Long time restaurants in the marina have been shuttered in recent months, which makes Stoa
This summer, Marina del Rey lost two mainstay eateries, Tony P’s Dockside Grille and California Pizza Kitchen. But, luckily for the residents in the densely populated hood for both walkers and boaters, a long-awaited treasure has just opened: Stoa Wine Bar & Market.
The European-style eatery, reminiscent of a cafe in Milan, opened as part of the luxury AMLI complex on Via Marina as both a daytime market and deli that at 5 p.m. – with a fabulous happy hour – turns into a buzzy evening wine bar with a fantastic menu (the pizza is not to be missed).
The market was curated in collaboration with Tony Princiotta and Norbert Wabnig, who cut their teeth at the Beverly Hills Cheese Shop, and it shows. The display case showcases international cheeses, charcuterie, small-production wines, and other sought-after take-home fare. In the kitchen, executive chef Jordan Olivo, of Charcoal in Venice, has created a masterful and seasonal, ingredient-driven menu that can be enjoyed on-site in its simplistic and soothing dining room, or packed for a marina-side picnic.
The entire concept, created by hospitality veterans Constantine Savvides and Richard Peters, is designed specifically to spark conversations among neighbors who might not ordinarily chat. The strangers who become fast friends, a philosophy that European travelers are familiar with. The outdoor patio has seating around an olive tree – which is a nod to the restaurant’s inspiration, the Stoa Poikile in Athens – and is aglow with amber colored string lights.
In fact, the eatery is getting ready to invite philosophers, literally, to dinner.
Stoa is planning to debut a Philosopher in Residence program—starting with Professor Jacob Stump of Northeastern University—where guests can “order” guided conversations from a menu of timeless questions, “blending playfulness with depth,” the restaurant says.
Stoa Wine Bar & Market 4210 Via Marina at AMLI, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
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Michele McPhee
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