A Day in Venice

I’ve been to LA a lot. Even lived there. (Although that part of my life kind of feels like a dream.) So to do a travel piece on a place you know so well and have explored a ton is challenging as there’s so much to include. With that in mind, I decided to focus this time on just the city of Venice. I actually hadn’t been in years or navigated it nearly enough. So, about six months ago, I spent an entire day there and, boy, was it worth it. Below, my favorite finds…

BREAKFAST

Blue Star Donuts

You know if the other outposts are Portland and Japan, you’re in good company. This rosé glazed donut with pistachios was ridiculous.

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Another Kind of Sunrise

The iconic house with the yellow triangle offers “healthy” eats like Not Your Grandma’s Peanut Butter Cup Bowl, “a perfect blend of peanut butter puffs and cocoa crispies served with organic sliced banana, peanut butter, and cacao…”

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SHOPPING

A stroll down the main drag, Abbot Kinney, is time well spent. There’s something for everyone. Too many to name all my favorites but there’s a directory here. A few that stood out below…

Tumbleweed and Dandelion

The quintessential shabby chic coastal shop. If you’re looking to decorate a beach home or give a gift, this is your place. I love the rustic, homey, lived in vibe.

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Happy Socks

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Aviator Nation

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ANYTIME SPOTS (Breakfast, lunch, snack, happy hour, dinner…)

The Butcher’s Daughter

The place is picturesque and the food’s on point too. Plus, the juice menu is legit.

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Gjelina

A must. You can’t go wrong here.

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Gjusta

From the people who brought you Gjelina, this bakery/deli/cafe serves up everything from huevos rancheros to banh mis to steak frites (dinner).

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SIGHTSEEING

Just walking around this vibrant town is enough. It’s hard not to be inspired with all of the colors, graffiti, cool houses, interesting people. But, you must also walk the ocean front including a stop at iconic Muscle Beach.

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COFFEE BREAK

Blue Bottle

Tom’s

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DINNER

Tasting Kitchen

I still dream about the dinner we had there. Gnocco Frito (bread fritter) with salumi and burrata to start, pasta so perfect and dessert that was equally divine. I was in a food coma at that point so I can’t recall exactly what it was but, from start to finish, an exquisite meal.

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DESSERT

Salt & Straw

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Tell me, what’s your favorite place in Venice? Or, after reading this post, which do you want to try most?

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