gluten-free menus; or dislike navigating long waits and high-decibel dining rooms.
Bestia
8.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Bestia channels roaring Arts District energy into a packed dining room and industrial courtyard where tables spill outside under string lights. House-made pastas, pizzas, and bold Italian-Californian plates make the patio as coveted as the bar, with alfresco tables soaking up the warehouse glow and open-kitchen buzz.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted Bone Marrow with Spinach Gnocchetti, Cavatelli alla Norcina, Slow-Roasted Lamb Neck
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Michelin-listed Italian powerhouse with a buzzy, brick-lined courtyard.
Who should go: Food-obsessed groups planning a big, pasta-heavy night.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings, especially Thursdays through Saturdays.
What to order: Bone marrow, cavatelli alla norcina, slow-roasted lamb neck.
Insider tip: Ask to be waitlisted specifically for courtyard tables when booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce after 6pm; paid lots on 7th Pl. and Santa Fe Ave. typically run $8–$15. No valet on most nights.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight edge—dark denim, button-downs, elevated tops; diners tend to lean trendy.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours, especially indoors; courtyard tables are slightly calmer but still energetic.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for walk-ins; the courtyard list often fills early.
Weekday lunch: N/A — Bestia does not operate weekday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, salads, and veg-forward small plates are strong options.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes rely on dairy, meat, or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Select dishes can be made gluten-free, but pasta substitutions are limited; servers can guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want high energy and great food; the buzz can help break the ice, but it’s not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — put your name on the walk-in list right at opening. Courtyard seats go first; bar seats are often your best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably for older kids who enjoy bold flavors; strollers and very young children may be tougher due to tight, high-energy spaces.
Best For
Better for: High-intensity Italian dining with standout house-made pasta and a buzzing courtyard scene.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, vegan-heavy menus, or last-minute ease — the energy and wait times won’t suit those needs.
Bestia
8.8
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Bestia helped define the Arts District’s modern restaurant wave with housemade pastas, charcuterie, and wood-fired mains in a soaring brick warehouse. The room stays loud, packed, and reservation-booked, drawing diners for both the kitchen’s precision and the bar’s amaro-heavy cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone marrow with spinach gnocchetti, Cavatelli alla norcina, Slow-roasted lamb neck
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Industrial warehouse Italian with serious pastas and a perpetually buzzing room.
Who should go: Food obsessives planning big, pasta-heavy nights out.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings for peak energy and full menu.
What to order: Bone marrow toast, cavatelli alla norcina, lamb neck.
Insider tip: Book bar seats for more flexible, last-minute reservations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on nights when the block is busy; otherwise expect limited street parking along Industrial St. and surrounding blocks. Arrive 10–15 minutes early on weekends to circle once or twice.
Dress code: Smart casual with a downtown edge—dark denim, boots, and elevated tops fit right in. Most guests lean fashion-forward but not formal.
Noise level: High. This is one of the loudest dining rooms in the Arts District; expect energetic buzz and limited ability for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; bar seats are your best bet for earlier access.
Weekday lunch: Bestia doesn’t serve lunch; early week dinner seatings (Mon–Tue) have lighter traffic if booking ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid range—pastas, salads, and a few composed veggie mains. Many dishes can be adjusted.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect 1–2 options max, mostly in starters or salads.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free, and some pastas have GF versions. Notify your server early due to cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy over intimacy. The food is phenomenal, but the volume and crowd make it better for established pairs or celebratory nights rather than tender first-date conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but difficult. Bar and counter seats are your strongest walk-in shot; arrive right at opening or closer to closing for best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to noise, tight spacing, and late-night energy. Teens who enjoy adventurous food will be fine, but families with small kids may prefer calmer restaurants nearby.
Best For
Better for: Bestia excels in bold, housemade pastas, charcuterie, and high-energy dining—perfect for groups, celebrations, and pasta-centric nights out.
Skip if: Choose elsewhere if you want quiet conversation, vegan-friendly menus, or low-key service; the intensity is part of the charm but not suited to every occasion.
Bestia
8.6
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Late Night Legends
Bestia is Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis’s industrial Italian landmark, where housemade charcuterie, pastas, and wood-fired mains fuel one of LA’s liveliest dining rooms. Since 2012 it has anchored the Arts District’s rise, drawing packed crowds for big nights out and late reservations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cavatelli alla Norcina, Roasted Bone Marrow with Spinach Gnocchetti, Squid Ink Spaghetti
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A roaring, industrial Italian spot that helped define modern DTLA.
Who should go: Groups planning loud, pasta-heavy celebration dinners.
When to visit: Peak evening hours when the room is buzzing and packed.
What to order: Cavatelli alla Norcina, bone marrow gnocchetti, squid ink pasta.
Insider tip: Bar seats are easier to snag and still get the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is typically available in the lot behind the restaurant; street parking on Industrial St. is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; most guests opt for elevated outfits suitable for celebration nights.
Noise level: High—conversation requires raised voices during peak hours due to the energetic, industrial dining room.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Bestia serves dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options—several salads, vegetable starters, and a few pastas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on dairy or meat; vegan guests will need to ask for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be prepared gluten-free, but pasta selection is limited; notify the server early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for high energy—it's lively, loud, and better suited for couples who enjoy bustling, celebratory environments rather than intimate quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but difficult. Arrive early for bar seats, which are first-come and offer the full menu. Prime hours are usually fully booked weeks out.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older teens than young children—noise levels are high, crowds are dense, and seating runs late. No specific kid-focused amenities.
Best For
Better for: High-energy celebrations, housemade pastas, and a quintessential Arts District dining experience with destination-level buzz.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, need extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or prefer shorter, more relaxed meals without long waits or crowds.
Bestia
9.0
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Late Night Legends
Bestia is a high-energy Arts District Italian restaurant known for wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and an industrial-chic dining room that stays packed every night. Open since 2012, it’s a go-to for splashy celebrations, with a semi-private terrace and patio setups that make group dinners feel both festive and focused.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted bone marrow with spinach gnocchetti, Cavatelli alla Norcina with pork sausage and black truffle, Squid ink chitarra with Dungeness crab and Calabrian chili
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: An Arts District Italian landmark with serious pastas and semi-private terrace dining.
Who should go: Groups planning energetic, big-night Italian celebrations.
When to visit: Prime evening hours when the room and terrace buzz.
What to order: Roasted bone marrow, cavatelli alla Norcina, squid ink pasta.
Insider tip: For private-style dinners, request the covered outdoor terrace when booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is usually available on busy nights; limited street parking exists but fills quickly after 6pm. Garages at nearby Arts District lots are the most reliable option within a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge. Most guests lean dressy—dark denim or slacks with elevated tops works well.
Noise level: Loud and high-energy, especially in peak hours. You can converse at a group table, but intimate, quiet conversations are difficult.
Weekend wait: Reservations book weeks out; walk-ins can face 60–90 minutes or may not be seated at all.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; on weekdays at early dinner, short waits are possible only if you arrive right at opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong vegetarian dishes—salads, roasted vegetables, and select pastas can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited options; some vegetable plates may work but pastas and pizzas are generally not vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: A handful of dishes can be made gluten-free, but pasta and pizza options are limited; notify the team early for substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy and a lively dining room. Bestia shines for established couples or celebration-style dates, but the noise level makes deeper conversation tougher for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely. Walk-ins might luck into bar seats at opening, but most nights are fully booked. Arrive early and be flexible with seating if trying without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle louder, energetic rooms. No dedicated kids' menu; timing earlier in the evening is best for families.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier handmade pastas, a celebratory vibe, and one of the strongest group-dining energy profiles in the Arts District make it a go-to for special occasions.
Skip if: If you need a quiet dinner, dietary flexibility with vegan or gluten-free menus, or last-minute seating, consider alternatives in the neighborhood.