Just got back from a 10 day stay in LA. Girlfriend loves Italian food so figured we would give what I’ve seen as three of the most popular Italian restaurants in this sub a fair comparison. My ranking:
1. Felix Trattoria – Venice
Felix was the real standout of the 3 and it wasn’t even close. Everything we got here was a notch above the other two in terms of food. Ambiance/vibe wasn’t quite as high as Bestia (assuming trendy is your measuring stick, again was with the GF) but the pasta making room was very unique and could absolutely taste the freshness in the pasta. Foccia, Shrimp and squash blossoms were all excellent but the real star of the show for me was the Tagliatelle. Easily one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had, noodles so light and delicate.
2. Donna’s – Echo Park
Loved the vibe in Donna’s, a more dimly lit Italian feel. Felt a bit squished in the restaurant, tables are pretty tight so hope your neighbors aren’t yelling as you’ll easily be able to hear their entire conversation. Garlic bread and fusilli alla vodka were definitely delicious but nothing that blew me away. If you love cheese you’ll also enjoy the Caesar but the chicken parm was mediocre, very soggy and breading fell off. We enjoyed a drink at lowboy and would definitely go back to both.
3. Bestia – Arts district
The grand finale definitely left us with the most to be desired. I do admit that 3 big Italian dinners in a 9 day stretch is pushing it and maybe we were just oversaturated on Italian at this point but Bestia really left me questioning why this place gets so much hype. Yes, the ambiance is great, very lively atmosphere, fun music but the food was mediocre at best. Asked the sommelier for something low acidity and got some very acidic wine even after a decant and letting sit to try and open up (bad start). Thought the Cesar was lacking flavor and I also personally hate it when a restaurant doesn’t cut the lettuce for you. Presentation was pretty but couldn’t overcome the lack of flavor. Whipped ricotta also looked beautiful but had mediocre flavor as you could get the same experience by toasting a piece of bread and smearing cream cheese on it at home. Pizza was average but nothing to rave about. The real let down was the pasta. We tried to order the lamb ragu but they were out… our reservation was at 8pm, felt insane to be out at that time. Had to pivot to the squid ink spaghetti which was solid, good amount of lobster but didn’t come close to competing with the pasta at Felix.
Overall, if you’re looking for an upscale Italian dinner in the LA area I’d say Felix > Donna’s > Bestia. I’d definitely go back to Donna’s but wouldn’t give Bestia another try.
I’m sure there are plenty of better Italian meals in LA but didn’t have time to try them all. What should we add to the list to try next time?
by amillimills
22 Comments
Antico
My god you just spent a $1,000
I really liked Donna’s but has anyone else thought their meatballs tasted funky? Usually a go to for at any Italian restaurant, but I couldn’t take more than two bites they seemed so off.
So funny. I think Bestia is my favorite on this small list you laid out. I’ve been there probably 10 plus times so maybe that’s why (got to try a lot). I think it’s one of the most consistent restaurants in the city and has been going on 8 years now. Their pork chop is one of the best I’ve ever had. Gotta say, overall I think it’s better than Felix (minus the focaccia).
>our reservation was at 8 pm
For LA this is basically the middle of the night
Tried Felix for the first time this past weekend and man, I gotta say it was pretty disappointing. We were super hyped for it too. The tagliatelle noodles were great, but the sauce tasted very salty and prototypical. The cacio e pepe noodles were a little al dente for my liking, and the sauce was basically on par with other cheaper restaurants I’ve tried. The rib eye cap, while it tasted like high quality beef, was overly salted, and the prawns were meh. The high points were the service and the focaccia; drinks were good too. But at that price point, I felt very let down
Osteria La Buca is always solid.
Hippo in Highland Park
Little Dom’s in Los Feliz
Ospi in Venice
Union in Pasadena
People going to Donna’s getting the absolutely most generic things and then reviewing it always makes me cringe.
Everything on a menu should be good obviously but people getting Garlic Bread & a Caesar (lol) and Vodka Fusilli. They have pasta and other specials that are awesome, or were when I went. Their Apple salad is unique and the best they offer salad wise. No Scampi or Marsala is no experience.
Just tried Felix for the first time last week and I agree, that Tagliatelle was amazing. Also loved the focaccia and the broccoli.
You didn’t try the best pastas at Bestia unfortunately, so not sure it’s a good comparison, but they’re all good.
Completely agree on Bestia. It’s one of the most overhyped restaurants in town IMO. The scallops are amazing and everything else is very mediocre
Solid points and feedback. Next time do Osteria Mozza, Antico Nuovo, Mother Wolf
Can Farfalla get some love around here?! Might not be Bestia and what not, but their pasta is delicious.
Tried Rossoblu yet? Curious how it ranks with your other experiences.
I genuinely don’t know how to take anyone seriously if they liked Donna’s.
The answer is always Antico.
Bacetti is my real favorite. It’s so goddamn tasty.
Unfortunately, Bestia is barely a shadow of its former self. When I first started going there, 10 years ago, it was absolutely incredible but after making a name for itself, it’s slowly become more and more white people food. I stopped going about five years ago because the pizza was almost unrecognizable from what it was originally.
Surprised to hear Bestia has a Somm on staff. Doesn’t seem like the type of place that would.
The best pasta I’ve eaten in a LONG LONG LONG time has been the daily pasta at Pizzaria Bianco. And I like it MORE than Chris’s pizza! Texture and sauces are insane.
Bestia is all hype and the worst of the three restaurants that they own.
The standout at Bestia for me has been the lamb neck. Everything else was solid, but not something you couldn’t get somewhere else. But I’d argue that for 90% of nice Italian restaurants.
It seems funny to me that almost everyone I know, myself included, had a mediocre-at-best experience of Bestia the first time they went. Then, if by some off-chance, they end up back there, they’re rewarded with an amazing meal.
It’s like Bestia has some kind of weed-out system in place…