Great White in Venice Beach is a solid spot that really lives up to the buzz. This place has a trendy, laid-back vibe that fits perfectly with the Venice scene, and it’s easy to see why it’s a local favorite. The food, for the most part, is excellent, and the menu has something for just about everyone. I’ll get to the one thing that really threw me off later, but let’s start with the highlights.
First, the pizza. I have to say, the pizza here is legit. It’s not your typical greasy slice you’d grab after a night out—it’s more elevated, with a perfectly thin, crispy crust that has just the right amount of chew. The toppings are fresh, thoughtfully balanced, and full of flavor. Whether you go for a classic Margherita or something a little more adventurous, you’re in for a treat. It’s clear they put some real care into crafting these pizzas, and it shows.
Then there’s the chocolate mousse. Oh man, the mousse. This is easily one of the best desserts I’ve had in a while. Rich, decadent, and velvety smooth, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to scrape the bowl clean. It’s not overly sweet, which I appreciate—it lets the deep chocolate flavor shine through without feeling heavy. If you’re a chocolate lover, this is non-negotiable. Get the mousse. You won’t regret it.
Now, onto the one thing that had me scratching my head: the salt situation. Specifically, they don’t carry regular salt for margaritas. Let me just say—this blew my mind, and not in a good way. I get that Great White is all about that elevated, trendy aesthetic, but no regular salt for a margarita? Come on. Margaritas and salt are like peanut butter and jelly. It’s a classic pairing for a reason, and to not have a basic option just seems… bizarre. They have fancy salt options, sure, but if you’re craving that simple, salty rim that perfectly complements the tartness of a good marg, you’re out of luck. I asked the staff about it, and they were friendly, but they confirmed that regular salt just isn’t something they stock. Honestly, it’s insane to me. I’ve been to all kinds of restaurants, from Michelin-starred spots to beachside shacks, and this might be the first time I’ve ever run into a no-regular-salt policy.
That said, I don’t want to let the salt situation overshadow everything else. Great White really is a fantastic spot, and aside from that one weird quirk, they’re doing just about everything right. The food is great, the ambiance is on point, and the service is friendly and efficient. I’ll definitely be back, but next time, I might just bring my own salt.
All in all, Great White gets a solid 4/5 stars from me. It’s a great place to grab a bite in Venice Beach, especially if you’re in the mood for excellent pizza or that unforgettable chocolate mousse. Just don’t expect a classic margarita with a regular salted rim—apparently, that’s not part of the...
Read moreThe perfect spot in Venice Beach for dining and enjoying a meal that's both healthy and filling!
I love the outdoor patio that feels like it flows out from the open air dining space inside with the open doors and windows everywhere. It's the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon or evening by the water here in Venice!
Service was very friendly - despite not having a reservation they were able to seat us relatively quickly around 5pm on a Saturday. I also didn't have to wait long at all for the different items I ordered.
Starting with the matcha latte, it seemed small and a little bit pricey, but was very high quality and (of course!) aesthetically pleasing, so I'm not complaining too much!
For a share plate item, I got the Avocado Dip and absolutely LOVED it. Big and VERY crunchy taro chips to enjoy with one of the best dips I've ever had - SO fresh with the chunky bits of avocado mashed up and mixed with cilantro, red onion, and well seasoned with some pepper. I highly recommend this for a share plate - one of my favorite Avocado Dips anywhere!!
For the mains: I personally enjoyed my shrimp pasta greatly - fresh and light, but with a good amount of creaminess to the sauce, and a good portion that filled me up but didn't STUFF me, if you know what I mean! I left feeling very satisfied after eating it! My partner, on the other hand, was a bit less impressed with his fish tacos. Coming in lettuce wrapping and heavily garnished, a got to admit, they were a bit gimmicky. The fish tacos were still very fresh and a great bite, although I wouldn't necessarily recommend getting that one.
Overall, however, the food here is fresh, filling, and full of flavor! I absolutely loved the Avocado Dip and the Shrimp Pasta, in addition to the ambiance and vibes. I highly recommend coming here if spending the day in Venice Beach, especially if it's...
Read moreWe had a great lunch at Great White in Venice and it’s definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area.
We arrived on a sunny Saturday around 1:45 PM and waited about 40 minutes for a table. The wait wasn’t bad at all — we just put our name in, strolled around the neighborhood, and got a text when it was our turn.
Once seated, we quickly realized it was hot — no umbrellas for shade that day — but we huddled in close and made it work (there is also indoor seating as well. We timed our visit perfectly so the entire menu was available. Breakfast runs from 8 AM to 3 PM, while the rest (salads, sandwiches, bowls, pizzas, etc.) starts at 11 AM.
Food highlights: • Bolognese 🍝– My 9-year-old ordered it and loved it (I managed to steal one bite and agree, it was fantastic). • Avocado 🥑toast – Fresh, flavorful, and even better with the chile oil served on the side. • Market chop salad – Came with sweet summer peaches 🍑during our visit. Crisp, light, and refreshing. • Salmon mezze – Our server’s recommendation and a total standout. The salmon was perfectly cooked and topped with pickled Thai chiles 🌶, pickled onions, capers, and fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, dill). By creating your own bites you can create a perfect balance of heat, tang, and freshness.
Overall, Great White is a win for groups — whether you’re craving breakfast classics, hearty pastas, crisp salads, or flavorful mains, there’s something for everyone. I’d...
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