Gjelina

Gjelina occupies a special place in the Venice dining scene. This Abbot Kinney landmark helped pioneer the vegetable-forward California cuisine movement, proving that charred greens and seasonal produce could be just as exciting as any main course. The space itself shifts moods throughout the day—from bright and casual during daylight hours to moody and romantic as candles flicker after sunset.

The kitchen’s mastery lies in coaxing maximum flavor from simple ingredients. Their grilled vegetables achieve that perfect balance of char and tenderness, while the escarole salad showcases how preserved lemon vinaigrette, smoked almonds, and parmesan can elevate humble greens into something memorable. The wood-fired pizzas remain a draw, with their three-day fermented dough producing those coveted blistered, bubbly crusts that put LA pizza on the map.

Dining here feels effortlessly Californian—think creative types, first dates, and groups splitting an impressive spread of small plates. The patio offers prime people-watching on one of LA’s most photogenic streets, while the interior wraps you in a dark, ship-hull-like atmosphere perfect for lingering over a bottle of wine.

Whether you’re building a meal around their signature vegetable dishes or going straight for the guanciale pizza with its spicy fresno chiles and briny olives, Gjelina delivers the kind of meal worth driving across town for. It’s become a Venice cliche for good reason—the food still lives up to the reputation.