There seems to be some unwritten rite of passage into LA life that requires you to go to Bestia and spend a crap ton of money to really become an Angeleno. I guess I rebelled against the system for as long as I could but after last night, I have to say it was well worth it. The idea of going may have scared me after hearing friends say things like “i go there with my bougie friends who aren’t afraid to throw down.” It must have been the fear of how much the amount of ‘throwing down’ would actually be that stopped me from going because it took me 8 years to get there. And even though the servers and staff had face masks and even face shields on, the experience made life feel a little normal again. (Oh and I guess I can say I’m real Angeleno now.)

It’s hard to imagine what the indoor dining must have felt like now that we can only dine in outdoor patios but judging by the images of pre-COVID dining, the place was popular. Opened in 2012 by husband and wife duo, Bestia hit the LA scene with a bang becoming an overnight success. Matching its surroundings in the Arts District with an industrial aesthetic and a nod to modern-day Italian spaces, the restaurant integrates the idea of having a contemporary interior in a century-old building. Wife, co-owner, and pastry chef, Genevieve Gergis helped create the space in Bestia and their newer sister restaurant, Bavel. Since opening, three additional patios have been built, the latest in response to expanded outdoor dining due to COVID.

The multi-regional rustic Italian menu, takes a ‘from-scratch’ approach, making handmade pastas and pizzas in house. As with most fine dining approaches, the menu is very small, so be ready for that. Reservations book up for the normal 7-8 dinner rush, so if you’re squeezing in at 9:30pm, be ready for a few things to have run out. Also, be ready to spend some money. The menu is split into 5 categories, starters, pizzas, pasta, entrees, and desserts. (To give you an idea of the price, there are only 3 entrees on the menu and one of them is $140) We got one item from each section and though it was pricey, it was the perfect experience of tasting what Bestia has to offer.

Here is what we ordered:

Peas & Burrata - The flavor to this dish was incredible. The walnut oil and toasted sesame seeds it came with makes my mouth water just thinking about it again!

Burrata Pizza - There were a few spicy kicks that made this pizza unique and although I’m glad we ordered it, it wasn’t the most impressive pizza I’ve ever had.

Cavatelli alla Norcina. The truffle flavor in this pasta was perfectly balanced and so deliciously paired with the pork sausage and ricotta dumplings. The server warned us the pasta was the size of her palm and she was right. (Why we ordered the pizza as well)

Grilled Whole Branzino I can’t say I’ve ever ordered a full fish, complete with head and tail. And they definitely make sure to say ‘head and tail’ several times so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. I was thrilled with it. The flavor was incredibly light with some lemon and pea tendril leaves stuffed in the middle to keep the fish moist. So delicious.

Bar au Chocolat Bittersweet Chocolate Budino Tart. I always lean toward the chocolate dessert on any menu but this one looked especially delicious. (And by the time we ordered dessert, literally everything else was out on the menu) The cacao crust was the perfect texture and the salty and sweet ratio was perfection.

Chef’s Old Fashioned Chapter 2 I’m also drawn to any sort of Old Fashioned on a menu but this one looked extra compelling with the addition of pear and lardo washed bourbon. The server said we’d miss the duck fat taste in the drink and I sure did. Couldn’t taste it but the hint of pear made the drink unique and refreshing while still staying true to the Old Fashioned standard taste.

I don’t pretend I understand culinary arts but this was definitely one for the books. The flavor on each and every dish was so delicious. The patio we sat on had the most delightful view of stringed lights and so much greenery it felt like we were in a forest. Sitting right outside of the door in with the perfect view of their beautifully designed bar, we still felt like we were in the restaurant. If you are in the LA area and can swing it, take some of that stimulus check and throw down because to me, it was worth every penny!

A Rustic Italian Restaurant in Industrial Arts District LA