San Fernando Valley is quickly becoming the dining destination for all of Los Angeles. The restauranteurs have done an excellent job carving out Sherman Oaks and Studio City as a dining mecca with some of the best fine dining and gastropub fares around. In honor of their hard efforts, we’ve put together a list of best places to grab a bite for everyone. Our list hosts everything from top notch fine dining to the best local eats. Enjoy!
Sepulveda and Ventura Blvd. is home to some of Studio City’s best local dining. At the top of the area’s delicious menu sits PS 818. PS 818 encompasses a dining experience with an “Education in the Art of Food & Beer.” And these guys know what they’re doing. Executive Chef Phil Kastel serves up delicious dishes like Chorizo Mac & Cheese and Wild Mushroom & Taleggio Pizza. Don’t forget your education won’t be complete until you try one of the 24 craft beers, an artisanal cocktails and simply wine from kegs. PS 818 boasts a rotating regional menu, and as a result Patrons have quickly made PS 818 a regular dining destination.
This 60 year old landmark started from humble beginnings. Located just one mile from Universal Studios, the Italian sandwich shop turned fine dining and jazz club features authentic Italian dishes alongside top jazz musicians almost every night of the week. The menufeatures fresh fish, meats and vegetarian dishes donning names like Chicken Cacciatore and Alaskan Halibut Filet. Don’t forget to pair an Italian wine with that delicious pasta and fish. Before you go, be sure to grab a ticket for Jazz and Dinner. And be prepared to pleasantly surprise your next dinner date. Get tickets or check out the Calendar here.
This 55 year-old, family-owned Mexican Restaurant has been a staple and Los Angeles landmark for local foodies and celebrities alike. Located right off Ventura Blvd., and Fulton Ave., Casa Vega has become a go-to restaurant for busy Valley Dwellers. Casa Vega prides itself on the fresh ingredients and authentic dishes like the traditional Chicken Mole and Casa Vega Molcajete. And don’t forget about the house Margaritas and wines that pair oh so well with the authentic Mexican cuisine. Zagat says this 50’s throwback has a “very-happy happy hour” for the locals looking to blow off some steam.
This mid-Boulevard (between Murietta Ave. & Costello Ave) Chinese restaurant won Zagat’s Best Chinese Restaurant in the Valley. The menu hosts a huge variety of food from all the major regions of China with dishes like the Juicy Steamed Pork Dumpling and the Pearl’s Skinny Buddha. Each dish is prepared to order, so it’s no surprise Bamboo has become a dining hot spot in Sherman Oaks. The best part is, the huge portions come paired with excellent service and a short wait time, making Bamboo Cuisine an easy stop for some guaranteed delicious, local food.
According to one Yelper, Chef Gordon Ramsey said "I had an incredible meal at the Black Liquor Market in Studio City. The most amazing Scotch eggs, deviled eggs, and then these short ribs that were braised in beer.” If that’s not enough validation for you, than I don’t know what is. Perhaps, you will be impressed by the slick cocktail bar atmosphere or the insane selection of artisanal drinks. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the comfort food menu hosting dishes like Pork Shank Ravioli and Sautéed Shishito Peppers. Either way, Black Market continues to polish Sherman Oaks’ and Studio City’s gastropub and fine dining reputation.
Let us know your favorite spots in the San Fernando Valley in the comments below or on Facebook. We will continue putting out local lists and great destinations from the Valley and beyond.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for regular updates about local news, pop culture and San Fernando Valley Real Estate insight. wwww.MattEpstein.com
Matt Epstein is a top realtor in Sherman Oaks and Studio City. With over 25 years experience as a local realtor, Matt knows the ins-and-outs of San Fernando Valley culture, housing and living. Follow his blog for weekly news, real estate insight and beautiful homes. He consistently ranks in the Diamond Circle at Berkshire Hathaway. Matt is considered in the top 1% of realtors nationwide.