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Taverna at The Mar Vista
$$ · Mediterranean, Greek, Steakhouse

12249 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 751-6773
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mediterranean in Culver City Best Greek in Culver City Best Steakhouse in Culver City Best Romantic Restaurants in Culver City Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Culver City Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Culver City Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Culver City Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Culver City Best Trendy Restaurants in Culver City Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Culver City

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Taverna at The Mar Vista 7.8
Mar Vista
Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Date Night Magic Outdoor Dining Oasis
A neighborhood Greek taverna built for sharing—mezze platters, tableside flaming saganaki, and Sunday patio BBQ with spit-roasted kontosouvli draw groups who want to linger over wine and dips. The open garage-door setup gets loud during peak hours, so plan for lively conversation rather than intimate dialogue. Works best when you commit to the shareable format with a few friends and let the dip platter set the pace.
Must-Try Dishes: Char Grilled Octopus, You Dip We Dip, Flaming Saganaki
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 8 Consistency: 7.5 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Greek taverna with Sunday patio BBQ featuring spit-roasted kontosouvli and tableside flaming saganaki
Who should go: Groups seeking shareable mezze and weekend patio BBQ
When to visit: Sunday for patio BBQ; weeknights for unhurried dinner
What to order: Start with You Dip We Dip, share the octopus, order saganaki for the tableside flame show
Insider tip: Sunday BBQ sells out—arrive by noon for the kontosouvli
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Self parking available on Venice Blvd; valet parking also offered
Noise level: Lively to loud—open garage doors, sports on TV, and music can make conversation tricky during peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including dips (tzatziki, tirokafteri, pantzarosalata), salads, grilled eggplant, and vegetable sides
Vegan options: Dedicated vegan moussaka with pea milk béchamel; vegan sides include gigantes, spanakorizo, horta, and skordalia dip; vegan orange cake for dessert
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but with caveats - the casual Greek taverna atmosphere is warm and inviting, with open-air garage doors and a cozy vibe that works well for relaxed dates. However, the space has sports on TV and can get loud during busy times. Best for couples who prefer a lively, social atmosphere over quiet intimacy. Request outdoor patio seating for a slightly more secluded experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for most weeknights, though reservations are recommended on weekends. The restaurant fills up with neighborhood regulars, especially for dinner. Walk-ins have been accommodated even when busy, but for weekend dinners or outdoor seating, book ahead through their online reservation system. Last seating is at 9pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - this is a family-friendly Greek restaurant with a dedicated kids menu and high chairs available. The casual atmosphere and sharable tapas-style dishes work well for families. The noise level is forgiving of children, and weekend brunch (Saturday-Sunday 11am-3pm) is particularly family-oriented. Dog-friendly outdoor seating is a bonus for families with pets.
Is it good for groups? Yes - the Greek tapas-style menu is designed for family-style sharing, making it ideal for groups. They actively welcome group bookings for family, friends, or work events. Large parties can take up significant space in the restaurant. Contact them directly for group event planning. For parties over 6, book several days ahead.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - features an outdoor patio with open-air garage doors that blur indoor/outdoor boundaries. The patio hosts Sunday BBQ from 11am-4pm and is dog-friendly. No confirmation of heaters or covering, so may be weather-dependent. Request outdoor seating when booking as it's popular.
Best For
Better for: Groups sharing mezze platters and wine; neighborhood hangouts where conversation takes a backseat to communal eating
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner—it fills up with lively neighborhood crowds

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 10pm