Friends have been raving at GJELINA on Abbot Kinney so thought I’d finally check it out. Two of us split: Wood Roasted Cauliflower with garlic, chile, parsley and vinegar ($8); Smoked Mozarella pizza with confit tomato, jalapeno, arugula, lemon and bottarga ($15, pictured above, top); and Mussels with Homemade Chorizo ($13, pictured above, bottom). Between the pizza being overhyped as “amazing” and the 45 minute wait…the experience was a bit of a let down. The food was good, but not the best I’ve ever had (or even worth raving about). Throw in the charcuterie bar, the dim lights and the Abbot Kinney location– I can see why some people love this place.
Added July 1: Since my trip, I’ve heard about Gjelina over and over…and over again. I’ve also been told that I need to try different items on the menu that really highlight their fresh ingredients. Guess I’ll need to go back to try some more fare.
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-1429
