Best Seasonal Restaurants in Downey / Norwalk / Santa Fe Springs

To start thing make sure to make reservations, especially on the weekends. Service is great, the food was delicious and the employees are a lot more welcoming and attentive than other restaurants. This location has to be better than the Irvine location. Despite the location being a lot more busy than the other restaurants. They got our food a lot faster.

This is food that is filled with passion and heart. Every little detail is thought about and made better. For example, we ordered oysters which were from Prince Edward Island that night. Absolutely sweet and delectable. But Chef Charles elevated the cocktail sauce to one of the best versions I have ever had. Every bite that night made me swoon. Inventive, creative using Japanese flavors and French techniques to give us an amazing dining experience. In addition, the service staff is warm and delightful and the restaurant is comfy and homey. I love Charles Namba's cooking at Tsubaki but Camelia is a dream come true for him and for us who get to eat his inspired food

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.

By far my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles and it didn’t disappoint once again! My visiting mother from Florida thoroughly enjoyed it and the food, service, and ambience could not have been any better, especially for a Christmas Eve dinner. Great value for the quality!

I have been here before and have received excellent service in the past. They were not that busy this time , yet we had to look for our server many times through out the night . Also, I had the sushi this time around it was not as fresh as times in the past. Still one of my faves from the area, but the quality did dip a bit.