Lasita

I found this place today by accident. We were walking by and the name Lasa, caught my eye. Taste, in Tagalog. Clever and intriguing. So, I walked in and asked for a menu. They were serving their Sunday Brunch. We got the Longanisa, with a side of Lechon. The beefsteak sandwich and pandesal french toast. OMG, I am so happy I found this place. Just the other night I had a friend over who's traveled the world, but never had experienced Filipino food much in his travels. I had made a simple Cadereta and really enjoyed it, and he was asking my sister and I why there wasn't a lot of Filipino restaurants. I told him, most places I've been to, the food has been so disappointing, I would never come back. Or, because my family or I can cook better then what was being offered. My sister commented, on how Filipino food just doesn't present well. Lasa, changed our minds on all at. The food here is Filipino comfort food at its best and presented so well, it made me proud to be Filipino. These two brother's are doing great things and I can't wait to come and enjoy their dinner options. The staff was also super chill and friendly. Enjoyed the vibe that set us on a great start to our Sunday. Salamat!

+1

This is an amazing restaurant with an amazing staff and incredible menu. I happened to be in Chinatown on a job and I'm so glad that I was turned on to this gem. Looking forward to the new brunch menu. Service and food quality is definitely on point. Family owned and family run makes for a wonderful atmosphere. Can't wait to come back with my family.

I grew up in the Philippines but I haven’t really had restaurant Filipino food in awhile. I love the texture of all the dishes and all the flavors compliments each other. Although they use ingredients from traditional filipino dishes, the way they were prepared is modernized and different on its own way. The presentation is like an upscale french place to be honest. The servers are all very accommodating and friendly too. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who wanted to try filipino food with a twist.

+3

Delicious food and amazing service! Love seeing Filipino food done in new ways. Thoroughly enjoyed everything we ate. Pavlova is a GAME CHANGER. Don't skip it for dessert. Surprised and delighted me to the max.

Real rating is more like 4.3-4.5 Lechon was good juicy and fatty. The singing chips were okay. They tasted more like shrimp chips Sisig had really good flavors. The garlic fried rice complimented both the sisig and lechon. Has a nice little setup and the friendly atmosphere along with an attentive staff.

+1

Update on 5/5/2019 It’s been over a year since my last visit and I would still rate it 5 stars based on my Sunday brunch visit (had Lonsilog - garlic rice bowl with housemade Filipino pork sausage, fried egg, veggies). For health reasons, I’m not interested in the cheaper Filipino places, which use lesser ingredients and are heavily seasoned. LASA uses quality ingredients and the execution is very good with balanced flavors. I’m definitely a fan and look forward to revisiting. ================================LASA has been on my “must try” list for quite some time since a serious gourmand friend of mine highly recommended it. I went with another friend I dine out with on a regular basis and we were both really happy with our DineLA meal and look forward to coming back. Upscale modern Filipino cuisine served at a level of high execution, but without pretentiousness by the kitchen and service was down to earth yet attentive. Beer and wine list is small, but good selections, which go well with the food. Corkage is $15 if you byob (we didn’t byob and ordered their house wines instead).

+6

Have you ever wondered what the food in heaven tastes like? The first bite of the Pork Belly Lechon at Lasita will take you there. Please allow this humble food enthusiast to try and describe the experience. The skin has a crunch like chicharrones, the belly as tender as the finest prime rib, and in between, the fat that melts away and overwhelms the palate with the most perfect essence of pork flavor. I had to close my eyes and let the purest of food joy sensations wash over me as I took my first bite. The atmosphere of the outdoor seating area was remarkable. The music played an important role in setting the space apart from the rest of the courtyard. It felt like an oasis of comfort and relaxation. The staff we exceptionally kind and patient with us as it was our first visit. They encouraged us to share dishes family style which we did using the extra plates provided. My wife and I shared the lechon plate and the pork belly sisig. The sides and dipping sauces were refreshing and very necessary to reset the palate between bites of the mind-blowingly flavorfull lechon. The sisig was also amazing. This one experience elevated it into my top ten favorite foods. I highly recommend ordering the calamansi juice. The exotic citrus flavor was a joyful way to refresh the palate between bites of lechon. In conclusion... food heaven! Fun Facts: Lasita was formerly Lasa. About six months ago they remodeled and revamped the menu to offer dishes at a lower price point. The same chef/owner an the same team runs the place. Lasa had been featured on Buzzfeed's Worth It show pork episode featuring the lechon. Also, they said that whenever Anthony Bourdain was in town he would eat at or order catering from Lasa. So do yourself a favor and give this place a try soon.

+4

We had a delicious experience at Lasita on a Tuesday night. Ordered the vedge salad (yummmmm), mushroom sisig (just okay, wouldn’t order again), pork belly lechon (so crisp and tender), and their Tuesday special. It was fried chicken (with a caramelized fish sauce glaze) with a black garlic sauce. It was truly the star of the show. They’ve only served it twice (Tuesdays only) but I think it deserves a permanent spot on the menu. All were deliciously paired with the chicken fat rice. My husband and our friend shared a bottle of wine that was recommended and they loved it. I had the lychee passionfruit black tea and I could have drank a gallon or two of it. For dessert we had the calamansi pie which was their take on a key lime pie and soooooo good. The graham cracker crust was not dry at all. Highly recommend to top off your meal.

Wonderful restaurant with delicious food and great staff. The environment is cozy and the decor is Filipino in roots. They take both brunch and dinner reservations off Resy but you're also able to call in. Weekend brunches are worth going to for the brunch specials and great entrees. Make sure to order the crispy pata dish if you go for dinner and ask for their wine selections.

+5

Lasita is a fantastic experience. The service is excellent and all of the food is exceptional. Chase is a great owner. He is very accommodating. We are going to go there every time we visit LA.

The servers were very knowledgeable and friendly. The food was some of the best I’ve ever had. Highly recommend you make a stop here if you’re in the area.

This Filipino (with a twist) restaurant was on my food hit list when I visited LA, and it did not disappoint. Lasita is an experience in itself. Every dish was a treat. The pork belly lechon, autumn pancit canton, and the shroom sisig.. OMG, that shroom sisig!! The unexpected favorite! I kid you not, I’m still thinking about it! I paired that with a glass of white from their natural wine selection, which I cant tell you which one it was exactly. I asked our sweet server to choose one that would complement the food we ordered and she absolutely delivered! The staff actually know what they’re doing and make you feel taken care of without hovering. Lasita doesn’t try to impress. It just is impressive. Easily 5/5✨

Amazing Filipino cuisine in a vintage downtown LA Chinatown building (housing Howlin' Ray's and Endorffeine). Warm, colorful interior. Lots of seating, including booths. Friendly, attentive staff. Meal started off superbly with a bottle of Engkanto Honey Ale (the hint of honey at the end of each sip). The entrees that followed were wonderful: Vedge Salad, Sizzlin' Shroom Sisig, Early Autumn Pancit Canton, and Inihaw Na Panga. Easy to have conservations - quiet noise around us.

Nice restaurant that served Filipino food with a twist. Their menu is a little limited, but they have special dishes depend on date. However, the food taste great, a bit on salty side of thing.

Excellent pork, chicken fat rice, and pavlova! Service was good and servers were knowledgable. Nice vibe and location.

can’t say enough good things about Lasita in Chinatown, LA! From the moment you step in, the vibe is electric—lively, welcoming, and effortlessly cool, like a neighborhood party you’re thrilled to be invited to. The space itself is gorgeous, with its warm, sunset-inspired decor and a breezy patio that’s perfect for soaking in the atmosphere. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. The chicken inasal is a revelation—juicy, bursting with lemongrass and garlic, and that crispy, golden skin is pure perfection. Paired with the garlic mojo and spicy salsita, it’s a flavor explosion I’m still dreaming about. The pork belly lechon is just as incredible—rich, tender, and aromatic, with a crackling skin that’s to die for. We also tried the mushroom sisig, and it was a surprising standout—decadent and packed with umami, proving you don’t need meat to steal the show. The sides, like the garlic rice and pickles, tie everything together beautifully. The natural wine selection is spot-on, and the staff’s recommendations elevated the whole experience. They’re so friendly and attentive, making sure every detail is perfect without ever feeling overbearing. Lasita’s no-rules approach to dining—order what you want, when you want—makes it feel so relaxed and fun, whether you’re solo or with a group. This place is a gem in Chinatown, blending Filipino flavors with LA flair in the most delicious way. Five stars aren’t enough—Lasita is a must-visit!

Lasita in Chinatown is a masterclass in effortless dining. The seasonal menu, though concise, feels like a curated journey through Filipino flavors, making decisions refreshingly simple—there’s no wrong choice here. Each dish is a revelation. They are each a centerpiece of a menu that celebrates bold yet balanced flavors. The sides are just as compelling, each bite offering a vibrant contrast that elevates the meal. The natural wine selection is thoughtfully paired, showcasing bottles that complement rather than compete with the food. The space itself mirrors the menu: approachable yet sophisticated, buzzing with the energy of diners who know they’re somewhere special. Lasita is a place where every detail—from the menu to the ambiance—feels deliberate yet unfussy. It’s Filipino cuisine at its finest, served with a warmth and precision that make you want to linger. A true gem in Angeles.

Such an amazing spot. Quality food, best wine and vibes are immaculate. Make space for dessert. Make a reservation.

Went with family including my 89yo grandmother and had a blast. Can't speak to authenticity as it was my first time eating Filipino food. For me, standout dishes included the mandarin salad, the roast pork sandwich special, and the desserts... champurrado and something like a key lime pie. It's a beautiful little restaurant, sound level wasn't too loud to talk. Strongly recommend!

Cozy, quirky, original & hidden place in Chinatown run by great people. The place is located inside of a commercial passage. It's a small and cozy orange (yes, all orange) space with great lighting. Great selection of natural wine and really really good food. We ordered the chicken of course, but also the kale salad and the fried garlic rice. Amazing experience. A refreshing new place in LA

Definitely a five-star experience with the food, service and ambiance. We were a larger party so ordered the “"Pamilya Style" Set Menu” which serves 8-10 people. It’s a smaller restaurant and they don’t take reservations so get there early but even if there’s a line, be patient and wait and you won’t regret it. First of all, if you’ve eaten Filipino food before this is Filipino food on another level. And if you haven’t had Filipino food this is your chance to start and get off to a great start at that. You can definitely tell the chefs are very thoughtful in elevating these typical Filipino dishes such as rotisserie chicken, pork belly lechon and pancit. Each bite was seasoned and cooked perfectly. The sauces just add another layer of flavor but honestly even without the sauces you’ll be enjoying each bite. If you are debating on what to order and can’t decide, order several dishes and take the rest home. Although I loved each dish, I would recommend the pork belly lechon, kang kong pancit, chicken inasal and the sizzling pork belly sisig. I know that’s a lot of food especially if you are small party but you’ll thank me later. You may not have room for dessert after all this exceptional food but the Wanderlust Ice cream is a great way to end your meal. The restaurant is located in a small shopping center in Chinatown but don’t let the location fool you, it’s exceptional food and you’ll be planning your next visit as you are still sitting at your table enjoying your meal

Stopped by here on a whim and was definitely NOT disappointed. Food, drinks, atmosphere, service. We kept ordering because the food was so good. Pork belly and chicken rice . I’ve yet to taste anything as life changing. We also really enjoyed the natural wine selection and the sommelier who helped us find the perfect wine to pair.

The modern take on Filipino food is so refreshing! My favorite is the beef tartare with the sky flakes. Also the watermelon salad was so refreshing and another favorite! I definitely recommend eating with a bigger group for more sharing. I also appreciate the recommendations made by the servers. They gave us the best experience with all the good food and wine combos!

My boyfriend and I came to Lasita about 2 weeks ago on a Friday evening with 4 friends. We ordered sizzlin’ pork belly sisig , pancit Kang Kong (noodles with spinach, mushrooms & garlic-calamansi sauce), chicken Inasal (whole)& pork belly lechon (full lb). 😋😋😋 I love coming to Lasita for pork belly. Each bite is balanced with tender and juicy meat from the inside and crispy skin. The pancit (noodles) dish was also good and refreshing with the veggies and lemon. It was my first time trying the sisig. Each bite is quite flavorful from the juicy pork belly with the egg, onion, chili and lemon. The rotisserie chicken was also flavorful as it has been marinated with lemongrass, garlic, spring onion, and ginger. I also tried the calamansi juice for the first time and I really like how it wasn’t too sweet and refreshing for a warm evening. Don't forget to also try their wines. The staff members are really nice and welcoming and they can definitely give recommendations for wine. 😊 Lasita also has a nice outdoor patio dining.

Such a vibe. The food, the wine, the atmosphere. Make sure you sit inside so you can be one with the art and music. We tried so many things on the menu and it was all delicious. My favorites were the atchara, roasted squash, garlic fried rice, pork belly and ube ice cream. Our server shared his top picks for wine (see pictures) and they were absolutely incredible with the food! We arrived at 5:50 on a Saturday and had a four person table inside by 6:30. Reservations are not needed and I don't even know if they take them. Worth the wait. Check out the cookbook store at the other end of the shopping center while you're there. Parking is under the building. $10 max.

Loved this place! Such great dishes! Perfect for sharing!! We tried the spring rolls to share and then had a little of everything...noodles, meat, soup. Really enjoyed the noodles in fish sauce and the crispy chicken. They were delicious. The beef tartar with chips was outstanding! We tried all the desserts...ice cream, pineapple and cream and bread pudding...all amazing!! Friendly and helpful service.

Growing up in the SGV exposes you to a lot of different cultures. Filipino food is like Islander Mexican food to us. The food here is much healthier but still a delicious version of Filipino food. We got full servings of the chicken and Le Chon and an order of all the sides. The environment makes you forget you’re in Los Angeles. Beautiful interior designing. Definitely will be back! Don’t be afraid to mix the sauces!

brian inamine

Amazing Filipino cuisine in a vintage downtown LA Chinatown building (housing Howlin' Ray's and Endorffeine). Warm, colorful interior. Lots of seating, including booths. Friendly, attentive staff. Meal started off superbly with a bottle of Engkanto Honey Ale (the hint of honey at the end of each sip). The entrees that followed were wonderful: Vedge Salad, Sizzlin' Shroom Sisig, Early Autumn Pancit Canton, and Inihaw Na Panga. Easy to have conservations - quiet noise around us.

Arn014 W

Nice restaurant that served Filipino food with a twist. Their menu is a little limited, but they have special dishes depend on date. However, the food taste great, a bit on salty side of thing.

Max

Excellent pork, chicken fat rice, and pavlova! Service was good and servers were knowledgable. Nice vibe and location.

Keith Mulvin

Lasita in Chinatown is a masterclass in effortless dining. The seasonal menu, though concise, feels like a curated journey through Filipino flavors, making decisions refreshingly simple—there’s no wrong choice here. Each dish is a revelation. They are each a centerpiece of a menu that celebrates bold yet balanced flavors. The sides are just as compelling, each bite offering a vibrant contrast that elevates the meal. The natural wine selection is thoughtfully paired, showcasing bottles that complement rather than compete with the food. The space itself mirrors the menu: approachable yet sophisticated, buzzing with the energy of diners who know they’re somewhere special. Lasita is a place where every detail—from the menu to the ambiance—feels deliberate yet unfussy. It’s Filipino cuisine at its finest, served with a warmth and precision that make you want to linger. A true gem in Angeles.

Dustin Pratt

can’t say enough good things about Lasita in Chinatown, LA! From the moment you step in, the vibe is electric—lively, welcoming, and effortlessly cool, like a neighborhood party you’re thrilled to be invited to. The space itself is gorgeous, with its warm, sunset-inspired decor and a breezy patio that’s perfect for soaking in the atmosphere. The food? Absolutely phenomenal. The chicken inasal is a revelation—juicy, bursting with lemongrass and garlic, and that crispy, golden skin is pure perfection. Paired with the garlic mojo and spicy salsita, it’s a flavor explosion I’m still dreaming about. The pork belly lechon is just as incredible—rich, tender, and aromatic, with a crackling skin that’s to die for. We also tried the mushroom sisig, and it was a surprising standout—decadent and packed with umami, proving you don’t need meat to steal the show. The sides, like the garlic rice and pickles, tie everything together beautifully. The natural wine selection is spot-on, and the staff’s recommendations elevated the whole experience. They’re so friendly and attentive, making sure every detail is perfect without ever feeling overbearing. Lasita’s no-rules approach to dining—order what you want, when you want—makes it feel so relaxed and fun, whether you’re solo or with a group. This place is a gem in Chinatown, blending Filipino flavors with LA flair in the most delicious way. Five stars aren’t enough—Lasita is a must-visit!

D Merlin Lopez

Went with family including my 89yo grandmother and had a blast. Can't speak to authenticity as it was my first time eating Filipino food. For me, standout dishes included the mandarin salad, the roast pork sandwich special, and the desserts... champurrado and something like a key lime pie. It's a beautiful little restaurant, sound level wasn't too loud to talk. Strongly recommend!

Michael Fiedler

Stopped by here on a whim and was definitely NOT disappointed. Food, drinks, atmosphere, service. We kept ordering because the food was so good. Pork belly and chicken rice . I’ve yet to taste anything as life changing. We also really enjoyed the natural wine selection and the sommelier who helped us find the perfect wine to pair.

Agatha Isabel

Such an amazing spot. Quality food, best wine and vibes are immaculate. Make space for dessert. Make a reservation.

Allie

We had a delicious experience at Lasita on a Tuesday night. Ordered the vedge salad (yummmmm), mushroom sisig (just okay, wouldn’t order again), pork belly lechon (so crisp and tender), and their Tuesday special. It was fried chicken (with a caramelized fish sauce glaze) with a black garlic sauce. It was truly the star of the show. They’ve only served it twice (Tuesdays only) but I think it deserves a permanent spot on the menu. All were deliciously paired with the chicken fat rice. My husband and our friend shared a bottle of wine that was recommended and they loved it. I had the lychee passionfruit black tea and I could have drank a gallon or two of it. For dessert we had the calamansi pie which was their take on a key lime pie and soooooo good. The graham cracker crust was not dry at all. Highly recommend to top off your meal.

Gustavo Perez

Cozy, quirky, original & hidden place in Chinatown run by great people. The place is located inside of a commercial passage. It's a small and cozy orange (yes, all orange) space with great lighting. Great selection of natural wine and really really good food. We ordered the chicken of course, but also the kale salad and the fried garlic rice. Amazing experience. A refreshing new place in LA

Katherine Pacpaco

Definitely a five-star experience with the food, service and ambiance. We were a larger party so ordered the “"Pamilya Style" Set Menu” which serves 8-10 people. It’s a smaller restaurant and they don’t take reservations so get there early but even if there’s a line, be patient and wait and you won’t regret it. First of all, if you’ve eaten Filipino food before this is Filipino food on another level. And if you haven’t had Filipino food this is your chance to start and get off to a great start at that. You can definitely tell the chefs are very thoughtful in elevating these typical Filipino dishes such as rotisserie chicken, pork belly lechon and pancit. Each bite was seasoned and cooked perfectly. The sauces just add another layer of flavor but honestly even without the sauces you’ll be enjoying each bite. If you are debating on what to order and can’t decide, order several dishes and take the rest home. Although I loved each dish, I would recommend the pork belly lechon, kang kong pancit, chicken inasal and the sizzling pork belly sisig. I know that’s a lot of food especially if you are small party but you’ll thank me later. You may not have room for dessert after all this exceptional food but the Wanderlust Ice cream is a great way to end your meal. The restaurant is located in a small shopping center in Chinatown but don’t let the location fool you, it’s exceptional food and you’ll be planning your next visit as you are still sitting at your table enjoying your meal

Elizabeth Huff

The modern take on Filipino food is so refreshing! My favorite is the beef tartare with the sky flakes. Also the watermelon salad was so refreshing and another favorite! I definitely recommend eating with a bigger group for more sharing. I also appreciate the recommendations made by the servers. They gave us the best experience with all the good food and wine combos!

Sofia C

My boyfriend and I came to Lasita about 2 weeks ago on a Friday evening with 4 friends. We ordered sizzlin’ pork belly sisig , pancit Kang Kong (noodles with spinach, mushrooms & garlic-calamansi sauce), chicken Inasal (whole)& pork belly lechon (full lb). 😋😋😋 I love coming to Lasita for pork belly. Each bite is balanced with tender and juicy meat from the inside and crispy skin. The pancit (noodles) dish was also good and refreshing with the veggies and lemon. It was my first time trying the sisig. Each bite is quite flavorful from the juicy pork belly with the egg, onion, chili and lemon. The rotisserie chicken was also flavorful as it has been marinated with lemongrass, garlic, spring onion, and ginger. I also tried the calamansi juice for the first time and I really like how it wasn’t too sweet and refreshing for a warm evening. Don't forget to also try their wines. The staff members are really nice and welcoming and they can definitely give recommendations for wine. 😊 Lasita also has a nice outdoor patio dining.

Kayla F

Such a vibe. The food, the wine, the atmosphere. Make sure you sit inside so you can be one with the art and music. We tried so many things on the menu and it was all delicious. My favorites were the atchara, roasted squash, garlic fried rice, pork belly and ube ice cream. Our server shared his top picks for wine (see pictures) and they were absolutely incredible with the food! We arrived at 5:50 on a Saturday and had a four person table inside by 6:30. Reservations are not needed and I don't even know if they take them. Worth the wait. Check out the cookbook store at the other end of the shopping center while you're there. Parking is under the building. $10 max.

L S

Loved this place! Such great dishes! Perfect for sharing!! We tried the spring rolls to share and then had a little of everything...noodles, meat, soup. Really enjoyed the noodles in fish sauce and the crispy chicken. They were delicious. The beef tartar with chips was outstanding! We tried all the desserts...ice cream, pineapple and cream and bread pudding...all amazing!! Friendly and helpful service.

Robert Zapata

Growing up in the SGV exposes you to a lot of different cultures. Filipino food is like Islander Mexican food to us. The food here is much healthier but still a delicious version of Filipino food. We got full servings of the chicken and Le Chon and an order of all the sides. The environment makes you forget you’re in Los Angeles. Beautiful interior designing. Definitely will be back! Don’t be afraid to mix the sauces!

My favorite restaurant in LA. I’m tempted to gatekeep but everyone that works here is so lovely, they deserve attention. If you have a vegan in your group, they will EAT. Just an incredibly thoughtful menu that will please anyone. The wine is also next level good.

I love writing good reviews for deserving restaurants First the food. For a party of 4, we got the kinilaw, adobo ng tataki, sisig, kaldareta, inihaw, garlic fried rice and chicken fat rice. I’m so old. I didn’t take any pictures, but you have to trust me. They were all delicious. Special mentions to the tangy tataki and unique inihaw- my two favorites. But everything was really delicious. The plates are small, like all LA tapas style, but we left full. The vibe is cozy, reminds me of home. Not a fancy restaurant Our dogs were welcomed - big plus The staff was incredibly helpful and kind. Please give MICHELLE a raise. She just went above and beyond her job, she provided hospitality which is what Filipinos are about All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant

Nicole Axalan

I love writing good reviews for deserving restaurants First the food. For a party of 4, we got the kinilaw, adobo ng tataki, sisig, kaldareta, inihaw, garlic fried rice and chicken fat rice. I’m so old. I didn’t take any pictures, but you have to trust me. They were all delicious. Special mentions to the tangy tataki and unique inihaw- my two favorites. But everything was really delicious. The plates are small, like all LA tapas style, but we left full. The vibe is cozy, reminds me of home. Not a fancy restaurant Our dogs were welcomed - big plus The staff was incredibly helpful and kind. Please give MICHELLE a raise. She just went above and beyond her job, she provided hospitality which is what Filipinos are about All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant

Erin Parker

My favorite restaurant in LA. I’m tempted to gatekeep but everyone that works here is so lovely, they deserve attention. If you have a vegan in your group, they will EAT. Just an incredibly thoughtful menu that will please anyone. The wine is also next level good.

Much respect to lasita for perfecting a very modern take on filipino flavors. The dishes are all well thought out, and the flavors that i grew up with definitely shine through and does not shy away. I'll say though that I wasn't able to place in an order ahead of time through doordash, and it was inconvenient to have to wait outside the restaurant for my take away order. I wish I knew about the toast tab order ahead option.

A few different vegan options but mostly veggies without a lot of vegan protein. Still the ambiance was great and the wine was really enjoyable. I would return!

Great vibes. Chill staff. Small bite plates that are delicious. Note that as of this review they don't have a full liquor license. Worth it.

+5

The eggplant and kabocha was very good. The pork sisig along with garlic fried rice was excellent. The pork was crispy, flavorful, juicy, oily. Atmosphere was very nicely put together.

Cozy and artfully designed space, and I liked the bgm. The service was also nice. But the problem I had with the food was that every ingredient seemed to go its own way and didn't really fit together. For example, the salad really was just big chunks of watermelon and cucumber plus slices of radish put together in one bowl. Same with the Longsilog bowl and the whole thing tasted very dry. Nevertheless, the French toast was a pleasant surprise - the coconut touch of the whipped cream was an ingenious idea and the toast itself was well-done as well, having a very crispy crust and soft interior.

So we finally decided to check out LASA after we had two of our friends recommend LASA and seeing it highlighted on a buzzfeed show named “Worth It”. Something worthy of trying? Sure. I think it really depends on your taste buds. I will start off that the staff is extremely polite, courteous and know their stuff. We were seated promptly for our reservation where we started our dinner off with some non-alcoholic drinks. I had the Green Mango Soda and my gf had the Calamansi drink. The mango soda had a slight amount of bitterness mixed with tart and a hint of mint. I guess you can say it reminds me of a different type of kombucha. The Calamansi drink reminded me of a delicious mellow lemonade. Both drinks are worthy of a try. They’re not something you would normally find. The menu was simple with 14 items of varying sizes. We passed on the Pulutan so we could make room for the Umpisa and Ulam where we ordered the Wok Roasted Gailan, Savory Kakanin, Lumpia Sariwa Beef Kilawin and Lechon Manok. I will review write about each dish as they are each worthy of a review. Beef Kilawin: The patis aioli mixed with the flat-iron tartare made for the right mix of umami and texture in this dish. We however had to agree that the salt and vinegar on the taro chips were overpowering for us. On scale of 1-10 with 10 being an extremely salty, the chips were a level 8. We liked the tartar, just wished the chips complimented it more. Wok Roasted Gailan: This Chinese broccoli dish was splendid. It reminded me of the Chinese broccoli and oyster sauce dishes you get at dim sum spots, but with more flavors. The slight bitterness of the broccoli was balanced with the sour of the vinaigrette and the sweetness of the bagoong (salted krill) while the rice gave the added slight touch of crisp to an overall soft dish. Savory Kakanin: This was my number three fav dish for the night. Parts of it reminded me of Japanese dishes. The brown rice cake was seared to just a slight crisp while the butter and broth made for a rich sauce to bring the soft shimeji mushrooms and rice cake together. A must try imo. Lumpia Sariwa: Not a lumpia like one you would eat at a family gathering. We were told this dish is usually on point, but unfortunately for us the saltiness and sourness of the peanut soy vin overpowered the dish. Lechon Manok: The crispy chicken on this dish reminded me of the crispy chicken dishes I would eat at Thai spots, but the sauces on this dish were much better and this was my second favorite dish for the night. The perfect balance of saltiness from the pan jus and the slight bitterness of the swiss chard were brought together well with the neutral puree texture of the brown rice polenta. For dessert we ordered the sesame seed ice cream and were given a serving of chilled ginataang as a complimentary dish on the house after we mentioned the Lumpia was salty. The salty and bitter of the sesame seed sprinkling goes well with the rich sweetness of the vanilla ice cream. To our amazement, the chilled ginataang was our lightest dish of the night and my favorite dish. We liked the lightness and fluffiness of the whipped coconut milk mixed with the sweet/bitter of the Asian pear and slight hints of sweet from the rice balls. In closing, I’d recommend going here with 4 people, so you can order a variety of their dishes and see for yourself if you like it. It breaks away from the traditional Filipino menus and expands your horizon to dishes you wouldn’t have anywhere else. #avantegarde

+6

We visited Lasita on a Friday with a reservation. It’s located in Chinatowns Far East Plaza. We mentioned that my friend does not eat dairy and were told the only thing to avoid was the carrots and some of the dessert. We ordered the half chicken inasal ($16), half lechon ($16), and the pancit kangkong ($18). Later we realized you had to order rice separate so we put in an order of garlic rice (~$5). We were underwhelmed by the lechon and chicken inasal. It was good but felt like nothing special. Much better Filipino food elsewhere. The pancit kangkong was our favorite dish. I think they mixed up our order because the chicken fat rice and the carrots showed up to our table so we had it sent back. The server was also not very kind to begin with and also disappeared halfway through our service, so we ordered dessert from another person. I was tempted by the halo-halo but ended up with the calamansi cream pie ($9) for myself. It was light flavorful. I’m not sure I’d recommend this place for authentic Filipino food, but it had a great vibe and ambiance if you’re looking to try it!

Small portions, octopus was delicious, skewers Soso, clams were nice and curry spicy. Service was excellent! Beef tartar was pretty good, but the chips were the highlight

Lasita is only open for dinner, and they're closed Sundays. Along with the other businesses, it makes this building eerily empty sometimes. Parking in Chinatown is not too bad. There are metered street spots around - $0.50/hour between 4-8 PM, max 2 hours. There are also $5 parking lots. My eating partner and I didn't have a reservation, but they were able to seat us when we got there at 5:30 PM, their opening time. The hostess was very friendly, but our server seemed tired. Since they have rotisserie in their name, we decided on a half chicken. It came out great and not dry. There were two small sauce cups - one with garlic and one with the toyomansi. This was annoying to cut and eat, but that's just what you get with rotisserie chicken. I'm glad to know they do their chicken right. The scallop kinilaw $20 tasted good, a bit spicy, but it left a lot to be desired. I wouldn't get this again, and I wouldn't recommend it. The sizzlin' shroom sisig $20 was a vegetarian take on sisig, which is usually pork. This dish was eh, as was the garlic fried rice. Sadly I don't see myself coming back. For a dinner that was almost $50 per person, I could go elsewhere with better food and better service.

We had a okay experience at Lasita. Nestled in a plaza in Chinatown, it offers a lively atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends over shared plates and drinks. Overall, the food was enjoyable, though we found the Pancit a bit greasy and the chicken fat rice lacking in flavor. The standout dishes were the chicken inasal and the rice pudding—both executed exceptionally well. The chicken, in particular, was juicy and packed with flavor. However, towards the end of our meal, the waitress frequently kept asking if we were finished with our other dishes, as if she wanted us to leave, this made us feel very rushed. This was towards 9:30pm and many others were still eating and chatting away.

proud to see modern takes on filipino food but a little disappointed with the lasita offerings. other than the lechon (which was top tier), everything felt too pricy for what you get and felt like they spent more time curating the vibe than honing in on the food. overall, would probably not come back but so glad i tried. ube lager: pleasantly surprised, really enjoyed the body and complexity in this one chicken inasal: dry and lacked the crispy skin texture of typical grilled inasal. would skip. lechon: really enjoyed this dish and thought it was cooked well. chicken fat rice: solid rice offering. atchara: good as a side to offset the rich meats but too expensive for what it is eggplant & crab fat omelette: seemingly a modern take on tortang talong but also enjoyed this more than i thought. got nice seafood umami flavor and egg was perfectly cooked.

Eric Jin Cheng

We had a okay experience at Lasita. Nestled in a plaza in Chinatown, it offers a lively atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends over shared plates and drinks. Overall, the food was enjoyable, though we found the Pancit a bit greasy and the chicken fat rice lacking in flavor. The standout dishes were the chicken inasal and the rice pudding—both executed exceptionally well. The chicken, in particular, was juicy and packed with flavor. However, towards the end of our meal, the waitress frequently kept asking if we were finished with our other dishes, as if she wanted us to leave, this made us feel very rushed. This was towards 9:30pm and many others were still eating and chatting away.

Andrea Santos

proud to see modern takes on filipino food but a little disappointed with the lasita offerings. other than the lechon (which was top tier), everything felt too pricy for what you get and felt like they spent more time curating the vibe than honing in on the food. overall, would probably not come back but so glad i tried. ube lager: pleasantly surprised, really enjoyed the body and complexity in this one chicken inasal: dry and lacked the crispy skin texture of typical grilled inasal. would skip. lechon: really enjoyed this dish and thought it was cooked well. chicken fat rice: solid rice offering. atchara: good as a side to offset the rich meats but too expensive for what it is eggplant & crab fat omelette: seemingly a modern take on tortang talong but also enjoyed this more than i thought. got nice seafood umami flavor and egg was perfectly cooked.