Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Highland Park

Always one of our favorite restaurants! Food is always delicious. The service was great. The music is great and makes it a fun and romantic dinner. We always attend for our anniversary with my family.

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.

I should make Momad one of my regular dining spots. The ambiance was warm, the service was excellent, and the food was outstanding! We ordered the whipped feta with homemade pita, which was delicious—I was eating it like soup. The addition of honey and basil seeds was a delightful surprise. I could list all the dishes we tried, but you must dine here. You’ll be wowed, just as I was!

This is the first time dining at Bacari GDL. We were a party of 2 sitting in the outdoor area on Brand. We thoroughly enjoyed all the “bites” we ordered: stuffed mushrooms, scallops, shawarma tacos, mushroom pizza,chicken sliders, and chocolate dessert. All were tasty and perfect for sharing. What to know: plan on ordering several dishes (appetizer size) and the food comes out as it is made, so don’t expect everything at once. There are heaters, but bring a jacket. It is still chilly on the patio. There are several staff members helping out, so make sure you get your orders if you are waiting too long. There was a mix up with our dessert. I think one waiter thought the other put in the dessert. The indoor area is small and we preferred to be outside and people watch. One thing that bugged us was that we wanted to sit closer to a heater and we were denied because it was a four-top and not allowed for a party of two AND it was being held for “reservations “. I stated that we had a reservation, but still denied. Five minutes later, they sat a party of 2. When we mentioned it to the host and said, hey, what’s up with the party of 2? The host stated that he follows the rules 🫤. Not cool, but we got over it. Overall it was an excellent experience with the food and staff . We will definitely come back to try the lettuce wraps and other items on the menu.

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!