Let’s dish on Bestia in the Arts District, serving up mouthwatering Italian dishes and cocktails that are worth a spot on your dining bucket list.
You've been snooping around for the ultimate culinary experience in the City of Angels, right? Well, your search ends here, and not a moment too soon. Say "Ciao Bella!" to Bestia, the crown jewel of Italian dining in Los Angeles.
Situated in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles (that's DTLA for the newbies), Bestia is far more than a swanky Italian restaurant — it's a whole vibe, a gastronomic spectacle you have to see to believe. This place serves up marvels that taste so homey that it would make anyone's nonna proud.
No wonder critics and influencers alike scramble to book a table here…so pull up a seat, and let’s talk about why you should join them ASAP!
Let's set the stage, shall we? A vacant warehouse in Downtown Los Angeles, specifically at 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021, is transformed into a culinary haven. Forget those clichéd Italian countryside setups with plastic grapevines. Bestia shines like a supernova in the midst of L.A.'s urban galaxy.
The aesthetics at Bestia take industrial chic to a whole new level. Steel beams and exposed brick walls tell the story of the building's history, while an open kitchen allows guests to catch a glimpse of Ori Menashe and his talented team as they churn out housemade salumi, age their grana padano, and put the finishing touches on that scrumptious roasted marrow bone.
But the experience is more than visual — it's multi-sensory. The aroma of freshly baked bread greets you as you walk in, and the clatter of plates and chatter of satisfied guests create a soundtrack to your evening. Unique pieces of art adorn the walls, capturing the eclectic and electric energy of the Arts District.
The design is as curated as the menu, offering an environment that celebrates both modernity and tradition. You'll feel the soul of Italy combined with the heartbeat of Downtown Los Angeles, creating a unique dining backdrop unlike any other. If you're craving a dining locale that embodies the evolution of culinary art, look no further.
Genevieve hails from Southern California and flirted with classical French horn before realizing her heart was set on whipping up confections. If you're curious about her artistic background, it shines through in each dessert she crafts. Her crostata and chocolate budino tart have more than a dash of diva flair.
On the other hand, Ori grew up in Israel and found his culinary calling while exploring South America. His ability to bring together disparate influences into a harmonious plate is unparalleled.
Think black truffles meeting agnolotti and lamb sausage effortlessly mingling with squid ink. That global wanderlust still influences his dishes today, making each a cosmopolitan experience, blending Italian staples with French, Spanish, and even Japanese flavors.
The fates conspired in their favor at La Terza, an osteria where Ori was already turning heads with his Italian culinary acumen. Sparks flew, and soon they were joining forces to make the kind of food that culinary dreams are made of.
With Ori tackling mouthwatering mains like ribeye and pork chop, and Genevieve conquering the dessert menu, it's a synergistic match that has everyone from Food & Wine to LA Weekly singing their praises.
If you've got a palate that craves perfection, Bestia's menu is where you'll find it. The cured meats you’ll get with your charcuterie are mind blowing, showcasing a blend of Italian and Spanish styles. Each slice is a tiny festival in your mouth, harmoniously paired with apple frutta mustard and housemade pickles that dance on your tongue.
And don’t let your eyes slide past the ricotta. This isn't just cheese, darling, this is the ultimate sensory indulgence. Perfumed with aged balsamic and kissed with a sprinkling of fennel pollen, it's slathered atop grilled bread and served with a side of pure joy.
Hungry for seafood? The branzino will have you swearing off all other fish.
Grilled to absolute perfection, it's an aquatic dream served on your plate. Sweet tooth begging for attention? Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves before we’ve covered all of our bases on this revelation of a menu.
When we say the menu is to die for, we’re not exaggerating — it’s so good we almost pasta way, that’s how good this pasta is.
The first stop you should make when ordering from Bestia’s homemade pasta menu is with the cavatelli alla norcina. It’s a gastronomic extravaganza featuring ricotta dumplings so heavenly, you'll think they were handcrafted by celestial beings.
The dish is a playground of flavors, featuring black truffles that are shaved generously and pork sausage that has been crafted to artisanal perfection. Each bite is an opulent experience you’ll relish down to the last nibble.
If you hear the ocean calling your name, do try the squid ink spaghetti. Dungeness crab, people! We're talking the A-list seafood mixed in with a cascade of citrus zing and a smidgen of spices.
This dish is like the La La Land of seafood pasta — glamorous, nuanced, and oh-so-California. A sprinkling of perfectly browned breadcrumbs give you that satisfying crunch which dances so well with the tender pasta. Trust us, your tastebuds will be giving this dish a standing ovation.
Hold onto your fork and knife, because we're diving into the carnivore’s paradise that is Bestia’s meat selection. The slow-roasted lamb neck pays homage to Ori Menashe’s talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. With lamb sausage and guanciale as its supporting cast, this dish is an ovation-worthy performance of flavors and textures.
If you're in the mood for the king of all steaks, get ready to be wowed by the Wagyu ribeye. This is a meat masterpiece, a symphony of marbling, flavor, and pure unadulterated joy.
So tender, it practically melts at the sight of a knife. Seasoned and cooked to absolute perfection, this ribeye is what meat dreams are made of.
But let's say you desire something a bit lighter. Then, darling, it’s the charred branzino for you.
This fish is all kinds of fabulous, from its succulent, flaky flesh to its adornment of crispy seeds, shallots, and fresno chili. It’s a tasteful mélange that’ll leave you contemplating whether to savor each bite or dig in like nobody’s watching.
Whichever path you choose, know that at Bestia, meat and fish aren’t just menu items — they're epic culinary experiences.
Loosen that belt because we're venturing into the luscious land of desserts. And who better to guide us than the sorceress of sugar herself, pastry chef Genevieve Gergis?
Raised in sunny California, Genevieve melds her American roots with Italian panache, crafting the kind of sweets that make even the most disciplined calorie-counters throw caution to the wind.
Now let's gab about that chocolate budino tart, shall we? It’s not your run-of-the-mill grocery store dessert. It’s got salted caramel laid elegantly over a cacao crust that'll make you question every dessert decision you’ve ever made before. Yes, it's that good.
But the joy doesn't stop there. Ever tried agnolotti filled with ice cream? Picture a classic Italian pasta shape transformed into a pocket of sheer creamy delight. Genius, right?
Genevieve doesn't just stop at Italianizing American classics. She dips her creative brush into the paint pots of French and even Japanese pastry techniques. The result is a dessert menu that’s more like an international runway of sweet couture. Skipping dessert here is basically a crime!
Trust us, these are no ordinary libations. Allow us to introduce the Personality Crisis. It's a vivacious cocktail featuring mezcal, herbs, celery, and lime. Take one sip, and you'll find your taste buds swirling in a mix of emotions, ranging from intrigued to absolutely infatuated.
But maybe you're in the mood for something a bit more worldly. A drink that says, "I have a passport and I'm not afraid to use it." Meet the Little Silver Cross, an intoxicating blend that's more of an international affair. Japanese whiskey or Indian gin? Pick your poison.
When these potent spirits unite, they create an elegance that doesn't just grace your lips but dances across your palate in a symphony of flavors. So next time you find yourself at Bestia, don't settle for the mundane. Opt for a cocktail that's as fabulous as the establishment itself.
In the heart of DTLA, Bestia is far more than just another Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. It's a celebration of sublime flavors, warm ambiance, and extraordinary creativity. Crafted by the incredible duo of Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, each dish is a tantalizing tale waiting to be savored.
From the salumi and charcuterie to the ricotta gnocchi and the agnolotti stuffed with sweet potato and chanterelle — each bite makes you wonder why you hadn't come sooner. So, what are you waiting for? Time to live your best life, foodies!
