Venice Restaurants

Based on the film, Casablanca, this Mexican eatery makes for quite a unique combination of themes, but it works. Located right on the corner of Rose and Lincoln, this restaurant creates a fine selection of dishes ranging from the tangy chicken to a dish cleverly named "Play it again, Carlos," which is a steak that is marinated with Dos Equis beer. No matter what you order, the best part are the homemade tortillas, which are made on a stove right next to a life-size replica of Humphrey Bogart. Weekends bring live entertainment, but try not to say, "Play it again, Sam".

Rockenwagner Restaurant's success and popularity can be attributed to the uncompromising efforts of the chef, Hans Rockenwagner, whose cooking is creative, intelligent and mostly a mélange of classic and modern. The feel of the restaurant, with its Oktoberfest celebrations and everyday happy hour menu, is very bistro-like — a reason enough to attract locals and tourists in equal amounts. The cuisine is typically French with dishes, such as Golden Saffron Risotto and Filet Mignon; and few like Veal Goulash with Spätzle, which bring out the German roots of the restaurant.

Fun little place to grab a bite to eat. The crowd is very eclectic, and it's known for body builders and such visiting, but many other crowds attend to. Cute name and building, good food.

Another good place to eat, mostly known for breakfast. Very great atmosphere, and it includes a gift shop. I have never been let down by the food here. And I love the entrance of the roses painted around the door, so pretty.

There's a special energy flowing through this hip L.A. hotspot. It lets you know that the city of Venice is alive and well! The menu here is extremely varied, offering such items as grilled flatbread, legume soup, lamb chops, salads and eggplant. Be sure to try the roasted chicken, too. The dessert menu is so good you'll almost want to act like a kid and skip ordering an entree. Beer and wine are also served. If you want to act like a true local, just remember that the name of the place is pronounced "Ah-SHAY." Disabled diners: The management welcomes you. However, please call just before you plan to arrive so they can be sure that the side entrance where you may need to enter is not temporarily blocked.

Like totally gnarly cuisine, dudes! If you're looking for a place to kick your heels after a long set of surfing, this joint was made for the tube-rider in you. Brightly decorated with colorful surfboards, it carries a wide selection of sandwiches, pizzas and pasta for the hungriest of beach people. It's very low-key and casual, so don't worry about walking in with a towel around your neck, just dig in and have fun.

Wabi-Sabi Sushi & Asian Noodle is a trendy Asian joint which attracts a bohemian clientèle. The urbane interiors and laid back ambiance will set you at ease as soon as you step in. Sushi lovers can head to the sushi bar, and if you have the good old gang in tow, head to the spacious backroom. Alternately, you can seat yourself outdoors, where the warmth of lamps will keep you comfortable. The menu features such specialties as Crispy Skin Duck Carpaccio, the Mixed Sashimi Bowl, tempura, rolls, and an assortment of small plates.

Boasting sleek furnishings, chic clientele, a beautiful beachfront location, and an intimate fire pit, it's easy to see why Ocean and Vine has become one of the most popular restaurants in the area. The theme of the food is "California cuisine," complete with the ideology that the fresher the food is, the better the meal is. The restaurant offers fireside dinners, a hip lounge, both breakfast and lunch, and unparalleled service. Everything here is aimed at making your experience as delightful as possible: from the oversized pillows to the fresh, new style of cuisine.

For more than 20 years families have been enjoying this Wilshire Boulevard fixture. Little has changed in the meantime; it is still open 24 hrs, serving an assortment of good diner-type fare. Favorites include the classic deli-style overstuffed sandwiches and great homemade soups and chili. Breakfast is served here all day. Reservations are accepted and there is a parking lot on the premises. Beer and wine are available, as are takeout and delivery.

If you hear the patrons speaking with a British accent, they're probably not putting on airs. The transplanted Brits in the area have made this a home away from home. This is your typical pub like back in Britain with fish and chips, warm beer and darts. For those Yanks who prefer a cold one, they're available as well. The attached restaurant serves up traditional fare. What could be better than British ambiance combined with Southern California weather?

This place is always crowded and deservedly so. There's something undeniably hip about a place that doesn't try to be cool - it just is. The no-frills approach is evident on the wood-paneled walls and the scarcity of seats. No great loss, though - once the crowd forms, you have to stand to get service from the beleaguered but friendly bartenders. Plus, you can always count on great music playing and no cover at the door.

Coming here is like going back to college—located on the bustling Third Street Promenade mall, this large, airy pool hall/bar/restaurant is the perfect place to spend some quality time shooting pool, drinking beer and munching on those delicious chicken wings. The music's loud, the patrons are young and hip and there are enough TVs to watch as many games as you can focus on. No cover required.

Blocks from the Third Street Promenade Mall, this lovely cafe is a great getaway from the crowds and the touristy atmosphere. Locals know this as a great spot for a drink and a casual conversation. Couples stare into each other's eyes as they contemplate another drink. The staff is friendly and attentive and the crowd is young and beautiful. If you find yourself here one evening, you'll probably have a smile on your face.

This is a combination of a sports bar and a restaurant that offers beautiful indoor and outdoor table areas to its patrons. Bright colors and beautiful wood tables set the mood here. The regular customers tend to be middle-aged and older, though many younger people stop in as well. Grilled steaks, a wide variety of pasta plates and numerous tasty salads will delight your palate at this restaurant. At night, the sports bar area converts into a dance floor where people party until 11pm or just before midnight. Call ahead, as the hours are subject to seasonal changes.

This eatery is the place to go for French delicacies and treats. The space features a small cafe where you can eat in or do what many locals do—take the food out and make a picnic of it. It sells prepared containers for two for a romantic picnic on the beach. It also sells pate, pastries and bread. It is a lot less expensive than eating in a French restaurant but it is just as delightful.