An olive tree grows in the heart of The Tasting Kitchen, a quiet testament to the restaurant’s resilience. After a three-year hiatus, this Venice institution has returned to Abbot Kinney, and the tree that has long defined its dining room still stands at the center of the redesigned space. The setting is lively, with an energetic buzz in the main room and a more intimate atmosphere upstairs. This duality reflects a kitchen that balances the familiar with the spontaneous, grounding its reputation in the city's dining scene. The cooking is guided by what is available from local markets, resulting in a carte that changes daily. This ingredient-focused philosophy has been a constant since the restaurant first opened. While the offerings evolve, handmade pasta remains a pillar; preparations like bucatini all'Amatriciana and spaghetti pomodoro have become signatures over the years. The kitchen's Mediterranean sensibility has recently expanded to include Spanish and South American influences, with a wood-and-charcoal oven adding a new dimension to the preparations. Dishes might range from a bluefin tuna crudo with a Peruvian-style tomato tear to bacalao with melted leeks. Dinner can be enjoyed in two ways. The daily handwritten bill of fare allows for an à la carte exploration of small plates, charcuterie, and larger protein dishes. Alternatively, a four or five-course tasting option offers a more structured journey through the kitchen's current creations, with the selections often tailored to the preferences of each table. The beverage program follows a similar seasonal ethos, featuring craft cocktails that reinterpret classics using fresh produce.