Tag: #bestiaDTLA

That’s Amore: Savor the Flavor of Italy in DTLA

Did you know that downtown Los Angeles was once the epicenter of a thriving Little Italy? LA’s earliest Italian enclave, dating back to the 19th century, was located near the Los Angeles Plaza, at what is now El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. A great place to learn more about this fascinating history is the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, located in the historic Italian Hall, which was constructed in 1908 to serve as a gathering place for the Italian community.

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Italian American Museum of Los Angeles 644 N Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Just a short distance from Circa, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles will be reopening soon to the public. But you don’t have to wait to savor the flavor of Italy. From authentic trattorias to handmade organic pasta cucinas, and chef-driven ristorantes, you’ll find some of the best Italian restaurants in DTLA. Now that’s amore! Check websites for reservations and health guidelines.

Bestia Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Bestia 2121 E 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Arts District darling Bestia is open and accepting reservations in accordance with LA city guidelines. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the menu features a generous selection of authentic Italian stalwarts such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, secondi (fish, lamb, steak), finished off with dolci (mascarpone rice pudding, crème fraîche panna cotta, and bar au chocolat bittersweet chocolate budino tart). Buon appetito! 

Rossoblu Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Rossoblu City Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Rossoblu is open for dining on their heated outdoor patio. The restaurant tells the story of the two places Chef Steve Samson considers home – Los Angeles and Bologna, Italy. The menu features handmade pastas, fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The wine list offers unique Italian and Californian varietals. At its core, Rossoblu is a true family-owned and operated restaurant, with Steve’s wife Dina helming the operations and long time friend and partner Hans Luttmann leading a team that has become family. 

The Factory Kitchen Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Factory Kitchen 1300 Factory Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located in the heart of the DTLA Arts District, The Factory Kitchen is a trattoria in a reclaimed factory space serving traditional Italian fare, including delicate house-made pastas, fresh seafood and focaccinas. The Factory Kitchen is open for outdoor dining on their spacious patio. You may also dine indoors with limited seating. Reserve online at Open Table.

BRERA Ristorante Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

BRERA Ristorante 1331 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

A multi-regional Italian Osteria by Chef Angelo Auriana and Matteo Ferdinandi, BRERA Ristorante is a hybrid of an informal osteria with rather formal cooking in an elegant setting. A concept influenced by the artsy-cool BRERA neighborhood in Milan Italy, it displays Chef Angelo’s personal culinary identity that emphasizes on the importance of the highest quality fresh ingredients and the use of cooking techniques that are meant to highlight their true flavors, presented in a minimalistic way. BRERA is open for outdoor dining. Limited seating is now available indoors and must be reserved on OpenTable.

Maddalena Restaurant Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Maddalena Restaurant 737 Lamar St. Los Angeles, CA 90031

Maddalena Restaurant is a popular trattoria-style restaurant located within the San Antonio Winery in downtown Los Angeles. They offer a variety of freshly made Italian entrées that range from fresh pastas, grilled meats, gourmet salads and sandwiches, along with seasonal wine flights from their winery. Enjoy outdoor dining in their patio garden or inside with limited seating.

Maccheroni Republic Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Maccheroni Republic 332 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Maccheroni Republic specializes in handmade fresh organic pasta, crafted daily in-house using organic flour and organic semolina. In addition to a variety of authentic Italian pasta dishes, the restaurant serves an array of fresh appetizers, salads, sweets, and an extensive wine and beer list. No reservations required. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Drago Centro Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Drago Centro 525 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

Drago Centro is one of downtown LA’s premier dining destination for fans of authentic Italian Sicilian cuisine with an innovative edge and impeccable service, Executive Chef Celestino Drago’s menu is delectably approachable and features a signature selection of innovatory Italian dishes including house-made pastas, savory steaks and elegant desserts. Complemented by managing partner Piero Selvaggio’s extraordinary personalized service and unprecedented wine knowledge, this exclusive team brings satisfaction to any palate, while creating an indelible experience showcasing the essence and magic of Drago Centro’s outdoor dining patio.

Colori Kitchen Italian restaurant near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Colori Kitchen 429 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Colori Kitchen is a small neighborhood restaurant located in a petite storefront on 8th Street in the Downtown Historic District, offering country-style dining reminiscent of an authentic Italian trattoria. Chef Luigi Barducci Contessi, along with his wife Paola, serve top quality homemade Italian food at affordable prices, adding to people’s dining experience the warmth, and of course a bit of the drama, that only a real Italian family can offer. Open for dine-in with limited space. Walk ins are welcome.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Rossoblu

Photo #2: Italian American Museum of Los Angeles

Photo #3: Bestia

Photo #4: Rossoblu

Photo #5: The Factory Kitchen

Photo #6: BRERA Ristorante

Photo #7: Maddalena Restaurant

Photo #8: Maccheroni Republic

Photo #9: Drago Centro

Photo #10: Colori Kitchen

Celebrate The Season With a Holiday Feast To Go

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And your favorite DTLA restaurants near Circa are offering a moveable feast of dining options to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. To set the mood, dress up your table with a luscious cheese platter or colorful grazing board. Discover desserts aplenty at Hotel Figueroa’s Flouring LA Holiday Dessert Pop-Up. And don’t forget the tamales – La Mascota has been serving up this traditional holiday staple for over 65 years. Many menus offer vegan and gluten-free options as well. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses, so get ready to celebrate the season with a holiday feast to go. Check websites for pick up and delivery details.

Redbird holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird Holiday Tasting Menu 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Redbird is offering a Holiday Tasting Menu for Christmas, New Year’s, and other seasonal celebrations, available for pickup and delivery. The 7 course heat & serve menu includes: ginger pumpkin soup, truffle cavatelli, turkey roulade, New York strip bordelaise, cider glazed Brussels sprouts, pommes aligot, and sticky toffee pudding. Many items are vegan and/or gluten free. Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems – the former rectory building of Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event-venue. Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser feature Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles.

Faith & Flower holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Faith & Flower 705 W 9th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Faith & Flower is offering a festive dinner menu and drinks for pick up and delivery. Inspired by a global influence of flavors and techniques, complemented by the use of a wood-fired oven and pristine raw bar, the menu redefines Californian rustic cuisine. Located in the Watermarke Tower in DTLA’s South Park district, the name Faith & Flower pays homage to the two major Renaissance periods  – the 1920s and modern day – that have fundamentally shaped the Downtown Los Angeles community. “Flower” refers to the street on which the restaurant lies today, and “Faith” for the street’s alleged name during the early 1920s. 

Bestia holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bestia 2121 E 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Arts District darling Bestia presents a family-style takeout menu every week from Wednesday – Sunday. The menu changes every week, so visit their website for more details. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, Bestia features a generous selection of authentic Italian stalwarts such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, secondi (fish, lamb, steak), finished off with dolci (mascarpone rice pudding, crème fraîche panna cotta, and bar au chocolat bittersweet chocolate budino tart). Buon appetito!

Morton's The Steakhouse holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Morton’s The Steakhouse 735 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Savor the holidays with a 3-course menu featuring Chateaubriand and Morton’s full a la carte menu. Morton’s The Steakhouse is located just four blocks from the Staples Center and LA Live, the home of Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Sparks Basketball, Los Angeles Kings Hockey and the Nokia Theater. Offering take-out and delivery daily from 4 – 9pm.

Cafe Gratitude holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cafe Gratitude 300 S Santa Fe Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you’re looking for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives, Cafe Gratitude has delicious sides, pies and even a Christmas Cookie Kit on pre-order for your holiday feast. All holiday sides are 100% plant based and organic, made in-house in their downtown LA location. Pies include Raw Mocha Cheesecake, Tuscan Apple Cake (baked), and Maple Spice Coffee Cake. The Christmas Cookie Kit includes 9 pre-baked gluten free ginger bread cookies and three home-made natural frostings. All ingredients are organic without any food coloring or dyes, ready to decorate at home. 

DTLA Cheese holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Cheese Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway #45 Los Angeles, CA 90013

DTLA Cheese has cheese boards and holiday gift boxes available to order. Cheese boards come in three sizes serving 1 -12 people. All boards include five items (choose between 5cheeses, 4 cheese/1meat, or 3 cheese/2meat), along with a delicious array of olives, cornichons, marcona almonds, membrillo, honeycomb, and dried fruit. Gift boxes are made to order and come in three sizes. DTLA Cheese is Downtown’s first full-service cheesemonger, specializing in domestic and imported cheese plates, griddle sandwiches and seasonal salads.

Urban Radish holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Urban Radish 661 Imperial St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Set off your holiday table with a colorful grazing board from Urban Radish. Each hand-crafted platter is a veritable work of art, with cheese, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and crudité, all curated on a wooden board. Urban Radish is a family-owned full service market, carrying everything from fresh produce to dairy, eggs, cereal, hand-cut meats, wine & beer, and staples. Supporting local farms is at the heart of Urban Radish’s commitment to the community and they pride themselves on cutting out the middle man to procure their produce directly from the growers, wherever possible. Available for both pick-up and delivery.

Flouring LA holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flouring LA Holiday Dessert Pop-Up Hotel Figueroa 939 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, California 90015

During the month of December, Flouring LA will be hosting a pop-up shop inside Hotel Figueroa where guests and locals will be able to pick-up their pre-purchased signature Holiday boxes. The eight-piece holiday box comes with gingerbread cake bars, peppermint meringue topped brownies, cinna-sugar donuts, and Belgian sea salt chocolate chip cookies. Chef Heather Wong has been baking for Los Angeles since 2009. Flouring LA is her newest passion project, focusing on Southern California inspired taste and aesthetic, using sustainably sourced, organic ingredients from local farmers and vendors. Pre-orders can be placed by emailing flouringla@gmail.com or call 877-724-1973

La Mascota Bakery holiday dining to go near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

La Mascota Bakery 2715 Whittier Blvd. Boyle Heights, CA 90023

It’s tamale time! For over 65 years, La Mascota Bakery in Boyle Heights has proudly supplied the community with pan dulce and other sweet treats, coffee, menudo, and of course, their legendary tamales. From pork to a newly created plant-based option, this bakery provides 13 different flavors to satisfy everyone in your holiday pod. Pre-order online for pick up and delivery.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Cafe Gratitude

Photo #2: Redbird

Photo #3: Faith & Flower

Photo #4: Bestia

Photo #5: Morton’s The Steakhouse

Photo #6: Cafe Gratitude

Photo #7: DTLA Cheese

Photo #8: Urban Radish

Photo #9: Flouring LA

Photo #10: La Mascota Bakery

Enjoy Elegant Outdoor Dining in Downtown Los Angeles

Summer weather beckons with sunny days and starry nights! Your favorite Downtown Los Angeles restaurants near Circa are answering the call, expanding their patio seating, adding street side tables, and even commandeering alleys and parking lots, so you can enjoy elegant outdoor dining. Did you know there’s a new “European Corner” at 6th & Los Angeles Streets? Mignon has teamed up with their neighbors L’APPART restaurant and Cento Pasta Bar to bring you more outdoor seating and more culinary choices!

From luxury hotel rooftops with breathtaking views, to charming garden patios, and lively street side seating, there’s a table waiting for you! Check their websites for hours, reservations and takeout/delivery options.

Mignon outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Mignon 128 E. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Mignon is teaming up with L’APPART restaurant to bring you more outdoor seating and more culinary choices. You can enjoy alfresco dining in front of either restaurant and receive both menus. They are also collaborating with Cento Pasta Bar, who is back in action across the street at JJ’s. True to its name (mignon roughly translates to “small and cute” in French), Mignon specializes in small production, offering natural wines from all over the globe with an emphasis on the Old World. They also serve seasonal, rustic French cuisine, including a three-course pre-fixe option, small plates, and fine artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. The space is also a retail shop, so make sure you grab some bottles for your home cellar.

L'APPART by AIR FOOD outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

L’APPART by AIR FOOD 130 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

L’APPART by AIR FOOD will make you feel that you flew straight to Paris where you’ll enjoy an exclusive French culinary experience. Created by two passionate visionaries, Marc and Thierry, L’APPART by AIR FOOD takes your tastebuds through a miraculous journey from traditional French cuisine to French & World Fusion from Europe, Middle East, Africa, and North America.

Cento Pasta Bar outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cento Pasta Bar @JJ’s Sandwich Shop 119 E 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Mignon Wine Bar becomes this handmade pasta bar at lunchtime several days a week. You can buy takeout pastas from Cento, walk across the street to Mignon, purchase a glass or bottle of wine, and enjoy your food al fresco. In 2015, long-time friends Avner Levi and Santos Uy opened Cento Pasta Bar as a lunch residency at Santos’ downtown wine bar, Mignon. Cento is inspired by Avner’s desire to share his experiences with the people around him through cooking. At Cento, Avner is responsible for all facets of the kitchen, including menu design and development, bringing his philosophy of thoughtful, seasonal ingredients to every dish with an element of fun.

Strada Eateria & Bar outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Strada Eateria & Bar 825 W 9th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

A new spot in Downtown LA near Staples Center, Strada Eateria & Bar presents world flavors made with local ingredients.. The eclectic menu includes ceviche, lobster ravioli, and an ahi tuna steak burger, along with a full bar. Strada is now offering al fresco dining with sidewalk seating on W. 9th St. Complimentary parking. Reservations are recommended.

Faith & Flower outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Faith & Flower 705 W 9th St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Faith & Flower is open for patio dining. Located in the Watermarke Tower in DTLA’s South Park district, the name Faith & Flower pays homage to the two major Renaissance periods  – the 1920s and modern day – that have fundamentally shaped the Downtown Los Angeles community. “Flower” refers to the street on which the restaurant lies today, and “Faith” for the street’s alleged name during the early 1920s. Inspired by a global influence of flavors and techniques, complemented by the use of a wood-fired oven and pristine raw bar, the menu redefines Californian rustic cuisine. Reservations are highly recommended. Takeout and delivery are also available. 

Bestis outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Bestia 2121 E 7th Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Arts District darling Bestia is now accepting reservations for outdoor dining. Their menu is also available for takeout. Owned and operated by husband and wife Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the menu features a generous selection of authentic Italian stalwarts such as antipasti, pizzas, pasta, secondi (fish, lamb, steak), finished off with dolci (mascarpone rice pudding, crème fraîche panna cotta, and bar au chocolat bittersweet chocolate budino tart). Buon appetito! 

Redbird outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Redbird 114 E 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Redbird is open with three different outdoor dining options! In addition to the Redbird Courtyard, they’ve created two new open air dining rooms: the Redbird Garden and the Lounge on the Vibiana Courtyard. Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems – the former rectory building of Vibiana, cathedral-turned-event-venue. Chef Neal Fraser and Amy Knoll Fraser feature Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles. 

Perch outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Perch 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Perch Los Angeles is a French inspired rooftop bistro that offers unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. Their 15th floor outdoor patios and 16th floor rooftop are now open for outdoor dining. The elevated spaces offer outdoor fireplaces, rooftop fire pits, indoor and outdoor dining experiences, and lounge seating to experience the city skyline views. Perch executive Chef Gerardo Benitez has created a playful menu inspired by French culinary classics utilizing the freshest of seasonal ingredients. Pick up and delivery is also available. 

Broken Shaker outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Broken Shaker Freehand Hotel 416 W 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014 

An oasis in the heart of Downtown LA, Broken Shaker, located on the Freehand Hotel rooftop pool deck, offers an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and small bites. A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award, Broken Shaker serves up delicious cocktails, infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, bringing the flavors of the beach to the center of the city.

Rossoblu outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rossoblu City Market South 1124 San Julian St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Rossoblu tells the story of the two places Chef Steve Samson considers home – Los Angeles and Bologna, Italy. The restaurant is an homage to Samson’s heritiage, inspired by childhood memories spent in Bologna and its surrounding region, Emilia Romagna. Rossoblu features handmade pastas, fresh produce, and an extensive in-house butchery and salumi program. The wine list offers unique Italian and Californian varietals. At its core, Rossoblu is a true family-owned and operated restaurant, with Steve’s wife Dina helming the operations and long time friend and partner Hans Luttmann leading a team that has become family. Rossoblu is open for al fresco dining, takeout and delivery.

Veranda Al Fresco outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Veranda Al Fresco Hotel Figueroa 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Chef Adrian Garcia is serving up an authentic Mexico City-inspired menu, befitting the tropical vibe at Veranda Al Fresco, DTLA’s urban oasis at Hotel Figueroa. Savor a tasty, simple street taco menu paired with a great selection of cocktails. Veranda Al Fresco is open Wednesday to Sunday 12pm-7pm. Salud y buen provecho!

Manuela outdoor dining near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Manuela 907 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Manuela is excited to welcome guests back to dine in their spacious outdoor patio. Located in the DTLA Arts District, Manuela unites chef, farmer and artist to create an authentic and original dining experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Kris Tominaga, the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from the best farms and producers in Southern California. Serving a wide range of vegetables, grains, fish, and game, Manuela also features an exemplary bar program, which serves classic cocktails using house-made bitters and tonics. Local beers are on tap, while the carefully selected wine list is designed to pair with the smoke and acid at the heart of Manuela’s menu. 

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Rossoblu

Photo #2: Mignon

Photo #3: L’APPART by AIR FOOD

Photo #4: Cento Pasta Bar

Photo #5: Strada Eateria & Bar 

Photo #6: Faith & Flower

Photo #7: Bestia

Photo #8: Reedbird

Photo #9: Perch

Photo #10: Broker Shaker

Photo #11: Rossoblu

Photo #12: Veranda Al Fresco

Photo #13: Manuela