Lasita

Emerging out the pandemic, Lasita has found its groove as a relaxed, youthful spot with excellent rotisserie options and natural wine. Initially opened in 2016 as Lasa—an elevated Filipino tasting menu concept—current owners Chase Valencia and Steff Barros Valencia have since reworked the space with a more casual menu and atmosphere. Head chef Nico de Leon oversees a menu centered around two staple dishes, chicken inasal and pork belly lechon (the latter being the standard by which most Filipino restaurants are judged). Both dishes are a showcase of why, oftentimes, simpler is just better. Leon’s spectacular atchara (pickled vegetables) pair beautifully with the flavorful, moist inasal and crispy, crackly pork belly, available by the half-pound or in a combo plate. Each of Lasita’s well-made dipping sauces is so delicious and distinctive, you’ll likely want to order a trio. Among the rotating, slightly uneven selection of starters, I also like the seasonal fish kinilaw, pancit canton and smoked pork longganisa (a chorizo-like sausage)—but you can't go wrong with Lasita's wedge salad, dredged in a refreshing coconut green goddess dressing.