RVR

Step inside RVR and you’ll find yourself in a moody, atmospheric izakaya that captures everything people love about Abbot Kinney. The angular concrete exterior gives way to a dimly lit dining room where vinyl spins on the turntables and the energy runs high well into the night. This Venice hot spot feels every bit the neighborhood it calls home—electric motorcycles parked outside, creative types filling every seat, and that unmistakable buzz of a place that’s become the destination everyone wants to be at.

The kitchen takes a distinctly Californian approach to Japanese izakaya cooking, with produce-forward dishes that shine just as brightly as the proteins. Seasonal vegetables get the star treatment here—maitake mushrooms arrive glistening with miso butter, offering all the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked steak. The charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers pick up beautiful smoke from the binchotan, while standouts like the lamb with garam masala and impossibly tender duck meatballs keep regulars coming back. Don’t overlook the house pickles, a must-order rainbow of soy-soaked beets, wasabi-kissed radishes, and burdock root wrapped in shiso that tastes unlike anything else on your table.

Dining at RVR is an experience best suited for those who enjoy a little beautiful chaos with their meal. The narrow counter seating and packed-in tables mean you’re part of the action whether you want to be or not, but that’s part of the charm. If you prefer more breathing room, request the semi-hidden rooftop, though you’ll sacrifice some of that electric atmosphere. Brunch offers a mellower alternative with the same menu plus additions like mochi beignets dripping with orange-miso syrup.

For date nights and nights out with friends who appreciate great food in a lively setting, RVR delivers exactly what Venice does best. Book ahead for prime dinner hours or embrace the late-night crowd—either way, you’re in for one of the Westside’s most compelling dining experiences.