Miguel Amarillas

Review of Gjelina

Gjelina is a place I feel a little conflicted abou...

Gjelina is a place I feel a little conflicted about. While the food is excellent, the thing that are supposed to be best at (pizzas) have always been good, and that's just it. I guess it comes from an expectation vs. reality scenario.

My wife had been before I had and she raved about the pizza. Some of the best ever. My wife and I agree that Napolitano style pizza rules all the kinds of pizzas, so I just assumed it would be that. The pizzas here are California wood fire oven style pizza. They are thin crust and on the crispy side. For that style, they are indeed delicious, and the toppings don't disappoint. You can't go wrong with anything off the rest of the menu either.

Service is spectacular. Waiters are prompt, kind and great with recommendations. They do not hesitate to give you tastes of wines or beers. A heads up: they automatically add a 20% gratuity to every check. I feel like it's well deserved, bit if that sort of thing turns you off...

Parking can be difficult. Plan ahead.

All in all Gjelina is an excellent restaurant, even if I wish they had Napolitano style pizzas.