Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Long Beach

A great meal! The BBQ Carrot appetizer is fabulous!

Tucked away in the vibrant Arts District of Los Angeles, Bestia is a haven for food lovers seeking innovative flavors and impeccable execution. This dining experience is not just a meal; it’s an exploration of taste that leaves you yearning for more. Starting with the **Herb Caesar Salad**, I was immediately struck by its refreshing twist on a classic. The combination of crisp romaine and endive created a delightful crunch, while the Parmigiano Reggiano added a rich creaminess that melded beautifully with the unique squid ink breadcrumbs—adding both texture and depth to each bite. Finished off with bright lemon zest, this dish was light yet satisfying, setting a high bar for what was to come. Next up were the **Pan Roasted Chicken Gizzards**—a dish that showcases Bestia's flair for transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary culinary delights. The gizzards were cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, sitting atop a bed of smoked cabbage that lent an earthy richness. Croutons provided an exciting crunch, while aged goat cheese introduced an intriguing tanginess; every forkful was balanced and comforting. The star of our appetizer parade was undoubtedly the **Housemade Buttermilk Ricotta**. Deconstructed yet elegantly presented, this dish felt like poetry on a plate. Aged balsamic drizzled over the creamy ricotta offered sweet acidity that harmonized perfectly with fennel pollen’s aromatic qualities. Paired with grilled bread dusted with lava salt, this appetizer transformed simple ingredients into something truly sublime. Moving on to our pasta course—the **Chestnut & Mushroom Agnolotti**—was an experience worth savoring slowly. These little square raviolis packed a savory punch that lingered beautifully on the palate. The mascarpone gave them an indulgent creaminess, while fried sage added depth—a perfect marriage of flavors reminiscent of autumnal harvests. Love in every bite.

We went for birthday celebrations and the piano player, Ken James was there. He was excellent. With wonderful playing and stories. The food was excellent and our server was wonderful.

Our server was Giovanni and he was excellent! He was attentive but not hovering and he has a great personality. The food was also outstanding! Can’t wait to come back.

The Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Reef is always excellent. The servers are attentive and the view can't be beat. The only complaint we have is that the restaurants puts a 2 hour limit on your meal even when they are not busy.