Dining

If you’re looking for a culinary experience that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of the Filipino culture, look no further than Lasita. Tucked away on a cozy corner of North Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, this restaurant is a true gem, offering an incredible array of flavors that celebrate authenticity in every dish from the Philippines.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by warm, inviting service that sets the tone for the evening. The staff at Lasita are not just attentive — they genuinely care about your experience, guiding you through the menu with passion and enthusiasm. The restaurant bills itself as a Filipino rotisserie and natural-wine bar, but in addition to the beautiful Chicken Inasal, marinated in vinegar and calamansi juice, served crisp with fibers of many crushed aromatics and spices, there’s a whole menu to fall for here. Swirls of fatty lechon, whole fish, lumpia, pancit, and all sorts of stylish and surprising specials.

From the first bite, it’s clear that every ingredient is thoughtfully selected and expertly prepared. The authenticity shines through, making each dish not just a meal but a celebration of heritage.
It’s a place where culinary talents meet excellent service, perfectly representing theFilipino culture. Open six nights a week, Monday through Saturday, 5:30–10pm. Reservations are recommended.

For more, click here.

Located on the third floor at Eataly in Century City, Terra is a rooftop oasis serving fine, decadent upscale Italian fare that is definitely award-worthy. Even on a damp and cloudy day, the Terra patio was toasty warm (thanks to the fabulous heaters), simply lovely, and still boasting amazing views of the city. For those who may not know, Eataly is an incredible Italian-themed shopping and tasting experience. Terra has a massive wood fire grill. Anything on the menu that comes from the grill is a must-have or must-try! Wow. You can smell the distinct wood-burning flavor as you enter the space.

After serious negotiations, we decided what to order. We were there during brunch but were able to order from the main menu. They offer fun family style, tasting menus, or pre-fixe courses options to choose from. Super fun. We began with Focaccia Barese (house made focaccia, cherry tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives) and Tartare Di Tonno (yellow tail tuna tartare, olive oil, cayenne, avocado, and mint). Both were very fresh! Then the Arrosticini … the grilled Abruzzese skewers (choice of beef, lamb, or chicken). They are petite and delightful and full of wood fire grill flavor! Finally, we devoured the Tagliatelle al Tartufo Nero (house made Tagliatelle with Urbani fresh black winter truffle, butter, and Parmigiano Reggiano). All was to die for! Go!

For the full menu and more, click here.

After a hiatus, Taverna at The Mar Vista has reopened with a market-driven fresh take on authentic Greek fare and a full bar — just what the neighborhood has been starving for.

Traditional favorites make up the menu inspired by co-owner Demetrios Mavromichalis with Greek roots from the Southernmost part of the Balkans, Peloponnese. We were introduced to some new dishes, including saganaki — pan fried kefalograviera cheese flamed tableside with warm pita. It’s quite dramatic with flames and fun energy exploding each time someone orders this dish!  Stunning larger-format plates include a cinnamon infused slow-braised lamb shank resting on a bed of toasted orzo as well as a vegan moussaka and a traditional pork gyro platter surrounded by a mini-army of olives, feta, tzatziki, grilled pita, and lettuce wraps. 

The bar program has an amazing mixologist whipping up delicious cocktails like the crisp Santorini with vodka, green grapes, St. Germain, lime juice, and Greek Moschofilero wine, as well as a lychee martini and seasonal margaritas like blood orange and spicy cucumber. Our dinner ended with a dessert called Kataifi Ekmek … shredded phyllo soaked in automatized mastiha syrup, layered custard, and topped with whipped cream and chopped pistachios. Delicious!

For more, click here.

How often do you go to a food hall and find a seafood counter that’s been checked by the Michelin Guide? Holbox is inside the Mercado La Paloma which is in the Figueroa Corridor of Los Angeles. It is a bit hidden, and the parking lot is small, but if you circle around a few times, you should be able to find a space. Once you walk in, head straight to the back, and Holbox will be on the left. Pronounced hol-BOSH, it’s named after an island paradise off the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The region is known for its abundant marine life, which is the inspiration for Chef Gilberto Cetina’s raw bar. Although he has no formal training, he learned to cook from the best. He came up in the kitchens of his family’s restaurant, Chicken Itza, making some of the best cochinita pibil in town.

The Holbox menu is anchored by ceviches, cocteles, and aguachiles, which play with many of the same ingredients — Santa Barbara sea urchins, Hawaiian kanpachi, Mexican shrimp, and scallops — arranged in various ways. All the dishes were amazing! While we waited for our table, one patron mentioned that people fly from all over the world just to come try this place. At that point, we knew we were in the right place!

For more, click here.