✦ Local Guide · Venice

🍻 Dinner with Friends Restaurants in Venice

The best lively spots great for groups and friend gatherings in Venice — curated from over 200 LA restaurants.

6 picks

The best dinner spots in Venice for a group are the ones where sharing is built into the menu and nobody has to overthink the order. These 6 picks are ideal for groups of 2–8 — places with enough energy that you can actually talk, menus worth exploring together, and a vibe that doesn't require a special occasion to justify the tab. Catch the TikTok reviews to find the right fit. Top picks: Felix Trattoria, Gjelina, RVR.

Venice's dining scene balances casual beach-town energy with serious culinary ambition — Abbot Kinney and Rose Ave are two of the best restaurant streets in the city.

Felix Trattoria

Felix Trattoria

Italian · Venice · $$$

★★★★½ 4.6

Venice's definitive neighborhood Italian — hand-rolled pasta daily

Must-try: Carbonara, Burrata, Porchetta

📍 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details Reserve on Resy

Gjelina

Californian · Mediterranean · Venice · $$

★★★★½ 4.5

The Abbot Kinney institution that made LA's dining scene

Must-try: Mushroom Pizza, Kale Caesar, Burrata Toast

📍 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable

RVR

Japanese · Izakaya · Venice · $$$

★★★★☆ 4.4

Travis Lett's Japanese izakaya on Abbot Kinney — local produce meets sake and Japanese drinking fare

Must-try: Hiramasa yuzu kosho hand roll, Duck meatball tsukune, Seasonal persimmon salad

📍 1305 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details Reserve on Resy

Gjusta

Bakery · Deli · Californian · Venice · $$

★★★★☆ 4.4

Venice's bakery-deli fever dream — smoked fish, crusty sourdough, and pastries so good they justify the chaotic ordering process

Must-try: Bagel with smoked salmon, Tahini croissant, Beet-cured lox board

📍 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details View on Maps

Great White

California · Brunch · Cafe · Venice · $$

★★★★☆ 4.4

Venice's all-day cafe with a California-cool aesthetic, excellent breakfast burritos, and brunch energy that defines the neighborhood

Must-try: Breakfast burrito, Ricotta hotcakes, Salmon mezze plate

📍 1604 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details View on Maps

Café Gratitude

Plant-Based · Organic · Venice · $$$

★★★★☆ 4.2

Venice's plant-based pioneer — intentional names, abundance bowls, and a Rose Avenue patio worth lingering over

Must-try: I Am Grateful (grain bowl), I Am Magical (black bean burger), I Am Worthy (pancakes)

📍 512 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Full Details View on Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best group dinner restaurant in Venice?

Felix Trattoria is a go-to for a reason — the format is built for sharing, the energy is right for a group, and the food is consistent enough that everyone leaves happy.

Where can a large group eat in Venice?

Gjusta handles larger tables well and has a menu with enough variety that even the pickiest eater in the group will find something. Call ahead if you're coming with 6 or more.

Can we walk into these restaurants as a group?

Groups have a harder time walking in, especially on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended for parties of 4 or more. Most of these spots book through OpenTable or Resy.