The Tasting Kitchen has officially returned to Abbot Kinney in Venice, bringing back its distinct style and original chef Casey Lane. Known as an early-aughts neighborhood gem, the reimagined "Tasting Kitchen 2.0" is once again a bustling spot, with its dining room full and lively.
Casey Lane leads the kitchen, restoring many elements that first endeared the restaurant to locals, including smart, intimate service and a robust wine selection. The interior has been refreshed by designer Matthew Winter, offering a contemporary yet familiar setting.
Diners have options, with a 5-course tasting menu available for $135 per person, where the kitchen team curates the meal. Alternatively, a 4-course menu is offered for $115. For those who prefer to choose, an extensive a la carte menu includes new additions like molten ‘nduja croquettes, alongside cheese and charcuterie. Tasting menus typically feature a pasta course, with gluten-free options anticipated, and a substantial main dish, such as roasted chicken prepared with honeycomb stuffing and chanterelle jus. The source notes that the tasting menus may offer the "best bang for your buck" and reduce immediate "decision fatigue" from the broad a la carte selection.
The atmosphere at The Tasting Kitchen 2.0 offers varied experiences. Downstairs, a vibrant sound system plays a mix of mellow hip-hop from the 1980s and 1990s, occasionally shifting to unexpected jazz cuts, setting a lively tone for Venice's cool kids. A back bar room adjacent to the main dining area provides a more casual setting with higher tables, suitable for friends to gather without the formality of banquette seating. Upstairs, the mezzanine provides a quieter alternative. Framed by textured watercolor-painted walls, this area offers upper-level views and is an option for those dining with children or with later reservations.
The restaurant draws an eclectic generational mix of patrons, with no single age group or type dominating the crowd. Westsiders often visit for dates, and groups of friends are known to occupy the front dining room's sweeping window seats. The overall sentiment is one of reconnecting with an established local presence, giving the impression it has simply resumed its place in the neighborhood.