LAReview

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Rémy Martin
8.8

Lasita

Filipino

Chinatown

$$$$Perfect For:First/Early in the Game DatesDrinking Good WineBig GroupsCasual Weeknight Dinner
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A great night at a restaurant can sometimes take a little time to develop. Drinks need to be ordered, the waitstaff has to get through their rehearsed bits—all while you and your table try to silently suss out what kind of meal this is going to be.

At Lasita, there is no such wind-up. Because from the second you walk into this Filipino spot in Chinatown—and clock the big tables of friends drinking funky orange wine together and feasting on whole chicken—you realize the party is already in full swing.

This colorful rotisserie/wine bar is technically the second iteration of Lasa, the slightly more formal Filipino concept that had occupied the same Far East Plaza space starting in 2017. It was quite popular and we included it in our Best New Restaurants of 2017, but eventually, the two brothers who run the place decided it was time to change things up.

Lasita image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Words like “pared down” and “simplified” can sometimes feel back-handed in describing a restaurant, but when we use it in regards to Lasita, it’s the opposite. Sure, the menu is smaller now (it’s essentially giant platters of meat like chicken inasal and pork belly lechon, plus an array of excellent rotating sides), but in streamlining, Lasita has created an experience free from the usual structure. Dinner here is highlighted by interesting, communal-style dishes that taste incredible, a joyous lack of having to make decisions (or reservations), and a deep respect for the art of hanging out as long as you want. 

Want to order a few bottles of natural wine with friends first and put in for a branzino a half-hour later? Go right ahead. Dining solo and low on time? Your server will make sure your chicken plate comes out quickly. Maybe you’re on a date that’s going better than expected and neither of you want to leave. Feel free to add and revise your order at any cadence you see fit. At Lasita, the only rule is there are no rules. And those are always the best kind of parties.

Food Rundown

Lasita image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Chicken Inasal

This is the main event at Lasita and whether you’re with friends, roommates, lovers, or by yourself, make sure it hits your table. Their version of this rotisserie dish is rubbed with lemongrass and garlic, making it sweet and citrusy, with a slight acidic bite at the end. We’d say you don’t even need the vinegar-based garlic mojo or the spicy salsita made with fermented bird’seye chilies that come on the side, but you actually do. There’s no such thing as too many sauces here.

Lasita image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Pancit Kang Kong

Filled with spinach, oyster mushrooms, and thin, slightly chewy yakisoba noodles in a garlic-calamansi sauce, this dish is surprisingly light and a great way to break up the meat parade that is currently directed at your table. If you’re by yourself, it’s definitely substantial enough to be its own entree.

Sizzlin' Shroom Sisig

Lasita has two different sisigs on its menu, and you want this one. For starters, this mushroom, onion, and birds eye chili filled platter isn’t any less decadent than its pork belly brethren. Secondly, save your pork belly quotient for the lechon that’s still to come.

Beef Tartare

There are approximately one thousand different beef tartares served in LA restaurants, and most of them are indistinguishable. Lasita’s has no such issue. The main separation factor is the shallot confit aioli, which gives a rich, subtly sweet punch to every bite. The buttery "Skyflakes" crackers on the side are a fun touch, too.

Lasita image

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Pork Belly Lechon

Speaking of meat parade, make sure this dish is a part of it. The rolled pork belly has been brined, stuffed, and marinated with lemongrass, onions, and ginger. The aromatic sweetness balances out the richness of the meat perfectly, and the crispy skin provides just the right amount of crackle.

the calamansi cream pie.

photo credit: Jakob Layman

Laroolou Calamansi Cream Pie

Citrusy calamansi custard comes, layered on a butter graham cracker crust, topped with salted whipped cream. We don’t care how bad your meat sweats are, this dessert has to hit the table.

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FOOD RUNDOWN

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