It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

How our team does Venice.

Whether you’re in Venice for a day or for an extended stay at Gjusta Apartment, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite places to eat, sights to see, and things to do to enjoy Venice like our team does.

Photo by Trip Davis

Trip Davis, Gjelina Floor Manager / Gjelina Group Photographer

I am a big fan of Wallflower.

The surprise for me was American Beauty. If you fancy a high dollar steak and on point cocktail, American Beauty will serve it up. Not to mention some decadent and yummy side dishes.

Go enjoy the great outdoors!!! I fell in love with living in Venice because of the array of outdoor activities to access. Sounds obvious, but a MUST is a Sunset stroll along our coastline. Bike ride... duh. Try surfing, duh, but it's so fun!!!!

Go on a hike at Backbone Trail out of Will Rogers State Park or Temescal Canyon. These are busy hiking spots but are not far from Venice.

Stroll through the backstreets and canals of Venice. Dusk walks along the canals or Venice's back walk streets give you a cozy feel for the decadent side of living in Venice.

Chef Jenn Sills, Gjusta Head Chef

The LA Louver.

Mosaic Tile House on Palms.

Teddy’s Red Tacos.

Photo by Trip Davis

Lucy Cogswell-Stewart, Director of Operations

I'm a huge fan of the homemade flour tortillas with salsa verde from Casablanca. Bring a few dollars to make sure you can tip the people making them in the hearth in the middle of the restaurant (and possibly for the margarita cart).

Venice canals can't be missed, of course.

Ceci Aquino, Gjelina Floor Manager

One of my favorite taco places, Lupita’s Tacos, is right on Palms and Lincoln. They’re an Oaxacan family from San Lucas Quiaviní.  

Photo by Trip Davis

Nina Subhas, General Manager of Gjusta Grocer

My favorite thing to do in Venice, especially when I have family in town, is rent beach cruisers and bike down to Hermosa and back on the bike path on the beach. I think there are places where you can rent roller skates too, which might be even more fun.

I have also become a little obsessed with the birria from Teddy's. It’s right by the beach/store and it's delicious. Also, I love the dairy free ice cream at Salt and Straw. It's better than their dairy ice cream, if you can believe it. 

I haven't done it, but I LOVE pickle ball and it looks like you can play at the public paddle tennis courts on the beach, so that's on my list now for when my parents are in town next.

Susannah Liguori, Lead Florist 

Sunny Blue omusubi — don't skip the daikon side salad!

Townhouse for sweaty dancing.

Fig Tree for a glass of vino and french fries before a sunset jump in the ocean.

Photo by Trip Davis

Ibby Anda, Sunset Retail Manager

Go for an early morning beach walk right along the water as the sun is rising, the crowds have not yet hit the beach, and you might catch some early morning surfers. 

For a romantic, cozy, true & due Italian meal, head to Barrique where you will dine on delicious food with candlelight in an old yellow two story cottage. 

As Chef Jenn noted, Teddy's Red Tacos is a must for a casual, but incredible, beef birria taco stop. The tacos here are homemade with just a few ingredients, and melt in your mouth. Hit the BYOB back patio and hang or grab a go before hitting the beach. 

Dudley Market is a fabulous seafood spot tucked on a little alley right off the boardwalk. It is fun, crowded, serving wonderful fresh fish & natural wines. 

Stroll the canals, before making your way to Abbot Kinney to hit the shops. Grab a drink at The Brig (a bar that has been around since 1952) on their large outdoor patio before your dinner reservation at Gjelina, where you will have incredible seasonal vegetable dishes, pizzas, wine, and more in a fun and lively, yet intimate setting. 

Photos by Trip Davis

Illustraion by Meg Woodcheke