Paloma Venice

With a dreamy, bougainvillea-lined patio that's overtaken the old Zinque parking lot (and replaced the short-lived Varro), this Mediterranean-inspired stunner is the most destination-worthy restaurant to hit this stretch of Venice in a long, long while. Despite hailing from Madeo (the only two-star review we've given since 2019), head chef Raul Cerritos has pulled off an ambitious mix of Italian, French and Greek cuisine that zigs from creamy wagyu-topped hummus to lobster spaghetti and skirt steak with soy honey, all without missing a beat. A breezy breakfast and lighter lunch menu appeals to the usual health-conscious locals' crowd, but the elevated dinner menu and romantic ambience after dark make a visit to Paloma worthwhile for your next big(ger) night out, even if you're coming from clear across town. Outdoor dining available. $10 valet and limited street parking along Venice Boulevard.