Located in an industrial warehouse in LA’s downtown Art District, I was intrigued pulling up to Bestia for the first time. It was not quite what I expected. But once I entered the restaurant, everything came to life and it all made sense. Packed and buzzing with fast-paced servers and cooks in an open faced kitchen, the restaurant felt alive in a way that most Los Angeles restaurants do not anymore. With brick walls, unfinished ceilings, and rustic decor, Bestia has a raw, urban aesthetic that is unlike any other restaurants in the city. Whether you choose to sit at the bar, in the middle of the restaurant (where you can watch dishes fly out of the kitchen), or in front of the wood-burning ovens at the pizza counter, you’re in for an exciting dining experience.

I’ve been to Bestia a few times now and it never disappoints. Ori Menashe and his wife, Genevieve Gergis, are the duo behind the restaurant. Menashe is the owner and executive chef, offering rustic Italian dining with an eccentric twist. The menu is experimental; transforming traditional Italian dishes into innovate creations that just work. Although Menashe has worked in some of LA’s most acclaimed restaurants like Angelini Osteria and Pizzeria Mozza, it’s hard to believe this is his first restaurant as owner and executive chef. Wife Genevieve is co-owner and pastry chef (be sure to save room for dessert, they are delicious). They make a good team!

Check out my exclusive  interview with owner and Executive Chef Ori Menashe…

WHAT TO EAT: Below you will find a list of some of the dishes I’ve ordered at Bestia which are all delicious and worth trying. My personal favorites are the Roasted Marrow Bone, Veal Tartare Crostino, and you must try one of their signature pizzas!

~Roasted Market Vegetables. olive oil. sea salt.

~Veal Tartare Crostino. shallots. parsley. lemon. tonnato sauce.

~Pan-Roasted Chicken Gizzards. roasted beets. belgian endive. aged capra sarda.

~Roasted Marrow Bone. spinach gnocchetti. crispy breadcrumbs. aged balsamic.

~Mussels and Clams. housemade spicy ‘nduja sausage. fennel seed. preserved orange. grilled bread.

~Cavatelli alla Norcina- ricotta dumplings. housemade pork sausage. black truffles. grana padano

~Spaghetti Rustichella. sea urchin. squid ink bottarga. garlic. calabrian chilies. breadcrumbs.

~“Coffee & Donuts.” spiced chestnut zeppole. whipped cream. coffee ice cream