Best Casual Restaurants in Echo Park

Perch LA has been around for a long time. This was the first time we had dinner there. I didn’t know what to expect. It was outstanding. Ambience :  beautiful views of downtown LA. We sat outside , which I I recommend. They have heaters, but you should still wear warm clothes to be comfortable . The inside is dark, old and looks rundown. The inside needs upgrading. We had Chilean Seabass , which was outstanding. We don’t like risotto.(I think that’s what it comes with) so we substituted it with mixed vegetables. Amazing. We also had a great lettuce salad, and truffle cheese fries. Yum Yum. This was plenty of food for two people to share. And, delicious ice cream with coffee. Great service. Thank you .

What can’t you say about this place!!! We had great service from Darren and Wilson, they were constantly checking on us, which was pretty hard, considering it was very busy for a Thursday night, but they prevailed. The food was Top Notch!! We went back for Japanese A5 wagyu, at least 4-6 times just for that particular cut of meat. Considering this was our first time, they had more than enough on their $99 menu to highly satisfy us. Thank you Niku X, particularly Darren and Wilson, we had the greatest experience!!! We will definitely be coming back!!!!

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.

This dining experience at 71Above was excellent, the three course meal was incredible, from my first course the farm salad, to my second course the ribeye steak and lastly my third course the mango rice pudding. The food was amazing, the view of overlooking downtown LA from the 71st floor just added to the ambiance; as well as our amazing waiter making it an overall excellent experience. I highly recommend 71Above!!!!

Food was fresh & the drinks were strong! Great menu.