Best Casual Restaurants in Los Angeles / Orange County

Always a favorite to come to Bestia, their food is stellar and they just do it right! Arriving right before restaurant opens is always a fave of mine, caught the tail end of their service staff pre shift and it totally warmed my heart. It really does make a difference when employees seem like they like where they work. I heard and felt energy, excitement and fun from each person I encountered.

I took my daughter here for her 16th birthday. It was amazing! From the moment we walked in and checked in the host made her feel special by wishing her a happy birthday. We got a window table and more it was in the back semi private, quiet and the staff alll of them were so attentive and welcoming. My daughter had a great experience for her birthday. I love that they accommodated us for our occasion. 🩷worth the experience for the $$$

We made reservations and were sat immediately. The view is amazing! Our server was Jenn; very nice friendly, knowledgeable and very welcoming. The food is labeled “shareable plates “ but be aware they are small -med size portions don’t expect a big plate. The food quality is good. As an appetizer: We had the queso and chorizo dip. It’s different it’s light and it is served with plantain chips and pita bread . As a meal we shared : we had the skirt steak and it was soft tender well marinated. We also had the chorizo skewers and man were they good. Lastly we had the yuca fries very unique and delicious . We drank the tropical cure which was amazing. Also had glosa the good spirit it was good but nothing special. Lastly we had pisco sour and the pisco painkiller both are to die for. If I had to pick one out of the 2 I’d prioritize the pisco painkiller.

A gem located on the top floors of this landmark building adjacent to Pershing Square, downtown Los Angeles. It is a two elevator ride to the top where a restored "Perch" restaurant and bar are located. A opportunity to be seated at the perch viewing Los Angeles any time of day. Sunsets are extra special. You can view Los Angeles as it transforms from business to entertainment mode. Classic bar scene, delicious appetizers and an outstanding dining venue. If you love or hate LA, you will be charmed by Perch.

Rately do I post a glowing review of restaurants, but @nikuxla will be getting one. From host, server (thank you, Wilson), to details: A+ King crab 🦀 legs were so fresh, that when you pulled the shell from on end, the crab meat slides off the shell of the other. We were most impressed by the Wagyu Udon, which had the exact Al Dente texture and taste, with the coated level of wagyu meat sauce around the veggies, noodles, and overall. Serving was correct for 2 people per order. Would have loved to have tried the fresh scallops (which were not available upon our visit). But the lobsters were adequate to adjust our attention, along with the King crab and Snow crab legs. Sashimi was constantly being topped off, and the ponzu and soy were good quality. The toro and hamachi were good quality cuts, and not veiny. Wagyu Japan and American options were a variety of 5 different choices. We were impressed with the quality. We also tried the Chilean sea bass (not hugely impressed), the Miso Corn (very good), Wagyu Black Pepper Don (average), but our Lamb Lollipop Katsu was our chef cooked favorite. Wilson was excellent. He provided us with a special cheesecake that was not available to the public, and we will definitely return for this reason. Thank you. Overall for the $99 price tag, we would consider returning. Our experience was the day before Xmas. I specifically requested a table with a grill, and was provided exactly the table. Would not ask for more. We will return. Thank you again.