Gjelina in California

"Yes. It is a classic. Is it still worth it? ABSOLUTELY! The food here is excellent at all levels, including a good choice of wine by the glass. The pizzas are excellent, eg the one with anchovies, but even more the grilled vegetables such as the grilled cabbage and grilled carrots. The smokiness abd acidity elevates the dishes. Way to go."

"The exterior and interior design is pretty cool as a combo of modern and eclectic with warm, tactile and cozy finishes and furniture. The food is outstanding. My son and I started by sharing the steak tartare on sour Dough. Superb! My son had the hangar steak banh mi sandwich and I had the baked Moroccan eggs dish and washed it down with a couple refreshing iPA’s from Long Beach Brewing. Our waitress and her team were great too! As a bonus I got to sit adjacent to famous architect Thom Mayne. I think this place should pursue and be considered for a Michelin Star! Going to hit their NY outfit when we get back east! It was that good!"

"gjelina delivers on food quality and overall experience, but i'm docking it one star for a very specific reason: you absolutely cannot modify anything on the menu. not even a simple request like adding a side of basil to a pasta. for a restaurant of this caliber, that level of rigidity was surprising and a bit disappointing. just know going in that the menu is strictly “as is,” and manage expectations accordingly. that said, the food itself was good, flavorful, and clearly made with quality ingredients. the service was friendly and attentive overall, though they did forget to bring our drink order, which took away slightly from the experience."

"We visited this restaurant because it was one of the Chase Sapphire perks. It was well worth the drive from North of LA. We had a lovely waitress named Alley who recommended several of the menu items we ordered, like the Gruyere, Caramelized Onion & Fromage Blanc pizza and the Grilled Kabocha Squash with Mint Pistou, pomegranate and red walnuts. Oh my gosh, those were so good. My husband's favorite was the broccolini with plenty of confit garlic and a slight chili taste. And I'd say the Japanese sweet potato and Brussel sprouts were totally unique and great tasting too. The restaurant was crowded for a Saturday brunch, so make a reservation (we still waited a bit). We sat upstairs which was quiet and would have been perfect on a typical LA warm day, but the inside was bustling, so take your pick. The price is a bit high, but we were full on the vegies and pizza, and Alley was so great, checking on us and making sure the food came out timely and we were enjoying everything. A lovely experience."

"Delicious comfort foods. Between 3 of us shared a green salad, two pastas, Japanese sweet potato (must get) and a lamb pizza + the warm date cake w the most delicious ginger ice cream! On cool evening sit on the back patio. It was perfect."

"3.8/5 ⭐ Came here for dinner and waited about an hour, which raised expectations. The food was good and well prepared, but nothing particularly memorable. We had the pizza — the chorizo pizza was a bit too salty for our taste. The atmosphere was nice overall, but parking is tricky and we had to rely on street parking. Solid spot, just be prepared for the wait and logistical hassle."

"⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently visited Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Blvd and it’s clear why it’s been a Venice institution since 2008. The restaurant combines a lively California vibe with thoughtful, produce-forward cuisine that showcases locally sourced seasonal ingredients — a hallmark of its menu philosophy.  The atmosphere is buzzy and energetic, with a picture-perfect interior of brick floors and greenery that feels casual yet special — ideal for both brunch and dinner.  While it can be busy (reservations are a good idea), once seated the experience becomes relaxed. Outdoor seating is charming if you prefer an al fresco feel.  We tried several dishes and genuinely enjoyed them. The Tai snapper crudo was exceptionally fresh with bright flavors, and the charcuterie board made a great starter.  The wood-fired pizzas and vegetable plates are also standouts — the kind of food that tastes elevated without feeling overly fussy.  Portions lean toward small-share style, so plan to order a few plates to explore the menu.  Service can vary depending on crowd level, but overall staff are knowledgeable about the menu and willing to make recommendations.  Prices are on the higher side, which is typical for the area and quality, and some people find portions modest for the price, but we felt the quality of ingredients and preparation justified it.  In short, Gjelina is a must-visit spot in Venice for anyone who appreciates creative California cuisine with a communal sharing style — just go with an appetite and an eagerness to try a few different dishes!"

"We visited Gjelina to celebrate my second daughter’s birthday. Reservations are a must here—the place was packed with people waiting at the entrance. Due to heavy traffic, we arrived a bit late and ended up waiting an additional 30–40 minutes. Initially, we were seated on the rooftop, but the direct sunlight made it a bit uncomfortable. Thankfully, the staff was very accommodating and moved us to a better table as soon as the neighboring guests finished their meal. The food was absolutely exquisite. While most diners order individual plates, we followed our cultural tradition of sharing dishes. It felt like a curated course meal; as soon as the four of us finished one dish, the next arrived perfectly timed. Though the portions didn't look huge at first, the depth of flavor and the wonderful ambiance made for a satisfying and top-tier dining experience. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a truly special meal!"