Venice, Florida—the Shark Tooth Capital of the World—offers more than prehistoric treasures. This charming coastal town with Italian-inspired downtown architecture boasts a surprisingly diverse dining scene, from Gulf-front seafood at the iconic Venice Fishing Pier to historic riverside barbecue at Snook Haven and competition-winning smoked meats at Gold Rush BBQ.
The walkable downtown along Venice Avenue features boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in a compact, pedestrian-friendly setting rare for Florida beach towns. Meanwhile, waterfront spots along the Intracoastal and the fishing pier deliver the Gulf views that define Florida dining.
Whether you're refueling after a morning of shark tooth hunting at Caspersen Beach or planning a special evening out, these ten locally-vetted restaurants deliver the best Venice dining has to offer.
Quick Navigation: Waterfront | BBQ | Italian | Mexican | Tips
1. Sharky's On the Pier
Sharky's serves Gulf seafood with stunning views from the iconic Venice Fishing Pier
The quintessential Venice dining experience. Perched on the iconic Venice Fishing Pier, Sharky's serves delectable seafood and tropical cocktails with breathtaking Gulf views. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the surf.
- Address: 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 488-1456
- Cuisine: Seafood, Tropical
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Tourists, sunset dining
- Don't miss: Grouper sandwich, tropical cocktails
- Pro tip: Arrive early for sunset pier seating
- Website: sharkysonthepier.com
2. Dockside Waterfront Grill
Dockside Waterfront Grill offers fresh seafood with Intracoastal Waterway views
Fresh seafood meets an extensive wine selection at this Intracoastal Waterway gem. The waterfront views make every meal feel like a special occasion, and the sunset hour is particularly magical.
- Address: 509 N Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 488-4949
- Cuisine: Seafood, Wine Bar
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Date nights, wine lovers
- Don't miss: Fresh catch specials, wine pairings
- Setting: Intracoastal Waterway views
- Website: docksidewaterfrontgrill.com
3. Crow's Nest Restaurant
Crow's Nest features Venice's only waterfront rooftop bar with panoramic sunset views
Home to Venice's only waterfront rooftop bar, Crow's Nest delivers panoramic sunset views alongside prime steaks and fresh seafood. The rooftop is the place to be when the sun starts its descent.
- Address: 1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 484-9551
- Cuisine: Steak, Seafood
- Price range: $$$$
- Best for: Special occasions, rooftop dining
- Don't miss: Rooftop bar at sunset
- Features: Venice's only waterfront rooftop bar
- Reservations: Recommended for dinner
- Website: crowsnest-venice.com
4. Snook Haven
Snook Haven serves Southern BBQ in a historic Prohibition-era setting on the Myakka River
Step back in time at this historic riverside location along the Myakka River. Once a Prohibition-era hideout, Snook Haven now serves up Southern comfort food and barbecue with live music setting the mood.
The setting alone is worth the drive, offering pure Old Florida charm.
- Address: 5000 E Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34292
- Phone: (941) 485-7221
- Cuisine: Southern BBQ, Comfort Food
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Live music, Old Florida atmosphere
- Don't miss: BBQ ribs, gator bites
- Features: Live music, historic setting, kayak rentals
- Website: snookhaven.com
5. Pinchers
Responsibly sourced, sustainable seafood is the star at Pinchers. This family-friendly spot takes pride in knowing where every catch comes from, making it a guilt-free indulgence for seafood lovers.
- Address: 900 Venetia Bay Blvd, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 412-7222
- Cuisine: Sustainable Seafood
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Families, eco-conscious diners
- Don't miss: Stone crab (in season), crab legs
- Setting: Family-friendly with coastal decor
- Website: pinchersusa.com
6. Mi Pueblo El Restaurante
Transport yourself to Mexico at this vibrant restaurant where the interior is inspired by Mexican folk art. The colorful atmosphere creates an immersive cultural experience that complements the authentic flavors.
- Address: 530 US-41 BYP, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 486-0005
- Cuisine: Authentic Mexican
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Mexican food lovers, families
- Don't miss: Fajitas, margaritas
- Setting: Colorful Mexican folk art decor
- Website: mipueblomexican.com
7. Gold Rush BBQ
Competition-winning barbecue from an award-winning pitmaster. The slow-cooked ribs and brisket have earned serious accolades, and one bite tells you why. True barbecue devotees, this is your spot.
- Address: 661 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 493-4900
- Cuisine: Competition BBQ
- Price range: $$
- Best for: BBQ enthusiasts
- Don't miss: Award-winning ribs, brisket
- Recognition: Multiple competition wins
- Website: goldrushbbq.com
8. Daiquiri Deck
Daiquiri Deck brings Caribbean vibes to downtown Venice
Tropical vibes and frozen drinks define this casual Venice favorite. The Caribbean-inspired menu pairs perfectly with their diverse daiquiri selection. It's vacation mode in a glass.
- Address: 300 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 488-0649
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Bar Food
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Happy hour, tropical drinks
- Don't miss: Frozen daiquiris, fish tacos
- Vibe: Casual, beachy atmosphere
- Website: daiquirideckvenice.com
9. Darrell's Restaurant
Four decades of family-owned excellence. Darrell's has been serving classic American fare to Venice residents and visitors for over 40 years. There's something special about a place with that kind of staying power.
- Address: 215 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 488-9600
- Cuisine: American Fine Dining
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Special occasions, classic dining
- Don't miss: Prime rib, seafood specials
- Legacy: Serving Venice since the 1980s
- Website: darrellsrestaurant.net
10. Made In Italy
Authenticity you can taste. Ingredients imported directly from Italy meet handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. If you're craving genuine Italian cuisine, Made In Italy delivers the real thing.
- Address: 117 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
- Phone: (941) 488-5700
- Cuisine: Authentic Italian
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Italian food lovers, date nights
- Don't miss: Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza
- Pro tip: Downtown Venice Ave location is great for pre-dinner stroll
- Website: madeinitaly-venice.com
Tips for Dining in Venice
Best Dining Areas
Downtown Venice Avenue: The walkable heart of Venice's dining scene. Italian-inspired architecture, boutiques, and restaurants line this pedestrian-friendly street. Made In Italy, Daiquiri Deck, and several other options are within easy walking distance. Park once and explore.
Venice Fishing Pier Area: Home to Sharky's and the iconic pier. This is the go-to for sunset dining with Gulf views. Busy at sunset, but the experience is quintessential Venice.
Intracoastal Waterway: Dockside and Crow's Nest anchor this upscale waterfront dining area. Perfect for special occasions with water views and quality cuisine.
East Venice/Snook Haven: The drive to Snook Haven on the Myakka River is worth it for the Old Florida atmosphere alone. Combine it with kayaking on the river.
Shark Tooth Hunting + Dining Combos
After a morning at Caspersen Beach or Venice Beach:
- Sharky's - Steps from the beach, immediate refueling
- Gold Rush BBQ - Hearty comfort food after physical activity
- Daiquiri Deck - Frozen drinks and casual fare downtown
- Mi Pueblo - Filling Mexican food at good prices
Reservation Strategy
- Always reserve: Crow's Nest (especially rooftop), Darrell's
- Call ahead: Sharky's for sunset pier seating during season
- Walk-in friendly: Most downtown spots, Gold Rush BBQ, Daiquiri Deck
Parking in Venice
Downtown Venice has free parking lots and street parking. The pier area can fill up during peak beach hours—arrive early or later afternoon. Snook Haven has its own lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best restaurant for sunset views in Venice?
Sharky's on the Pier offers iconic Gulf views directly over the water—the quintessential Venice sunset experience. Crow's Nest has the only waterfront rooftop bar in Venice, offering panoramic views from an elevated vantage point. Both are exceptional at sunset and worth reservations during season.
Where can I find the best seafood in Venice?
Sharky's for casual pier dining with the view experience. Dockside for upscale waterfront with an extensive wine list. Crow's Nest for surf-and-turf. Pinchers for sustainable, guilt-free Gulf catches.
What's unique about Venice's food scene?
Venice uniquely combines Old Florida charm (Snook Haven on the Myakka River) with a walkable Italian-inspired downtown. The downtown Venice Ave district offers European-style street dining rare in Florida, while spots like Snook Haven deliver an authentic old-time Florida experience you won't find elsewhere.
Are there good barbecue options in Venice?
Excellent options. Gold Rush BBQ offers competition-level smoked meats from an award-winning pitmaster. Snook Haven serves Southern BBQ in a historic Prohibition-era riverside setting with live music—the atmosphere is as much the draw as the food.
Where should I eat after shark tooth hunting?
Sharky's is steps from the beach for immediate refueling. Downtown Venice Ave (short drive from Caspersen Beach) offers multiple options within walking distance. Gold Rush BBQ provides hearty comfort food. Daiquiri Deck delivers tropical drinks and casual fare.
Is downtown Venice walkable for dining?
Yes. Downtown Venice along Venice Avenue is one of the most walkable dining districts in Southwest Florida. Multiple restaurants, shops, and galleries line the street, and free parking lets you park once and explore on foot.
What's Snook Haven like?
Snook Haven is an experience as much as a restaurant. Located on the Myakka River in a historic Prohibition-era setting, it offers Southern BBQ, live music, kayak rentals, and pure Old Florida atmosphere. The drive is worth it, and it's unlike anything else in the area.
When is the best time to visit Venice restaurants?
Peak season runs December through April. Waterfront spots at sunset require reservations or early arrival during this period. Downtown Venice is pleasant year-round, and summer offers easier seating at most spots.
More Venice & SWFL Guides
Looking for more to do in Venice and the surrounding area? Check out these guides:
- Venice Beach Live Cam — Check beach and pier conditions
- Wellen Park Things to Do — New restaurants, events & Grand Lake activities
- 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in SWFL — More stunning water views
- Best Restaurants in Sarasota — Dining options north of Venice
- Best Restaurants in Englewood — Nearby beach town dining
Have a favorite Venice restaurant we missed? Let us know and we'll check it out!
