THE BASICS:

WHAT:  Regional rustic Italian food.

WHO:  Chef Ori Menashe and his wife Genevieve Gergis.

WHERE:  DTLA in the Arts District — you know, the new cool place.  But also, if you don’t live down there, the middle of scary downtown… like is this by skid row?

WHEN:  Dinner 7 days/week.

THE DISH: 

WHAT WE ORDERED:  The persimmon and burrata salad ($13) w/ pickled fennel, scarlett frill, fennel pollen and parsnips came was suggested by the GM so we went with that (despite being on the fence b/w a few others) and it was fine. Ok, it was pretty good but honestly, we would order a different salad from the vast selection next time. We’re always down for burrata and the persimmons were sweet but somehow it just felt a little bland. The gorgonzola pizza ($18) with kale, mozzarella, grana padano and olive oil was…ummm…soggy? We were stoked on this pizza after stalking Bestia’s insta and so excited to try it (I mean it has kale on it so it’s basically healthy right?) and while it still tasted really good (hard to mess up cheesy bread that much), it was doused in olive oil leaving it feeling a little too greasy. Also, they bring it out uncut and while we get it, it’s Italian tradition and all, we’re not trying to work that hard here. Lastly, the Pappardelle Di Ortica ($24) with stinging and poached nettles, mushroom ragu and a poached egg was more up our alley. No complaints here (you know we love anything with an egg on it).

WHAT TO KNOW:A little about our meal: We went on 1.2.16 (trying to start the new year off with a bomb A²meal) but we didn’t consider the fact that we would be recovering (an understatement) from the previous week of partying and celebrations. That being said, we didn’t order any cocktails (we hear they’re bomb though) or dessert (are anyone else’s pants feeling a little tight?).  Considering Chef Menashe’s wife (Genevieve Gergis) and co-restauranteur knows what’s up with dessert, and the dessert menu looked BOMB (hello house made donuts), we will def have to go back and give that section of the menu it’s own shot.  We have friends that come again and again for the dranks, so when you go don’t be a pansy (like us) and order up.

THAT DÉCOR:  The feel is industrial with exposed beams and lots of wood and metal yet there is somehow a warmth to it. While it’s big, it’s not overwhelming. There’s a bar area, long tables (both high a low), indoor seating, outdoor seating, covered outdoor seating…there are no lack of options at Bestia.  Depending on your party size you have many seating options; but realistically you’ll take whatever they have available for ya.

THAT VIBE THOUGH:  Our reservation was at 9:30PM (we called 3 weeks out and that’s ALL we could get) but the place was PACKED. We arrived a tad early thinking they would be able to seat us but the joke was on us! It was only JUST starting to mellow out a bit when we finally left at 11:30PM. That being said, the vibe was ON POINT. Older people, younger people and everyone in between. People on dates, girls nights, guys nights, family night…all with a bomb soundtrack playing in the background. Just an overall super fun place to enjoy a meal you want to drag out.

WHEN TO GO: Seems like your only option is dinner. We wouldn’t object to being taken on a date here. Side note: We totally get why it’s so popular — imagine a hot guy you’re interested in gets a table at this hot restaurant in a new area you probably don’t know with an awesome vibe, delish cocktails, amazing music and a huge menu…like done deal (there are always exceptions to breaking that 2016 goal of not being soo slutty…right?).

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW (esp if you’re on a date): We sat at the Chef’s Table which was basically in front of their pizza station and Acunto Oven. While it was great and we can probably host a Bestia inspired pizza party at this point after watching our new friend make so many pizzas, if you plan on sitting here DON’T wear all black and DO bring your allergy meds. The flour was flying everywhere; we looked down at one point and our phones looked like they were covered in…well let’s just say Lindsay Lohan in her skinny phase would’ve been excited.

Also – watch your step…that floor, while it looks sleek, is SLIP-PER-RY. We even saw a chic go down while walking to her table. Def a no-no if you’re trying to impress your date so we’re just trying to have your back here…because that floor does not.

WHERE TO PARK: We were lucky enough to grab a spot right in front but valet is always an option…or ubes/lyft.

EDDR LIFE LESSON: Trust your gut – although we typically have success in listening to recommendations, we might’ve enjoyed our meal more if we had ordered what stood out to us!

A² FINAL THOUGHT: While we weren’t obsessed with what we ordered (and prob wouldn’t recommend any of it), the rest of the menu looked SO bomb (we saw enough plates come out while waiting to want a little of everything – come to me charcuterie board…) and we were SO down with the vibe and space…ANDDDDD we need to try the dessert. We would brave the long drive to give it another shot for sure…preferably with someone else driving…and paying.    

Note to self: when you don’t drink, dinner’s a lot cheaper, Happy New Year people…

A²