Vic Casanova, former executive chef of Culina at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, debuts Gusto, a rustic Italian eatery that showcases the chef’s passion for robust Italian flavors.Dubbed “free-range Italian” by Casanova, the menu is a display of regional specialties from Piedmont to Puglia, infused with a California sensibility. Begin with appetizers such as red wine-braised baby octopus with black olive, ceci and harissa, and beef tartare with black garlic, anchovy, country toast and egg yolk, and move on to housemade pastas and a rotating selection of fresh pizzas. Main dishes include pork shoulder braised in tomato sauce and dandelion greens, and black cod with broccolini, potatoes alla piastra and salmoriglio. Dessert brings a creative lineup of gelatti and sorbetti (try grapefruit-campari) as well as a toasted coconut gelato pie. Craft beers and boutique wines round out the offerings. 8432 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.782.1778. gusto-la.com