The food was sadly pretty mediocre from the hype. It wasn't bad but just okay and not worth the price point. Some of the dishes should be $2-$4 less. The fried eggplant was fried like a fish stick instead of a frito. They tried something different with harrisa honey, but more like Mike's hot honey than harrisa flavoring to it. The gambas ajillo was maybe the best on the menu. Pricey for the portion, especially being stingy with garlic and bread. But the quality of the shrimp was good. The paella was just "so-so." Didn't get any hint of saffron, and the chicken was overcooked. The rice was cooked adequately. Nothing wowed me and made me want to go back to try the rest of the menu. Finally, TOO much aioli, which is such a lazy and uncreative cop out. Not everything needs to come with aioli.
The decor was good and the service staff was nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Reina Mensink
I ate at Gabi James for the first time, a couple weeks ago in the evening. I sat inside and shared several tapas, each tasting so good that I wanted to come back for my birthday. I came back yesterday. We sat outside, bummed to see menu was brunch with only a few tapas offerings, but thought, their food was so good before everything else must be as well. I had the citrus quince salad a couple of weeks ago and wanted to try it again but this time with chicken. Two of us had it. It was a large portion of salad and good amount of chicken. I must say we were disappointed. The chicken was so dry. That kind you have to keep chewing so that you don’t choke when you swallow dry. The other person had same dry chicken with their salad. We just ate as much until I just couldn’t and felt like they should be aware what was being served. I told our sweet waitress and she immediately said she could replace, so we just asked for only one. Then what was bothersome was the manager came over to let us know they would replace and had to say he thought it was strange because he had the chicken the day before and there was nothing wrong. So many thought bubbles in my head, but seriously, why does it matter what the chicken was like the day before. Why make that comment at all, almost like the manager didn’t believe us. This and knowing food is inconsistent makes me not want to return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Jon Winston
Authentic Spanish tapas treats. Delicious to the taste as well as the eye!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips, Gambas Al Ajillo
jeff lowden
Great Food and Drinks. Owners are so friendly and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul Johnson
Had a great dinner on a busy Saturday night! Very authentic Spanish food—get the dates, pulpo, and anything you like because it is all good. Albariño was excellent too! Had a cocktail at the bar ahead of dinner and enjoyed the drinks and conversation with our friendly bartender. Also, Andy the owner was super attentive, as was our wait staff! Excellent night! Go Bears!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Parchman
I’ve been here countless times, and Gabi James never fails to impress. The food and service consistently exceed my expectations, which speaks volumes about the talented team and strong management behind the scenes. The drinks are always well-crafted, and the food is muy delicioso. This place is a gem that keeps me coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven Warren
Austin and Ricky were great. Shared 3 appetizers with my date which were all delicious. Great selection of gins. Amazing cocktails. Good vibes overall
Great food, great service, reasonable prices. Very pleasant experience overall!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nancy
The service at this restaurant is five star. Friendly and caring. The brunch menu had many delicious options. We had the following: PAPAS VERDES CROQUE MADAME Steak sandwich Each dish was so good, great place for brunch. Bottomless mimosa only $23
Patrick
Our table for eight was set a bit apart from the main dining tables, and we appreciated that. We ordered many small plates and shared. That worked perfectly for our group. This was our first trip there and we look forward to coming back. We especially enjoyed the paella and the lamb chops. The cocktail varieties were fun too.
Located in Hollywood Riviera - a fun spot with several bars and cafes. Food choices are authentically from Spain (I know b/c I've been to Spain). Very creative menu and drinks. The fried zucchini sticks are unique and very tasty. Spanish vermouth was a treat. Our server, Ana, did a great job.
Joe Phillips
Enjoyed Gabi James, will return when I'm back in the area
This was such a big disappointment. The food was lousy, and the service was sluggish. I don't mind paying extra for good food but this was a waste of money.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jennifer
I took my 18-year-old son on a date before he heads off to college! The owner introduced himself and helped me figure out a great glass of wine! He was generally interested in us! Way to go, Adam! I love the food and ambience! I will be back with my hubby! Outdoor ambience is awesome and very similar to outdoor Spain/:Italy! !
Marilyn
On a perfect August evening, the patio at Gabi James is a wonderful place to eat. The service is friendly and efficient, the drinks refreshing and the food exceptional. I am fond of the albondigas with bread with a salad. Yum.
The food was sadly pretty mediocre from the hype. It wasn't bad but just okay and not worth the price point. Some of the dishes should be $2-$4 less. The fried eggplant was fried like a fish stick instead of a frito. They tried something different with harrisa honey, but more like Mike's hot honey than harrisa flavoring to it. The gambas ajillo was maybe the best on the menu. Pricey for the portion, especially being stingy with garlic and bread. But the quality of the shrimp was good. The paella was just "so-so." Didn't get any hint of saffron, and the chicken was overcooked. The rice was cooked adequately. Nothing wowed me and made me want to go back to try the rest of the menu. Finally, TOO much aioli, which is such a lazy and uncreative cop out. Not everything needs to come with aioli.
The decor was good and the service staff was nice.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
I ate at Gabi James for the first time, a couple weeks ago in the evening. I sat inside and shared several tapas, each tasting so good that I wanted to come back for my birthday. I came back yesterday.
We sat outside, bummed to see menu was brunch with only a few tapas offerings, but thought, their food was so good before everything else must be as well.
I had the citrus quince salad a couple of weeks ago and wanted to try it again but this time with chicken. Two of us had it.
It was a large portion of salad and good amount of chicken. I must say we were disappointed.
The chicken was so dry. That kind you have to keep chewing so that you don’t choke when you swallow dry. The other person had same dry chicken with their salad. We just ate as much until I just couldn’t and felt like they should be aware what was being served. I told our sweet waitress and she immediately said she could replace, so we just asked for only one. Then what was bothersome was the manager came over to let us know they would replace and had to say he thought it was strange because he had the chicken the day before and there was nothing wrong. So many thought bubbles in my head, but seriously, why does it matter what the chicken was like the day before. Why make that comment at all, almost like the manager didn’t believe us. This and knowing food is inconsistent makes me not want to return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Authentic Spanish tapas treats. Delicious to the taste as well as the eye!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips, Gambas Al Ajillo
Great Food and Drinks. Owners are so friendly and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a great dinner on a busy Saturday night! Very authentic Spanish food—get the dates, pulpo, and anything you like because it is all good. Albariño was excellent too! Had a cocktail at the bar ahead of dinner and enjoyed the drinks and conversation with our friendly bartender. Also, Andy the owner was super attentive, as was our wait staff! Excellent night! Go Bears!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been here countless times, and Gabi James never fails to impress. The food and service consistently exceed my expectations, which speaks volumes about the talented team and strong management behind the scenes. The drinks are always well-crafted, and the food is muy delicioso. This place is a gem that keeps me coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin and Ricky were great. Shared 3 appetizers with my date which were all delicious. Great selection of gins. Amazing cocktails. Good vibes overall
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Croquettes, Crispy Calamari
Great food, great service, reasonable prices. Very pleasant experience overall!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service at this restaurant is five star. Friendly and caring. The brunch menu had many delicious options. We had the following: PAPAS VERDES CROQUE MADAME Steak sandwich Each dish was so good, great place for brunch. Bottomless mimosa only $23
Our table for eight was set a bit apart from the main dining tables, and we appreciated that. We ordered many small plates and shared. That worked perfectly for our group. This was our first trip there and we look forward to coming back. We especially enjoyed the paella and the lamb chops. The cocktail varieties were fun too.
Restaurantji Recommends
Located in Hollywood Riviera - a fun spot with several bars and cafes. Food choices are authentically from Spain (I know b/c I've been to Spain). Very creative menu and drinks. The fried zucchini sticks are unique and very tasty. Spanish vermouth was a treat. Our server, Ana, did a great job.
Enjoyed Gabi James, will return when I'm back in the area
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Chips, Potato Croquettes
This was such a big disappointment. The food was lousy, and the service was sluggish. I don't mind paying extra for good food but this was a waste of money.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
I took my 18-year-old son on a date before he heads off to college! The owner introduced himself and helped me figure out a great glass of wine! He was generally interested in us! Way to go, Adam! I love the food and ambience! I will be back with my hubby! Outdoor ambience is awesome and very similar to outdoor Spain/:Italy! !
On a perfect August evening, the patio at Gabi James is a wonderful place to eat. The service is friendly and efficient, the drinks refreshing and the food exceptional. I am fond of the albondigas with bread with a salad. Yum.
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