Gjelina, named after the founder Fran Camaj’s mother, is built on the foundation of family. When the original location opened out of Fran’s apartment in Venice Beach in 2008, it set the standard for sustainable restaurant practices and remains the premier case study for sustainable dining today. This commitment to excellence has earned its original Venice, CA location recognition in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
This acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant concept features vibrant, produce-forward dishes crafted with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Whether you're seeking a healthy and casual lunch or an elegant dinner, Gjelina is a premium experience for those searching for New American food.
What is New American Cuisine?
New American cuisine is a culinary movement that uses high-quality, seasonal ingredients from local sources as the foundation for innovative dishes. At Gjelina, this means we offer a menu of Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, drawing from the rustic, sun-drenched flavors of those regions. Think of blistered wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas like Cacio e Pepe, and vibrant vegetable plates—all created with a California sensibility. It’s about letting fresh, healthy ingredients shine.
