Gjelina

Gjelina has been one of the defining restaurants of Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice since it opened, and it still draws a mix of locals and visitors from morning to late evening. The menu is built around relationships with Southern California farmers, ranchers, fishermen and co-ops, so the cooking changes with the seasons and lets the produce lead.

Expect a broad menu of vegetable dishes, salads, pizzas, pastas and plates of meat and fish designed for sharing. Vegetables are a particular strength, and many diners build a meal around several small plates for the table, with a pizza or two. In the mornings, coffee and pastries suit a slower start.

Service runs through the day. On weekdays breakfast starts at 9am, followed by lunch, an afternoon menu and dinner until 10.30pm. On Saturday and Sunday, brunch runs from 9am to 2.30pm before the afternoon and dinner menus. Reservations can be made through SevenRooms via the website, and booking is wise for weekend brunch and dinner.

The dining room is long and warmly lit, with a back patio, and the atmosphere is relaxed but busy. Gjelina suits couples, groups of friends and anyone exploring Venice who wants a proper meal rather than a quick bite. Prices are mid-to-upscale for the area. Families are welcome earlier in the day, when the pace is gentler.

For questions about bookings or larger groups, the restaurant lists its phone number and [email protected]. Sister business Gjusta, a bakery, deli and grocer a short walk away on Sunset Avenue, is a good alternative for a casual breakfast or picnic supplies. The restaurant can be busy and noisy at peak dinner times, so if you prefer a quieter meal, book an early table or come for the afternoon menu, when the room is calmer. Weekend brunch is especially popular with locals, so arrive at opening or reserve. Dishes are designed for sharing, so ordering two or three plates per person and passing them around the table is the usual approach, and staff can advise on quantities.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is lined with independent shops, cafés and bars, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk is a ten-minute walk west. Street parking can be difficult at weekends, so cycling along the beach path from Santa Monica or using a ride-share is often easier.