Bestia is an Italian restaurant from Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis that helped jumpstart the DTLA Arts District dining scene. The couple has meat hook chandeliers, make charcuterie in-house, and serve cuts of protein like chicken gizzards and lamb neck. Bestia also demonstrates skill with ingredients from the sea and soil. Calamari alla Plancha ($18) is a seafood-centric dish that helps symbolize their balanced approach.

Menashe starts with tender seared calamari coils and tentacles. He plates atop crunchy endive rafts with sweet Warren pear, crisp watercress, and earthy charred shiitake mushrooms. Chile oil contributes a hint of heat, and apple balsamic provides sweet tang.