American Beauty – Venice’s Steakhouse That’ll Steal Your Heart (and Your Carbs)

American Beauty in Venice isn’t just a steakhouse—it’s basically a love letter to meat, carbs, and anyone who pretends to “just have a bite” but ends up eating half the table’s food (hi, it’s me).

The space is cozy, with vintage booths and a bar that just begs you to order wine you can’t pronounce. The list is spectacular. We started with a glass of Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc, which was so crisp and refreshing that I briefly considered buying a case.

Apps & Starters (aka the warm-up before the food marathon):

• Chopped Vegetable Salad – Three lettuces, garbanzos, crispy breadcrumbs, tangy vinaigrette. Basically the queen of salads: balanced, flawless, and way more exciting than you expect salad to be.
• Brentwood Corn – Sweet corn + crème fraîche + chili flakes = the dish that makes you want to lick the plate in public. Zero shame.

The Heavy Hitters (bring stretchy pants):

• Grilled Lamb Chops – Tender, herby, and rocking a tzatziki/harissa/mint situation that had me whispering “I love you” under my breath.
• Steakhouse Burger with Swiss – Juicy, perfectly cooked, and the reason your gym membership will never pay off.
• ½ Mary’s Chicken – Comfort food with a kick. The asado rub and roasted onion made me forget chicken can be boring.
• 12 oz. Niman Ranch New York Strip – The kind of steak that ruins you for lesser cuts. Juicy, beefy perfection.

Dish of the Night (cue dramatic music):
The Stuffed Hash Browns. These are not hash browns. They are crunchy, golden, potato miracles stuffed with onions and sour cream. They should come with a warning label: Highly addictive. May cause potato-based daydreams for weeks. Honestly, if I could legally marry a side dish, we’d be registered at Crate & Barrel by now.

Bonus Round:
Don’t forget about hitting The Win~Dow, American Beauty’s burger take-out spot next door. Smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches—it’s like American Beauty’s cool younger sibling who shows up to the party in ripped jeans and steals everyone’s fries.