Best Hot Spot Restaurants in South Pasadena

Great staff that’s very attentive! The food does not miss!!! Only wish serving forks and spoons were always brought with meals but beside that no complaints! Great music as well and they do a great job of providing food recs

This was our second time eating here. Service was outstanding both times. Ambience is lovely. The bread service was amazing! Food was very good. Highly recommend for a date night or special dinner.

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!!!!

Outstanding Christmas Brunch! The food and service was impeccable. Our waiter Lee was excellent in every way possible! His kindness and efficiency help make this an extraordinary dining experience for my family and for that I'm grateful!