diff --git a/docs/getting-started/changelog.md b/docs/getting-started/changelog.md
index 2a0580d5..1fe9dd12 100644
--- a/docs/getting-started/changelog.md
+++ b/docs/getting-started/changelog.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ Components with the <sl-badge type="warning" pill>Experimental</sl-badge> badge
 
 _During the beta period, these restrictions may be relaxed in the event of a mission-critical bug._ 🐛
 
+## Next
+
+- Fixed a bug where `sl-menu-item` wouldn't render properly in the dark theme
+
 ## 2.0.0-beta.22
 
 - 🚨 BREAKING CHANGE: Refactored `sl-menu` and `sl-menu-item` to improve accessibility by using proper focus states [#217](https://github.com/shoelace-style/shoelace/issues/217)
diff --git a/themes/dark.css b/themes/dark.css
index c3c82eec..714fe82f 100644
--- a/themes/dark.css
+++ b/themes/dark.css
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@
 }
 
 /* Menu item */
-.sl-theme-dark sl-menu-item[active]::part(base) {
+.sl-theme-dark sl-menu-item::part(base):focus {
   background-color: var(--sl-color-primary-15);
   color: var(--sl-color-primary-50);
 }