Michele StuevenAfter a two year hiatus, Taverna at The Mar Vista has officially reopened with a market driven fresh take on authentic Greek fare and a full bar, just what the neighborhood has been starving for.
Traditional favorites make up the menu inspired by co-owner Demetrios Mavromichalis’ Greek roots, including saganaki – pan fried kefalograviera cheese flamed tableside with warm pita. It pairs beautifully with the La Presa Vineyard orange wine. The Mykonos salad is a mix of herbs, arugula and shaved onions topped with Greek sheep cheese.
Flaming kefalograviera (Michele Stueven)
Stunning larger format plates include a cinnamony slow-braised lamb shank resting on a bed of toasted orzo as well as a vegan moussaka and a traditional pork gyro platter surrounded by a mini army of olives, feta, tzatziki, grilled pita and lettuce wraps.
The bar program includes a line of signature cocktails like the crisp Santorini with vodka, green grapes, St. Germain, lime juice and Greek Moschofilero wine as well as a lychee martini and seasonal margaritas like blood orange and spicy cucumber.
Starting out with counter service, the restaurant is open seven days a week including brunch on the weekends for the Mar Vista Farmers Market crowd.
Braised lamb shank (Michele Stueven)
The Mykonos salad (Michele Stueven)
Cheers to the grape Santorini (Michele Stueven)
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.