"Gjelina and “LOL” have similar cultural trajectories. At first, both were trendy and irresistible. Then they became too obvious, a touch embarrassing. Immature, perhaps. But at some point over the years, they earned their staying power. Gjelina in Venice is the house that kale salad built. Even if kale is rarely on the menu now, there are always vegetables all dolled up with acid, some cheese, and something crispy-crunchy to take the edge off. Whether you build an order around green stuff, or pepper in a pizza and duck confit, a meal here is sure to feel “very LA,” complete with table neighbors who wear large-brimmed hats after dark and say “LOL” out loud unironically. Love to hate or hate to love Gjelina, it’s one of the city's all-time greats." - brant cox, nikko duren, arden shore, sylvio martins
