Gezzo’s Coastal Cantina

It’s early yet, but Gezzo’s is off to a rough start at Westside Village. Maybe it’s our fault expecting the owners of this new coastal Mexican cantina to deliver the same fun, light dining experience here as its relocated predecessor, Juniper Café. Don’t get us wrong, the bright, wicker-chaired dining room and plant-filled covered patio are ideal spaces for small group gatherings, but the food doesn’t quite match the mood. Whether we’re talking about the server dropping off so-so queso, bland Spanish rice, or a cheesy chicken burrito that needs a machete to cut, the dishes feel rushed. A spirited cocktail menu brings hope, but not even a superb strawberry margarita can keep you from wondering if all the joy left once Juniper closed.