5 Must-Stop Spots to Eat and Drink in Venice

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wed, Aug 8th, 2025

Venice, California: Five Unmissable Eating and Drinking Destinations

If you’re planning a trip to the iconic Venice Beach and can’t decide where to eat or drink, the Hollywood Reporter’s recent roundup has you covered. The article – “Venice’s 5 Must‑Stop Spots to Eat & Drink” – zeroes in on the spots that capture the boardwalk’s eclectic mix of surf culture, art‑is‑life vibes, and culinary creativity. Below is a distilled guide to each location, what makes it stand out, and why it’s a must‑visit according to the reporters and the locals.

1. The Cannery – A Retro Pier Bar With Modern Flair

The Cannery has been a Venice staple since 1972, and the Hollywood Reporter praises it for successfully blending vintage charm with a contemporary cocktail menu. Situated right on the Venice Boardwalk, the bar is a low‑key haunt for both tourists and long‑time residents. The signature drink, the Cannery Collins, features house‑made gin, fresh citrus, and a splash of artisanal tonic, while the classic Margarita remains a crowd‑pleaser. The venue’s open‑air layout and the occasional impromptu acoustic sets keep the atmosphere lively, especially during sunset.

The restaurant’s small‑plate menu also deserves a nod: the Pasta Puttanesca and the Seared Branzino are highlighted as crowd‑favorites. A casual, no‑frills vibe makes the Cannery a perfect spot for a quick bite before heading to the skate park or catching a movie at the historic Venice Cinema—another link embedded in the article that draws readers to Venice’s cultural offerings.

2. The Misfit Restaurant & Bar – French Bistro on the Pier

The Misfit offers a refined, “french‑bistro” feel with a menu that leans heavily on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Hollywood Reporter spotlights the Bistro Brunch, a Sunday morning affair featuring eggs Florentine, French toast, and a selection of small‑bite plates. For lunch or dinner, the Lobster Mac & Cheese and the Duck à l’Orange are among the top picks.

The bar portion is equally appealing, boasting a rotating list of craft beers and a selection of classic cocktails. Notably, the Misfit Manhattan – a robust twist on the traditional Manhattan – gets a rave review. The restaurant’s décor is a mix of vintage posters and modern lighting, echoing the “boho chic” aesthetic that’s become synonymous with Venice.

A link in the article leads readers to a virtual tour of the Misfit’s interior, making it easy for readers to envision the space before stepping foot inside.

3. The Bungalow 8 – A Surf‑Inspired Oasis

The Bungalow 8 brings a laid‑back, beachy ambiance that’s unmistakably Venice. The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the venue’s creative cocktails, especially the Bungalow 7 – a rum‑based concoction featuring mango puree and fresh lime, served in a hollowed‑out coconut shell. The bar’s small‑plates menu, such as the Fish Tacos and the Kale Salad, cater to health‑conscious diners without compromising on flavor.

The venue’s patio features a palm‑fringed setting with tiki torches, which the article highlights as perfect for sipping cocktails at sunset. In addition, the bar hosts weekly themed nights, including a Surf & Turf night that pairs craft beers with local barbecue. The link to the bar’s events calendar in the article helps readers plan their visit around a particular theme.

4. The Docks – Fresh Seafood With a View

While The Docks may not be as iconic as the Cannery, the Hollywood Reporter points out that its focus on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood makes it a standout. Located a short walk from the pier, the restaurant offers a menu that features daily specials drawn from the local catch. The Sea‑food Platter, which includes shrimp, scallops, and mussels, is the talk of the town, and the Cedar‑Roasted Salmon is a must‑try for salmon lovers.

The Docks’ interior is understated, letting the focus stay on the food and the beautiful view of the ocean. The restaurant also boasts a small but well-curated wine list that pairs well with its seafood dishes, something that the reporter notes is a rarity in many boardwalk eateries.

5. The Griddle – Breakfast & Brunch Haven

The article wraps up with a nod to The Griddle, a casual spot that has become the go-to breakfast destination for both locals and visitors. The restaurant’s menu is built around classic American breakfast dishes with a twist: the Sizzlin’ Pancakes are served with maple‑infused bacon, and the Avocado Toast comes topped with poached eggs and chili flakes. The Mimosa Bar offers a variety of fresh fruit‑infused mimosas that the reporter calls “the best mimosas in town.”

The Griddle’s relaxed vibe, bright interior, and the open kitchen where diners can see their food being prepared make it an engaging experience. A link in the article that directs readers to the restaurant’s Instagram feed gives a visual taste of the dishes, which is especially useful for Instagram-savvy travelers.

Why These Five Spots Matter

Across its five featured venues, the Hollywood Reporter showcases the diversity that defines Venice’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re in the mood for a retro bar with craft cocktails, a modern French bistro, a surf‑inspired tavern, fresh seafood with a view, or a relaxed breakfast spot, there’s something here that will satisfy every palate.

The article also intersperses links to external resources that deepen the reader’s understanding: a virtual tour of The Misfit’s interior, the Bungalow 8’s events calendar, and even a reference to the Venice Cinema, underscoring how dining and local culture often go hand in hand. Each link helps readers plan a richer, more connected experience while exploring Venice.

If you’re heading to the boardwalk, consider making a stop at one or all of these five places. With their unique menus, atmospheres, and a few insider secrets, they’ll not only fill your stomach but also offer a genuine taste of Venice’s ever‑evolving spirit.