Along with being a picturesque beach city with a lively ambiance, Venice Beach is also home to some of the finest restaurants in West Los Angeles. Below are our top recommendations for the best eateries in this chic neighborhood. These restaurants feature aesthetically pleasing interiors and serve delectable food. Save this thoughtfully curated guide for your next fun outing with friends or family!
Helmed by Top Chef alumnus Jackson Kalb, Ospi’s expert culinary team crafts scrumptious Southern Italian dishes. The eatery’s interiors feature rustic wooden tables and an open kitchen where guests can see the chefs hand-making the pasta dishes. Ospi’s extensive menu comprises super-thin pizzas, inventive housemade pasta, and classic Italian fare. The standout dishes include Spicy Rigatoni, Spaghetti Tomato, Ricotta Gnudi, Cannelloni, Cavatelli, Margherita Pizza, Vodka Pizza, Butter Chicken (Parm Style), Cannoli and Nutella Mousse. I ordered the Spaghetti Tomato ($24) and was impressed by the simple yet delicious dish. While the pasta was straightforward, it was packed with flavor and texture. You could tell that it was painstakingly crafted using good-quality ingredients.
Passion for Hollywood movies and Mexican food inspired Carlos Haro, Sr. to open Casablanca Restaurant in 1980. Adorned with Hollywood memorabilia and decor pieces, the eatery hosts live musical performances and offers a distinctive dining experience. Guests can expect lip-smacking Mexican cuisine, including lesser-known dishes such as one of its specialties, the Calamari Steak. While the food is the draw, a tequila cart and live music add to the inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s signature dishes include the Almost Famous Burrito, Seafood Brasero, and Salmon a la Mandarina.
The Butcher’s Daughter is a well-loved, plant-based eatery known for its fresh, seasonal dishes, eclectic interiors, and charming vibe. It serves a multi-cuisine menu comprising hearty bowls, salads, sweet treats, seasonal dishes, homemade bread, organic cold-pressed juices, locally roasted coffee, and cocktails, all crafted with a focus on wholesome ingredients. This restaurant’s Mushroom ‘Calamari,’ Corn Tortellini, Watermelon ‘Tuna’ Tostada, Lemon Lavender Waffle, Spicy Kale Caesar, Pad Thai, Impossible Burger, Peach Salad, Reboot Juice, and Chocolate Matcha Cake are crowd favorites. I tried the Pad Thai ($21), served with a scrambled egg and a cucumber-carrot slaw. The dish was light, flavorful, and hit the spot. I suggest grabbing a table in the eatery’s al fresco seating section that is perfect for people-watching.
Located in the heart of Venice Beach, the Rose Venice is a welcoming Californian bistro. Founded in 1979, the eatery is housed in a former gas company dispatch office. It features several indoor and outdoor spaces, a full-service espresso bar, a farmer’s market-driven quick-service market, a bakery, a 40-foot cocktail bar, a beer garden, and a private event space. Conceptualized by local design firm Studio UNLTD, the interiors pay homage to the evolution of the Venice community over the past 30 years. The menu includes modern Californian dishes with global influences, such as the Fried Chicken Sandwich, Brisket Sandwich, Tuna Melt, Branzino, Hand Cut Pappardelle, and Milk and Berry Cake.
Established in 2002, Simpang Asia began as an Indonesian specialty market. Presently, the restaurant is a casual eatery in Venice serving authentic Indonesian dishes made using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Order the Nasi Lemak, Roti Paratha, Chicken Sate, Singapore Street Noodles, Coconut Beef Steak, Sauteed Garlic String Beans, Festival Rice, or Nasi Goreng Jawa, and you will not be disappointed. The dishes at Simpang Asia tend to be spicy, so order a mild spice level if you are not fond of spicy food.
Belles Beach House is a Hawaiian restaurant that boasts a tropical vibe with a touch of 1970s nostalgia. The bustling eatery offers Hawaiian-inspired dishes with a Japanese twist and innovative Tiki cocktails. I highly recommend the restaurant’s Mochiko Chicken Nuggets, Crispy Rock Shrimp, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Miso Salmon Roll, Yellowtail Sashimi, Teriyaki Cheeseburger, Miso Maple Salad and Garlic Butter Noodles. Belles Beach House is my go-to for mouthwatering food and a delightful beach-inspired ambiance.
Photo Courtesy of The Butcher’s Daughter.
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