DELFINI CITTA BAR
THE BEVERLY HILLS PLACE TO BE

If you’re on the hunt for more than just a “happy hour” in Beverly Hills, but a place where you can relax, indulge and feast on quality eats and drinks and make a happy night out of it, then I recommend heading over the recently revamped Delfini Cittá where Chef David Santiago is livening up the joint with delectable dishes, creative cocktails, live music and dancing.

Don’t expect a stuffy Beverly Hills bar scene, instead the powers-that-be have created a fun and festive environment where you can eat and drink extremely well without going broke in the process. Their weekday happy hour is Monday to Friday from 4-7 pm and features $6 selected cocktails, $6 happy hour wines, and $5 well drinks.

Ordering well drinks, even for $5, does seem like a waste when the bar does offer stellar cocktails, such as the Bad Pablo mixed with Patron Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh squeezed lime and lemon juice, Tabasco and cut jalapeños, served in a rocks glass with a half salted rim, garnished with a jalapeño slice and a powdered straw. This drink, originally named the Pablo Escobar, packs a mean punch and will definitely make any outing a ‘happy’ one.

Another excellent drink choice is The Brando, which includes Macallan 12-year-old scotch, Disaronno and a splash of Sambuca, served in a rocks glass with dry ice. And while the drink looks impressive, it tastes even better. It’s nice to see a bar that uses quality mixes, such as Patron Silver and Macallan in its cocktails. That kind of touch goes a long way.

With no-nonsense drinks like these, you will definitely want to eat and the
Salmon Crudo, and Risotto with Shrimp are the way to go. Both are perfect for sharing and the salmon is light and fresh, while the risotto is hearty and satisfying.

Dig deeper into the cocktail menu and go for the American Psycho, which is one of the best martinis you’ll find in town. Described as the dirtiest of martinis, it’s made with Grey Goose Vodka, minced black olives, extra lime juice and served with Gorgonzola stuffed olives. One will definitely do the job, but you’ll crave more.

Another surefire winner is the Bloody Rita, made with Herradura Tequila, Cointreau, house-made Bloody Mary mix, jalapeños shaken and served in a rocks glass with ice. It’s even garnished with a squid. Nice touch and a very satisfying drink.

You will definitely need more substance if you follow our route and the Mussels (black mussels in red sauce), and Chorizo & Chicken skewers will delight. Again, these dishes are perfect for sharing or will satisfy if you’re eating solo. Other recommended menu items are the Strawberry Risotto (who knew there was even such a thing, but there is and it’s incredible!), and The Francy Pizza, made with spinach, feta cheese, tomatoes, pesto, and mozzarella. This is a hearty dish that will not only help soak up the alcohol but is tasty and not such a guilty option.

Another popular cocktail is The Sinatra, which is made with two sugar cubes dashed with bitters, muddled with orange slices, lime slices and lemon slices, mixed with Makers Mark, soda water and a dash of pineapple and garnished with an orange slice.  It’s the bar’s take on the popular Old Fashioned, but I preferred The Brazilian, made with pomegranate liqueur, Midori, a spoonful of coconut milk, and a splash of pineapple juice, blended and served in a Hurricane glass. While not a strong drink like an Old Fashioned, if I’m drinking “outside of the box” then I’d rather have something that’s really different, and this one is refreshing and serves as a good liquid dessert and a nice way to cap off the evening. Time to call a cab!

Delfini Cittá is located at 8635 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. Call 310-659-9555. Hours: Lunch is Mon – Fri: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Dinner: Mon – Thu: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri and Sat: 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Valet parking available.