When Café Longet closed its doors in 2022, many Venice food lovers were heartbroken. Known for its artful French cuisine, charming atmosphere, and personal touches, the restaurant had built a loyal following, even being named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America in 2021.
So when Chef Steve Longet, his wife Jessica, and their partners Kimon and Judy Dafoulas announced that the Longets had returned from France and that Longet was reopening on West Venice Avenue, the reaction was jubilant. “People here welcomed us back like family,” said Chef Steve.
The newly reimagined Longet, billed as offering “Fusion with a French Accent,” retains the soul of the original while expanding in style, scope, and flavor. Passion is evident in every detail—from the menu to the design to plans for future events.
New partners Kimon and Judy Dafoulas, longtime customers of the original Café Longet, are no strangers to the restaurant world. The couple owns eateries in Rhode Island and Connecticut and have called Venice home for two decades.
“We had talked about partnering before they moved back to France,” Judy explained. “But when Steve returned and said, ‘Are you still interested?’ we said 'yes' immediately. We trusted the quality of his food and his vision.” The four soon found a spot that felt right in a former British pub on Venice Avenue. “We knew we wanted to be on the Avenue,” Judy said. “And we wanted to create something different.”
A Fresh Look, A Full Bar, and a New Vibe
To bring that vision to life, Judy enlisted Connecticut designer Kimberly Quigley. The goal? A clean, modern space that would stand out from Venice's more traditional styles. The result is a sleek, inviting setting that pairs beautifully with the elevated menu and full bar.
That bar—an upgrade from the original Café Longet—features specialty cocktails with both European and local flair including French Pearl, The Airmail, and the Venice Blush. There’s also a curated list of French and Greek wines and beers, with plans to introduce Greek dishes in the future.
Chef Steve still delights regulars with classics like Scallops Risotto, and his take on Beef Bourguignon using tender short ribs is magnifique. “At first, I didn’t want to do beef bourguignon,” he laughed. “But people love it so much. Using short ribs instead of traditional cuts makes it much more tender,” he said.
The start-up menu leaned on familiar favorites, both to please loyal guests and help the new kitchen team hit the ground running. “Now we’re slowly starting to add specials and evolve,” said Chef Steve. One of his current favorites? A Mediterranean salad with prosciutto, and stay tuned for a shrimp and feta appetizer inspired by Greek flavors.
Yes, the desserts are back too, including Steve’s handmade ice cream and sorbets. The vanilla, raspberry, and cocoa flavors come from a recipe he learned from an award-winning French ice cream maker.
Designed for Everyone at the Table
Inclusivity was key. “You have to accommodate everyone,” Judy said. “Not every guest wants French fare, so we made sure to include vegan and gluten-free options.” Dishes like the Roasted Vegan Eggplant and Roasted Beet Salad ensure everyone feels at home—something that matters deeply to the team.
That welcome carries through to the experience. “In France, we say if a guest returns three times, they are a guest for life,” Chef Steve shared. “We want our guests to feel comfortable, enjoy good food, and come back again and again.”
The Longet's two daughters now attend Venice High, and the couple has embraced their life here. “We have friends in France, but we have more friends here now,” said Chef Steve.. “This is our family. This is our home.”
The proof is in the packed reservation book. “The entire month is already booked, and that’s a good sign. It shows us that people are happy we’re back,” he commented.
What’s Next?
Plans include wine tastings this summer, pairing four-course dinners with French, Greek, and California wines. Outdoor seating is coming, and the menu will keep evolving.
But one thing won’t change: the warm, flavorful, and unforgettable experience that made Longet a favorite in the first place.
As Judy puts it: “The quality of Chef Steve’s food is just outstanding, like an explosion of flavors in your mouth. And the best part? People keep coming in just to say, 'thank you for coming back.'”
Passion is evident in every detail of Longet—from the menu to the design to plans for future events