The word "Axe" in Nigerian translates to "for the gods and goddesses only".

Axe Restaurant is quickly becoming my new favorite hotspot by the beach. Yes it's trendy & superficial, same as all the other dives on Abbot Kinney, but the product backs up the bravado. Trying to give off a modern, industrial vibe, the decor is geometric and uniform. Black cubed chairs & concrete floors make up the layout of the dining room, while thin-long light fixtures connected to hardwood ceilings manage to brighten the place up. The restaurant is located in the artsy part of Venice, surrounded by galleries & boutiques, so it definitely feels the need to prove its individualism. Axe has been at its location since 1999 and still maintains a packed house. Their is a great Mediterranean/Asian influence in not only the interior design, but the menu as well. The delicious selection of Tapas are all culturally diverse & contain seasonal ingredients. Chef/Owner Joanna Moore uses all local, Organic products that she likes to think "satisfies both body and spirit". She believes food can bring a neighborhood/community together.....even one in Los Angeles.

The menu is very intriguing when you first look at it. You can choose anything from the Lamb CousCous, Porterhouse Porkchop in Apple Cider Reduction, Soy Braised Beef Shortribs, Persian Bean Stew, Mixed Heirloom Salad, or the Shrimp Squid Scallion Pa-Jeun Pancake.....just to name a few. My meal was utterly orgasmic & scrumptuous from the first bite to the last. I started with the Nuts & Marinated Olives and then snacked on the Flatbread & Spreads dish (which includes 2 types of Hummus, Shallot Yogurt, Eggplant Jelly, & a Cucumber Radish Salad). The range of flavors are intense and intoxicating. Speaking of intoxicating, the meal was sipped down with a very full and smooth French red wine (2004 Bandol Mouvedre) which perfectly balanced everything out. I followed that with my personal favorite dish of the evening, the Seared Sake Filet Mignon, which was every bit as good as it sounds. The last taste sensation was the Trout w/ lentils, braised red cabbage, & spinach. I could have done with fewer bones, but the citrus flavors and tenderness of the fish more than made up for it.

I like that Axe tries to make your dining experience an opportunity for spiritual enlightenment. (They even have healing incense in the bathroom!) I may not have reached Nirvana, but I did feel connected to the food and the candlelit atmosphere around me. I'm looking forward to going to Axe in the daytime, because indeed they are open for lunch and for Saturday/Sunday brunch, with completely different menus. The soup & salad options for lunch are healthy and just as eclectic as the dinner options. Weekend brunches offer 9-Grain Pancakes, Miso Soup w/ Rice, Eggs Any Style, & a Grilled Swiss Gruyere Sandwich. How's that for range?

Let's not forget about the beverages. Along with an extensive & educated wine list, there is a long list of premier beers and sakes that feature mostly small boutique producers, both domestic and imported. Homemade drinks include Fresh Mint Tea, Ginger, Lemonade, &
Green Tea. Also, Axe makes and triple-filters their own flat water. I've got to admit I didn't expect this place to live up to the hype, but I truly did walk away loving it. Anyone who appreciates a meal that works in perfect harmony, will appreciate what Axe has to offer.

Axe Restaurant
1009 Abbot Kinney
Venice, CA 90291

Lunch: Tues-Fri 11:30am-3:pm
Dinner: Tues-Thurs 6pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 6pm-10:30pm
Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm
Brunch: Sat-Sun 9am-3pm

Author: Erin Landsberg