Venga!

Gilt city deal!!!
Upscale yet approachable atmosphere. Very open and light.
Teas. All have Nice presentation and Taste great.
Moroccan mint. So refreshing.
Genmai cha. Light taste. Barely there.
Iced vanilla latte. Really good.
Tomato sandwich. Heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. Tastes great. Wish it came on a croissant or a lighter bread.
Couple of other entrees here also. Simple café fare.
Desserts. OMG. Gelato. Macaroons. Sacher. Lemon tart. Experimental chocolate. Haha I love them all and that’s what really sets this place apart from your run of the mill café. The atmosphere. The desserts and the first rate service.

I bought a voucher and tried to redeem it today. The person on the phone said their pastry chef left so they’ll be closed until they find a new one. How the heck are they gonna find a new chef to replicate the awesomeness!!!

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that this place is UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT as of 9÷1÷11. It is no longer a pastry/​gelato café, but a Mediterranean restaurant. They still honored the Gilt City Voucher (which we only bought 2 weeks ago), which was cool, but overall the place seemed pretty disorganized — perhaps partly just because they were new, but partly also because the host/​server/​owner?, a nice but apathetic older Israeli guy, seemed like he was more interested in chilling at an outside table with his buddies and scoping out chicks than serving food. We had the mediterranean salad ($ 9) and a tuna salad sandwich ($ 7). The salad seemed like it was a larger portion of what should have been a $ 3 add-​on — chopped up cucumber, tomato, and onion on a bed of lettuce, sprinkled with dill: that was it. The tuna sandwich was decently good, and the presentation was nice. The iced tea was tiny, the double espresso fine.
When we reminded him (after sitting at the table for 15 minutes, wondering if they were going to come back after we finished our entrees) that the Gilt city voucher also included 2 desserts, he seemed a little surprised to still see us there, and after several minutes, came out with a couple of really chilly pastries on a plate. He didn’t mention that they came from the old Venga — we only found out when looking at Unilocal later (
). They were obviously a bit old, but really tasty. Regardless, I doubt they’re going to still be having the same pastries once they go full-​fledged Mediterranean. Also, the service situation was very strange; we were served by 3 different people, never received a check, and after the guy dropped the pastries off, he crossed the street and disappeared into another building… so we just left $ 10 on the table (the Gilt City Voucher was a $ 36 value, so this was probably over-​generous on tip, but there were no prices printed for drinks or pastries).

Macarons: They won’t add gold to your investment portfolio. But they won’t ask to borrow money either. When the glass feels half-​empty, they are the perfect pick-​me-​up.
— flavors that may improve your credit rating: salted caramel, chocolate
— one box of 9 = $ 16.65
— free 2-​hour parking across the street

The pastry case is straight out of a Parisian patisserie. Exquisite crimson-​dusted sacher cake and scrumptious pistachio-​strawberry shortcake. Our server was an improbably lovely blond girl who brought out small scoops of vanilla bean-​flecked gelato for us to try with our desserts. The lunch fare is palpably fresh and ingredient-​driven, but it’s the pastries that’ll bring me back.

This 4 star rating was VERY debatable (3.5 would have been my choice but I rounded up to keep a small business around). I started with 4 based on the taste of the macaroons alone and went down 1 because of the employee who didn’t want to serve me, up 1 because of the owner, up 1 more because the owner was helpful again when I called after they had closed and down 1.5 due to what happened with the cake I bought. Here goes…
I walked in yesterday at approximately 6pm when they close and had no idea because the doors were wide open yet the cash receipts were sprawled on the counter. I asked the female working the register if they were closed and she said yes but an older gentleman sitting at a nearby table spoke almost immediately and said no they weren’t (thanks Mr. Owner! A pet peeve of mine is being kicked out of a place that could quickly and easily get some business). I ordered a box of 9 macaroons for $ 15 and a mini cake with crème brûlée and chocolate ganache (the way I describe it doesn’t do it justice at all because it was beautiful sculpted and a work of art) for $ 5.60. These items were all treats to give to others so I asked them to be packaged separately. Although I was originally put off by the girl at the counter she ended up being nice and attentive.
When it occurred to me that one of the people who would be enjoying the macaroons I just picked up had a peanut allergy I quickly called to inquire. The owner answered without acting bothered and confirmed they were peanut-​free as well as informing me that macaroons are never made with peanuts (learn something new everyday). I was grateful that he answered the phone even when they were closed and was happy to help.
The recipients of the macaroons were delighted by how lovely they looked and tasted (esp the salted caramel). When I sampled them I too was equally satisfied. We also appreciated the nice packaging.
On the flip side… I delivered the other dessert to another friend and just did a drive by so I was unable to take part in a taste test. All I know is that I dropped off a masterpiece of a tiny cake and when he got home and opened it it looked like a wreck (I posted the pic he sent me)! It’s not like it was left in a hot car, it was left on his desk for a couple hours max! The people at Venga! should have mentioned that it needed to be refrigerated (if that’s the case). It really bothered me that I went out of my way to pick up something nice for a friend and it morphed into a gross mess. I didn’t even ask him if he tried it, I was too disturbed.

I scream, You scream, we all Scream for Venga! Yay! A new fabulous gelato spot, that will save me from driving to Sweet Rose all the way in Santa Monica!
I can’t wait to come in and try their savory foods as it’s obvious that the level of detail that goes into their foods is above and beyond. I tried several of the gelato flavors: vanilla (made with real vanilla bean), dolce du leche, mascarpone, banana nut and milk chocolate. They were all great, but the vanilla and banana nut were particularly yummy. Their flavors change a lot too, which is nice. I loved their toll house chocolate chip cookies with sea salt as well.
I had to try one of the pretty little french pastries, so I choose the hazelnut and custard, which the owner told me was reminiscent of crème brûlée. It was creamy, with layers of a slightly crunchy cake and a salted caramel topping. What’s not to like?!
The owner was incredibly friendly — plus I got 15% off my order for checking in on Unilocal.Love that. There is plenty of seating and it would be a great place to go sit with a computer and get some work done-​with ample gelato breaks of course :)

I am in love. I read about the pastry chef in Bön Apetit (he showcased his tiramisu) and was so astounded to hear the guy behind the counter tell me he was the mastermind behind this bakery’s beautiful desserts. The treats were ALL beckoning my name, from the delicate and gorgeous cakes to the macarons to the housemade gelato. They make their own milk chocolate for their mochas! How do I know this? Because the gracious waiter was so sweet and informative and effusive about every product. Great to see a place with incredible product, impeccable service, and beautiful interiors. Everything is top-​notch.

Walked in yesterday with no stomach room for any food but did taste-​test both the Dark Chocolate and Coffee gelato… wow~! Delicious & creamy! Will definitely go back soon to get full scoops. Also offers nice waffle cones.
Also on menu: thick cookies, ginormous macaroons, and other desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. Friendly service, clean sparse interiors. Located right next to Il Tramezzino.

Venga… this place is no longer. All the desserts and pastries there were so beautifully presented. The space inside is spacious and clean, and the staff was (before they changed owners/​space) helpful and friendly. Venga used to be a wonderful place to grab lunch, coffee/​tea, or a quick dessert. Very sad…

absolutely delicious pastries. I’m an ice cream/​gelato connoisseur so I know when it’s fresh and well made. Venga’s gelato is absolutely the best. Even better than ones my old Italian friend made at home for me.
You must try this place.
Simple and minimal décor adds something to this place too.
It can be a little pricey if you expect ‘a just pastry shop’ kind.
But definitely worth the money.
Oh, did I mention all the employees are so friendly and nice?
I went there twice and the pastry chef called me a regular. Not bad to be recognized that way and get attention from the owner. :)

The newly opened dessert bar had struck my fancy when I saw on Groupon that I could enjoy an ice cream for $ 3– I step inside and behold-​beautiful cakes and home-​made ice creams! I tried 4 or 5 flavors
–mint-​which tasted like a smooth mint leaf w/​specks of chocolate
–Lemon– a non-​dairy delight-​and I mean-​light
–Swirl from Ipanema-​banana, passionfruit and dulce de leche
I choose my two favorites-​lemon and mint and popped a cannele in my mouth on the way out. Carmel perfection.
Come visit– you’ll like it-​sooooo ‘beverly hills!

The best, creamiest Gelato, delicious macaroons… the display of all the desserts is just beautiful! We wanted to try them all! The staff is so friendly and the whole place just feels so fresh and modern. Can’t wait to go back! There is no place like it!

Coffe and gelato are very good. The best in the city

I checked out Venga! today in Beverly Hills. The atmosphere is super clean and light. ;) The pastry case was stunning and filled with little works of art. I was en route to a dinner party so I wanted to get some desserts to dazzle. This is the place if not only do you want something beautifully crafted but also delicious.
I got the Secher which is a gorgeous red velvety looking cake that is chocolate inside and apparently soaked in raspberry heaven. I also got a selection of macaroons. Incredible. The passionfruit is super good. There was a tiramisu and a passionfruit tarte that also went home with me. INCREDIBLE.
Aside from baked goods they have a coffee bar and also a selection of gelato & sorbets. I was made a cone of the hazelnut — it’s topped off with a tiny cone. Apparently in Italy that’s how they eat their gelato, by using the tiny cone as a sort of spoon to shovel the iced dessert right into your mouth. Well, since I like feeling fancy and shit that little added detail made the experience all the more good.
Overall this is a super place to get extremely well made desserts and the best gelato you may ever eat. I’m going back. Often.

I love desserts, and this place certainly satisfies my sweet tooth. This place is very new, but they have a nice variety of things to choose from. Everything looks like it’s been made with great care, especially the cakes. They are decadent and gorgeous, like something you’d see in a French bakery.
I tried the croissant and the cheese-​cake, and both were delicious. The croissant is on par with the croissants you’d get in Paris – which is very hard to find in LA – and the cheese-​cake reminded me of the beautiful cakes I used to get from Taiwanese bakeries. They are not the typical American cheesecake; they’re light and delicate cakes with a hint of sweetness.
They also have gelato, macarons, and little tarts, which I will have to come back and try.
I’m definitely not a Beverly Hills type, but I like this place because it doesn’t have that air of pretentiousness that some other places have. The owner and his staff are helpful and friendly, and the prices don’t make me feel like I’m too poor to be hanging out in this neighborhood.
I will be sure to tell my foodie friends about this place!

I went with my husband to LA for a few days for a conference and decided a day at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills was exactly what I needed.
On my way walking over the phone ran out of juice and I desperately need the loo and I saw this place had both my needs (Score!) and had just opened so decided to give it a try.
I had a Canelé and it was pretty good, sweet but not too sweet. Also it was only 2 dollars! Given it’s prime BH location I thought the prices were reasonable.
Idiotically put in my mouth one of their yellow marbles in the glass carafe in the middle of the table thinking it was a free candy sample (ergh) — they should really put some fake/​real flowers so it’s more obviously a center piece. Other than that I was satisfied with the service and I like the openness of the space.

A previous poster complained about tables for two – we pushed two tables together and my party of four was happy! The gelato was delicious – I’ve never had anything so creamy! My friend tried the Japanese cotton cake – it was something none of us had ever had. Light & delicious! We will definitely return to Venga!

There was no ambiance (the owners clearly didn’t hire a designer) and they only had tables for two — so good luck if you want to go with a bunch of friends!
The gelato was OK, but the tiramisu was completely unrecognizable. And almost unfindable; I’ve never been to a bakery where you have to look around to find the pastries! Honestly, the flavors weren’t even that good, and everything was overly sweet.