The Tasting Kitchen

"Here’s the deal – we worship Gjelina and all of her glory. And The Tasting Kitchen sits directly next door. It’s important to disclose right now that when given the choice between the two, you should always choose Gjelina. However, sometimes you don’t have the two hours to spare waiting around for Heaven, and in that case, The Tasting Kitchen is your move. Think of The Tasting Kitchen as Gjelina’s younger sister who will never be quite as pretty or smart, but can certainly be fun to hang out with. Even on Venice’s Abbot Kinney Blvd., a street littered with nauseatingly trendy spots, The Tasting Kitchen holds its own. It somehow manages to remain unpretentious, much like the rather attractive crowd inside. You look at them and think, “Oh wow, that person spent today surfing and doing cool things I don’t even know about. Let’s be friends!” The Tasting Kitchen’s space is a mix of exposed brick, wood beams, huge windows, and even olive trees that all combine for a pretty unique effect. Again, if you f*cked up and didn’t make yourself a reservation at Gjelina for your birthday, this is a great consolation spot. If you don’t have a reservation, it’s also fairly easy to walk in and get a seat at one of the communal tables at the bar. The food is mostly Italian, plus a few random outliers, like wings and a burger. There are cheeses and charcuterie, various small plates and veggie sides, a few very solid entrees, and many perfectly-cooked pastas. The menu is best shared, and if you do it right by ordering a little bit of everything, this is not going to be a cheap meal. Or anything resembling it. Regardless of its second-best status, The Tasting Kitchen is a standout on the overwhelming eating scene that is Abbot Kinney. It may always have a tough gig sitting next door to Gjelina, but it’s earned enough points in our books for some well-deserved time in the Venice sun. Food Rundown Morels, Poached Egg, Scapes, Polenta The poached egg is what crowns this polenta the prettiest girl in the pageant. Octopus, Borlotti Marinati, Nuda The octopus is perfectly charred, just the way we like it. Bruschetta With Apricot Like most Sunday mornings, we woke up the morning after our most recent meal here wondering if this dish actually happened the previous night. It was that fantastic. Giant pieces of really crispy bread loaded with ricotta, apricot, and some other delicious things. Mussels, Saffron Cream We recommend eating all of the mussels and then dumping the fries into this sauce. Fries Essential for the mussels. Creste Di Gallo, Calabrian sausage, Breadcrumbs The bizarrely shaped pasta, spicy sausage, and breadcrumbs are a must-order." - Amanda Williamson

"The Tasting Kitchen is popping up at sibling restaurant Ghisallo for dinner for a little while, since the Venice Tasting Kitchen space is undergoing renovations resulting from a small fire last month." - Farley Elliott

"Venice’s The Tasting Kitchen will reopen on 8/19 with a newly-renovated patio, serving a crowd-pleasing menu that includes options like handmade rigatoni with chorizo and mussels, eggplant a la plancha, and grilled prawns. Reservations available online." - brett keating, james montgomery

"If you’ve ever woken up on a Saturday morning and thought, “Yes, I do want lasagna for brunch today,” then The Tasting Kitchen is your place. And if a giant slice of pasta, meat, and white sauce isn’t your idea of a good time first thing in the morning, there are other options: everything from chicken and waffles and polenta with broccoli rabe to a roasted grapefruit and, obviously, eggs. We almost like this spot better during the day - it’s bright and open and appropriately beachy." - jess basser sanders, brant cox

"As the name suggests, the best way to experience this Abbot Kinney stalwart is to order the three- or five-course family-style tasting menu—never written and unique for each table. While James Beard finalist chef Casey Lane’s innovative, Mediterranean-influenced food is ever changing, certain recurring favorites include tagliarini with shrimp and serrano and or roasted branzino (with always-changing toppings). A pair of olive trees and candlelight soften the glass-walled main dining room, while in the humming bar, hip-hop or house music plays while patrons order cocktails off the chalkboard menu (ask for the Braveheart, featuring whiskey, ginger, and honey, or a spicy tequila Crazy Horse). Weekend brunch is a locals’ affair that can’t be missed, especially for the decadent waffles (sweet or savory) with “fried clucks” (chicken). Pro tip: Ask for mezzanine table 64 for the best sunset view, or in the summer, request one of the two outdoor tables for a date night."