RVR — Restaurant in Los Angeles

The. Best. Dinner.

That sweet track playing while you were waiting is vinyl that was hand picked (just like everything else at RVR). And It’s juicy good.

I was recently buying veggies at the Union Square farmers market in NYC and we got talking about Japanese food and my love of Izakayas. I mentioned RVR and the vendor's eyes flashed. She knew Chef Travis and her stories revealed someone who cares deeply, about where things are grown and the humans that help grown them. You can for SURE taste it in the oshinko- those shiso leaves are so wow! I’m usually at the edge of my seat until they come.

When Travis is in the building, he might be on the line, at the DJ booth or in stealth mode visiting patrons. I don't know him very well but he strikes me as an uncompromising artist (and perhaps more of an introvert who plays the part of the host with grace). At least from my lens, there’s a real sense of accountability and presence that he brings. It’s real.

Even when he’s off the floor, everyone who works at RVR moves in sync and with intention. An ensemble. You can feel loyalty and dedication to a vision. SMH pulling this off in LA is so wildly difficult it deserves its own award. And it's great to see familiar faces like Matt who have worked at other restaurants in Venice. It feels like family. Harmony.

Yeah I know, this is supposed to be a restaurant review but this IS the restaurant!

There are a variety of experiences when it comes to seating. Cozy booths, the bar, the community table, and seating that faces Abbot Kinney for a full-theatre show. Downstairs is alive. Upstairs is more quiet, open, almost like the deck of a ship. Without even having a bite of food, you’re already this deep.

What about the food? Well there’s a lot to get excited about. There are familiars like gyozas, Chef gives you the tuna hand roll and black cod but of course they’re dialed up a notch. If you're a bit more adventuresome, there are braised / grilled meats including a wagyu tongue so delicious I've sometimes ordered it three times. It's impossibly soft inside and the outside is just seared enough so when you bite into it, you feel like you've entered some new world of joy. The salad is an adventure in textures and the greens feel alive. The pickles are a colorful must-have.

The food is both reliable and fearless. I've suggested the duck meatballs to every first-timer and gotten high fives (they were from the Valley, they insisted on the high-five).

People who work here, like Alyssa & Fig (at the hostess station) manage a tough balancing act, fielding un-ending requests while making regulars and locals feel at home. This sort of of grace? Sorely lacking in other restaurants in Venice. Here, we notice it and we cherish it. I'm grateful this place exists in LA.

If you really slow down for a second while you're waiting for your next plate…

I dare say you can feel love.

Only request: Bring back those...

We dined at RVR (pronounced River) as a table of four, including a baby, and from the moment we arrived, the hospitality was warm and welcoming. I had been particularly excited to visit RVR because Travis Lett, the renowned chef behind Gjelina, had been quite silent for a few years. His return with this new project was something I had eagerly anticipated, given his reputation for meticulous attention to detail and the care he brings to each culinary endeavor.

At RVR, we tried nearly everything on the menu, and it was a culinary adventure. Every dish was exceptional, but the standout for me was the sautéed fried rice with mushrooms. While fried rice might seem like a humble option compared to other offerings, this version was easily the best I’ve ever had—rich in flavor and texture. Another highlight was the hand rolls. The first time we ordered them, they arrived a bit soft, as the seaweed wasn’t as crisp as I would have liked. However, after mentioning this to the waitstaff, they took the feedback graciously. On our second visit, the hand rolls arrived perfectly crisp and were delivered first, ensuring that the seaweed had just the right crunch.

The house pickles were another surprise—simple yet absolutely delicious. The variety they offer is impressive, and the pickled beetroots were my personal favorite. The botarga salad was an explosion of flavors, a dish that is perfect for sharing among friends, as we did.

On one of our visits, we brought along a one-year-old baby, and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. They provided a baby chair and were incredibly understanding despite the inevitable mess. Their kindness made the experience even more memorable.

Now, let’s talk about the ramen—it’s a must-try. RVR is located in the former site of a ramen house, and it seems like they’ve carried forward that tradition with their own unique touch. It’s clear that ramen is one of their signature dishes, and I highly recommend it.

And then, of course, there’s the chocolate cake. I can confidently say it’s one of the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s unmissable—definitely order it if you’re there.

Throughout our visits, the staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, always ensuring that dietary restrictions and allergies were taken into account. Their weekend DJ sessions, where they play vinyl records and display the album covers, added a special vibe to the dining experience—no need to Shazam, just enjoy the music.

In my opinion, RVR is here to stay. It offers a fantastic izakaya-style experience, something that this neighborhood has long needed. The restaurant’s casual, walkable location only adds to its charm. Whether for lunch or dinner, I strongly recommend that everyone give RVR a try. With Travis back in the kitchen, the food is simply...

Review is for the space / service. Sadly I cannot comment on the food as I never got to eat anything.

Party of two, we walked in and put our names down on the list, was told 30 min. No worries, we decided to get a drink nearby while we waited for the text.

Got the text which said “Your table is ready, we’ll hold it for 10 min.” But in a separate paragraph below said “text 1 to confirm or 9 to cancel blah blah.” Obviously when you get a confirmation text and read the first line that your table is ready, you don’t think to do anything other than to make your way over. No other restaurant I’ve been to has you confirm the confirmation text that you added yourself to mere minutes prior. Lol

So we arrive back to the hostess stand well within the 10 minute window and wait as others are sat. Ultimately, she tells us that she gave away our table because we didn’t confirm the text. Frustrating, but alright we wait patiently in the crowded entrance for nearly 20 minutes for the next table to finish up.

After all of this, we were shown to a “table” (2ft slice of skinny countertop directly behind the hostess and next to drafty front door). Mind you, the door swings inward and doesn’t close on its own, leaving a constant steady draft. As I sat down, the woman next to me accidentally elbowed me as she tried to eat her food. IMO there’s no way you could comfortably eat a full meal in such a tight space. Worse than any NYC style seating I’ve experienced, and that’s saying something.

I don’t care how great the food is, if you can’t eat it comfortably there’s no point. I assume that’s why they offer to hang people’s jackets as there is nowhere for them to go.

We ultimately decided to leave and eat elsewhere. Although the overall styling was nice we probably won’t be back until they figure out their...