We were pleased to have been invited to experience a heck of a feast at Soleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar in Downtown Los Angeles. This past Tuesday, July 17, Soleto Trattoria & Pizza Bar opened its doors to the public. This is one of the latest concepts from Innovative Dining Group (IDG), the creators of BOA Steakhouse, Sushi Roku, Katana, Robata Bar, and Delphine at W Hollywood. Executive Chef Sascha Lyon, who we had the chance to interview last year, oversees the menu which is comprised of straight forward, unpretentious food, and inspired by Southern Italian cooking.

When you walk in to Soleto you immediately notice the 360-degree bar, with all sides facing inward toward other patrons promoting a community vibe without feeling too close. In addition to the main bar seating, they have rows of tall tables, stool seating at the exhibition pizza bar which overlooks their pitfire oven and a convivial 1,100-square-foot outdoor dining patio all lending to the communal vibe. See menu highlights from our visit below:

*Straight forward Italian Comfort Food

*Attentive & Knowledgeable Staff

*A good variety of foods (appetizers, lunch, dinner.)

*Good selection of drink options (cocktails, beers, wines.)

*Downtown Dwellers

*Very nice space and concept designed by Studio Collective

*Happy Hour M-F 3-7 p.m.

Dig In: (Menu)

Charred Cauliflower Granda padano, Italian parsley.

Sauteed Calamari Anaheim chilies, marinated tomatoes.

Shrimp Oreganato Hand torn croutons.

Caeser Salad romaine, parmesan crisps, grana padano.

Chopt’ Italian salad romaine, fennel salami, pepperoni, mortadella, mozzarella, provolone, tomatoes, garbanzo bean.

Pumpkin Ravioli beech mushrooms, hazelnuts, sage.

Angel Hair Alla Checca herbed goat cheese.

Skinny Pie roasted tomatoes, ricotta, pesto.

Potato & Bacon Pie: fontina cheese, garlic cream, scallions, thyme.

Strawberry Shortcake

Cocktails:

LEANING TAMARINDO: bulleit rye whiskey, tamarind & orange bitters.

AMALFI COAST: bertagnolli grappa, fresh lemon, cranberry juice & soda.

SMOKED BLOSSOM: right gin, lillet blanc & grilled orange vanilla syrup.

Soleto

Yelp Says: 4/5*, $

Category: Italian

801 S Figueroa Los Angeles, CA 90017 Neighborhood: Downtown 213-622-3255

Three words Japanese + Beer + Garden, CHAYA Downtown celebrates the summer season with its 3rd annual Japanese Beer Garden, in downtown Los Angeles.

Our stomachs once again were satisfied. The smell alone led us from the top of 6th and Flower down the stairs, into Chaya’s outdoor terrace. We had been passing Chaya for years on our way into the City National bank or the Los Angeles Library building but never stopped to eat there. A bit intimidated by the “suits” of Downtown L.A. we shied away from it, until this summer, and boy were we in for a treat! We boarded the local Los Angeles Subway (yes there is a subway in Downtown!!) and in 15minutes arrived to 7^th and Metro stop. As we walked down about a block and arrived to the building we saw and smelled the smoke off the grill. Arriving to our surprise the outdoor terrace was was set up reminding us of a summer BBQ with a Japanese flair, lit up by lanterns around the terrace. Business men and women rolled up their sleeves and enjoyed tasteful Japanese craft beers and Yakitori and Kushiyaki Chicken Skewers off the grill. We had the opportunity to meet Chef de Cuisine Kazuya Matsuoka, he greeted us with smiles, schooled us on the original grill and Japanese grilling techniques and off to our food adventure we went.

Overall atmosphere inside and decor is uniquely impressive. Not to mention the price is affordable but attractive enough to impress your date. The cool part of this experience was saying goodbye to Chef de Cuisine Kazuya Matsuoka, as he and his family enjoyed his own menu. It is always a good sign when the chef eats off of his own menu when he punches out.