Ah, Venice: Abbot Kinney Guide

1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Simple in name and look, this AK favorite is chef/owner Joe Miller's ode to French-flecked Cali cuisine. If you usually can't afford a gourmet dinner, stop by and order prix fixe.

1633 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Abbot Kinney's dining darling features Swedish/Cal/French cuisine in a chic backdrop filled with locals and foodies galore.

1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

This quaint, Zen-like patio cafe is where to go for homemade chocolates, cakes and teas.

1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

The place to go for simple French bistro fare, window-side tables made out of giant wine barrels and one of the most popular back-room patios on the street.

1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Forget the name: This stylish tapas joint on Abbot Kinney's restaurant row serves artfully crafted fare that's far from primitive.

1635 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Part sushi joint, part chic Asian bistro, this place has raw deals and more than a few cooked items like battered onion rings and sweet pumpkin puree with grilled beef filet.

1432 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Squeezed between Abbot Kinney's hip bars and boutiques, this dinner-only eatery specializes in secret-recipe organic tofu and brown-rice sushi.

1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

The sister space to Rockenwagner bakery, this small Venice eatery emphasizes three hearty courses a day with an Austrian-tinged menu.

1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Organic California cuisine shows an artsy streak at this stark and tiny dining warehouse. (Just don't dare call it "ax"-- it's pronounced "ah-shay.")

1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Where everybody knows your name: Eclectic neighborhood crowd lingers over all-American fare and inventive cocktails in this relaxed Venice eatery.

1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Named after a line in William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, this boutique creates luxury botanical perfumes for romantics with keen smellers.

1413 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

The melodic music and sweet incense floating around this modern-girl shop create the perfect ambience for browsing its wide selection of trinkets and gifts

1327 1/2 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Fashion designer Pamela Barish is known for styling rockers and their ilk, but her high-end, sleekly appointed Venice boutique showcases her edgy take on well-structured looks for Tinseltown's beachside elite.

1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

This open-air, garage-like gallery/bookstore is also now a record store with albums for sale in the back room.

1323 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Some girls need something new off the racks every day, and this Venice boutique is just the place for the young (hopeful) entertainment-industry set.

1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Eco-chic boutique in Venice offers high-end beauty products, plus homecare, babycare and accessories made with all-natural ingredients.

1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Tucked into the jewel box-sized shop is a well-curated selection of offbeat clocks, elegant iitala glassware, plastic deer heads, indie-cool neckties and limited-edition perfumes. And the jewelry is not to be missed,

1104 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Where tomboy meets sophisticate, this Venice women's clothing boutique could inspire a fashion looting.

1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

The last vestige of pre-trendy Abbot Kinney, this dingy yet downright fun gay bar has no problem reeling in boys and girls of every persuasion.

1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

This low-lit modern space might have a boxer for a logo, but it's all good in this neighborhood. The laidback vibe makes it an obvious choice for a weeknight cocktail with friends.