When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
TAVERNA at The Mar Vista
Why TAVERNA at The Mar Vista is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Taverna at The Mar Vista, located on Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles, is a standout destination for authentic Greek cuisine served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. This casual yet vibrant restaurant offers an ideal spot to gather with friends, family, or colleagues, whether for a cozy date night, a lively weekend brunch, or a casual dinner. The open seating and open-air garage doors allow the refreshing Southern California breeze to enhance the experience, creating a comfortable atmosphere where Mediterranean hospitality shines. Guests enjoy a diverse menu featuring traditional Greek dishes, including classic dips like tirokafteri, tzatziki, melitzanosalata, and standout entrees such as grilled octopus and moussaka. The restaurant's family-style tapas encourage sharing and conviviality, making it perfect for social dining. With a full bar offering expertly crafted cocktails, including signature drinks like The Last Word, and televised sports for entertainment, Taverna caters to a variety of preferences in a lively neighborhood environment. Weekend highlights such as Sunday BBQ on the patio and a popular happy hour extend opportunities for socializing. Recognized as a finalist in the 2022 “Best of the Southland” in the bar category, Taverna combines fresh, bold Mediterranean flavors with genuine hospitality, making it a beloved spot for memorable meetups in Los Angeles.
Here's what people think of TAVERNA at The Mar Vista
As of recent, TAVERNA at The Mar Vista holds a 4.5-star rating based on 531 reviews.
Reviews from customers highlight Taverna at The Mar Vista as an exceptional Greek restaurant that balances authenticity with a casual and friendly atmosphere. Many guests praise the quality and flavor of the food, especially the mezze platters, fresh dips, and standout dishes like lamb, grilled octopus, and moussaka. The cozy ambiance, complemented by Greek music and a bright, airy space with large windows, contributes to an inviting dining experience. Patrons also appreciate the attentive and personable service, often noting interactions with the friendly bartenders and owner, which enhance the sense of community. The happy hour receives particular acclaim for its well-crafted cocktails and good value, making it a favorite time to visit. On the other hand, some reviews point out that during busy times the restaurant can fill up quickly, sometimes leading to a wait or a lively environment that may not suit those seeking a quiet meal. A few diners have mentioned that while the menu is flavorful, some items could be pricier compared to similar neighborhood spots. Overall, the positive experiences dominate, with Taverna earning accolades for its delicious food, excellent hospitality, and vibrant ambiance. It successfully serves as both a neighborhood staple and a destination for Greek cuisine lovers, inviting guests to enjoy a warm and engaging meal with friends or family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mayi Barov
We had a great Saturday Greek lunch. The atmosphere was very lively! People were dancing to live Greek music, become a Greek party! The food was delicious, and although the restaurant was packed and the staff was busy, the service still held up. It’s definitely an authentic Greek experience you can find in LA.
Richard Wehmeyer
Came here to have a dinner with friends. Even great to sit at the bar, having drinks and delicious dinner. We did not wait long for our orders. It was my first time at a Greek restaurant in the US. It is definitely much pricier but good. Would have been nice to get an ouzo after leaving $200
Sar Seer
As someone who loves Greek cuisine, and originally from the East Coast, it's been challenging to find authentic Greek food here in SoCal. If it isn't Middle Eastern food being mislabeled as "Greek" by so called fans of Greek cuisine who put out recommendations on various platforms, or subpar attempts at Greek cuisine by those who are trying to please a wide audience but not offering an authentic Greek food experience. Recently, we had seen some instagram posts about a wonderful restaurant in Los Angeles, featuring large scale grills and spits in front of an large, welcoming open dining area, with grill masters diligently grilling tantalizing huge portions of various meats. We knew we had to make the drive up from SD, so we went for the Sunday BBQ recently for lunch. The place was packed and we were happy to have made our reservation in advance, even though we didn't see people waiting very long for a table. The staff was bustling and quickly moving to serve the various amazing looking food to its customers, and there were many instances of Saganaki cheese being set aflame with the exclamation of "Opa!" along with it. For apps, we tried the beet dip (I couldn't stop eating this!), flaming saganaki cheese, horiatki (Greek) salad, tiropta (savory cheese pie). For mains, we had the roasted pork Kontosoulvi (which was the best we've had outside of NY or Greece,) it's basically chunks of seasoned skewered roasted pork, chopped on to manageable pieces. So good that we ended up getting two orders! Also tried the loukaniko (citrus and wine seasoned Greek sausage), which was good. We also ordered the pastitsio AND the moussaka. They both had similar flavor profiles but I preferred the moussaka only because I enjoy eggplant and veggies in the casserole (versus pasta, as in pastitsio) but both were quite good. During the meal, my spouse went to speak to the grill master at the front to give his compliments as it turned out, it was the owner, Dimitri, working his magic on the grill. He was very personable, engaging and he enjoyed talking to him. It was such an enjoyable experience having Sunday brunch at Taverna At The Mar Vista and we look forward to returning. A must visit in LA!
Shayne Walton
Taverna has quickly become our absolute favorite restaurant in the area — and for good reason! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by a staff that is incredibly helpful, welcoming, and genuinely fun to be around - our two favorite servers are Zach and Jessica. They make you feel like part of the family every single time. And the food? Absolutely delicious. We can't say enough good things about it, but if you go, you have to try the chicken souvlaki — it’s our go-to dish! Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and packed with flavor. Taverna has truly become our home away from home. We find ourselves coming back almost every week because we simply can't get enough. If you're looking for amazing food served by people who clearly love what they do, Taverna is the place to be.
Josh Gordon
Super chill spot with fantastic food! If you want to eat Greek, this is the place! Really friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great food and one of the best desserts I've ever had!
How to reach TAVERNA at The Mar Vista
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Why TAVERNA at The Mar Vista may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at TAVERNA at The Mar Vista with your friends?
Rallying at TAVERNA at The Mar Vista is an unbeatable choice for anyone wanting a relaxed yet lively atmosphere to reconnect with friends. This Greek-inspired venue stands out for its casual, warm vibe accented by open-air garage doors that let in the quintessential Southern California breeze. Whether you're looking for a place to share flavorful, authentic Greek mezze or gather around a full bar offering creative cocktails and craft beers, TAVERNA creates the perfect setting for any group gathering. The restaurant's spacious seating arrangements complement the welcoming environment, making large groups feel comfortable without losing intimacy. Beyond its inviting ambiance, its outstanding 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviews attests to consistent quality in both food and service, reassuring guests of a memorable experience every time. Plus, with dedicated weekend brunches, Sunday BBQs on the patio, and happy hour deals, the variety keeps meetups fresh and exciting. In essence, TAVERNA offers a unique combination of genuine hospitality and vibrant social energy — a place where friendships are celebrated and strengthened over shared plates and good drinks.
What activities and experiences make TAVERNA at The Mar Vista ideal for a group meetup?
TAVERNA at The Mar Vista excels as a destination for multiple group activities, particularly those centered around social dining and leisure. At the core is their shareable Greek mezze menu, perfect for groups who enjoy communal eating. Platters like "You Dip We Dip" allow a variety of dips—such as tzatziki, tirokafteri, and melitzanosalata—to be enjoyed together, encouraging a relaxed, interactive dining experience. This encourages shared conversation and a casual flow to the gathering as everyone helps themselves, making it easy to mingle and move around. Additionally, the restaurant broadcasts sports on TVs, catering to groups keen on watching games together, which naturally heightens camaraderie. The open bar features inventive cocktails such as the Venice Spritz and Cypress Spritz, which add a festive touch to the meetup. For those who prefer daytime gatherings, weekend brunches and the Sunday BBQ on the patio create lively, outdoor-friendly experiences where groups can soak up the SoCal sun. Moreover, friendly, attentive staff ready to accommodate group needs enhance the overall ease and enjoyment of hosting events here.
How does the authentic Greek cuisine at TAVERNA enhance group gatherings?
Authenticity is the hallmark of TAVERNA’s cuisine, which deeply enriches group dining experiences by offering dishes crafted from recipes passed down through generations and featuring bold Mediterranean flavors. Greek cuisine is inherently communal—its tapas-style servings and mezze platters invite sharing and conversation about each dish's unique tastes and textures. For example, the standout horiatiki salad is vibrant with capers and banana peppers, a fresh counterbalance to heartier offerings like moussaka with fluffy mashed potatoes. Such diversity in flavor and portion sizes means everyone in a group can find something they love, from lighter vegetarian options to richly satisfying meat dishes. The incorporation of fresh, quality ingredients ensures that food arrival delights the palate and keeps everyone engaged throughout the meal. This culinary emphasis on heritage and freshness not only provides delicious food but also fosters togetherness, making each meal a shared cultural moment that strengthens bonds between friends and family.
What makes the atmosphere at TAVERNA at The Mar Vista special for hosting family or friends?
The atmosphere at TAVERNA is thoughtfully designed to balance liveliness and relaxation, key for enjoyable family or friends’ meetups. Its casual, bright interior flooded with natural light and open-air garage doors encourages a free-flowing, airy setting where guests can comfortably converse and laugh without feeling rushed. The décor is simple yet inviting, emphasizing a neighborhood tavern feel that welcomes everyone from small groups to larger parties. Background sports broadcasts contribute to a fun, communal energy, especially for friends who enjoy watching games together. The outdoor patio, particularly during Sunday BBQs, offers a more informal, festive environment for sun-soaked gatherings with plenty of space to spread out. The restaurant staff reinforce the welcoming vibe by being accommodating and attentive without intrusive service, allowing guests to focus on each other. Together, these elements create a warm, informal, and effortlessly engaging setting that is both approachable and memorable, making TAVERNA an excellent backdrop for social celebrations or laid-back meals.
Why does TAVERNA’s drink menu appeal to large groups and social gatherings?
TAVERNA’s drink menu is curated to enhance social interactions and provide a range of refreshing options ideal for toasting special moments with friends or family. Its full bar includes cleverly crafted cocktails like the Forbidden Pear and the Venice Spritz, which blend familiar and inventive flavors, encouraging shared enjoyment and conversation starters. These cocktails are light and vibrant, perfect for accompanying the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine without overwhelming it. The venue also features cold beer selections and classic options like Bloody Marys and Micheladas, appealing to diverse tastes within a group. Happy hours Tuesday through Friday provide great value with discounted drinks available during early evening hours, giving groups a cost-friendly way to kick off their gatherings. The offering of bottomless mimosas during brunch makes the weekend meetups feel celebratory and indulgent. This dynamic drink selection helps make every stage of a group meetup—from casual catch-ups to festive celebrations—more enjoyable and social.
How convenient is TAVERNA at The Mar Vista for group events and special occasions?
TAVERNA at The Mar Vista stands out not only for its food and atmosphere but also for its thoughtful approach to hosting group events and special occasions. With the availability of open seating and the option to reserve tables for bigger groups, planning an event here is straightforward and hassle-free. The venue’s layout accommodates various group sizes comfortably, preventing the feeling of crowding or noise overload. The kitchen’s consistent focus on quality and timely service ensures that groups receive their meals promptly and can maintain a smooth pace during shared dining. Moreover, the management team actively promotes event bookings, signaling a readiness to assist with customized arrangements—be it family celebrations, friend reunions, or work outings. Parking options, including off-street and valet services, add to the convenience, allowing guests to arrive and depart with ease. These operational strengths mean that hosting a memorable, seamless meetup at TAVERNA is not only desirable but also highly practical.
What makes TAVERNA’s Sunday BBQ and weekend brunch unique experiences for group meetups?
TAVERNA’s Sunday BBQ and weekend brunch stand out as signature events that transform group meetups into vibrant social occasions filled with sunshine, good food, and lively ambiance. The Sunday BBQ on the patio, available from 11 am to 4 pm, offers a chance to enjoy grilled specialties and Mediterranean-inspired sides in a relaxed outdoor environment. This setting is ideal for leisurely weekend gatherings, providing space for mingling and enjoying the weather while sampling robust, fragrant BBQ flavors that complement the usual Greek fare. Weekend brunch — served 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays — includes eclectic Greek breakfast options such as egg white frittatas, sausages, and Greek potatoes, alongside classic breakfast staples with a Mediterranean twist. The brunch is paired with enticing offers like bottomless mimosas, making it especially popular for celebratory mornings or casual group catch-ups. These weekend experiences combine quality cuisine, a festive atmosphere, and thoughtful drink pairings to create memorable group dining events that extend the fun beyond typical dinners.
TAVERNA at The Mar Vista truly shines as a gathering place where the joy of authentic Greek food merges with a welcoming setting designed to nurture connection and celebration. Whether through tapas-style dining, communal dips, lively drinks, or outdoor brunch and BBQ events, it creates an environment perfect for catching up with friends or making new memories with family. The combination of warm hospitality, thoughtful amenities, and vibrant social energy makes TAVERNA a prime choice for anyone looking to host a group meetup in Los Angeles.