Discover the Best Restaurants in the San Fernando Valley
If you ever find yourself on a star-tour to see the Kardashian stomping grounds, well, this is where you’ll probably end up. What Woodland Hills and Calabasas have to offer is way past the occasional celebrity sighting; there are delicious restaurants up, down, left, and right of this side of Ventura blvd.
Here’s my short list of must-try casual to semi-casual spots in Woodland Hills & Calabasas.
If you grew up in The Valley, you're probably all too familiar with Dans. The super fresh bread, veggies, and meats makes it one of the best (and most classic) sandwich shops on Ventura Blvd. They're one of the few places that haven't tried to over-complicate a traditional sub.
A valley favorite, nicknamed "El Tap," they offer traditional Mexican food in a family-friendly casual setting.
Much like Dans, Cricca's is where you go for a traditional sandwich craving. No weird gourmet sandwiches on the menu here. Just good ol' deli meat, fresh bread, and veggies. Some would call that...refreshing.
Health nut probably makes it to the top of the list of foods I enjoy after hiking or working out. Their relatively expensive (but huge) salad selection always leaves you feeling like you are the epitome of #fit and #fun. Fun fact, these are the salads you always see the Kardashians eating on their show...lol.
The go to place for a casual family dinner. They have seating that accommodates a party from 2 to 22 people. Their salads are massive and they have a separate "Family Meal" menu which features an insanely good garlic chicken and BBQ tri tip. Grab your friends or family and head over for lunch or dinner.
One word: Brunch. With their cute patio facing a side street off Ventura, Leo and Lily's never fails when it comes to a classic brunch of something sweet or something savory. But don't underestimate their lunch as well... the grilled cheese panini is to die for (avo, turkey bacon, gouda cheese...need I say more?).
I might be biased since this place has my name in the title... but it's still delicious. The clean decor and large plates make this a great place for lunch, dinner, or even a date. The red curry with tofu is definitely my favorite.
If you live in The Valley, you've definitely been to The Local Peasant for some late night drinks and snacks. They deliver a more "trendy" atmosphere, with seating right on Ventura Blvd. and a special late night bites menu. They also have a brand new happy hour M-F from 4-6pm. Who doesn't love happy hour?
More happy hours? Woohoo! The Pedalers Fork is a cute restaurant in Calabasas, which is attached to a bike/coffee shop in back. They have happy hour M-F from 3-6pm and Saturday, Sunday from 4-5pm. This happy hour has its very own menu and drink specials.
My go when I want a dim-lit rustic vibe and some fried mac n' cheese balls. That's right, fried mac n cheese balls. They have happy hour every day of the week from 3-6pm and live music/entertainment most nights. Also on Saturday & Sunday they offer bottomless mimosas, yum.
Ah, Kings Fish House. It's exactly what it sounds like, a fish house. A family-friendly environment featuring everything from ahi poke to lobster. While it's a bit on the more expensive side, the fish is most definitely fresh and the environment is fun.
If you haven't been to Sugarfish, you should prepare your wallet and go. This spot is famous for not giving you more Ponzu if you ask, because the sushi is supposed to be eaten exactly how the chef prepared it for you. The "Trust Me" is a 30 something dollar tasting menu with 4-5 different plates including sushi and hand rolls. Get it, you'll thank me later.
The sushi is delicious and fresh but be warned, it's pretty expensive and the interior is tiny. Like scoot-your-chair-into-someone-elses-chair-when-you-get-up-to-use-the-restroom tiny. But, you get what you pay for and the fish is definitely worth it.
