There are myriad things to adore about République, the soaring, ambitious restaurant in the old Campanile space from Bill Chait and chef/couple Walter and Margarita Manzke. The space, the sommelier and the food all excel. But what we love most at République are the offerings of Margarita Manzke in her role as pastry chef. Start first thing in the morning at the bakery, with an utterly brilliant black sesame croissant, or a dense but somehow light lemon poppyseed cake. In the middle of the day, perhaps you'd like to indulge in the strawberry jam–filled bombolini. And at night, after dinner, there's much joy to be had in Manzke's sage panna cotta, or her sweet and tart and utterly alluring passionfruit tart. —Besha Rodell

624 S. La Brea Ave., Hancock Park, 90036. (310) 361-6115, republiquela.com.

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