Venice, Florida is a charming city situated on the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its beautiful beaches, Venice is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and golfing.

Visitors can stroll down the historic downtown area to shop and dine at local restaurants. Venice is just south of Sarasota and the very popular Siesta Key (you’ve probably heard of Siesta Key Beach, often named the #1 beach in the US!)

So if you’re visiting Sarasota, it will certainly be worth your while to drive south a bit to find the beautiful city of Venice. Don’t forget, Venice is the best place to find sharks teeth in Florida!

If you’re flying into Florida, you’ll need a rental car. If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

The Best Places to Eat in Venice Florida

Here are the 26 best places to eat in Venice Florida, listed in no particular order.

Gold Rush BBQ

Gold Rush BBQ is the place to get the best BBQ in Venice. This is one of the unique restaurants in Venice too. They have a gold mining theme. Many of the dishes are served in metal gold miner pans.

The BBQ options are almost unlimited here. Order your favorite barbecued meat. Choose the BBQ beans, collard greens, or corn on the cob for your sides. And don’t forget the cornbread.

Joy’s Kouzine

Joy’s Kouzine can be found in Bird Bay Plaza. It is a cafe that serves Mediterranean food.

Breakfast is served from open to close. Lunch is added during the last few hours.

You can’t go wrong with any of their sweet crepes. However, their savory ones are perfect when you want lunch instead of breakfast.

This is one of those cafes you would expect to see on Main Street in a small town. It is definitely a local favorite.

Fins at Sharky’s

Fins at Sharky’s is located on Harbor Dr. S. It is at the base of the Venice fishing pier. This happens to be one of the best waterfront restaurants on the Gulf Coast, so of course, it’s one of the best places to eat in Venice Florida.

You can order steak or fresh seafood at this amazing restaurant. There is a lite bites and drink special menu during happy hour.

You can order sushi at any time of the day. For dinner, start with a plate of lobster potato nachos or seafood chowder. Then consider the filet mignon or lobster tail. Maybe order them both!

This restaurant holds private events. Keep that in mind if you have a special occasion to celebrate while in Venice.

Crow’s Nest Restaurant

Crow’s Nest Restaurant has been considered Venice’s waterfront landmark since the 1970s. You can drive to this restaurant on Tarpon Center Dr. However, arriving by boat is becoming more popular.

I recommend sitting in the upstairs dining room for the best views. Although, the downstairs tavern offers outstanding service too.

Photo is property of Crow’s Nest Restaurant.

At dinnertime, indulge in raw oysters, fresh crabs, shellfish, and other culinary delights. The menu completely changes when it is time for brunch. Then you have almost too many breakfast options to count.

Dockside Waterfront Grill

If you are looking for the best fresh seafood in Venice, head over to Dockside Waterfront Grill. You will find this wonderful place on N. Tamiami Trail.

Sit outside as you marvel at the views. Arrive later in the day to capture the best sunset views in Venice.

If this is your first time at Dockside, you’ll want to arrive during happy hour. They have some of the best hand-crafted cocktails. Order a grouper sandwich or another of the delicious food items, and enjoy the great atmosphere.

Tikka Indian Cuisine

Tikka Indian Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant in Venice, Florida. They serve authentic Indian cuisine so it’s certainly one of the best places to eat in Venice Florida if your family loves Indian food (like we do!)

As soon as you walk in the door, you will be met with the aromas of Indian spices. All their dishes use the freshest seasonal ingredients.

This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Start your meal with delicious eggplant chana chat or masala fried shrimp. Then dive into tandoori or the kabab trio. Don’t leave before ordering the chocolate gulab jamun or cardamom date cake, even if you need to take it to go.

Cassariano Italian Eatery

It is all about Northern Italian cuisine at the Cassariano Italian Eatery in Venice. This is an excellent place to drink fine wine and relax at the end of a long day.

Start your meal with caprese or the seafood appetizer. The pappardelle bolognese is amazing, as is the veal ravioli with marsala. You could also consider the green pepper filet or the roasted duck.

Reservations are recommended, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Star Thai and Sushi

When you are craving sushi in Venice, you must head over to Star Thai and Sushi. This restaurant is located in Siesta Key. The menu has at least 20 different small plates. Your taste buds will dance with one bite of Thai food.

Photo is property of Star Thai and Sushi.

You can easily grab a quick bite to eat here. However, it is also the perfect place to sit down and relax for a couple of hours.

Bodrum Restaurant

It is all about Middle Eastern cuisine at this restaurant in downtown Venice. Order one of their cold appetizers on a hot Florida day. Mom’s potato dip is always a hit at Bodrum Restaurant.

Then dive into a Greek gyro, Bodrum kofte kebab, or the catch of the day. Don’t skip the baklava for dessert.

Ristorante San Marco

Ristorante San Marco is one of the better Italian restaurants in Venice. Start with a glass of wine. Then consider the daily specials, which feature seasonal ingredients.

The pasta is homemade and fresh every day. If you want to act like a local, order their Tucson bolognese.

Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina

One of the favorite places to grab Mexican food in Venice is Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano. The great service only adds to all the authentic dishes.

The tortillas are made fresh every day. Fill those tortillas with your favorite Mexican items. Add a margarita to really add to your experience.

This is a fun place to dine, thanks to the music playing in the background.

Suncoast Cafe

Suncoast Cafe is one of the best places to dine when you want great views of the airport runway. Watch the planes take off and land throughout your meal.

This is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Order the benny and the jets to fit right in at breakfast. At lunchtime, it is all about the runway mahi reuben and the co-pilot chicken alfredo.

There is something for everyone on the menu. Arrive hungry and enjoy the views!

Seed to Table Vegan Eatery

If you are searching for healthy food options in Venice, head to the Seed to Table Vegan Eatery. You will find this restaurant on South Tamiami Trail. Organic ingredients are used to make every dish.

This restaurant has it all. You can order fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, pitaya bowls, and so much more.

Photo is property of Seed to Table Vegan Eatery.

Consider ordering the white bean artichoke burger with a pineapple mango sriracha sauce. You can also stick with one of their fabulous seed-to-table salads. Just don’t leave before grabbing one of their vegan chocolate mousse cups.

Valenti’s Ristorante

This Italian restaurant in Venice has been open for more than 30 years now. This is the best of the Venice restaurants when you want authentic Italian food. Many of the herbs used in the dishes at Valenti’s Ristorante are grown right in the garden outside the restaurant.

This is a great place to order a traditional plate of pasta. However, you should consider other favorites like lasagna, stuffed shells, and eggplant parmigiano.

They even offer a kid’s menu for the smaller diners in your group.

Mad Dogs Hot Dogs

Mad Dogs Hot Dogs is located on S. Tamiami Trail in Venice. It may appear to be a regular hot dog joint from the outside. However, one look at the menu will reveal anything but.

They have regular hot dogs plus vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Everyone in your group can order the gourmet hot dog of their dreams with no regrets!

They have tons of complimentary toppings. Don’t stop there—order as many additional toppings as you want.

Call ahead for a takeout order if you are short on time.

Off the Wagon Brewery & Kitchen

Off the Wagon Brewery & Kitchen is the very first microbrewery in Venice. You will find this brewery near South Jetty Beach.

You can eat the best burgers in Florida at Off the Wagon.

You won’t find a fine dining experience at this brewery. You will find excellent service, good food, amazing live music, and a great time though.

If you are not in the mood for a burger, you have options. I recommend the Tommy pastrami. It is loaded with thin pastrami and provolone. Plus, it is served on a pretzel bun.

Peach’s Restaurant

Peach’s Restaurant has multiple locations around Sarasota County. Thankfully, they opened one on Jacaranda Boulevard in Venice.

The friendly staff knows all the regulars by name. If you go there often enough during your visit, they’ll start calling you by name as well.

Photo is property of Peach’s Restaurant.

Peach’s serves the best breakfast in Venice. Their Belgian waffles are delicious. But their best meal is the ultimate breakfast bowl. This bowl has all the flavors. Order it once, and you will definitely be hooked!

The Original Word of Mouth

The Original Word of Mouth is a locally owned restaurant that is open for breakfast and lunch. Both the breakfast and lunch menus are filled with dishes that have reasonable prices. This is one of the restaurants in Venice with outdoor dining areas.

In the morning, you may be tempted to order one of their freshly baked goods. Yes, those muffins and scones will be delicious. However, order an omelet and save that treat for later.

At lunchtime, order a classic sandwich or one of their burgers. And yes, see if they have any baked goods left for your dessert!

Chaz 51 Steakhouse

Out of all the great restaurants in Venice, Chaz 51 Steakhouse always seems to be the best for dinner. It is the perfect place to celebrate special occasions.

Order one of their steaks or stick to a burger or fresh seafood. No matter what you order, it will be delicious.

Oh, and if you don’t want to wait a long time for a table, make a reservation. You won’t regret it when you arrive and see the long line.

Snook Haven

Head into authentic Old Florida to experience the southern cooking at Snook Haven. They offer outdoor seating under Spanish moss-covered oak trees.

Arrive hungry because their menu is filled with plenty of yummy options. A few of their menu items include chicken, shrimp, and fresh fish. And don’t forget the BBQ.

Before you head over to this popular restaurant, check out their live music calendar. After all, you might as well listen to some live music while eating great food.

Made in Italy

You will find Made in Italy on W. Venice Ave in downtown Venice. This Italian bistro has a full bar if you are simply interested in drinks. Although, once you start to smell all the delicious foods coming from the kitchen, you will want to stay for dinner.

The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for eating antipasto, pasta dishes, and wood-fired pizza. Their most ordered dessert item is the tiramisu.

Croissant & Co.

Sometimes you want a pastry to eat while on vacation. If you wake up in the morning craving croissants, head into downtown Venice. There you will find Croissant & Co.

The menu is full of croissants, quiches, and other pastries. Sandwiches and salads can be purchased for lunch.

Black Gold Coffee Roasters

Finding a good cup of coffee can be difficult when you are on vacation. In Venice, I recommend heading over to Black Gold Coffee Roasters.

Beans from all over the world are roasted at this coffee shop. Those roasted coffee beans are then used to make coffee, lattes, espressos, cappuccinos, and cold brews.

Photo is property of Black Gold Coffee Roasters.

Order a pastry or other breakfast item to go with your coffee. Then order some roasted coffee beans to take home. You’ll love that when you’re sipping on your Black Gold Coffee at home!

Local Spot 941

Local Spot 941 is a restaurant that began as a food truck in Venice. In fact, this restaurant still has its original food truck, Sausage Express, open a couple of days a week.

Head to Local Spot 941 for their famous Reuben sandwiches. They offer daily specials as well.

If you are looking to eat at their food truck, it can be found next door to O’Reilly Auto Parts in Venice.

Benny Bada Bings Pizza

If you are looking for the best pizza in Venice, head over to Benny Bada Bings Pizza. This is a tiny pizza shop, so be prepared to stand in line. Or order ahead for takeout and skip the wait.

All the meals include good portions, so you definitely won’t be starving, especially if you add a pizza to eat with your lasagna and garlic knots. With excellent food and a great atmosphere, a visit here is a great way to spend an evening in Venice.

Scoops Venice Ice Cream

You don’t need to skip eating ice cream while in Venice. Head over to Scoops Venice Ice Cream to get your fill of cones, sundaes, and milkshakes.

They have many ice cream flavors to choose from. You can even order vintage soda and candy.

I know you might not think this is one of the best places to eat a meal in Venice. However, it is the best place to eat in Venice for dessert.

The best places to eat in Venice Florida

I hope this list of the best places to eat in Venice Florida helped you. Did your favorite restaurant in Venice make the list? If not, let me know in the comments below. Now, go ahead and check out some of the best places to eat in Venice Florida; I know you’re hungry!

More Florida Travel Tips

Don’t forget to check out even more things to do in SW Florida

• The best Gulf Beaches in Florida
• The best Cape Coral Florida Beaches
• 30 things to do in Fort Myers FL
• The 28 best places to eat in Naples
• The 20 best beaches in Tampa
• 15 fantastic things to do in Siesta Key

About Florida Travel With Kids

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