Venice-based DEX Studio and principal Glen Bell return to their roots with their recent remodeling of two eclectic beach-side restaurants: "New Deli," a vegan deli in central Venice, and "Vito's Pizza" in the heart of Santa Monica. Known for his refined marriage of design and material, Bell approached each transformation with meticulous attention-to-detail in a standard effort to emulate the heart of the business and what it stands for. 

Located off of Pacific Avenue at the end of 26th walk street to the beach, the multi-purpose “New Deli” is imbued with a Southern Californian lifestyle and serves a unique tapestry of plant-based foods and products. A modest palette of materials were employed throughout that were demure, yet well-constructed, with shelves arranged to filter the sun into the space. The setting sun can be seen all the way to the beach in the late afternoon, and as the sun casts on the storefront, striped shadows cast on the marquee - a nod to the former crosswalk that once connected the space to the beach.

Once inside, the hickory and steel shelves accenting the hand-glazed ceramic tile walls display fresh items and goods, while the Carrara marble wraps the food display and espresso side, further emphasizing Bell’s consistent focus on craftsmanship and materials. The shaded vertical garden space provides a cozy shelter to enjoy the food and conversation away from Pacific Avenue.

With “Vito’s Pizza,” the intention was to create a cozy, laid-back space or a quirky home away from home, without the sofas. Initially designed as a DJ driven bar, the space has quickly morphed into a neighborhood centric eatery with open ceiling and skylights that brighten up the restaurant throughout the day. The previous McCabes pub was stripped away for intimate décor including a long display shelves full of the owner’s curiosities & collectibles, wood details that nod to Danish modern cabinetry, and a back bar inspired by a vintage hi-fi cabinet, complete with shelves of vinyl albums and bookshelf speakers.

The restaurant’s recent transformation included a new exterior, with counters lining the large sliding windows that overlook Santa Monica Blvd. Sculptural steel and wood benches are mounted into the hand-made brick wall for patrons enjoying a slice, creating a social edge between the interior and the sidewalk. From the cabinetry to the collections in the space, the hand of those who crafted each element is apparent.

“These projects are exciting for many reasons, but mainly in the fact that they are staples in neighborhoods I used to frequent growing up,” says Glen Bell. “Using a modest arrangement of materials and an updated design, my intention was to breath life into an asset that has been a part of the community for years.”