Gjelina
Venice, Los Angeles
📍 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
🍽 New American · California · Wood-Fired
📅 Visited: January 2, 2026
🍴 Forks Given: 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 (4.55 / 5.0)
A near-perfect meal and one of the best overall dining experiences we’ve had in Los Angeles.
Overview
Gjelina has long been a cornerstone of the Venice dining scene, known for wood-fired cooking, vegetable-forward dishes, and a menu that rewards balance over excess. Despite its reputation and longevity, it still manages to feel relevant, intentional, and deeply satisfying.
This visit, which happened to coincide with my wife’s birthday, confirmed why Gjelina continues to stand apart. It also made us question why we’ve waited so long to come here (the drive out there helped to remind us, however).
First Impressions
The space was lively… and nearly chaotic. The rain surprises restaurants in LA and caused many outside tables to be unavailable, forcing many patrons indoors and crowded the entry way. But, the staff was handling the crowd well and the atmosphere didn’t suffer much (this could have been different if they tried to seat us anywhere near the front of the restaurant). The team there was helpful and polite when we arrived, without being snooty or “too cool” to care about us (as many trendy spots in LA can be).
One important note up front: there is no full bar. Gjelina offers beer and wine only, which I am sure would be fine for most folks, but puts a damper on any meal in our minds. So, if cocktails are part of your night, plan accordingly (more on that later).
What We Ordered
Grilled Rosalba Radicchio, Pickled Red Onion, Balsamic, Black Garlic Dressing
What stood out immediately was how different this salad was from the norm. Grilled, smoky, and layered with flavor in a way that felt intentional rather than performative, this was not an afterthought salad. It was not just unique, but so good we kept diving in for more.
Mushroom Toast, Confit Garlic, Crème Fraîche, White Wine, Thyme
This was excellent… and that’s something coming from me, as I don’t typically like mushrooms. Deeply savory, balanced, and thoughtfully composed, this dish managed to convert me in a way very few mushroom-forward plates ever have.
Cured Chorizo, Mozzarella, Calabrian Chile, Red Onion
Outstanding. Crisp, blistered crust with just the right chew, layered with flavor without tipping into heaviness. This pizza easily outshines many of the LA spots that get constant pizza praise, and it does so without gimmicks.
Orecchiette, Beef Cheek Bolognese, Whipped Ricotta
Rich, deeply comforting, and beautifully executed. The beef cheek was tender and luxurious, integrating seamlessly into the dish rather than dominating it. A standout example of restraint paired with technique.
Japanese Sweet Potato, Jalapeño Yogurt, Scallion
A perfect example of Gjelina’s vegetable-forward strength. Balanced sweetness, excellent texture, and enough complexity to hold its own alongside heavier proteins.
Bone In Dry Aged Ribeye, Herb Porcini Butter, Grilled Lemon
This was the star of the night—and one of the best steaks we’ve ever had. Perfectly cooked, deeply flavorful, and remarkably tender. No excess, no distraction, just exceptional execution. This alone would justify a return visit.
Butterscotch Pot De Crème, Salted Caramel, Crème Fraîche
This was like eating your grandma’s Werther’s Originals. It was super yummy and the texture was silky smooth, with a great cream topping that cut through the sweetness to provide a good balance.
Warm Date Cake, Whiskey Caramel, Ginger Gelato
The cake was amazing. Buttery and almost crispy on the outside, but very moist on the inside. Went very well with the caramel sauce. Where it lost me was the ginger gelato… I know, I know… it says ginger and I don’t like ginger. But, I thought maybe it would only have a hint of it. Instead, it was just too much. If you’re in the mood for ginger, it’s your jam.
Forks Given Score Breakdown
| Category | Score (1–5) | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Food Quality | 5.0 | 40% |
| Value | 4.0 | 20% |
| Service & Experience | 4.0 | 15% |
| Ambiance & Environment | 4.0 | 10% |
| Execution vs Intent | 5.0 | 10% |
| Return Factor | 5.0 | 5% |
Final Forks Given Score: 4.55 / 5.0
The Quirks
- No full bar; beer and wine only
- Reservations are essential and well worth planning ahead
The Verdict
Gjelina delivered one of the best meals we’ve had in Los Angeles. Full stop. Every course was thoughtful, balanced, and confidently executed. The rib eye alone ranks among the best steaks we’ve ever eaten, and the supporting dishes only reinforced how strong this kitchen is across the board.
Unlike many SoCal restaurants, this isn’t hype. It’s execution.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that gets just about everything right (across veggies, apps, pasta, pizza, and proteins) Gjelina belongs at the top of the list.
A Birthday Bonus Tip 🍸
Since Gjelina doesn’t offer cocktails, head to The Brig just down the road on Abbot Kinney. Shout out to the bartender there for making truly excellent martinis for us both before and after dinner. Talk about an ideal way to bookend the night!
