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Taverna at The Mar Vista
Master Critic Reviews (10 Lists)
Taverna at The Mar Vista
8.4
A big, social Greek taverna built for mezze feasts, with open-air patio energy and tableside saganaki theatrics. The dip platters, grilled octopus, and slow-cooked lamb keep regulars coming back, backed by high-volume, steady ratings.
Must-Try Dishes:
You Dip We Dip platter, Grilled octopus, Moussaka
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Lively Greek mezze culture with strong patio-and-bar scene.
Who should go: Friends doing share-plates and wine.
When to visit: Sunday patio BBQ or dinner peak buzz.
What to order: Dip platter, grilled octopus, moussaka.
Insider tip: Ask about the rotating Sunday BBQ items.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
8.6
A lively Mar Vista taverna that leans into mezze culture—tableside saganaki, shareable dips, and charcoal-grilled mains—paired with a strong cocktail and Greek wine program. The open-air patio and neighborhood buzz make it feel like a Westside clubhouse for long, snacky dinners and weekend brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming saganaki, You Dip We Dip platter, Moussaka
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A big, social Greek mezze house with patio energy and classic taverna theatrics.
Who should go: Friends who like sharing plates and lingering over drinks.
When to visit: Early evening for patio seating or weekend brunch.
What to order: Saganaki, dip sampler, keftedes or moussaka.
Insider tip: Come with a group and order mezze first—mains are generous.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
7.8
Primarily a Greek taverna, but its grilled cuts—especially well-seasoned steak plates—make it a credible steakhouse-adjacent pick in a ZIP short on dedicated steakhouses. The room stays buzzy with mezze, wine, and a social dinner cadence that suits groups. Review volume and steady ratings suggest a reliable grill even when the menu ranges wider.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled steak plate (rotisserie/grill specials), Tableside saganaki, Grilled octopus
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Greek grill energy with steak options in a lively Westside setting.
Who should go: Friends doing a share-plate dinner with steak add-ons.
When to visit: Weekend nights for the full taverna buzz.
What to order: Grilled steak special, saganaki, octopus.
Insider tip: Go family-style and add a steak cut to anchor the table.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
8.2
A bright, open Greek taverna with shareable mezze, strong cocktails, and occasional tableside fire. It’s relaxed romance—ideal for couples who want convivial energy over hushed formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming Saganaki, Grilled Octopus, Portokalopita (Orange Cake)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Greek mezze culture with a lively Westside patio vibe.
Who should go: Couples who enjoy snacky, shared dinners.
When to visit: Weekend night for the full taverna buzz.
What to order: Saganaki, grilled octopus, orange cake.
Insider tip: Order a dip spread first—then pace the rest.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
8.2
A bright, social Greek taverna built for shared plates, cold wine, and long, snacky dinners. Tableside saganaki and a deep mezze lineup make it feel festive without being fussy. A reliable neighborhood favorite with strong crowd validation.
Must-Try Dishes:
You Dip We Dip mezze platter, Flaming saganaki, Grilled octopus
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A communal Greek feast vibe with standout dips and tableside theatrics.
Who should go: Groups who love family-style ordering and a lively room.
When to visit: Sunday BBQ hours or weeknights for an easier table.
What to order: Mezze platter, saganaki, octopus or souvlaki.
Insider tip: Start with dips, then add skewers—portioning works best that way.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
7.7
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
A high-spirited Greek taverna with tableside saganaki fireworks and a patio that fills up with celebratory crews. The menu leans classic—grilled seafood, dips, lamb, and bright salads—executed with care and meant for sharing. Ideal for birthdays or family-style nights where the vibe matters as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside saganaki, Grilled octopus, Lamb kebabs
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Greek hospitality with show-stopping saganaki for the table.
Who should go: Birthdays, big groups, and families who love shared plates.
When to visit: Sunday afternoon into early evening.
What to order: Saganaki, grilled octopus, lamb kebabs.
Insider tip: Go on a live-music night for the full taverna feel.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
8.0
A casual Greek neighborhood anchor with a comfortable outdoor patio and weekend energy. Expect well-seasoned grilled meats, bright dips, and a crowd that treats it like a local living room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Lamb chops, Souvlaki platter
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Greek comfort cooking with an easygoing patio.
Who should go: Families and groups craving grilled Greek classics.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or sunset dinner.
What to order: Octopus, lamb chops, souvlaki platter.
Insider tip: Check for Sunday BBQ specials on the patio.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
8.3
A casual Greek taverna with open-air doors and a lively patio that welcomes pups alongside neighborhood regulars. Expect mezze-driven dining, bright herbs and citrus, and tableside flair that keeps the room buzzing.
Must-Try Dishes:
You Dip We Dip Mezze Platter, Grilled Octopus, Lamb Chops (Paidakia)
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Greek mezze and grilling in a patio-forward neighborhood hub.
Who should go: Mezze lovers and patio hang crews with dogs.
When to visit: Sunday BBQ brunch for peak energy.
What to order: Mezze platter, octopus, lamb chops.
Insider tip: Start with dips and pita—portions are ideal for sharing.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
8.1
A casual Greek tavern with open-air garage doors, a full bar, and a mezze-forward menu built for sharing. The vibe is social and low-pressure, with weekend brunch and patio BBQ drawing a steady local following. Come for dips, grilled seafood, and the kind of easy hospitality that makes you linger.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flaming saganaki, Grilled octopus, Assorted mezze spreads
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A lively neighborhood Greek spot that doubles as a brunch-and-mezze hangout.
Who should go: Friends who like sharing plates and cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening for mezze.
What to order: Saganaki, octopus, a trio of dips.
Insider tip: Order mezze first, then add a grill plate only if you’re still hungry.
Taverna at The Mar Vista
7.9
A market-driven Greek taverna that keeps things light, fresh, and vegetable-forward while still delivering hearty classics. The room stays buzzing with groups dipping, grilling, and lingering over wine in a casually festive setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
You Dip We Dip mezze platter, Char-grilled octopus with fava purée, Lamb shank youvetsi
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Greek comfort food re-imagined through a farmers-market lens.
Who should go: Mezze fans and casual neighborhood crews.
When to visit: Sunday patio BBQ or brunch.
What to order: Mezze platter, octopus, lamb shank.
Insider tip: Go early for brunch—tables fill fast on Venice Blvd.