clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Wabi Venice
Wabi Venice
Wonho Frank Lee

Filed under:

Inside Wabi Venice’s Fresh New Look in Venice

The decades-old sushi spot has a complete remodel worth checking out

If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Matthew Kang is the Lead Editor of Eater LA. He has covered dining, restaurants, food culture, and nightlife in Los Angeles since 2008. He's the host of K-Town, a YouTube series covering Korean food in America, and has been featured in Netflix's Street Food show.

For years, Venice denizens have likely seen or visited Wabi Sabi along Abbot Kinney, a kind of hip neighborhood sushi joint everyone could get behind. Except in years past, things had gotten a bit stale. Enter Sam Marshall and Tricia Small. Marshal spearheaded the redesign (he’s also done Laurel Hardware, Gjelina, and Ollo, among others) while Trisha Small took over ownership of the restaurant about seven months ago, performing a lengthy interior remodel.

And then about four months ago, they brought on Conner Mitchell (Dudley Market), Ray Wicks, general manager Brent Moon, and new chef Rain Pantana to completely revamp the food and beverage situation.

Wabi Venice interior

So far, it’s been word of mouth only for the restaurant, but the most immediate changes are the sushi bar, which has been moved to the back of the restaurant to make way for a heavier cocktail situation up front. Secondly, the wine and drink menus are vastly improved, with more in the way of natural, biodynamic, and small production pours that should get oenophiles buzzing.

In terms of the food, Rain Pantana brings a creative approach to sushi and Japanese fare (he was obviously at Manhattan Beach’s Sashi) that follows much of the Nobu formula: small plates like crispy rice with sushi, rock shrimp with crispy wontons, miso black cod, and chicken skewers. Along with the hot dishes come a slew of sushi rolls and a la carte nigiri.

It’s often difficult to retain loyal regulars while trying to stay up with the times, but it feels like Wabi Venice (which sports a cleaner, more direct name), is riding that fine line with ease.

Wabi Venice. 1635 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Wabi Venice interior Wonho Frank Lee
Wabi Venice interior 2
Wabi Venice interior
Wabi Venice interior 2 Wonho Frank Lee
Wabi Venice interior Wonho Frank Lee
Wabi Venice interior
Wabi Venice interior
Wabi Venice interior
Wabi Venice interior
Wabi Venice interior
Now Trending

LA’s New Wine Bar Moment Looks (and Drinks) Different

AM Intel

This New Hand-Pulled Noodle Shop in West Hollywood Is a Gamechanger

LA Restaurant Openings

A Former Award-Winning Cocktail Bar Settles Into a Relaxed Watering Hole in Historic Filipinotown