RESTAURANTS • First Word
The Skinny: At Alisa Wine & Friends, fresh, upscale Greek fare and perfectly paired wines are on offer on Abbot Kinney in the former Plant Food & Wine space.
The Vibe: Multiple dining spaces are accented by white terracotta walls with natural highlights, shelves with Grecian pottery, and pops of blue throughout. Venture down a hallway to find a patio full of greenery; sit here if you’d like to hear your dinner companions. The diners give off Venice vibes while they flirt with the attractive waitstaff, some of them authentic Greeks.
The Food: First, warm, chewy flatbread to scoop up house-made dips like the tzatziki topped with olive oil infused with garlic and lime. The Greek salad is served with a giant feta block. Smaller-sized mains means you can easily order and try more of them. Opt for the tender octopus with an electric orange carrot puree. The sliceable lamb chops come with four modest pieces, and the black cod sits upon orzo drenched in a creamy tomato lobster stock.
The Drink: A big list of Greek and other curated wines, including orange and chilled reds. There’s no hard alcohol, but if you’re feeling a cocktail, try one of their spritzes. The sake espresso martini, topped with chocolate shavings, is best as a dessert.
The Verdict: Every dish works, and it’s most fun when you order to share. Even more: Alisa evokes a Mediterranean calm, a quick getaway from LA, right off Venice’s main drag. –Dyana Lederman
→ Alisa Wine & Friends (Venice) • 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd • Mon-Fri 5-11p, Sat 11a-11p, Sun 11a-10p • Reserve.