Aperol Spritzes, olive trees, whitewashed walls. No, you're not in Italy or Greece but underneath the "Venice" sign in Los Angeles at the latest hotspot in town, Gran Blanco. Going by the age old real estate rule of thumb, "location, location, location," this restaurant sits on the crème de la crème of Venice Beach property. Maximizing this prime locale, floor-to-ceiling windows open right onto the sidewalk set up with bar seating for your people watching pleasure. Looking inwards, a serene canvas of white, natural textures, and thoughtful details accent the built in banquettes, high top tables and a sturdy white bar that set the scene for the airy, must-be-on-vacation vibes of the restaurant. Serving up shareable bites and breezy drinks, Gran Blanco has quickly made a name for itself as the spot in Venice Beach. Oh, and did we mention that this is the latest project from Gran Blanco's big sister, Great White?
Our Media Design Manager, Nathan Mueller, recently spent a long weekend in LA – and can you guess what was at the top of his to-do list? Yep, Gran Blanco. Accompanied by his girlfriend, they wiled away an afternoon filled with spritzes, shared plates, and lounging. We caught up with Nathan about his Gran Blanco experience including what to order and things to do after your own visit in. 
First impressions of Gran Blanco?
Wow, Gran Blanco scored the best spot in all of Venice! And honestly, it's probably my new favorite spot there too. By the owners of Great White (the most Instagrammed café in Southern California), Gran Blanco is located right under the famous "Venice" sign and has a full bar and cocktail menu. There’s a casual, vibey lounge setting that my girlfriend Hannah and I spent hours at… probably because they have Aperol spritz on the cocktail menu. The other cocktails are awesome, the shared plates are mouthwatering and the tunes are curated from the owners own personal vinyl collection. Go now — but make a Resy in advance.
Tell us about the design
Built within an original 1908 Abbot Kinney building, the space has been thoughtfully renovated to highlight its 20ft arched ceilings and soft palette of natural wood and textured walls in an intimate and inviting setting that opens up to busy downtown Venice. Seating is a mix of bar and window seating with high top tables and comfortable lounges for hanging with friends for hours.
What's on the menu and what did you order?
Food
We tried almost everything and I recommend everything we tried. Here's what we had: charred pita and beetroot hummus (omg!), little gem salad with dill and créme fraiche poppy seed dressing, roasted carrots (they come in an assortment of fun, natural colors), charred octopus, and skirt steak (my mouth is still watering). Share everything you order.
Drinks
You must try the Gran Blanco spritz, the spicy margarita is made with mezcal and watermelon (we each had two), oh and you know we ordered multiple Aperol spritzes. It's summertime baby.
Who is Gran Blanco perfect for?
Go for a night out with your significant other, meet up with friends and lounge for hours or buy out the entire space for hosting your next gathering. The full-bar and cocktail program extends late night into a casual vibey lounge setting and is perfect for anything you want and nothing you don't.
What is there to do close to the restaurant?
Gran Blanco is located in the heart of Venice, directly under the famous Venice Sign and only steps from the beach. Stay at The Rose Hotel or book a night in a beautiful Airbnb. Have brunch at Gran Blanco's sister restaurant, Great White then explore the Venice boardwalk and canals.
Photography by Gran Blanco
