When you debut an open-air breakfast & lunch surf shack. serving (self-described) “Coastal-Californian” cuisine just a block from the beach in Venice, the location alone will likely draw enough business. The food doesn’t have to be good, and the place will probably succeed anyways, right?
But to my pleasant surprise, the food at Great White is good… Very good.
Nicely pulled caffeine…
Breakfast burrito, with scrambled eggs, tater tots, charred scallion, applewood smoked, bacon, Oaxacan cheese, chipotle aioli, roasted salsa … This is NOT one of those punch-you–in the-face burritos. Rather, it comes across as thoughtfully composed and meticulously prepared. The excellent salsa served on the side is just fine without being roasted, but yet the kitchen roasts it anyways, and the salsa rises to the next level when added to the burrito. Loaded with taste, this breakfast burrito is easily one of the best in the city right now. Not your typical beach shack fare.
Chuck Berry smoothie, with freshly squeezed OJ, berries, pineapple, toasted coconut… As good as it sounds!
Corn fritters, with poached egg, charred avocado salsa, fresh greens, tomato… Fried corn is becoming a “thing” in L.A., and Great White’s version is neither greasy nor underdone. I found the flavors in this breakfast dish to be well-balanced - A splendid example of the possibilities when the great produce of California is handled expertly.
This being Venice, and a locals’ haunt at that, the people-watching here was entertaining, to say the least. A vast array of human pulchritude was on display. All this makes the wait for the food (which was not excessive at all, mind you) quite bearable.
RECOMMENDED.
Great White
1604 Pacific Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90291
424.744.8403
greatwhitevenice.com