Where To Eat In Venice, CA: 30 Places Locals Love (From A Local)
Looking for recommendations on where to eat in Venice CA? I’m a local, and I bring you 30+ places that stood the test of time.
Venice can feel intimidating—especially if it’s your first time. You might come for Silicon Beach tech meetings, the Venice Boardwalk gym and skatepark, Rose Avenue’s Stretch Bar and Moon Juice runs, or just a good old sunset… and find yourself wondering where locals actually eat.
Venice Beach – A Brief History
Venice began as a bold 1905 vision by Abbot Kinney, who set out to recreate an Italian-style seaside resort complete with canals, arcades, and amusement piers—giving rise to the iconic Venice Canals that still wind through the neighborhood today.
After its early heyday faded, Venice spent decades as a gritty, bohemian enclave that attracted artists, counterculture communities, and later skaters and bodybuilders along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
In recent years, especially along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, it has transformed into a hub of boutique shopping, design, and dining—while still holding onto flashes of its eclectic, anything-goes spirit that locals fiercely protect.
Come for the Tech, Stay for the Tacos
On one hand, Venice is packed with tourist traps – one wrong turn and you’ll end up with a funnel cake you’ll remember for all the wrong reasons.
On the other, it’s home to some of the hippest restaurants in Los Angeles—the kind of places that can feel a little too cool for school.
We’re here to break the taboo.
Venice may be considered overrated or overpriced by some, but we see it differently: a trendsetter and trailblazer—not just in food, but in startups, biohacking, healing modalities, and holistic living long before those ideas went mainstream.
Food has always been central to that ethos. So whether you’re here for tech, fitness, wellness, or pure beach energy, you should absolutely stay for the food.
Below are 30+ Venice spots locals and visitors alike swear by—places that have stood the test of time (RIP Lemonade and Plant Food + Wine). No particular order, just a love letter to Venice dining.
Where to Eat in Venice, CA
1. Gjelina
Italian at Gjelina is the OG cool kid on the block. Still iconic, still worth it. Seasonal vegetables, pizzas, pastas and weekend brunch—it defined modern Venice dining.
2. Gjusta (plus Gjusta Grocer & Ggiata Deli)
A Venice institution for baked goods, sandwiches, and casual greatness. Pro tip: don’t skip Gjusta Grocer, and yes—Ggiata Deli is now open and their meatballs and parmigianas are already legendary.
3. Great White
Brunch perfection. Australian café vibes with consistently solid food and people-watching that screams Venice. Best breakfast burrito this close to the beach.
Their dinner menu, while less storied, is equally impressive. We loved the Tremendous cheeseburger. after dinner their sister venue Gran Blanco across the street is the place to be.
4. Erewhon
Love it or hate it, locals still come here. Smoothies, deli counter, grab-and-go perfection—especially post-workout. Also their breakfast burritos have the perfect tater tots.
5. Café Gratitude
Quintessential Venice vibes. Plant-based comfort food meets spiritual energy, and Rose Avenue feels like the heart of it all. Here’s our dedicated Cafe Gratitude review.
6. Charcoal Venice
One of the best happy hours in the neighborhood. Go for the black margaritas, stay for the energy. And anything, well, charcaol-ed.
7. Teddy’s Red Tacos
Birria red tacos and burritos that hit every time. Casual, flavorful, and no-nonsense. Make sure to try the consome and birria ramen.
8. Salt & Straw
Yes, it’s super popular—but locals still line up. Seasonal flavors make it worth every scoop. Vegans are well catered to, too.
9. The Butcher’s Daughter
Vegetarian delights done right. Bright, airy, and reliably delicious at any time of the day. Our favorite for casual business meetings. Don’t miss the quinoa and beet burger. And of course the breakfast burrito which can be veganized.
10. Superba Food + Bread
A local favorite for breakfast. Fresh bread, pastries, and hearty plates that feel both indulgent and grounded. If you can’t make it to Bread + Butter for the best croissant in the area (technically Santa Monica), Superba is a close second.
11. Jeni’s Ice Cream (with Voodoo Doughnut next door)
A dessert double-header. Grab ice cream, grab a doughnut, live your best Venice life.
12. Guisados
Tacos and burritos with slow-braised fillings and handmade tortillas. An East Los Angeles outpost that now belongs on any Venice list. Great taco sampler plates and breakfast burritos.
13. Wallflower
Indonesian-inspired cuisine in a cozy, beautiful space. Quietly one of the most unique dining experiences in Venice. A perfect date night.
14. Flake
A laid-back breakfast staple on Rose Ave, Flake is known for its craveable egg sandwiches, burritos, and the cult-favorite cro-jo. It’s a quick stop with a casual outdoor setup and strong cold brew. Locals love it for the consistently solid food, friendly vibe, and easy grab-and-go before a surf or walk.
15. Tacos Por Favor
An old-school staple off the beaten path that locals never stop loving. Straightforward, satisfying, and timeless.
16. Hinano Café
Breakfast burritos by day, cheeseburgers and local brews by night. Widely considered the best dive bar in Venice—and proudly so.
17. Felix Trattoria
Handmade pasta that rivals Italy. Elevated but still warm, welcoming, and worth the advance reservation. Definitely a Venice staple.
18. Taqueria Chihuahua
Arguably the best California burrito outside of San Diego. A bold claim—but many locals stand by it, as do we. Decent self serve salsa bar. Weirdly, they open at 11am but still serve some of the most reliable breakfast burritos.
19. Rico’s Empanadas
The only street food we’ll vouch for on the boardwalk. Not a very high bar, admittedly, but trust us on this one. Plus, Rico is a character.
20. The Win~Dow at American Beauty
Burgers done right. Simple, nostalgic, and consistently excellent. The kale salad is a healthy sharable side, and their grain bowl, priced at $8, might just be the best deal in town.
21. Venice Whaler
Go for the local IPAs, stay for the sunset. One of the best spots in Venice to watch the sun melt into the ocean. So beloved it has its own merch line.
22. Beach & Brews
Just steps from the Venice Boardwalk, Beach & Brews is a relaxed hangout known for cold self-serve beers, casual bites and spicy mezcalitas. It’s the kind of unfussy, sun-soaked spot where locals post up after the beach. The easygoing atmosphere and the fun beer wall keep it in regular rotation.
23. Paloma
Paloma is a staple not because of its stellar food reputation (it’s ok at best) but because it’s cute, good for any occasion, the menu will please everyone in your party, and, unlike Gjelina, it always has a table.
24. Chulita
Our new favorite spot for an indulgent quesadilla and elevated tacos, including an awesome Taco Tuesday deal. Pro tip: ask for cassava tortillas to make it gluten and corn free.
25. El Tarrasco
A longtime neighborhood favorite near the Venice Pier, El Tarasco has been serving classic Mexican comfort food for decades. It’s best known for its hefty platos combinados and burritos and quick, no-frills service.
26. Marathon Burger
Right on the Venice Beach Boardwalk near Muscle Beach, Marathon Burger is known for its crispy-edged wagyu smashburgers and ties to Nipsey Hussle’s legacy. It’s a casual walk-up spot perfect for a post-beach bite.
27. Dudley Market
Tucked just off the sand on Dudley Ave, Dudley Market is a hip seafood spot known for ultra-fresh fish, oysters, Peruvian scallops and an unexpectedly standout fish sandwich. It’s equal parts date-night and neighborhood staple. Locals love the quality, natural wines, and effortlessly cool beachside vibe.
28. Venice Beach Wines
On Rose Ave, Venice Beach Wines is a cozy wine bar and shop known for its curated natural wines and seasonal, produce-driven small plates. It’s intimate, low-key, and always buzzing with locals.
29. Canal Market
Just in the back of the Venice Canals, Canal Market is a breezy casual little grocer/coffee shop known for its mix of top-notch coffee and carefully curated snacks and wine selection. It’s perfect for a laid-back kombucha on the tucked-away back patio or picking up goodies for a beach picnic.
30. Casa 12
Near the Venice Pier on Washington Blvd, Casa 12 is a cozy Italian spot known for its housemade pastas and warm, date-night vibe. The standout is their beet pasta—rich, earthy, and slightly bitter from the radichio, paired with creamy gorgonzola for a bold, colorful dish. Locals love it for the intimate atmosphere, consistent quality, and that “hidden gem by the beach” feel.
31. The Waterfront Venice
Right on the boardwalk, The Waterfront Venice is a go-to for golden hour with unbeatable ocean views. Known for its lively happy hour and crowd-pleasing bites, it’s where locals and visitors alike gather to watch the sunset. Ok fine, not really locals… mostly visitors. But the sunsets are unmatched.
Honorable Mention: Venice Farmers Market
Held every Friday on Venice Blvd, the Venice Farmers Market is a low-key local favorite for fresh produce, baked goods, and ready-to-eat bites.
It’s smaller and more neighborhood-focused than other LA markets, which is exactly why locals love it. Come for a casual stroll and a taste of everyday Venice life.
Bonus: Drinks & Coffee in Venice
For cocktails and nightlife, try: Rooster Fish, The Brig, Gran Blanco, Hotel Erwin rooftop (the only rooftop in Venice), Townhouse Speakeasy, The Lincoln, and Belle’s Beach House (younger crowd).
For caffeine fixes, locals rotate between: Menotti’s Coffee Stop, Alana’s Coffee Roasters, Blue Bottle, Intelligentsia, and the quintessentially Venice concept – Hook’d at Dudley Market.
If you’re after something sans caffeine, head to Anima Mundi Apothecary – tucked in the back is a lovely café serving matcha and functional drinks—Venice wellness at its finest.
Venice Best Restaurants – Ones to Watch (We Haven’t Tried Yet!)
These spots may make the list of where to eat in Venice CA soon—if you’ve been, tell us what you think in the comments:
- RVR – the latest from the Gjelina group.
- Hama Sushi – a long standing neighborhood favorite.
- Barrique Venice – could the setting in a historic bungalow be any more charming?
- Scopa Italian Roots – technically it’s in Marina del Rey but close enough.
- Cinque Terre – another Italian newcomer, now open on Rose across from Wabi Sabi.
- Market – reportedly the second best thing to dining in Venice, Italy.
- Bādmash (elevated Mumbai street food) is opening a new Abbot Kinney location soon. We love their DTLA OG, so expectations are very high.
- American Beauty – we’re regulars at the Win-Dow but somehow still to check it out after dark.
- Companion – from the founders of Gnarwhal coffee shop.
Where to Stay in Venice Beach
Venice isn’t big on hotels, and honestly there are really only two worth considering: Gjelina Hotel and Hotel Erwin.
Gjelina Hotel (from the people behind Gjelina restaurant), tucked on Rose Ave less than a block from the beach, feels like a design-forward, residential hideaway with cozy, apartment-style rooms and a quiet, local vibe.
Hotel Erwin, virtually on the boardwalk and right by the iconic Venice sign, is the opposite—lively, colorful, and iconic, with ocean views, a rooftop scene, and front-row access to Venice’s energy
Best Food in Venice, CA: Final Thoughts
Venice has long been misunderstood—but it’s also long been ahead of the curve. From food to fitness, tech to therapy, it’s a place where lifestyle and nourishment intersect.
So whether you come for Silicon Beach startups, the boardwalk grind, or Rose Avenue Moon Juice rituals, do yourself a favor: stay for the food.
Venice locals certainly do.
What did we miss on the list of where to eat in Venice CA? Let us know in the comments or tag @eightyflavors on socials!
OUR TRIED AND TESTED FOOD TRAVEL RESOURCES: Book a hotel with Booking.com. Search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Find the best local food tours on Viator. Browse curated conscious group trips with GAdventures. Get your travel insurance with World Nomads.
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. We’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through the link provided, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support in running this blog!
