Whether you are local to the area or just visiting Venice, Florida, we all must eat. So when it is time to choose a restaurant to spend our hard earned money, where do you go to eat? Every January, our Venice Foodies Community takes a vote on their favorite restaurants! For 2023, the results are in and while some are returning to the list, there are also several new names in the top 10! While this may not be my personal top 10, (especially the ones I haven’t even been to yet!) the community spent two weeks voting for their favorites and each one has its own merit to be listed!
What Are The Best Restaurants in Venice for 2023?
These restaurants are all over the place in terms of the type of food, atmosphere and pricing. I’ll break it all down for you so you can make the best decision when deciding which one to try first! (But definitely try them all if you are able!)
#1 Tikka Indian Cuisine
My family and I are huge fans of Tikka Indian Cuisine. Since they first opened in 2018, they have taken this town by storm with their fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The entire restaurant is so open, with ample space between tables and beautifully decorated. I highly recommend trying the Chicken 65 appetizer. They are poppable little chicken bites lightly fried with Indian spices, topped with sliced red onion and served with a delicious dipping sauce. You will find all your favorite dishes on the menu too! If you are leery of spice levels, never fear. You can choose your heat level and the kitchen will accommodate your needs. For newbies to Indian cuisine, I recommend going at lunch time for their specials. It offers an appetizer, entree, naan, roti and a dessert. It is fabulous because it allows you to try things you wouldn’t have necessarily chosen on your own.
#2 Dockside Waterfront Grill
Our family has loved dining at Dockside for many years now, mainly because my daughter loves being near the water during our meals. She also really loves their chicken tenders, and will usually ask if we can order a second one to bring home for “later”. Personally, my favorite dish is the Sunset Salad with blackened chicken. It is lightly dressed with Greek dressing and topped with glazed pecans, red onion, feta cheese, craisins and bacon. It’s the perfect bite and I can usually bring half home with me for that “later” meal with my daughter.
#3 Pop’s Sunset Grill
Admittedly, we have NEVER been to Pop’s Sunset Grill! Why is that? Well, for starters, it’s in a very busy area for tourists, and the parking can be challenging. However, that just shows you how popular it is! It’s on list to try this year… I promise! Their menu is filled with delicious seafood and other offerings. With a killer view of the water, this is definitely a spot to check out.
#4 Bodrum Restaurant
Probably my absolute favorite restaurant in town. I know, I shouldn’t be biased… but I have never had anything less than an incredible experience here. It’s the gem that’s not so hidden anymore! The chef/owner is one of the most humble and compassionate people you will ever meet and the dishes coming out of his kitchen are very clearly made out of a passion for food. The menu is what he describes as Eastern Mediterranean, inspired by his Turkish background with some twists thrown in. I have a soft obsession with the Carrot Tarator and the Tavuk Shish (chargrilled chicken), and if I can manage to save any room for desserts, there are plenty to choose from. My husband says that this is THE place to go for lamb chops and my daughter discovered her love of truffle fries and yellow lentil soup from our visits there. When we have guests from out of town, this is always the first place we bring them to show what Venice has to offer.
#5 Fins at Sharky’s
Another spot on our list to try this year! The Venice Foodies Community is full of reviews raving about their seafood and the beautiful views while dining. The menu looks absolutely divine and is considered a “polished casual” atmosphere. When we do go, I’m excited to try their various sushi offerings as well as indulge in their daily happy from 3:30-5:30 on the cocktail deck!
#6 Burgundy Square Cafe
If you’re looking for simple comfort food, the locals all agree that Burgundy Square provides just that. They have been serving up home cooked meals since 2011. After the loss of the owner, Chuck, in 2020 and his son this past year, his daughter is pushing on strong to continue the legacy of feel good breakfasts, lunches and dinners to feed the community. They are most well known for their famous, award winning lobster rolls. They have some of the best seafood in Venice!
#7 Chaz 51 Steakhouse
Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice, Florida • Steaks • Seafood • Fine Wine
From their humble beginnings when they were a small cafe serving breakfast and lunch, to the fine dining experience they have become, we have been huge fans. This is easily the best steak in town, and their other menu items are just as delicious. This is the kind of restaurant where you should give yourself time to sit and enjoy. The servers will go out of their way to make celebrations special, including desserts with Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary written in beautiful chocolate on the plate. Now that they are in their larger location, they have a full bar, live music, and so much more. Along with their regular menu, they also have a lounge menu that is exclusive to their lounge area, with happy hour specials from 4 pm to 7 pm daily.
#8 Crow’s Nest
My husband and I love spending time at the South Jetty in the morning when the weather is cool. Just sitting out on the benches and watching the water, it’s perfect! This is another spot on our list to try, but we are usually out of the area before they open for lunch at 11:30. They have two different areas for dining… The Tavern, which is more casual and the main dining room which is more upscale. If you’re more budget conscious, stick to the Tavern for a wide variety of items that won’t break the bank.
#9 Cassariano Italian Eatery
Cassariano Italian Eatery – Venice
Upscale Italian Eatery right in the heart of Downtown Venice! They offer indoor and outdoor dining to please everyone. Once again, this is on our list to try, but it looks incredible! Incredible appetizers, soups, salads and entrees on the menu are extremely tempting. They often have special wine dinners and special events as well. Watch their Facebook page for more information.
#10 Gold Rush BBQ
Gold Rush BBQ – Legendary BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Pork & Beef
Gold Rush BBQ has been a staple in Venice since they opened in 2001. Over the years, they’ve even developed a signature BBQ sauce, Stevia Sweet BBQ, which is now being sold all over the country including on digital marketplaces like Amazon! As a diabetic myself, I appreciate that a low carb BBQ sauce is available for when that craving hits. During the off season, they offer a special Kids Eat Free menu. They are also known for their All You Can Eat specials. These specials come with two sides and cornbread. It’s definitely something you shouldn’t miss.
- Tuesday: Baby Back Ribs
- Thursday: St Louis Spare Ribs
- Friday: Whole Fried Catfish
- Sunday: BBQ Chicken
Honorable Mentions for Best Restaurant in Venice
These restaurants may not have made the top 10 list, but they still received a LOT of love from the Venice Foodies Community and should be added to your list of places to check out (in no particular order)!
- Word of Mouth
- Croissant and Co
- Le Petit Jardin Cafe
- Sharky’s on the Pier
- Made in Italy
- The Star Thai and Sushi
- Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House
- Darrell’s Restaurant
- Max’s Table
- Snook Haven
- Cafe Venice
- Blu Island Bistro
- Prime Serious Steak
- British Open Pub
- Cafe Evergreen
- La Botte Italian Bistro
- Big Mike’s Pizza
- Angelo’s Italian Market
- Lucarelli’s
- Asaro’s
- Food + Beer
- The Sand Trap
- Luna Restaurant
- Brewburgers Back Porch
- Thai Bistro
- Joey D’s Venice,
- Local Spot 941
- Pelican Alley
- Irma’s Tacos, Craft Beer and Tequila Bar
- Obee’s
- Plaza Mexico
- Abby’s on Miami
- Baiyoke Thai Bistro
- Suncoast Cafe,
- L’Olive
- Paradise Grill
- Upper Crust Bakery
- Joy’s Kouzine
- Waterfront Too
- Belkis Cuban Deli
- Paya Thai Curry,
- Venice Ale House,
- Ristorante San Marco,
- Briandi’s,
- Fuji Sushi and Hibachi Noodles,
- Le Petit Jardin Cafe,
- Cote France,
- Mama Maria’s,
Which one of the best restaurants in Venice will you try first?
Comment below or head on over to the Venice Foodies Community to tell us all about your discoveries!
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I am surprised you didn’t mention Mi Pueblo? We think it’ has great Mexican food….way above Plaza Mexico, which you did mention!? Also trattoria DaMino’s pizza is to die for….I am from New York☺️. Also, you didn’t mention The Soda Fountain??
I agree! There are a LOT of other restaurants that I could have mentioned. However, this was the list of the ones that were nominated and voted for inside the group with over 21K members. Next January, jump in and make sure your favorite places are nominated so they get mentioned! Thanks for reading 🙂