Gjelina

"If your CEO likes to hold all his lunch meetings at the beach, he’ll be very pleased with a holiday party on the roof at Gjelina, where their private space is. Looking out over Abbot Kinney while eating some really good pizza will make you feel like you’re in an episode of one of those TV shows about rich people doing beautiful things, instead of holding out hope that those stock options you’ve got will someday bear fruit (spoiler: they won’t). Capacity: Private room with deck for groups of 30+." - brant cox, nikko duren

"And just something nice, from Gjelina! The popular Venice restaurant posted this picture on their Instagram of the original building they’re in, back in 2008. It was originally owner Fran Camaj’s personal apartment on the top, and a French vintage store and repair shop on the bottom. Really makes you think." - kat hong

"If you’ve managed to avoid hearing about Gjelina until now, it’s possible you’re an alien in a host body and please enjoy your time here on Earth. Gjelina is the original big-time Venice restaurant and an Abbot Kinney staple. It’s the perfect example of whatever California Italian cuisine means (i.e., incredible grilled vegetables with a side of pasta). Think blistered zucchini in a creamy turmeric sauce and Japanese sweet potato that gets an edge from jalapeño yogurt. We usually load up on vegetables and throw in Gjelina’s excellent lamb sausage pie and the bottarga-dusted saffron spaghetti." - brant cox, sylvio martins

"Gjelina is where the Venice-as-a-food-destination thing all began. It’s loud, you usually have to wait, and don’t you dare ask for a substitution. But we still put up with all of this because they are undisputed magicians with vegetables, and know how to make an excellent pizza, too. And though Gjelina has matured like a fine wine since its early days, the crowd is still peak Abbot Kinney. If it's a bit much, just go next door to GTA for a slice of pizza or a sandwich to-go, or to be eaten standing up at a counter overlooking the street." - brant cox, sylvio martins, nikko duren

"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