South End

Tucked away at the quieter end of Abbot Kinney Boulevard sits South End, a Neapolitan-style pizzeria that feels like a little slice of Italy landed in a Venice strip mall. While the rest of the street buzzes with tourists and trendy boutiques, this unassuming spot offers something increasingly rare in the neighborhood: a genuinely relaxed dining experience where you can actually get a table without an absurd wait.

The pizza here hits all the right notes with perfectly balanced dough that manages to be both chewy and crisp. The Boardwalk stands out as the essential order—a gorgeous combination of speck, earthy mushrooms, and sottocenere cheese crowned with peppery arugula and a runny egg. For meat lovers, the District 11 delivers with its hearty toppings, while the Kinney showcases a flawlessly executed burrata that somehow avoids the pitfalls that trip up so many pizzerias attempting this classic.

What really sets South End apart is the warmth of the experience. The charming Italian owners are known for their generous hospitality, often pressing a glass of complimentary wine into your hand before you’ve even been seated. The intimate space is cozy rather than cramped, with regulars chatting at the counter and neighbors popping in for takeout throughout the evening.

This is the kind of neighborhood gem that Venice desperately needs more of. Skip the two-hour waits at flashier spots up the street and settle in here instead. On a weeknight when you want excellent pizza, a solid bottle of wine, and zero pretense, South End is the obvious choice.