Theía Greek Restaurant Lives Up to Its “Divine” Name

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Brava. Theía means divine. And it is. Theía already won me over when I just DM-ed the place with a question about outdoor dining and the utmost care was taken to answer. This starts at the top with young French entrepreneur, Max Simon, who followed a girlfriend to Santorini and was so won over (no surprise to me) that he brought the Greek restaurant and island party concept to Los Angeles. It works, even in the nippiest weather. The outsized festive and still genuine hospitality, the Rack of Lamb and whole branzino fish from Cyprus would bring me back any time.

The upscale Greek restaurant on crazy-busy, high energy 3rd Street, a stone’s throw from the Original Farmers Market, serves dishes from an assorted mezze to a dry-aged Tomahawk ribeye. The kitchen is in the hands of Executive Chef, Moises Placencia, formerly at the impeccable Tasting Kitchen in Venice. Bartender Sean Leopold created the long list of cocktails, wine, and beer.

The htipiti (roasted red pepper and feta dip) was new to us. Spanikopita (Spinach pie with fill) arrives in the fashionable form off “cigars”. Charred octopus features the freshest of ingredients and perfection preparation.

But the whole Branzino from Cyprus and the Rack of Lamb were so extraordinary we would come back just for them. The presentation is a dramatic as the dishes themselves to add to the experience

Theía deserves to be on the same block and take over the mantle at the once wildly popular Greek Restaurant, Sofi, (now unrecognizable), albeit a very different form of entertainment themed dining than with a focus on food. But like other “theme” restaurants this year, the food, here by Chef Moises Placencia is almost better than any non-themed place.

The restaurant is planning a more scaled-down lunch with a mezze plate, lamb burger and grain bowl, plus weekend brunch.

Theía, 8048 W 3^rd Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, (323) 591-0059

Website: www.theia-la.com

Email: hello@theia-la.com

Parking on Third ranges from hit and miss to NO PARKING with a line around the block for valets.

Theía is open for dinner Monday to Thursday from 5:00pm to 11:00pm; Friday and Saturday from 5:00pm to midnight and Sunday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. Brunch is served on Saturdays from 10:30am to 4:00pm.