Gjelina

They're known for their pizzas, so I recommend getting two different ones to try. They change their menu up all the time so I can't recommend any specific pizza. If charred brussels sprouts are on the menu, definitely give those a try as well! Skip their cocktails as they aren't great.

Unmistakably delicious every time!

Amazing food and drinks, just make sure to make a reservation!

Gjelina, to me, represents what's wrong with the current state of Abbot-Kinney. Funky-spelled business name that I'm bound to mispronounce, what's-what of trendy menu items, shoddy service, out-of-whack prices, and busy-as-hell (that last one I don't understand). Now, I'm sure the restaurant itself is fine in it's "Aren't we cool?" way, but my experience was with the next-door Gjelina's Takeaway. I went on a Sunday at 8:30pm. With 16 pizzas on the menu, I figured I would be able to choose from more than 3 that were pre-made. Check that: 2 that were pre-made because the person ahead of me got the last slice of Pomodoro. Even though the person behind me had pre-ordered the Pomodoro slice, the staff decided to serve it first-come, first-served without even an apology to the thinking-ahead caller. They simply replaced his slice with another, charged him full price, and happily accepted his tip (People! Tips are for service!). I grabbed a slice of Fennel Salami (etc.) and Crudo Pomodoro (etc.), then my friends and I took a seat in the alley next-door on top of milk crates (obviously supplied by Gjelina's and obviously an attempt to both save money and appear too-hip). The pizza's flavor was fine. I would taste my friend's but, as I mentioned, we were kind of relegated to the 2 flavors. Oddly enough, though, since the pizza was pulled out of what was ostensibly a pizza warmer, it was slightly cooler than day-old college-party-days pizza. I could almost imagine that, had it been hot, or warm, or luke warm even, or slightly fresh, it would probably be fantastic. The flavors and ingredient combo was there. Will I go back? Maybe after one too many beers down the street. I'd have to be drinking to pay $14 for 2 slices of under-whelming but hopefully well-intentioned street pizza enjoyed while squatting on milk crates in a dirty alley.