Nyesha Arrington’s Leona Venice Is Like Dining at a Friend’s House

Going to Leona is like going to a friend's house for dinner. The Venice Beach restaurant by Chef Nyesha Arrington is warm and inviting and feels like home.

Located on Washington Boulevard, the space is high-ceilinged with long leather banquettes. There is a long bar with stools that face the open kitchen. And the patio, which is along Washington Boulevard, is cosy and intimate.

From the moment we walked up to the hostess stand, I felt welcome. The hosts greet everyone with smiles and there is a sense of familiarity between them and the guests. We took our seat on the patio and started to review the menu. Serving progressive California cuisine, we were intrigued by the menu. Utilizing Central Valley produce and coastal seafood, there are international influences ranging from Asian to Mediterranean. Luckily I was with another "foodie" friend which means that we have a tendency to over-order, and over-eat. But that is why we have so much fun.