los angeles | olive juice.

olives are versatile. you can relish these small oval edibles alone, stuff them, use them for garnish or oil, or extend their branch for peace. you'll be pleased to know the new olive kitchen + bar is equally adaptable.

tucked inside the grafton hotel on the west end of the strip, this fun, flexible cali-itali bistro is open morning, noon, and night. greg morris (the belmont, spanish kitchen, and oakfire pizzeria) delivers a casual resto with gourmet eats. buttercup leather booths, sustainable mahogany tables, and roy lichtenstein-type murals with amusing, changing thought bubbles brighten up the small space. feeling outdoorsy? people-watch by way of a sidewalk table, or take in the sunset from the tiny balcony overlooking the pool. meyer lemon ricotta crepes, cinnamon raisin french toast, and frittatas make for fresh takes on breakfast. health conscious? the roasted beet and burrata salad is delish for lunch. when it's time to nosh, choose from a variety of thin-crust rustic pizzas (chicken pesto rosso, fennel sausage and caramelized onion) or salumi e formaggi, a yummy array of cured meats, cheeses, spiced nuts, olives (natch), and fennel salted flatbread. giant pancetta wrapped prawns, scallop and asparagus risotto, and meatballs puttanesca hit the spot for supper, followed by blueberry bread pudding if you've got the space. two miniscule bars quench your thirst with cucumber gimlets and strawberry martinis.

you always did like your martinis dirty. the olive kitchen + bar. 8462 west sunset boulevard. between la cienega and olive. west hollywood. 323.650.1250. now open. www.theoliveonsunset.com