When the Wish You Were Here Group sets out to create what they call an "escape to somewhere transportive," they've proven they know how to deliver it. Élephante and Belle's Beach House already dominate their respective corners of LA's coastal dining landscape, so the question wasn't whether they could succeed again—it was whether they could pull off something different. The answer arrived in late June when Kassi Venice Beach opened on the Hotel Erwin rooftop, transplanting the Las Vegas phenomenon that's been packed for four years straight into one of LA's most coveted oceanfront locations.
The concept itself is deceptively simple: Greek island aesthetics, Mediterranean food, ocean views, and the kind of social energy that makes people want to linger over drinks well past dinner. But simplicity is where Kassi's strength lies. There's no pretense here, no labored storytelling about some chef's transformative trip through the Peloponnese. The menu speaks plainly—Greek and Eastern Mediterranean mezze, grilled skewers, salads built with the kind of olive oil and fresh ingredients that don't need flowery descriptions to justify themselves. You come here to eat well and feel the ocean breeze without the stuffiness that can plague rooftop restaurants.
The timing of Kassi's arrival matters. Venice Beach has long suffered from a gap between its casual, accessible spirit and the dining options that actually live up to the views. The boardwalk draws millions; most of them eat disappointing fish tacos and watered-down margaritas. Meanwhile, higher-end restaurants in the area often feel like they're trying too hard to be something other than what Venice is. Kassi splits the difference by offering something actually worth the price without demanding you dress up or pretend to be impressed. The rooftop location at Hotel Erwin positions it perfectly—elevated enough to feel special, casual enough that you won't feel out of place in your best beach outfit.
What makes Kassi particularly smart is its understanding of what people actually want from a beach restaurant in 2025: food that tastes good, a view that delivers, and the ability to move from lunch into cocktails into dinner without the experience feeling fragmented or forced. The Greek mezze plates and grilled skewers are built for sharing, which means conversation doesn't stop while people stare at individual plates. This is restaurant design for actual human behavior, not Instagram aesthetics—though it happens to look spectacular from any angle.
For anyone who's tired of the same rotation of beach spots or who finally gets why Vegas has been obsessed with Kassi, this is the moment to secure a table. The Wish You Were Here Group has a track record of understanding what sticks around and what fades. Kassi Venice Beach won't fade.