Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Right across from the beach and a perfect choice for an extended stay, this well-managed
hotel-style resort worries the details so you don't have to. Each room's attractive palette of
cream yellow, burnt umber and sage avoids seaside clichés, and the fully functional kit-
chenettes are a pleasure to cook in. Excellent amenities include Continental breakfast, and
complimentary water and snacks all day. Multinight stays get good discounts.
Eating
Stroll W Venice Ave west of US 41 and you'll pass bakeries, an Irish pub, an ice creamery
and other modest eateries, along with all the boutiques and gift shops you could need.
Robbi's Reef
SEAFOOD
(
www.robbisreef.com
;
775 Hwy 41 By-Pass S; mains $8-15; 11am-9pm Tue-Sat)
This perfect simulacrum of a harbor seafood shack is incongruously in a strip mall a half
mile south of Venice Ave. From the walls crammed with fishing photos to the flagstone
bar to the unpretentious, delicious cooking, you'd swear you were at the docks. Fish tacos
and Bayou Willy's pasta get high marks.
Sharky's on the Pier
SEAFOOD
(
941-488-1456;
www.sharkeysonthepier.com
; 1600 Harbor Dr S; mains $10-27;
11:30am-10pm,
to midnight Fri & Sat)
With the prime sunset spot at the Venice Pier, Sharky's doesn't have to try too hard. It's a
typical middle-of-the-road seafood restaurant with a tiki bar positioned for the evening's
magic moment.
For those more concerned with what's on their plate, head upstairs to
Fins
(
941-786-3068;
www.finsatsharkys.com
;
1600 Harbor Dr S; sushi $8-16, mains $26-36;
noon-2:30pm & 4-10pm)
for well-executed sushi, prime cuts of mesquite charcoal-grilled
meat and sophisticated seafood dishes such as golden tilefish in a macadamia crust and a
mango-ginger sauce.
Ristorante San Marco
ITALIAN
(
941-254-6565;
http://sanmarcovenice.com
; 305 W Venice Ave;
11am-2:30pm & 5-9pm)
