THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Leona

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Leona Restaurant Review:

First-time restaurateurs Kristian and Breegan Vallas, a charming young couple that came from the real estate world, made their debut on the food scene on a busy stretch of Washington Boulevard (called Leona in the 1900s), a few steps away from the Venice Pier. The décor, created by Breegan Vallas in a perfect Venice-casual style, makes the place feel comfortable and vibrant. Inside, you will find a bar, banquettes, a chef's table and a communal one. The patio is simple but quieter. After the departure of "Top Chef" alum Nyesha Arrington, former sous-chef Jennifer O'Neil stepped into the role of head chef at Leona. Seasonal ingredients continue to drive the menu of California cuisine. Starters might include ahi tartare with sweet chili sauce, cured egg yolk and herbed baguette or sweet baby corn with pickled shimeji mushrooms and mushroom purée, while main dishes might range from sweet potato gnocchi to pistachio crusted rack of lamb to crispy sea bass. Brunch brings chicken and waffles, oatmeal banana risotto and pastrami Benedict. The wine list highlights limited-production wines from Europe and California's Central Coast.