"Verdict: Even at 5pm on a Wednesday, it feels like every Mar Vista resident between the ages of 8 and 80 is eating crispy clam pizza at Beethoven Market, a convenience store turned Cal-Italian hot spot. But even when the buzzy space is close to overflowing, Beethoven never loses its easy neighborhood charm. It also helps that the pastas are textbook al dente, the wine list is great, and every dish on the menu (even the entrees) is less than $30. Reservations are released a month in advance. Plan two weeks ahead for prime time tables, but late-night reservations are usually available day-of on weekdays." - brant cox, sylvio martins