[Photo credit: Jack Burke]

Funky, fun, fabulous Venice, California. If you’re going to eat sushi here, you want it to be in a fun, funky, fabulous spot, right? The Canal Club, a Venice staple, has undergone some renovations both in terms of interior design and menu.

We had the pleasure of enjoying an evening of libations and menu tastings in the new cabana style section of the restaurant – white clouds grace the ceiling, Hawaiian shirts double as ceiling lamps, and yes there’s a thatched roof over the door to the back room, which may become the location for private parties.  The decor has a hip Hawaii vibe, the sushi based appetizers skew Mexican including mini tacos and ceviche in the sushi mix.

Managing partner Daniel Samakow, who also runs James Beach and Danny’s restaurants along with James Evans, was enthusiastic about the new decor and his chefs. Executive Chef Jorge Valines and Executive Sushi Chef Takuma Ieto passed around platters of appetizers.

While I can’t speak for the meat dishes – I’m pescatarian – I can sing the praises of some great fish and veggie dishes. The Sashimi Pizza – tuna sashimi with truffle powder and mustard ponzo on a thin cracker like crust was quite delicious and made sushi into fine finger food. The Halibut Ceviche with choclo corn nuts and leche de tigre – plus cucumbers and onions thinly sliced – was brilliantly flavored. I give top honors to the Dream Roll – an aptly named confection of fried shrimp, crab, avocado, and spicy mayo.  Crunchy, spicy but not too spicy, and truly a grand mix of flavors. The Veggie Lettuce cups were tasty too, with kale and pickled carrots and a very distinctively smoky flavor.

On the beverage side of the equation, the Mojitos were muddled with fresh mint and lime juice, and a great compliment to the zingy new cuisine. Next time you’re out strolling the canals of Venice – that’s Venice, CA, not Italy – stop by the Canal Club for some new and tasty treats.

Canal Club
2025 Pacific Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 823-3878

HOURS
Monday-Wednesday: 5pm-10:30pm
Thursday-Saturday: 5pm-1:30am
Sunday: 3pm-10:30pm