When I first lived in the Venice area about five years ago, I frequented Cabo Cantina, Hinano, and Nikki’s (and still do), but this time around I also found Barnyard (1715 Pacific Ave., Venice, CA 90219; 310.581.1015). What was once Benice, a local breakfast spot, is now a quiet, sophisticated restaurant serving a seasonal menu and an extensive wine list (and my favorite restaurant in the area). Then…it closed.
My boyfriend and I watched their sign outside daily, trying to see when it would reopen. For about three months we waited, and finally, last Friday it reopened with Larry Monaco in the kitchen. He is serving up his take on classics, like three different types of house made butter, a smokey mac n cheese, and a perfectly cooked cheese burger made with two different types of beef and pork tenderloin. Other dishes we tried includes pork cheeks and the bean salad, which was light and a perfect dishes to have with heavier meat options. Overall, the menu has fish, fowl, chicken, and a salad called All in All, which I want to go back and try. It comes with certified hanger, country ham, smoked turkey, swiss, aged cheddar, baby greens, soft egg, salmon roe, burnt crouton, and red wine-bone marrow vinaigrette.
Overall, the menu is simpler and the decor is a little less rustic, but Barnyard has the same charm it has always had. So grab a stool at the bar, order a glass of extremely reasonable priced wines, and prepare to feast.
Lil hint: if you come to Venice in the summer and can’t find parking. Park next door…it’s $7 all day with the restaurant validation. So go have lunch and enjoy the beach all day.
