Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown

Each dish was fabulous. The server overhead me not loving the wine and gave me a different glass. An excellent meal all around.

Stefano was attentive and professional. The food’s presentation was appealing but the parmigiana de melanzana was quite bland.

Tucked away in the vibrant Arts District of Los Angeles, Bestia is a haven for food lovers seeking innovative flavors and impeccable execution. This dining experience is not just a meal; it’s an exploration of taste that leaves you yearning for more. Starting with the **Herb Caesar Salad**, I was immediately struck by its refreshing twist on a classic. The combination of crisp romaine and endive created a delightful crunch, while the Parmigiano Reggiano added a rich creaminess that melded beautifully with the unique squid ink breadcrumbs—adding both texture and depth to each bite. Finished off with bright lemon zest, this dish was light yet satisfying, setting a high bar for what was to come. Next up were the **Pan Roasted Chicken Gizzards**—a dish that showcases Bestia's flair for transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary culinary delights. The gizzards were cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, sitting atop a bed of smoked cabbage that lent an earthy richness. Croutons provided an exciting crunch, while aged goat cheese introduced an intriguing tanginess; every forkful was balanced and comforting. The star of our appetizer parade was undoubtedly the **Housemade Buttermilk Ricotta**. Deconstructed yet elegantly presented, this dish felt like poetry on a plate. Aged balsamic drizzled over the creamy ricotta offered sweet acidity that harmonized perfectly with fennel pollen’s aromatic qualities. Paired with grilled bread dusted with lava salt, this appetizer transformed simple ingredients into something truly sublime. Moving on to our pasta course—the **Chestnut & Mushroom Agnolotti**—was an experience worth savoring slowly. These little square raviolis packed a savory punch that lingered beautifully on the palate. The mascarpone gave them an indulgent creaminess, while fried sage added depth—a perfect marriage of flavors reminiscent of autumnal harvests. Love in every bite.

I've seen lots of negative comments about pre-theater meals at Vespaio. I can't speak to these. The four of us went early (5 p.m.) after a matinee at the Ahmanson, partially in order to avoid rush hour traffic. Our meal was outstanding! We had pork belly, a pasta, pizza, and rockfish (special for the night). All were very, very good. The rosemary potatoes were probably the best potatoes I've EVER had (potatoes may seem like a trivial part of a meal, but they're an indicator). Service was prompt, friendly, and helpful. My guess is that if you pick the time you go so the restaurant isn't too crowded and if you're not too rushed, you'll have as good a meal as you'll find almost anywhere in the L.A. area.

The goods and services were excellent. We definitely will come back.