When people talk about the best restaurants in Venice California, one name comes up again and again: Gjelina.

During my trip to California, this restaurant was recommended by multiple people and showed up at the top of nearly every food search I ran. With a reputation for seasonal vegetables and incredible pizza, it quickly earned a spot on my must-visit list.

So one evening, my friend and I headed to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for dinner.

Venice is packed with amazing restaurants, but Gjelina stands out for its vegetable-driven menu and wood-fired cooking. The space itself feels relaxed but stylish, perfectly matching the laid-back Venice vibe.

Because we weren’t incredibly hungry that night, we decided to share a few dishes and treat the meal more like a tasting of some of the restaurant’s highlights.

Gjelina via TripAdvisor

Grilled Russian Kale with Mint Yogurt

We started with the Grilled Russian Kale, which ended up being a fantastic first dish.

Trending

Where to Eat in St. Louis, MO: A Weekend Food Guide

The kale was charred beautifully and served with mint yogurt, shallots, and hazelnuts. The yogurt added a bright tang that balanced the smoky greens, while the hazelnuts added a great crunch.

It was a perfect example of how Gjelina turns simple vegetables into something memorable.

Grilled Russian Kale

Japanese Sweet Potato with Jalapeño Yogurt

Next up was the Japanese Sweet Potato, another standout from the vegetable section of the menu.

The potatoes were incredibly tender, and the jalapeño yogurt sauce slowly built a gentle heat with each bite. The combination of sweetness and spice made this dish hard to stop eating.

Japanese Sweet Potato

Squash Blossom Pizza

Since pizza is one of my personal weaknesses, we had to try one from the Gjelina pizza menu.

We ordered the Squash Blossom Pizza, which was topped with cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and burrata. The crust was thin with just the right amount of chew, and the toppings came together beautifully.

Honestly, this might be one of the best pizzas I’ve had in California.

Squash Blossom Pizza

Butterscotch Pot De Crème

Even though we were pretty satisfied by this point, dessert was absolutely necessary.

We ordered the Butterscotch Pot De Crème, topped with crème fraîche and salted caramel. The saltiness helped balance the sweetness perfectly, and it ended up being the ideal way to finish the meal.

Butterscotch Pot De Crème

Planning a Visit

Gjelina is located at
1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California.

If you’re visiting Los Angeles or Venice Beach, it’s absolutely worth adding to your list — especially if you love vegetable-focused dishes and great pizza.

You can see where else my travels take me, here.

More California Food Adventures

If you’re planning a California food trip, here are a few other places from my travels worth checking out:

• Poke Bowl Factory (Anaheim) – a great stop for fresh poke bowls with tons of toppings and bright flavors.
• Szechuan Impression (Alhambra) – one of the best spots for authentic Sichuan cuisine in Southern California.
• Portola Coffee Roasters (Orange) – a must-visit for specialty coffee and creative espresso drinks.

Together with Gjelina, these spots showcase just how diverse and exciting the California food scene can be.

Be sure to subscribe for the rest of my California travel tips!

Drooling for more? Follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gjelina Venice

Where is Gjelina located?
Gjelina is located at 1429 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California.

What type of food does Gjelina serve?
Gjelina is known for its seasonal vegetable dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and California-style cooking.

What are popular dishes at Gjelina?
Favorites include the Grilled Russian Kale, Japanese Sweet Potato, Squash Blossom Pizza, and Butterscotch Pot De Crème.

Is Gjelina worth visiting in Venice?
Yes. It’s widely considered one of the best restaurants in Venice and Los Angeles, especially for vegetable-focused dishes and creative pizzas.