The best restaurants in Venice Beach

What is it: A first-rate Italian trattoria at the far edge of Abbot Kinney—and the home of pasta maestro Evan Funke’s culinary comeback.

Why we love it: Forget being the best pasta in Venice—Felix is the original home of some of the best pasta on the West Coast. Though head chef Evan Funke now divides his time between Funke in Beverly Hills (our favorite of his restaurants) and Mother Wolf in Hollywood (a concept since expanded to Vegas and Miami, and which we don’t recommend at all unfortunately), this cozy Venice bungalow is where the Chef’s Table star made a triumphant return in 2017, a few years after closing his original restaurant, Bucato. Every night, you’ll see workers rolling, cutting and forming noodles behind a pane of glass—and while the focus at Felix remains the handmade pasta, you’ll also find a phenomenal sfincione focaccia, blistered crust pizzas and antipasti so good you’ll be tempted to make a whole meal out of them. Years in, and it’s still packed, so make a reservation before heading over, or brave your luck at the cozy bar stools near the entrance.

Time Out tip: When it’s available, order the spaghetti con bottarga. The salted, cured fish roe offers a uniquely Italian blend of savory flavors that’s out of this world.

Address: 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it: The upscale, all-day Cal-Italian dining destination along Abbot Kinney that helped usher in the era of Venice’s full-blown gentrification.

Why we love it: Whether you love or hate it, Gjelina has quite a few disciples, and for good reason. Even in the dead of winter, the seasonally focused menu, eaten alongside a mix of tourists, locals and influencers, can’t help but bring in the sunshine. Founding chef Travis Lett has long since departed the kitchen—you can find him cooking at RVR, an izakaya located down the street—but current management has maintained the quality, consistency and seasonality of cooking that Gjelina is well-known for. On my most recent visit, the Weiser potatoes and orange-glazed rainbow carrots with yogurt and chermoula were as delicious as ever. The ever-present anchovy pizza and orecchiette with beef cheek bolognese were equally great. Whether you’re stopping by in the morning or after dark, the restaurant delivers a great meal.

Time Out tip: My favorite seats in the house are on the back patio, particularly during weekend brunch.

Address: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 8am–10:30pm

What is it: A slightly upscale chophouse along Rose Avenue that happens to be one of our favorite steakhouses in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Forgive the casual atmosphere and unflattering top-down lighting: American Beauty serves some of the best wood-fired steaks and seafood in the city, plus an array of globally inspired starters and sides. The wood grilled flatbread with smoked honey and labneh is, quite frankly, out of this world, and the rosti-like stuffed hash browns (which comes as a giant potato pancake) pair well alongside any of their simply finished steaks. For seafood lovers, the must-order are the grilled prawns. Coming two to an order, they’re huge, sweet and delicious even before the side of lemon and herb butter enter the picture. The Flannery 15-day dry-aged prime rib eye is one of the best steaks we’ve ever had in L.A., all at a fraction of the cost of most other steakhouses serving the same quality of meat.

Time Out tip: If you find yourself anywhere close to the Grove, American Beauty has a second, much larger location there as well.

Address: 425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon 5:30–9pm; Tue–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm; Sun 5:30–9pm

What is it: The stylish all-day Lincoln Boulevard hangout spot that Venice never knew it needed.

Why we love it: Part natural wine bar, part restaurant, Companion is the lovingly crafted creation of neighborhood residents Nick and Dakota Monica, who also run nearby Gnarwal Coffee. The narrow, well-designed space serves pastries daily and sandwiches on amazing housemade focaccia bread (the latter only 11am–3pm, Wed–Sun) before switching to a tightly curated Cal-Italian menu during dinner hours. In the evening, Quarter Sheets alum Jack Goode serves impeccable pizzas made with crispy, New Haven-inspired dough, plus seasonal delights like olive oil cake topped with raspberry-apple compote. A well-heeled locals’ crowd and the lure of vinyl spinning after nightfall have already made Companion a total scene (pejorative), but I’ll hold my nose for Goode’s delicious, painstakingly sourced cuisine.

Time Out tip: Companion also offers its crispy, thin crust pizzas for delivery—I particularly recommend the Klaus (Pead & Barnetts spicy pork sausage, red onions and sweet hot peppers).

Address: 1700 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 7am–3pm; Wed–Sun 7am–3pm, 5–9pm

What is it: A beachy, all-day Australian-style café known for its smoothie bowls, wood-fired pizzas and tater-tot-laden breakfast burrito.

Why we love it: Located just across the street from the famous VENICE sign off Windward Avenue, Great White is the ideal pit stop before or after a day at the beach or strolling along the boardwalk. Don’t be surprised to see locals, tourists, cute pups and wetsuit-clad surfers all stopping by for a bite or one of the drinks from the full espresso bar. There are Aussie staples such as flat whites, plus L.A.-tailored items like the algae-packed smoothie bowl, naturally teal-hued with the help of blue spirulina; red snapper fish tacos dressed with Thai-style nam jim; and, of course, avocado toast. Breakfast is available until 3pm, which makes Great White an excellent walk-in brunch option—just note they don’t take any reservations until 4pm. Throw in the vegan and gluten-free options, well-made cocktails and long list of natural wines and you’ve got yourself a conveniently located crowdpleaser. Beyond the original Venice flagship, Great White also has locations in Larchmont and Melrose, with another soon to open in Brentwood.

Time Out tip: If you’re coming here for lunch or dinner, order one of the wood-fired pizzas. 

Address: 1604 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 8am–10pm

What is it: A trendy, upscale Central American eatery, and one of L.A.’s only restaurants specializing in Panamanian cuisine.

Why we love it: The former James Beach space is now Si! Mon, one of the most interesting restaurant openings to hit Venice in years. If the old venue—an iconic Westside queer space and locals’ watering hole—reflected the needs and wants of a bygone, more eclectic and affordable era in the beachside neighborhood, Si! Mon exemplifies the type of place desired by the area’s new set of monied locals: stylish, pricey and intended for those willing to casually drop $150 apiece on dinner and drinks. It’s run by the same group behind nearby Menotti’s and Townhouse, as well as Culver City’s similarly upscale Hatchet Hall. Head chef José Carles hails from Panama City, where his other restaurant, Fonda Lo Que Hay, has garnered the attention of Latin America’s 50 Best. At Si! Mon, Carles generally justifies the high cost of entry with impeccably made raw dishes, yuca tostadas and other small-to-medium plates that distill the country’s Chinese, Spanish and Afro-Caribbean culinary influences into a satisfying, if fairly expensive meal, the likes of which you can’t find anywhere else in Los Angeles.

Time Out tip: In my book, the gluten-free fried chicken, curry spiced sashimi and crab gaucho are the top dishes to order here.

Address: 60 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri, Sat 5pm–midnight; Sun 5–9pm

What is it: A Friday-only pizza pop-up (1:30–7:30pm) run out of a local church parking lot.

Why we love it: If you can swing the limited hours, Petramale Pizza serves one of the best New York-style pizzas in Los Angeles. Based out of the parking lot behind Venice Church, this bare bones operation is run by the namesake Steve Petramale, who originally hails from upstate New York. The self-taught pizzaiolo (who’s also a local boxing gym owner) takes pride in his thin-crust pies sporting high-quality toppings. The pies might seem pricey (approximately $30 apiece), but each one is large enough to feed three or four people. After one bite of the crackly, thin dough, you’ll quickly realize why Angelenos from all over are flocking here. Just make sure to bring some cash—Petramale Pizza doesn’t accept cards—and call ahead to order if you’re in a rush. If you’re stuck waiting, though, the staff just might come out and hand you a free meatball.

Time Out tip: While you can order the classics and the menu board lists plenty of specials, I particularly enjoyed the Margaroni, an off-menu hybrid between pepperoni and margherita.

Address: 2241 Walgrove Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Fri 1:30–7:30pm

What is it: One of the best Vietnamese restaurants on the Westside.

Why we love it: Since 2018, this bright, airy strip mall eatery along Lincoln Boulevard has delighted Marina del Rey and Venice residents with a rich, dark brown pho with strong notes of anise, cloves and cardamom. Simmered for 72 hours (versus just 12 to 16 at other spots), Camp Pho’s namesake soup showcases the deeper, funkier but no less delicious side of Vietnam’s national dish. On the appetizer side, the restaurant offers well-executed creative takes on Vietnamese classics, from a delightful shrimp toast riff on goi cuon to a baby-back rib version of ram rang, or traditional caramelized short ribs. A handful of vegan-friendly items, including two kinds of plant-based pho, help round out the menu selection—and the all-around delicious offerings and ease of strip mall parking mean Camp Pho easily ranks as one of the best Vietnamese dinner options on the Westside.

Time Out tip: For a slightly different take on pho, order the secret breakfast, which adds mixed beef cuts, basa fish, shrimp paste and a jammy egg.

Address: 715 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291.

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm

What is it: The first L.A. outpost of Florence’s most famous sandwich shop—which you can also find in Koreatown and Beverly Hills.

Why we love it: I’d heard a lot about All’Antico before it opened along Abbot Kinney, and honestly, this is a rare case where the hype is justified. Filled with prosciutto, mortadella, pistachio cream and any other high-quality Italian import you can imagine, All’Antico Vinaio’s schiacciata creations puts most of L.A.’s imitation focaccia sandos to shame. The crusty, slightly oily Tuscan flatbread is the perfect canvas for everything from lardo and gorgonzola (the truffle honey-adorned Dolcezze d’Autunno) to the signature La Paradiso, which combines mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream and toasted pistachios into a must-try sandwich. Of course, the lines can get a little long on the weekends, but arrive early—All’Antico opens at 10:30am —or try your luck on a weekday to cut down on your wait time.

Time Out tip: The Venice location also offers a West Coast specific sandwich—the L.A. Fade Away, which features gorgonzola, spicy zucchini, spicy eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula.

Address: 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 10:30am–8pm

What is it: A natural wine bar focused on sustainably, locally caught seafood by dark that also doubles as a destination-worthy coffee shop most mornings.

Why we love it: If you think the Venice boardwalk is a living nightmare, then you’ll be surprised that this dreamy locals’ gem exists just steps away from the main thoroughfare. With string lights above the sidewalk patio area, Dudley Market is like the Westside version of Virgil Village’s Melody or Cafe Triste in Chinatown: a stylish, low-key spot with natural wine, freshly shucked oysters and plenty of well-dressed patrons. Unlike those crosstown wine bars, however, the day-to-day menu here focuses on sustainable seafood and bar bites, from delicious crudos to a standout house burger. While I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to eat here, it’s a great option for locals looking for a nicer meal and visitors looking for a respite from overpriced tourist traps. Wednesday through Sunday mornings (8am–1pm), Dudley Market also hosts Hooked, where award-winning barista Nicely Abel serves some of the city’s best coffee, plus a secret menu of specialty drinks.

Time Out tip: If you’re in the market for a glass of wine and some oysters, Dudley Market is your best bet in Venice.

Address: 9 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 8am–1pm, 5–11pm; Sat, Sun 8am–1pm, 2–11pm

What is it: A longtime beachside dive beloved for its excellent cheeseburgers and cheap drinks. 

Why we love it: Venice’s most famous dive bar has been slinging burgers since 1962, and the chargrilled “world famous” cheeseburgers here are cooked to perfection. Served with your choice of American or Swiss cheese, plus a little bag of chips on the side, Hinano’s cheeseburger is the pinnacle of backyard-style burgers. The sesame seed bun is just the right amount of toasted, and it’s piled with all the usual suspects: lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard and relish. Whether scarfed down at the bar or eaten at one of the patio tables outside, it’s clear that Hinano’s cheeseburger is greater than the sum of its parts. You’ll find other no-frills bites on the menu, plus cheap, frosty mugs of beer. Just know that the place is really a bar, with sawdusted floors, pool tables, jukebox and minimal seating. Expect colorful regulars, frequent live music and a couple TVs for game-watching.

Time Out tip: Note that Hinano only serves beer and wine—there’s no hard liquor here.

Address: 15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

Opening hours: Daily 8am–midnight

What is it: A modern steakhouse from Josiah Citrin, the chef behind two Michelin star Mélisse in Santa Monica.

Why we love it: This relaxed Venice steakhouse is where dry-aged cuts and well-executed sides take priority over trendy, cool-kid vibes. Charcoal’s signature blackened cabbage is as good as ever; a few pastas, seafood and poultry dishes break up the meatfest for anyone who’s not into steak. Almost everything worth ordering here is kissed with smoke; it’s in the name, after all. During nightly “glass off” (daily 5:30–7pm), sit at the wraparound bar for an excellent $12 burger made with white American cheese and discounted cocktails. While Charcoal’s ambience might run a tad less distinctive than other steakhouses around town, Citrin serves some of the best steaks in the city—especially when chased with the housemade spiced vinegar that graces every table.

Time Out tip: The smoky chicken wings and grilled calamari might not seem like a steakhouse purist’s ideal starters, but they’re delicious nevertheless.

Address: 425 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 6–9pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–10pm; Sun 5:30–9pm

What is it: A vegan restaurant (in)famously known for its woo-woo ethos to service and hospitality. 

Why we love it: Café Gratitude is always full of cheerful wait staff, diners with perfect postures and glowing skin and dishes named for affirmations so you’ll have to declare something like, “I Am Thriving,” to order the soup of the day. It’s true: When the server takes your order, they’ll most likely ask, “What are you grateful for today?” But don’t let that stop you—embrace it, because the beautifully composed plant-based food will have you coming back. If you’re feeling especially out of tune with the world and need a drink, look for the sangrias, elevated tonics or wine. There’s also a great happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7pm with discounted snacks like warm almond burrata, grain bowls and smoothies. Omnivores would do well to try one of the creamy, decadent desserts: The tiramisu is some of the best in town, and there’s usually a completely raw sweets option on the menu.

Time Out tip: Whether you’re vegan or not, this is one of the best brunch spots in the city.

Address: 512 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am–9pm; Sat, Sun 9am–9pm

What is it: The slightly more fusion-style follow-up to a longtime Indonesian restaurant in Palms.

Why we love it: With the recent closure of Cassia in Santa Monica, this strip mall joint is one of the only places on the Westside where you can find kaya toast, the Malaysian and Singaporean breakfast staple. Although it’s available only during weekend brunch (11am–3pm), the regular dinner menu also includes several of the original Simpang’s greatest hits, including bihun goreng (stir-fried thin rice noodles), nasi goreng (fried rice) and Hainan chicken rice. There’s also other Indonesian staples like beef rendang and laksa, the classic creamy coconut milk soup, available with your choice of chicken or shrimp. Simpang Venice also serves teh tarik, or Malaysian-style pulled tea—a beverage I’ve yet to find anywhere else in Los Angeles—and a Vietnamese-style egg coffee during weekend brunch that’s perfect for dessert. 

Time Out tip: Most dishes here are halal-friendly and many dishes can be made or already come vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free.

Address: 705 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–9:30pm; Sat, Sun 11am–3pm, 5–9:30pm

What is it: A seasonal daytime brunch spot known for high-quality pastries, smoked fish and its sky high prices.

Why we love it: Brought to you by the same folks behind Gjelina, you might miss Gjusta if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Operating out of a nondescript warehouse near Gold’s Gym, this high-end deli and bakery usually has a small crowd waiting outside. Step inside and you’ll find a long, narrow corridor with glass cases of sweet and savory treats on the left, and a working bakery behind it. On the sweet side, slices of fruit are folded into sugar-glazed dough for a morning indulgence; a banana chocolate tart, while pricey, is worth a post-lunch splurge. On the savory side, sandwiches and salads make for an ideal lunch spot, with cuts of meat and fish, whether served to-go or in Gjusta’s limited indoor seating or quaint, plant-filled patio area. Note: There’s also a mandatory 20% service charge for dining in, as well as 15% for takeout orders, though you don’t need to tip on top of that.

Time Out tip: When available, order the baklava croissant and the tahini brownie. 

Address: 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 7am–4pm

What is it: The third outpost of a local new-school Thai chain known for its salty, spicy cuisine, natural wine list and party-like atmosphere. 

Why we love it: In the last few years, the buzz around chef Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market brand has dissipated to a sensible murmur. These days, the Lincoln Boulevard location is easier to get into than ever before, but the restaurant’s street food-inspired menu still fires on all cylinders. Salt-forward signatures like the party wings and pastrami pad kee mao pair well with a glass of beer or wine, though you can find Thai takeout standards like pad thai, massaman curry and som tum (papaya salad) with their flavors cranked all the way up. Compared to its siblings in West Hollywood and Silver Lake, Night + Market Sahm offers a little more space and a far less hectic crowd. Other standouts include the nam khao tod (crispy rice salad), moo sadoong (startled pig) and three flavor whole fish, the last of which is available only for dine-in customers.

Time Out tip: The fried chicken sandwich here is one of the best in the city—but since it’s a meal unto itself, I wouldn’t recommend ordering unless you’re going all in on it.

Address: 2533 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 5–10pm

What is it: A wood-fired outdoor pizza operation that pops up inside the Cook’s Garden on Abbot Kinney four days a week.

Why we love it: Run by namesake chef Michael Fiorelli (most recently of Olivetta), Fiorelli Pizza specializes in simple, well-made food. Together with business partner Liz Gutierrez, the founding chef of Manhattan Beach’s Love & Salt is serving Neapolitan-style pies with seasonal toppings. While I enjoyed the pizzas when I visited, the main reason to come is the charming setting: an urban farm with rabbits, chickens and lush passion fruit vines dangling overhead. Towards the back, well-appointed planter boxes grow tomatoes and other veggies for nearby restaurants like Scopa Italian Roots. Take a seat at the bright blue picnic tables and order a pizza alongside sides like tinned fish, fancy potato chips and chili garlic cucumbers for a relaxed, tasty afternoon meal. If I were you, I’d do it soon: By the end of September, Fiorelli Pizza will relocate to West Hollywood, as the landlord of the Cook’s Garden has decided to turn the property into a hotel. 

Time Out tip: If you’re at a loss for what to order, try the fennel sausage pie topped with leafy greens.

Address: 1039 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Thu–Sun 1–7pm

What is it: A modern Italian American restaurant beloved for its crispy provolone in vodka sauce, housemade pastas and uniquely thin crust pizzas. 

Why we love it: In a neighborhood that’s lousy with Italian restaurants, Ospi stands out for two major reasons: chef Jackson Kalb’s creative, seasonally inspired takes on Southern Italian cuisine and the sense of hospitality imbued by front-of-house lead Melissa Saka Kalb, whose stellar team can make any given meal at this crowded, fairly casual eatery feel like white tablecloth fine dining. These days, you can also find Ospi in Brentwood and Costa Mesa, and the pair also run Jame Enoteca in El Segundo and Jemma in Hollywood, which offer slightly different menus. Most will delight in the buttery fett’unta, made with bread from Clark Street Bakery, and the crowd-pleasing mix of appetizers and pizza, but what truly distinguishes Ospi in my eyes are the pastas—particularly the spicy rigatoni alla vodka and malloreddus served in beef cheek ragu.

Time Out tip: To up the ante, order your pizza “Saka style,” which adds a generous side of stracciatella topped with basil and chili sauce for dipping. 

Address: 2025 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9:30pm, Fri 11:30am–10:30pm, Sat 10:30am–10:30pm, Sun 10:30am–9:30pm

What is it: One of the only places in Venice serving sophisticated, well-executed cocktails, plus solid bar bites. 

Why we love it: Brought to you by the same team behind nearby all-day eatery Great White, Gran Blanco serves amazing drinks, natural wines and a decent selection of Asian-inspired bar bites from a tiny, well-decorated space just under the iconic VENICE sign. The house cocktail menu includes the usual suspects, including spritzes and an espresso martinis but adds some intrigue with options like a passionfruit sour that incorporates sotol. While the izakaya-lite seasonal cuisine here won’t knock your socks off if you’ve ever visited Japan, or even just Little Tokyo or the South Bay, the food menu makes for great drinking fare, from the chicken katsu curry to the crispy rock shrimp tossed in spicy aioli. The “tremendous” cheeseburger and teriyaki-glazed fish tacos also hit the spot—both dishes are just the kind of meat and carbs you’ll need to wash down all those impeccably crafted cocktails. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the roasted cabbage caesar. Cabbage may not seem all that exciting, but the combination of roasting and a flavorful, herb-filled dressing make for a surprisingly compelling small plate.

Address: 2025 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 5pm–midnight