Celestino Drago branches out from his well-known upscale Italian eateries Drago and Il Pastaio with this convivial cucina in Beverly Hills.

Do we really need another Italian restaurant in LA? Well, yes, if it offers something different and—dare we say—authentic. This bustling, elegant wine bar and restaurant has sleek lines and a sweeping arched ceiling (which, unfortunately, does nothing to soften the din of chatter). During the day, bling-soaked shoppers and business lunchers fill tables for paper-thin pizzas. At night, the bar brims with a monied crowd looking to sample some of the 50 wines by the glass and nosh on artisanal cheeses or olives stuffed with prosciutto and herbs. What makes this Drago dining room different from Il Pastaio next door? The space is larger, the bar bigger and the small plates, perfect for sharing, are to die for (especially the cubes of fried Parmesan drizzled with balsamic vinegar).