pasjoli, Colapasta, Antico, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because have you ever heard of a duck press for two? Chef Dave Beran is here to educate you on the centuries-old dish. Traditional French fare from the Michelin-starred team behind Dialogue means sophisticated offerings like whole roast duck served with a salad of salanova lettuce and duck leg and potato dauphinoise. Let them eat duck.

Because one taste of chef Stefano De Lorenzo’s inventive, seasonal pasta will have you hooked. Stay classic with a lasagna al ragù, or try casunziei (aka half-moon-shaped) red beet ravioli in a brown butter poppy seed sauce. There’s even a gluten-free casarecce served with a variety of sauce choices. Tutt’ a posto.

Walk-ins only.

Because what does a 30-day dry-aged porterhouse grilled over almond wood taste like? Pure flavor. From the owners of the Tasting Kitchen and Superba Food + Bread, American Beauty is a neighborhood steakhouse with a wine list that boasts over 200 selections. But that’s not all: save room for the signature burnt cheesecake.

Because take a trip to the Italian countryside by way of Beverly Boulevard. Handmade pasta like orecchiette with cruschi peppers, breadcrumbs and ceci beans or ziti in a tripe ragù are the real deal. Freshly-churned ice cream is offered daily, with Harry’s Berries strawberry on repeat.

Because Tex-Mex means queso with Brebirousse d’Argental salsa and crispy hot ham quesadillas for the table. From chef Josef Centeno, expect Mexican sriracha chicken, charred Spanish pesto in a pistachio pesto, and Tejano carne guisada with homemade flour tortillas. Extra guacamole is the pro move.

Walk-ins only.

Because pay homage to the Lady of the Lake in Echo Park with a nightly dinner party. Order a bottle of natural biodynamic wine for the table while chef Matt Cheek fires up a harissa-roasted half chicken with tahini yogurt, chili jam, and sautéed greens.

Because awaken your senses at Downtown’s new neighborhood hangout. Think sourdough pizzas and quirky, tropical cocktails set in a plush space with green velvet booths, original vintage ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling botanicals. 

Walk-ins only.

Because nostalgia is what’s for dinner. Chef Jeremy Fox offers a taste of home with nourishing matzo ball soup, noodle kugel with black pepper fusilli, ricotta, tomato jam, and pistachio, and an entire section dedicated to Texas toast. And move over Cosmo; the pastel pink Daisy cocktail has lemon juice, homemade grenadine, cointreau, and vodka. Cheers.

Because take in a 360-degree view of the city while sipping on a strawberry spritz. The coastal Mediterranean menu offers a medley of seafood-forward dishes like hamachi crudo with calabrian kosho, citrus, and perilla. Treat yourself with the conchiglie pasta, tossed in truffle conserva and topped with shaved black truffles.

Because soak up the sun on the patio with an Adelaide gin, lime, chamomile, ginger syrup, blackberries, and fresh basil cocktail. The 7-day flannery beef shank in pomegranate molasses, served with palm sugar, pickled cucumbers, yoghurt, and piadina bread is meant to be shared, so bring your crew.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (310)586-1707.