Bestia helped put the Arts District on the food map

Bestia has been anchoring E 7th Place long enough that its reputation has had plenty of time to either hold or fade. It has held. The husband-and-wife Italian restaurant sits in the Arts District and draws a consistent crowd, reflected in more than 4,000 Google reviews at 4.5 stars. That kind of volume over time means something.

The kitchen works with a seasonal menu, so what you order one visit may not be there the next. The room runs loud and lively on most nights, which either suits you or it doesn't. There is a patio if you want some air, and the bar program covers cocktails, wine, and beer.

One practical note: reservations are the only reliable way in. Walk-ins can work, but counting on one here is a gamble. Book ahead, especially on weekends. Takeout and delivery are available if you want the food without the noise. Groups can be accommodated, making it a reasonable choice when you need to organize a larger table in a neighborhood that now has serious competition.

Citywide guides featuring this neighborhood: The best karaoke in LA, from private rooms to dive bar stages