Venice Beach

When Via Veneto first began serving fine Italian fare almost two decades ago on Main Street in Santa Monica—a fairly run-down area at the time, almost an extension of the Venice Beach boardwalk—many people thought that its born-and-bred Italian owners, Fabrizio Bianconi and Marco Cialini, were a little bit off their rockers. Now, 16 years later, the intimate and romantic restaurant has carved out quite a home for itself amid the blossoming neighborhood, serving as a favorite spot for celebrating special occasions—from birthdays to anniversaries to engagements—and attracting a loyal clientele that includes a regular cast of celebrities.