BESTIA

The bone marrow pasta was the best! The truffle pasta and lamb neck were good too. Everything else was okay. The inside is really cute, but the music was so loud I got a headache at the end of the dinner.

Lively on a Monday, both food and service were impeccable. Agnolotti melts in your mouth! Donuts were too sweet for me, but the accompanying coffee ice cream was delicious. Very accommodating of dietary restrictions and food allergies.

The definition of a restaurant that is close, but not quite, Michelin Star level, despite seemingly trying.

Don't get me wrong, the food was a great 8.5/10 as all of the dishes were satisfying, and the service was excellent, but there were things that put me off a bit.

First, what is going on with the service charge? 4% isn't ground shattering, but why is it there in the first place? And it's 4% just so you'd feel like an a-hole asking to remove it. So, a second compulsory tip for JUST the restaurant? Why not price it in? This sort of behavior shouldn't be encouraged. I don't care what they say it's for, because who knows if they're telling the complete truth. Even if it is for paying staff, price it in. Stop doing this; tipping culture is ridiculous as it is. Just state prices are higher/priced up, so you can give health insurance or whatever you claim.

The chairs were hard and a bit rickedy. I get that it's an aesthetic, but a padded seat or contoured chair isn't super expensive. Also it was very crowded. Like a trendy party bar. If that's your vibe, it's great. I'm indifferent, but it is slightly harder to talk. Just mentioning it.

Brief review of plates:
- bone marrow: good but the star of it is the pasta and how well seasoned it was. Marrow off the bone fun and a nice touch, not sure if it was necessary taste wise. 8.5/10

- cocktails: average. Good amount, they don't skimp on you, but it's a standard affair. 7/10

- Cesar salad: fun take and presentation. Sauce was great, but a bit excessive and soaked it all a bit too much. Despite this it was a great dish and easily finished off. 9/10

- pizza: the honey was a fun touch. It was very Italian. Lots of pepper and spices. Very thin, fresh and tasty crust. 8.5/10

- Truffle pasta: $48? I guess due to the actual truffle in the ingredients. It was good, but not nearly $48 good. Pasta was a bit squishy, though the steak was well cooked and the sauce was on point. Unless you're dying to have actual truffle, it's not worth it. Truffle oil would have sufficed. 7/10

- "donuts and coffee": freshly fried zeppole, coffee ice cream was great. I recommend it if you, well, like coffee and donuts. 9/10.

Overall it's not a bad experience, but it just felt like it wasn't completely up to the hype or price. I suppose you pay for consistently good, tasty food and good waiting service. Not for a ground breaking experience. Not quite worth the price for me though.

Reserve a table now and order some stretchy eating pants! Order two more dishes than you think you'll need and remember that your dessert stomach is separate from your dinner stomach. Splurge!

Incredible food and great service. Expensive, but definitely worth it.