Joe's Restaurant

It's a late Sunday morning and sun is streaming into the window of Joe's Restaurant, onto the worn wood floors of the raffish bungalow, and dancing off the beams of the high ceiling. The effect is utterly charming, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of this beloved Venice restaurant.

The crowd is a typical mix (and for most anywhere else on the planet, a highly atypical one) of Venice bohemians, young families with babes in arms, tourists and Joe's loyalists who have driven across town to brunch at the popular California-French restaurant. Sipping foamy cappuccino or a simple cup of joe, we're all stealing time from a busy weekend of kids' soccer games, errands, gardening or -- shudder -- the gym to spend a couple of soothing hours over brunch. When you step into Joe's, which has been around since 1991, it feels as comfortable as slipping into a favorite sweater. You can come dressed up. Or not. In sandals off the shelf of Barney's shoe department or in plastic flip-flops ready for the beach.