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The Tasting Kitchen

New American Restaurant$$$$

Venice

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The Tasting Kitchen

8.3^/10

709

ratings

Ranked #1 for cocktails in Venice
Has a stamp of approval from Los Angeles Times and LA Weekly
"Sticky bun, short rib hash, and French toast were standouts."(8 Tips)
"... and waffles, the sticky buns are to die for! the playlists are superb,..."(4 Tips)
"Get the braveheart cocktail (whiskey + ginger) - it's not in the menu!"(3 Tips)
"Order the Tasting Menu"(6 Tips)

179 Tips and reviews

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short rib hash
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tasting menu
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EaterApril 3, 2014
The tagliarini with spicy serrano chilies & meaty shrimp is one of the most deceptively simple pastas in the city, the right balance of spice with umami from the shrimp takes this one over the top. Read more
EaterMay 9, 2016
The Tasting Kitchen still maintains an excellent level of quality. The room is one of the most lovely on the block and the cocktails by Justin Pike stand up to the best in town. Try the pastas. Read more
EaterApril 11, 2013
Justin Pike comes up with a new drink nearly every day, and the list changes seasonally. But the Braveheart, a perfect marriage of scotch and ginger -- cool heat -- remains an off-the-menu favorite.
Rachel KFebruary 7, 2015
Been here 5+ times
A warm roasted grapefruit with mint shavings plus one of the baked goods (muffins, sticky buns, French toast) makes a pretty solid breakfast, paired with a cocktail, of course.
EaterOctober 30, 2013
Order the fried chicken & waffles, short rib hash, and a grilled tomato sandwich on the bill of fare. Don't skip the sticky bun.
kelsey karsonJuly 10, 2017
Yes, you need a reservation and a few extra $$$ in your wallet, but it's some of the best in the city. I always indulge in the pasta and haven't yet regretted it. Really great staff, too.
LA WeeklyMarch 27, 2015
From roasted grapefruit to short rib hash to multiple egg preparations, there's something on this menu for the lightest appetite or to wipe out the most serious hangover. Read more
Wondering FeetOctober 9, 2016
Loved the biscuit & gravy! The sage scrambled that comes with os is amazing. So are the potatoes. Very chill ambience—great for a relaxed weekend brunch
goopJuly 30, 2014
The food—modern Italian by Portland transplant Casey Lane—is excellent, made even better by the comfortable, leather wrapped Eames chairs, and always kind and attentive service. Read more
Loren Monroe-TriceSeptember 20, 2014
Cocktails!! Classic and delicious. Also wonderful for brunch or dinner. Anything you try will be tasty - be adventurous. You won't be disappointed.
Becca MochiMarch 21, 2018
Great weekend brunch and dinner. Must get the grapefruit and whatever cocktail takes your fancy at breakfast. Try the set dinner menu but failing that you can't go wrong with any pasta.
Los Angeles TimesJune 6, 2013
The basic impression is of Italian cooking translated into an odd American dialect, in which grilled anchovies are laid so beautifully on the plate that you suspect there's an art director. Read more
Adrian BellomoOctober 17, 2016
Been here 5+ times
The cocktails are heavenly. Order a Braveheart (ask for it by name if it's not on the menu) for gingery, limey, scotchy goodness (but not too scotchy, somehow—normally I don't even like scotch!
Bobby NooromidOctober 30, 2012
The branzino is served as a whole fish, so it's definitely shareable between two people. That, and it's pretty boney even after they take the skeleton out in front of you, so watch out as you chew.
Los Angeles TimesAugust 3, 2014
The brunches, which include things like short-rib hash and bacon-stuffed waffles with fried chicken, are legend even in brunch-obsessed Venice. Read more
Serious EatsAugust 22, 2011
Real McCoy: A frothy, easy-to-sip potion of rum, citrus, and a healthy dose of sweet, nutty orgeat syrup. It finishes with a solid, clean kick that can only come from a well-mixed rum drink. Read more
CBM March 18, 2014
Squid Rigatoni blew our minds! Boyfriend is a pasta snob and he says it's the best he's ever had! Also, this white wine.
Ranu RajkarnikarSeptember 16, 2014
Brunch was great! Short rib hash and eggs in a basket are winners as was the Bloody Mary. Beautiful space!
Damian BayonaJanuary 13, 2017
The 3 dish tasting menu is waaay too much food. Can't imagine how anyone could handle the 5 dish menu. And that doesn't include the extra desert round at the end 👌🏻
Rachel KFebruary 7, 2015
Been here 5+ times
The best Venice spot for a boozy breakfast. The bloody Mary's are great, but I like the refreshing Cotton Club (cava, camomile, bitters).
DAN COXJuly 21, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Sit at the bar (or as near to it as you can get...it's always packed!) and enjoy one of the most talented bar staffs in Los Angeles. And, there's terrific food to go with. An extraordinary experienc
Burt HermanMay 26, 2014
The cocktails and food are amazing. It can take a while to get what you order and service could be better, but I'd still go back anyway because it's just that good.
Diplomatico RumApril 13, 2013
Truly great ambient and even better staff. Don't miss any of Justin Pike's creation with Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
LA WeeklyMarch 27, 2015
The Tasting Kitchen provides seriously good daytime drinks and eats for the breeziest Venice weekend. Read more
Alexandra E.April 6, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Menu and chef are fantastic here, as are the ambience and music. Crowd can be obnoxious and the service is absolutely horrible. It is also quite pricey. Toss up.
Los AngelesSeptember 6, 2013
The menu is clearly influenced by a Mediterranean mindset—there’s a whole section devoted just to pasta—and Chef Lane is adept at both the simple and the surprising.
Yvette LiuAugust 26, 2015
I found the purslane salad is quite interesting dish. The pastry and bread stuff are good!! The chocolate brioche!!!
AMWNovember 28, 2015
Always a madhouse for brunch, but the fried chicken and waffle are worth the wait.
Phillip WoodOctober 18, 2014
Been here 5+ times
My favorite cocktail is the now off-menu Braveheart: scotch, ginger, lemon, honey, a dash of butters, served up. Enjoy!
Gloria TapiaJanuary 24, 2013
Delectable dishes & tasty specialty cocktails! Try the clams/chorizo & duck confit, both were scrumptious. make sure to RSVP & ask to be seated upstairs.
The FeastJune 9, 2011
House dishes made from animals and fish that are butchered in-house, fresh pastas lavished with seasonal ingredients and cocktails crafted by an all-star bar staff using medicinal ingredients. Read more
BiancaSeptember 26, 2021
Go for the testing menu. Loved the lentils, the fish, the pasta, the mussels. Not necessarily this order 😄
Laura LachmanOctober 1, 2014
Ridiculously small portion of halibut for $35. I thought I liked this place but feel jipped. Tagliarini pasta was delicious.
Nicole GoddardAugust 2, 2012
Order the Tasting Menu-- special and amazing surprises from the chef. It's a true culinary delight!!! Worth every earned penny. And the drinks... Wow.
Lili CohenJune 10, 2013
must have the chicken and waffles, the sticky buns are to die for! the playlists are superb, but at times it can get pretty loud!
eric bornemannDecember 2, 2020
Good place for brunch or lunch. If crowded it’s best to sit at the bar for faster service.
Dominic PreussFebruary 16, 2014
Get the braveheart cocktail (whiskey + ginger) - it's not in the menu!
Monica PatrickNovember 7, 2017
Atmosphere is on point. Cocktails were great. Lots of interesting mixes, must try again!
Vanity Fair AgendaJanuary 30, 2012
The Tasting Kitchen hails from Portland, and chef Casey Lane and his staff serve up delicious, fresh food in the Northwest style with French undertones.
naveenMay 25, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The chicken-and-waffles situation: amazing. And ask for the off-menu Braveheart cocktail.
Mucho Comida™January 29, 2013
Service at the bar is excellent. So is the pasta. So are the drinks. So is the ambiance. So is Jesus. Enjoy.
Tony BielOctober 31, 2011
Over-rated. Great space, good service, good food. Could have been better. Daily menu, hard to build a consistent refined menu. They should try a seasonal menu.
Fatma GencOctober 27, 2015
Yup, it's all true. Good food, wine, folks. Share all the big plates and dessert with the cheeses
GourmetLiveOctober 16, 2010
There’s a focused simplicity of Lane’s food: buttery Umbrian lentils; grilled bread smeared with fromage blanc; a perfectly medium-rare steak rough-sliced and served with balsamic fingerling potatoes.
Michelle GonzoMay 2, 2012
Try the Golden Ticket ... Yum! Pisco, passion, lime, and honey ... So different from all ordinary drinks. Great place for cocktails!!!
Robert Van NiceMarch 24, 2014
Amazing meal, so make sure you arrive hungry. Tremendous restaurant, especially for special occasions.
Tasting TableJuly 19, 2012
Ask for the off-menu burger. This secret item is topped with bacon, a sunny-side-up egg and pungent Époisses cheese: Read more
Ricky SherrillAugust 21, 2016
A good spot on Abbott Kinney to eat or grab a drink. Can get a little crowded.
Simple FoodieNovember 4, 2013
Great place to take visitors for brunch. Enjoy a great and then take a walk up and down Abbot Kinney.
Odi Nazer 👨🏻‍✈️July 7, 2017
Clams,Serlinon steak, lobster linguine 👌🏼❤️😍 bread and butter is a must though.

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