Where to Eat in the San Fernando Valley

Expanding the Petit Trois empire, chefs Ludo Lefebvre, along with Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, oversee this expansive all-day spot in Sherman Oaks for everyday French classics like a Boursin-filled omelet, steak tartare, messy Big Mec burger, and trout almondine. The menu goes all day (plus brunch on weekends), in a space as pretty as the Hollywood original with more expansive seating, both indoors and out. Bonus: it’s open until 10 p.m., a rarity in these parts.

With an elaborate outdoor setup, this Valley Village spot has become the neighborhood’s go-to for outdoor sipping. The wine list dips across both the Old World and New, with plenty of organic and biodynamic wines to peruse, plus interesting beers on tap and in bottle and can. The shared plate-friendly menu features tempura squash blossoms with Calabrian aioli, charred Spanish octopus, and a whole branzino, among other things. Stop by for happy hour (5-7 p.m. nightly and 10 p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday) for deals on drinks and snacks.

Opening just weeks before pandemic shutdowns, this Pacific Rim-inspired seafood spot has weathered the worst of the last two years with a true aloha spirit. The name, loosely based on a Hawaiian saying that means “take care of, until we meet again,” points to the kind of hospitality on display from chef Mario A. Lopez and team: Friendly and laid-back, with food — crispy rice topped with Spam, horseradish-crusted mahi-mahi, and soft-shell crabs in coconut broth — to match.

Having brought his cheffy barbecue to the Valley in 2005, chef Aaron Robbins has seen and weathered a lot along Ventura Boulevard. The bistro is a mainstay for locals looking for traditional and more creative takes on ‘cue, including everything from oak-grilled pork chops to Kobe beef chili-filled donuts topped with cheese and pickles. Keep an eye out for nightly specials, from Mondays with towering Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches to Wednesdays with half-priced bottles of wine and a steak.

Like any good Valley sushi joint, Sushi Note has classically prepared sushi and sashimi, a handful of other unmissable Japanese small plates, like fried eggplant with miso glaze and wagyu on crispy rice, and chefs making it all for you at a small and highly requested counter. But this one is led by a sushi master whose creations are akin to (and often inspired by) jazz riffs, highlighting a rotating menu of just flown-in Japanese fish. The wine list is impressive; let the sommelier guide you through various courses, especially if you get the very worth-it omakase.

Find more info here. 

It doesn’t get much more classic than this beloved Valley staple. Since 1956, the Sherman Oaks stalwart has been serving salt-rimmed margaritas, truckloads of chips and guacamole, and combo platters with chile rellenos and enchiladas to a devoted audience. Still family owned and operated — it’s now overseen by founder Jay Vega’s daughter, Christy — Casa Vega was recognized with a James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award last year.

It’s amazing what can happen when a couple behind a cupcake empire (Sprinkles’ Candace and Charles Nelson), an actor and his wife (Chris O’Donnell and Caroline Fentress), and a devoted Naples-born pizzaiolo come together. At the Brentwood original, chef Daniele Uditi put his stamp on L.A.’s pizza map with a 48-hour fermented dough that results in perfectly bubble-crusted pies. With the new Valley location, you’ll find much of the same — from the cacio e pepe pie to wood-fried meatball subs, and enough gluten-free and vegan offerings to keep everyone happy — in a narrow space with lots of natural light. Takeout is available, even if you live out of state.

After overseeing menus for Hollywood powerhouse SBE, chef Danny Elmaleh took over his father’s long-standing Sherman Oaks restaurant and turned it into a casual but perpetually packed Middle Eastern grill. Known for its addictive chickpea-topped hummus, housemade laffa bread, green falafel, shawarma, and crispy brussels sprouts spiked with smoky paprika, it’s easy to see why Elmaleh wanted to expand — there’s now a second location in West Adams.

Find more info here. 

The upscale robata-style restaurant is as hot as the bichon charcoal in the grills. With towering ceilings inside, living plant walls outside, and perpetually trendy vibe, it fits perfectly along the main Ventura drag in Sherman Oaks. The menu has a bit of everything, including lobster garlic noodles, but the skewered chicken meatballs, brussels sprouts, and more are the way to go here.

It took a beat for the Valley outpost of one of Hollywood’s favorite casual Italian spots to fully reveal itself (during most of the pandemic it was takeout and delivery only), but the dining room and bar are now finally open for in-person business. The room is more contemporary than the Melrose original — think blonde woods and white walls vs. exposed brick and cozy corners — but menu favorites, like rigatoni Bolognese, bucatini carbonara, and wood-fired pizzas — remain the same.

Chef Justin Pichetrungsi brought his family business not only into the 21st century, but also into the limelight. With his updated and often seasonal menus and stellar wine program, Pichetrungsi’s vision of what Thai food could be — traditional pad Thai, sure, but also fried chicken smothered in shallots, fantastic omakase menus, and taco Tuesday specials — has made this one of the Valley’s most popular destinations. It’s worth following along on social media just to see what he’s cooking up today.

From the same group as the aforementioned Taisho, this breezy Mexican spot feels like a beach getaway in the middle of busy Ventura Boulevard. The look is vaguely Tulum — think crisp white walls and sandy hues, rattan lamps, and ferns and fronds dangling from the rafters — while the menu traverses all of Mexico and California. You’ll find aguachiles and ceviches, tacos galore (crispy fish to A-1 wagyu), and eye-catching dishes like panela cheese set aflame with mezcal. Speaking of: The drinks list runs the gamut of agave spirits, fresh fruit margaritas, and more.

If you’re not stopping at this famed Cuban bakery and cafe before a flight out of the Burbank airport to stock up before a flight, you’re doing it wrong. The line looks daunting, but it always moves surprisingly fast, giving you just enough time to ogle the pastry case and pick up some extra cakes and guava and cheese refugiados along with the Cubano sandwich and potato balls that originally brought you in.

Find more info here.

Now a Studio City mainstay, when Black Market Liquor Bar opened in 2011, it was the perfect den for innovative cocktails and an eclectic menu that kept the party rolling from happy hour until late night. The first collaboration between chef Antonia Lafaso, barman Pablo Moix, and business partners Sal Aurora and Mario Guddemi (the group now has Dama, Scopa, the Chestnut Club, and the Local Peasant), Black Market became the place for Lafaso to have some fun in the kitchen for a loyal local following. Expect a little bit of everything, from taquitos to fried cauliflower, soft-shell crab po’boys, chicken bao, meatballs, handmade pastas, and more.

With a former Asanebo and Matsuhis chef behind it, Yume is another great sushi option among the many in the Valley. With a counter and a few tables inside the minimalist dining room, plus a heated patio, it’s perfect for a solo night, date, or even a quick lunch. You’ll find traditional nigiri, plus innovative takes on classic rolls with housemade sauces and a hint of truffles sprinkled around. Try the eponymous Yume roll, with spicy tuna topped with tuna sashimi, avocado, sauteed mushrooms, arugula, and garlic chips. A nice selection of sake, beer, and wine round things out.

Bill Elwell opened this classic little Van Nuys burger stand in 1965, and last we checked, he’s still there, well into his 90s, serving burgers to devoted fans. Do as the regulars do and opt for a double cheeseburger, with simple accouterments (mayo, onions, and pickles), and potato chips (there are no fries). There are a few tables around back, but a counter seat gives you the full kitchen view. Get there while you can: The threat that Bill will eventually retire lingers in the air like the aromas from the griddle. 

No website, call 818-785-4086 for more info. 

Looking like a storybook bistro from the front, this Valley favorite for Armenian and Lebanese staples is truly a hidden gem. The menu moves from mezze platters to mixed grill deals that come with everything from tabbouleh and hummus to kefta kebabs, lamb chops, and vermicelli rice pilaf. Of course, you’re not skipping the namesake mantee, little boat-shaped dumplings filled with ground meat (or vegetables) and served with fresh garlic sauce.

Find more info here.

Ma’s offers exactly what its name implies: homey Italian comfort food that’s popular with local families and groups. The menu has all the classics, from chicken Parm to spaghetti and meatballs, veal piccata, and tiramisu. They do a brisk takeout business here, but there’s also room to spread out in the airy dining room and patio.