A Stylish Spanish Restaurant From a Mozza Vet Opens in Redondo Beach

Check out Redondo Beach’s latest reason to celebrate: Gabi James. The sleek modern restaurant opens tomorrow at Riviera Village, the expansive shopping district just blocks from the ocean.

Gabi James takes over where the longstanding Zazou left off last September. That restaurant, owned by the Gabriele family, spanned more than two decades, but now daughter Sara Gabriele and partner Adam Aro have taken over with a full Ana Henton- and Blanchard Fuentes Design-created remodel that includes a near-seamless glass wall that opens out onto the street, and an ocean-toned dining room with space for around 70 (plus the patio and bar). There’s even a giant second-floor private dining and event space that will soon be put to good use.

The kitchen was also in line for a big upgrade, both in terms of equipment and staffing. Gabi James has brought on chef Chris Feldmeier, the congenial Mozza alum who forged out on his own Spanish path with the now-shuttered Moruno. Feldmeier has a way with coastal European flavors, from Spanish conservas to casual French Riviera dining. Expect everything from a tortilla española to pasta paella and house merguez sausage. As for drinks, expect a gin-focused back bar run by Vincenzo Marianella, though Aro (a cicerone) and Gabriele (a level two sommelier) will also be pouring some of their favorites. The opening menu is below.

Gabi James officially opens tomorrow, keeping dinner hours only to start. Expect 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weeknights, with an expansion to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch will follow later this year.

Gabi James
1810 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA

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