Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Duarte

It was a birthday celebration. Not only was the Sunday Brunch outstanding, but Chris, our server, and all of the support staff were outstanding as well.

Great staff that’s very attentive! The food does not miss!!! Only wish serving forks and spoons were always brought with meals but beside that no complaints! Great music as well and they do a great job of providing food recs

Perch LA has been around for a long time. This was the first time we had dinner there. I didn’t know what to expect. It was outstanding. Ambience :  beautiful views of downtown LA. We sat outside , which I I recommend. They have heaters, but you should still wear warm clothes to be comfortable . The inside is dark, old and looks rundown. The inside needs upgrading. We had Chilean Seabass , which was outstanding. We don’t like risotto.(I think that’s what it comes with) so we substituted it with mixed vegetables. Amazing. We also had a great lettuce salad, and truffle cheese fries. Yum Yum. This was plenty of food for two people to share. And, delicious ice cream with coffee. Great service. Thank you .

Tucked away in the vibrant Arts District of Los Angeles, Bestia is a haven for food lovers seeking innovative flavors and impeccable execution. This dining experience is not just a meal; it’s an exploration of taste that leaves you yearning for more. Starting with the **Herb Caesar Salad**, I was immediately struck by its refreshing twist on a classic. The combination of crisp romaine and endive created a delightful crunch, while the Parmigiano Reggiano added a rich creaminess that melded beautifully with the unique squid ink breadcrumbs—adding both texture and depth to each bite. Finished off with bright lemon zest, this dish was light yet satisfying, setting a high bar for what was to come. Next up were the **Pan Roasted Chicken Gizzards**—a dish that showcases Bestia's flair for transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary culinary delights. The gizzards were cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, sitting atop a bed of smoked cabbage that lent an earthy richness. Croutons provided an exciting crunch, while aged goat cheese introduced an intriguing tanginess; every forkful was balanced and comforting. The star of our appetizer parade was undoubtedly the **Housemade Buttermilk Ricotta**. Deconstructed yet elegantly presented, this dish felt like poetry on a plate. Aged balsamic drizzled over the creamy ricotta offered sweet acidity that harmonized perfectly with fennel pollen’s aromatic qualities. Paired with grilled bread dusted with lava salt, this appetizer transformed simple ingredients into something truly sublime. Moving on to our pasta course—the **Chestnut & Mushroom Agnolotti**—was an experience worth savoring slowly. These little square raviolis packed a savory punch that lingered beautifully on the palate. The mascarpone gave them an indulgent creaminess, while fried sage added depth—a perfect marriage of flavors reminiscent of autumnal harvests. Love in every bite.

It's a small place but staff was very friendly and the food was ample and very tasty. Everyone enjoyed their order, which included Greek salad, their combo plate, and Roquefort chicken. We had requested a quiet location and got one. I was afraid we wouldn't be able to hear the two musicians in the front room but their music was piped in.