Lapaba

Italian cuisine but give it a Korean twist — that's the premise behind this spot in Koreatown from husband-and-wife chefs McKenna Lelah and Matthew Kim. Bar seating wraps around the dining room, where dim lighting and comfortable spacing between seats lend an intimacy. Pull up a chair for reimagined Italian classics infused with Korean influences. Case in point? Bulgogi meatballs served in a truffle tomato sauce and paired with milk bread, or pastas like the radiatore with short rib ragu. Portions aren't huge but order as a group to sample more mash-ups. Even dessert riffs on tradition with their rendition of tiramisu with misugaru and makgeolli.