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The Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week: August 4

The editors at Eater LA dine out several times a week, if not per day, which means we're always encountering standout dishes that deserve time in the limelight. Here's the very best of everything the team has eaten this week. Cavatelli alla norcina from Bestia in the Arts District Cavatelli alla norcina from Bestia in the Arts District. Matthew Kang Though the greater Downtown and Arts District has been struggling due to ICE raids, protests, and the general lack of activity, Bestia remains a beacon of bustle, even on a Monday night. The restaurant's signature cavatelli alla norcina, which may be out of season in the middle of summer, remains a world-class pasta dish. Hand-rolled ricotta dumplings are laced with pork fat and cheese, tossed so well that the sauce appears as a glaze on the pasta. Usually, black truffle kind of gets lost, but the earthy, heady flavors play well with the amalgam of meat and carb. A whisp of thyme gives the whole dish a bit of levity, and the modest portion is big enough to share with two people without overburdening the appetite. 2121 E. Seventh Place, Los Angeles, CA 90021. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Pizza Romana from Truly Pizza in Dana Point Pizza Romana from Truly Pizza in Dana Point. Matthew Kang Ask chef Chris Decker if he needs another type of pizza on the menu, and he'll respond with, 'of course,' which might've been the genesis of this cracker-thin pizza Romana that isn't on the menu yet at his Dana Point restaurant, Truly Pizza. Worried that this might fill us up too early, Decker said the pie only has five ounces of dough and is stretched super-thin, giving it an almost lahmajune-like shape. What makes this pizza shine is the ridiculously deep and sweet tomato sauce on top, dusted with feather-like curls of pecorino cheese, and a gentle perfume of dried oregano. The crust is crispy underneath but remains a bit pliable, with smidges of blistering on the outer edges. Though this is just my second visit to Truly Pizza, I am more convinced than ever that it might be the single remarkable pizzeria in Southern California. 24402 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Tlacoyos from Komal in South LA Tlacoyos from Komal in South LA. Rebecca Roland Nearly a year after opening in Mercado La Paloma, Komal has only gotten better. The stall, which focuses on pre-Hispanic dishes found in Mexico City and Oaxaca, has found its groove, churning out plates of quesadillas, suadero tacos, molotes in a rich mole, and gently sweet pan de calabaza. But it's the tlacoyos that remain a standout for me, with well-seasoned beans sealed in an oblong masa sachet of sorts. An acidic cactus salad sits on top of the tlacoyos, adding contrast to the salty ayocote beans, while the crumbled cheese gently melts against the heat of the tlacoyo below. While the tlacoyo can stand up to takeout, it's a dish best enjoyed right at a table at Mercado La Paloma. Make sure to grab an agua fresca from Komal or from the adjacent Oaxacalifornia to wash it all down. 3655 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Pastries from Santa Canela in Highland Park Pastries from Santa Canela in Highland Park. Santa Canela Highland Park is lucky to have a bakery like Santa Canela in the neighborhood. Owner Ellen Ramos, whose resume includes Cha Cha Chá, 71 Above, and Redbird, finally has a space of her own to serve a lineup of Mexico City and Los Angeles-inspired pastries. At Santa Canela, Ramos serves new school takes on classic pastries like conchas, stuffed here with vanilla cream, and champurrado-flavored maple doughnuts. The iconic LA-shaped churro is, of course, available (but takes a few extra minutes to prepare), alongside puffy churro croissants and savory focaccia sandwiches. The bakery is takeout only, but there are a few seats on the sidewalk if you're looking to eat on-site. 5601 N. Figueroa Street, Unit 120, Los Angeles, CA 90042. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Eater LA All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.