May 13, 2025

Gjelina Brings Its SoCal Cool—and Seasonal Italian Fare—to NYC

Set the Scene.

Bringing its signature SoCal flair to New York City, Gjelina has officially gone bicoastal. Though far from its Venice Beach beginnings, the Bond Street outpost proves the brand’s California cool translates effortlessly to the East Coast.

Once inside, the space immediately contrasts with its cobblestone street setting. Past a draped check-in desk, the dining room opens up into a pared-down yet warm environment: sandy walls, wooden banquettes, a soft yellow glow, and leafy potted plants that lend a subtle indoor-outdoor feel. It’s minimal, earthy, and effortlessly welcoming.

Toward the back, a glass partition frames the open kitchen and cocktail bar, where maple leather barstools offer front-row seats to the culinary action. It’s part chef’s table, part social scene.

What can we expect from the food?

If you’re craving a red-sauce classic, this might not be your spot—and picky eaters, take note: substitutions are not allowed. At Gjelina, the ever-evolving menu is dictated by what’s freshest at the market, with dishes likely to rotate weekly. This is Italian through a California lens—light, ingredient-forward, and packed with seasonal vibrancy.

We started with the Dandelion Greens salad: dressed in anchovy buttermilk, breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan, it channels the spirit of a Caesar with a sharper, zestier bite. Delicious.

From the veggie section, we tried the Sugar Snap Peas with kalamata olives, fennel, and mint. It’s proof that Gjelina knows how to elevate garden-variety ingredients into something memorable.

As for entrées—listed as “Plates”—the Saffron Spaghetti stood out. Spiked with chili, then balanced with bottarga, confit tomato, garlic, and scallion, it was a flavor bomb. Our waiter also recommended the Snowdance Chicken and the Lamb Burger, stacked with Schlossberger cheese, cilantro, Fresno chili, and spiced yogurt.

The pizza? Get two. The Pomodoro with confit tomato, oregano, and basil is a no-brainer—especially with burrata added for a Margherita upgrade. Carnivores will love the Lamb Sausage pie with Asiago, rapini, and mint, or the Soppressata topped with red onion and Calabrian chili.

Cap it all off with dessert. You can’t go wrong, but we suggest the Chocolate Tart with pistachio and crème fraîche or the decadent Tiramisu layered with espresso, mascarpone, and cacao nibs.

What about the drinks?

The drink menu leans just as seasonal and unfussy as the food. Cocktails are refreshing and straightforward—think bourbon with peach amaro, lemon, and soda, or gin with hibiscus and cranberry.

Wine is the go-to pairing, with a curated list spanning reds, whites, rosés, and even orange vino for the curious sipper.

Stopping in for a daytime bite? Try one of the zero-proof options, like fresh juice, iced tea, or the table-favorite: lemon-ginger soda. Coffee drinkers can opt for cold brew, an Americano, or channel their inner Italian with a post-lunch espresso.

Final thoughts?

Though rooted in the West Coast, Gjelina’s seasonal, veggie-forward take on Italian food—and its breezy, unfussy vibe—feels right at home in New York. For Manhattanites craving a slice of California, this NoHo newcomer is more than welcome.