Oste

"If you’re looking for a change of pace from the many wood-fired and Detroit-style shops popping up around town, head to Oste. This new Italian spot in Beverly Grove specializes in pinsa, a Roman-style flatbread that’s unlike anything you can really find in LA right now. The crust is thin, crunchy, and light, making it entirely doable to have several pieces without sweating it out on the couch later. We love the “Calabrese” with mozzarella and spicy n’duja, as well as the sweet and herb-y “Viva L’Italia,” which comes with pesto, goat cheese, and cherry tomatoes. That said, even if you aren’t a potatoes-on-pizza person, the “Patate” will convert you. Topped with thin, round potato slices and rosemary, it’s a perfectly-balanced pie that’s hearty, aromatic, and delicious." - brant cox, brett keating

"Oste is a colorful Italian spot on 3rd Street that's ideal for all kinds of occasions: a date, a double date, a post-gym carbapalooza, lunch with your mother-in-law, a quick dinner before a movie at The Grove…we could go on. The specialty here is pinsa, a delicious Roman-style flatbread designed to be shared. But there's chicken milanese and steak, a spread of antipasti options, and a full-on burrata bar, too—all just as great. We particularly love their lush, outdoor seating area with lots of plants and pretty gold accents when we want a special occasion feel at neighborhood spot prices." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"On a recent visit to Oste in Beverly Grove, we sat at the bar. To the left were three young men, incredibly buff and stone-faced. They ordered a round of tap water, one pepperoni pinsa to share, and three identical steaming bowls of oxtail pappardelle. One per man. The meatheads (we mean this with affection) were in and out in 40 minutes flat, leaving behind only clean plates. To our right was a couple, stools turned to face one another, knees interlocked, googly-eyed. They ordered just one dish: the burrata al pesto. It arrived a thing of beauty—the pristine white glob peeking out of electric green things: pesto, fava beans, mint, and peas. No babies were present, yet peas were spooned into mouths. We can only imagine the lovebirds (we mean this with disdain) are still there now, sipping bubbles and feeding each other tiramisu. Oste is a great Italian spot for all kinds of occasions—a date, a double date, a post-gym carbapalooza, lunch with your mother-in-law, a quick dinner before catching a movie at The Grove…we could go on. But most of all, it’s for people who like to eat well. The menu is hefty, with a Roman bent. And “delicious” describes almost everything we’ve tried. All the regulars are here: pastas, pinsas (pizza’s Roman sibling), chicken milanese and steak, cheese and charcuterie. But this isn’t your average Italian spot where you order the same pasta and salad into oblivion. Because how could you, when the antipasti options include herb-loaded lamb chops, meatballs with straciatella, and grilled octopus with cauliflower puree? There’s the burrata bar, with topping options that you don’t see everywhere else (like the lovebirds, we prefer the pesto). In case dunking fries into garlicky crustacean broth sounds good today, a whole mussel corner of the menu exists too. Portions are generous, but thoughtfully dressed and presented. And you’re not getting hosed on prices. Where else can you get a plate of branzino for $30? So while Oste is a great neighborhood Italian spot, complete with an owner who whizzes around complimenting your order and suggesting you try the housemade sorbet, it’s just a really good restaurant. It can wow a food snob, a picky eater, or a date who needs to be impressed (or else). The dining room is always happening, and the patio is the kind of place that’s nice to be on a warm Friday evening. Oste takes reservations, but there’s something fun about showing up unannounced, putting your name down, and having a drink next door at until your table’s ready. " - Arden Shore

"This Beverly Grove spot specializes in pinsa, a delicious Roman-style flatbread that’s unlike anything you can really find in LA. It’s perfect for sharing, but considering you’re meeting the one friend who acts like they aren’t hungry and then vultures everyone else’s food, just get two and avoid the lunchtime drama. Their lush, outdoor seating area is filled with lots of plants and pretty gold accents, making even the most stilted client lunch feel comfortable." - brant cox

"One of the newer spots on this list (and one our favorites in the city right now), Oste provides a welcomed alternative to the many wood-fired and Detroit-style pizza shops popping up around town. This new Beverly Grove spot specializes in pinsa, a Roman-style flatbread that’s unlike anything you can really find in LA. Plus, their lush, outdoor seating area is filled with lots of plants and pretty gold accents, so any meal here will feel like a special occasion." - kat hong