Venice Beach, Los Angeles, isn't just about sun, sand, and skateboards; it's a vibrant culinary hub boasting an eclectic mix of restaurants. From casual beachfront bites to upscale dining experiences, finding the perfect lunch spot can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide highlights 22 of the best lunch restaurants in Venice, catering to every taste and budget. We've categorized them for easy navigation, ensuring you find your perfect Venice lunch.
Casual & Quick Bites: Perfect for Beach Days
These spots offer delicious, affordable lunches ideal for fueling up before or after a day at the beach.
1. The Butcher's Daughter: Vegetarian haven with fresh, seasonal dishes. Their salads and sandwiches are legendary, emphasizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Expect a wait, especially on weekends, but it's worth it.
2. Gjelina Take Away: A more casual offshoot of the popular Gjelina restaurant, this spot offers delicious pizzas, salads, and sandwiches perfect for a quick and tasty lunch. Their wood-fired pizzas are a must-try.
3. Felix Trattoria: While known for its dinner, Felix offers a fantastic lunch menu featuring delicious pasta dishes and Italian-American classics. It's a perfect option for a more relaxed, yet still refined, lunch experience.
4. Blue Star Donuts: Need a sweet treat? Blue Star Donuts offers a unique and creative selection of gourmet donuts. This is the perfect spot for a quick and indulgent lunch alternative.
5. Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery: A Venice institution, Bay Cities is famous for its Godmother sandwich – a must-try for any visitor. Prepare for lines, but the quality and freshness make it worthwhile.
Upscale & Refined: Lunch with a View
These restaurants offer a more sophisticated lunch experience, often with stunning views of the ocean or Venice canals.
6. The Lobster: Indulge in fresh seafood with breathtaking ocean views. Their lobster rolls are a favorite, but their other seafood options are equally impressive. Expect to pay a premium for the location and quality.
7. Gracias Madre: Upscale organic Mexican food that focuses on fresh ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Their lunch menu boasts exciting tacos, enchiladas, and salads.
8. Gjelina: A Venice staple, Gjelina offers a refined menu with seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It's a perfect choice for a special lunch occasion.
9. CAFE Gratitude: The name says it all! This café focuses on healthy, wholesome food and creates an uplifting atmosphere. Their fresh juices and salads are very popular, and they also have some heartier options.
International Flavors: A Culinary Journey
Venice's diverse population is reflected in its restaurants. Here are a few spots offering international culinary adventures for lunch.
10. Hama Sushi: High-quality sushi in a stylish setting. Their lunch specials are a great value, offering a variety of rolls and other sushi dishes.
11. Father's Office: Gourmet burger joint with a focus on high-quality ingredients and creative burger combinations. Their burgers are known for being exceptionally juicy and flavorful.
12. Menotti's: An Italian restaurant offering a taste of old-world charm with classic pasta dishes, pizzas, and other Italian favorites. It's a wonderful spot for a romantic lunch date.
13. Wurstküche: This German-style sausage spot offers a fun and casual atmosphere with a varied selection of sausages, sides, and beers. Perfect for a casual lunch with friends.
Healthy & Conscious Choices: Fueling Your Body Right
For those looking for healthy and nutritious lunch options, these spots are perfect.
14. SunLife Organics: Fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy bowls that are perfect for a light and refreshing lunch. They offer a variety of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences.
15. Kreation Organic Juicery: Similar to SunLife Organics, Kreation offers a wide variety of organic juices, smoothies and healthy bowls. A great place for a quick and healthy lunch fix.
16. Flower Child: Healthy and flavorful bowls, salads, and wraps. Flower Child prides itself on its fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch.
Sweet Treats & Cafes: Satisfy Your Cravings
Don't forget to indulge your sweet tooth or grab a coffee break at one of these delightful spots.
17. Salt & Straw: Artisanal ice cream with unique and inventive flavors. This is a must-visit for ice cream lovers.
18. Intelligentsia Coffee: High-quality coffee roasted in-house. Their coffee is perfect for pairing with a pastry or light lunch.
19. Alfred Coffee: Another great option for coffee lovers, Alfred Coffee offers a trendy vibe and a variety of specialty drinks.
20. Venice Whaler: This cafe offers various baked goods, light meals and coffee. Great for a relaxed, casual lunch.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
These spots may not be as well-known, but they offer unique and delicious lunch experiences.
21. The Misfit Restaurant: A local favorite known for its creative menu and use of seasonal ingredients. It's a great spot for adventurous eaters.
22. The Sidewalk Cafe: A classic Venice institution, The Sidewalk Cafe offers a casual atmosphere with delicious sandwiches, salads, and other light fare.
Conclusion: Your Venice Lunch Awaits!
Venice Beach offers an incredible range of lunch options, from casual beachfront eateries to upscale restaurants with stunning views. This guide provides a starting point for your culinary adventure in Venice. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for hours and availability, especially during peak season. Enjoy your lunch!
