14 Worthy Restaurants For a Wandering Day in Sunny Venice

This longtime spot celebrates the diverse flavors of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Start with a few street snacks, like the crab rendang dip, before digging into the drunken fried chicken for two or the nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice). The cocktails here are worth a sip too.

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Need something a little faster (and less expensive) in Venice? Head over to staple Rose Avenue food truck La Isla Bonita for a collection of some of the Westside’s best seafood tostadas and tacos.

Jason Neroni’s remake of the iconic 1979 Rose Café is still a staple in the neighborhood. From soy milk chai lattes in the morning to tagliatelle with Santa Barbara uni in the evening, this restaurant megaplex has it all, and all day long.

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It seems that Gjusta can do no wrong, with just about everything coming out of the kitchen tasting crazy-delicious. And now that the restaurant and bakery have graduated from the days of milk crates, there are few reasons to not stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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Dudley Market is the ultimate locals joint that’s perfect for those seeking a fantastic seafood tower or fried chicken to go with a glass of 2015 J.B. Becker Wallufer Walkenberg Riesling Kabinett. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for online ordering and patio dining.

Chef Evan Funke’s dedication to serving some of the best pizza and handmade pasta in the city has yielded tremendous results. Plan on making several return trips to eat through the pasta menu, which is broken down by regions of Italy — and don’t forget to catch the pasta-making action from the main dining room.

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Get to Venice for some of LA’s best Thai food, made with color and care by chef Kris Yenbamroong. This buzzy spot doesn’t skimp on flavors or heat, making it one of the hottest (in many ways) places to dine in all of Venice.

De Buena Planta, which comes from the same folks behind the Butcher’s Daughter, serves well-prepared vegetarian Mexican fare along with a fine cocktail list. Meatless taco fillings include Impossible asada, squash, and cauliflower.

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Gran Blanco is among Venice’s best natural wine bars, a cozy and dimly-lit dinner and drinks hangout right under the iconic Venice sign and steps from the beach. Hip kids mix with surfers, tourists, and everyone else inside the whitewashed evening space, open Wednesday through Sunday.

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To hide from the sun (and prying eyes) try a night at Winston House, the boozy new supper club and live music venue on Windward, where snacks like spaghetti bolognese marry with shrimp toast and lots of cocktails, all evening long.

The beach seems to come right to diners and drinkers at Belles Beach House, the rustic-chic newcomer on Windward where the hip-est of the hip hang out these days. Part bar, part restaurant, this is the place to smell the salty ocean and see someone famous.

Located in the former 20-year-old Canal Club, Ospi from chef Jackson Kalb and Melissa Saka is making some of the city’s best pizzas and pastas, along with meatballs and lots of vegetables for starters and larger mains like a crispy branzino, butter chicken, and pork collar.

Chef Josiah Citrin’s ode to open-fire cuisine brings an elevated approach to backyard cooking with large, family-style plates and lots of vegetables to go around. New chef de cuisine Jordan Olivo leads a kitchen that turns out dishes like smoked lamb ribs, grilled octopus, and coal-roasted shishito peppers.

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This iconic burger shack just steps from the Venice Beach pier has been slinging casual fare and brews since 1962. A favorite of both rock legends and locals, there is little argument that this one of LA’s most beloved dives.