By 
This post was originally published in August 2020, it was last updated in March 2022.
The Valley! That notorious suburban sprawl that many Angelenos love to hate. Many negative attributes are associated with the Valley: the killer summer heat, the endless grids of single-family houses, the never-ending plain strip malls or the world-famous original Valley Girl accent. It seems like almost everyone I’ve come across avoids the Valley at all costs.
The best way to think about it is like the difference between Manhattan and New Jersey. They’re in the same metropolitan area, but they’re two completely different animals. I’ve spent many summers in Manhattan, and going to my aunt’s house in New Jersey felt like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was a nice change of scenery from the skyscrapers that dominated Manhattan. In a nutshell, that’s how I feel when I go to the Valley. It’s pretty far out so not many people want to trek over the hill.
I love leisurely drives around the Valley, especially cruising along Ventura Blvd and going to the mall. I live in the middle of LA, but I love how the Valley has amazing gems like makeup shops, unique hole-in-the-wall restaurants, indie bookstores and, all with the added bonus of accessible parking. The Valley offers an entirely different vibe from the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. It feels isolated, but in a good way.
The Valley, specifically the hills of Studio City and Sherman Oaks, are the preferred neighborhoods for many celebrities due to its close proximity to movie studios (Warner Brothers in Burbank) and privacy from tour buses. Calabasas is another neighborhood that has experienced a massive influx of A-list celebrities in the last years. Hidden Hills, a gated community in Calabasas, is a hotbed for celebrities like The Kardashians (duh), Drake and other stars and professional athletes.
No neighborhood in the Valley is the same. Studio City is the Beverly Hills of the Valley, due to the amount of celebrities that live there. North Hollywood used to be an area riddled with crime and drugs in the 1990’s but now is a gentrifying neighborhood with modern apartment complexes and a vibrant urban shopping and entertainment district.
Many of these restaurants are located on outdoor plazas that look like they haven’t had a remodel since the 80’s but that’s part of the charm of the Valley.
Celebrity sighting:
When I go back home to Spain, the number one question people ask me is: Where can you spot celebrities in LA? In my experience, the easiest place to spot a celebrity in LA is in the Valley. Whether you go to Joan’s On Third, or Alfred’s Coffee on Ventura Pl, nine times out of ten, you will find a paparazzi waiting right across the street. Studio City’s farmers market, which is held on Sundays, also on Ventura Pl, gets packed with celebrities and paparazzi. Truly a show to watch. Something I realized is that celebrity tour buses are not allowed to go to the Valley and show naïve, starry-eyed tourists the preferred celebrity hangout spots.
Sweet Butter Kitchen in Sherman Oaks is another popular brunch spot. It’s on the pricier side, the coffees are good, the brunch is decent, nothing to write home about, but is also good for people-watching.
There is no shortage of breakfast joints in the Valley, but below are my three favorite places:
Aroma Café
4360 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
I wrote about this place in one of my very first posts. I love this place and I used to go there all the time when I first moved here. Their lattes and pastries are the best, and the staff are the nicest, especially if you’re really indecisive about what to order because their menu is huge. Not only is the place incredibly spacious, with its antique décor and cozy atmosphere, but the food is incredibly tasty and served in large portions. I’ve been to this place numerous times for breakfast, brunch and dinner with friends. The restaurant has a cozy patio that wraps around the building so it has plenty of outdoor seating. Additionally, they turn on the string lights when it gets dark, making it perfect for a cozy outdoor night with friends. They also have a large selection of different homemade cakes!
Aeirloom Bakery
10550 Riverside Dr, Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Delicious brunch spot that serves breakfast and hearty brunches with organic and non-gmo ingredients. I love Toluca Lake because it’s a nice change of pace from Ventura Blvd. Every time I go there, the staff always go above and beyond to accommodate me, despite how busy it may be, especially during the weekends. If you’re unsure of what to order, just ask one of the lovely waiters and they will give you their best recommendations.
Bea’s Bea’s
353 N Pass Ave, Burbank, CA 91505
Pancakes can be found everywhere in Los Angeles: blueberry pancakes, chocolate pancakes, Oreo pancakes… but have you ever tried Matcha green tea pancakes? When I took my friend there, she said she had never been to a place where they had so many food options, and she’s a pro when it comes to brunch places in LA. Bea’s Bea’s Matcha green tea pancakes, also known as Green Tea Monster pancakes, are an absolute must-try.
The pancakes are layered with matcha mascarpone and a giant mound of whipped cream on top. I was starving and I still could only eat half the portion! I also ordered their matcha green tea, which was vibrantly green and super flavorful, as a good matcha should be. While my friend and I waited in line to be seated, we couldn’t stop gazing at the outrageously massive food portions being served around us —– one dish could have fed an entire family! Believe the hype! Unless you go super early or close to closing time, I wouldn’t advise going there on the weekends because the wait can take up to an hour. Unlike the previous places, do not expect to see people dressed to the nines Instagramming their food or girls in cool athleisure clothes ordering coffee to go. It’s a family-style restaurant.
Other popular breakfast spots in The Valley:
The Ugly Mug Coffee House Burbank ( 3112 W Burbank Blvd #100, Burbank, CA 91505) – Website
Priscilla’s Gourmet Coffee Tea & Gifts – 4150 W Riverside Dr A, Burbank, CA 91505
Nat’s Early Bite Coffee Shop (14115 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401)
Cici’s (18912 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356)
More Than Waffles (17200 Ventura Blvd Ste 109, Encino, CA 91316)
The Nook
17316 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
The Nook was featured on The Weekend’s and Zendaya’s Postmates order history!
(The Weeknd) “He’s also got a thing for breakfast, having one time Postmated a single cup of Orange Juice from a local favorite, The Nook Restaurant, at 10am. It was his smallest order ever, but hey when you’re thirsty, you’re thirsty.” Postmates.com
(Zendaya) “10am — The Nook Restaurant: Garden Omelette, Grand Nutella, French 101 and Strawberry Banana Smoothie” Postmates.com
UCRAVE Cafe and Grill (Breakfast)
110 N Maclay Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340
Below are my favorite must go-to spots in the Valley!
Health Nut
23365 Mulholland Dr, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
4550 Van Nuys Blvd Ste A1, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
This family-owned location has made a name for itself thanks to their ubiquitous salads that can be seen on any given episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. With countless online articles/reviews from people stopping by to get a glimpse of the Kardashian world, Health Nut has become the most iconic Kardashian spot.
With its original location in Calabasas, Health Nut finally opened a second location in Sherman Oaks. I used to go to the original restaurant a lot when I moved to LA, but if you live here you know that a drive on the 101 from West Hollywood to Calabasas on a regular basis can be hell. Every time I happen to go there, I always order the Chef Salad.
It’s a simple basic salad that you can easily assemble yourself in less than 10 minutes after a short trip to the grocery store. However, I don’t know what sort of sorcery they add that makes it so good. Could it be the freshness of the ingredients? The homemade salad dressings? Both locations are no-frills establishments located in strip malls, very valley. If you go, your order will not be complete without their Mango Iced Greentini – so good and refreshing and also Kourtney’s favorite. Because I live in Hollywood, Sweetgreen is my go-to fix for salads, however, if Health Nut opened a location in Central LA, I would go in a heartbeat.
Vicious Dogs
5231 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Had it not been for Grimes mentioning this place on her “Everything I Eat In A Day” video for Vanity Fair, the chances of me finding this place would have been slim to none.
Vicious Dogs serves the best, fresh, innovative hot dogs you will ever have! Despite the overwhelming amount of hot dog types, all of them are customizable. A nice touch on the menu is how they divide it by “first-timers” and “adventurous”. Don’t hold back from asking questions! I got the LA Street Dog without the bacon and it was delicious! The fluffiness of the bread, the tastiness of the wiener, the freshness of the toppings… just pure perfection.
Their most popular option is the Sweet And Spicy. Thank you Grimes! I didn’t see the owner Willy, but word on the street is that he’s the nicest guy! Vicious Dogs has been in business since 2007 and they’re still going strong filling orders non-stop during quarantine! Chester Bennington (RIP) from Linkin Park was also a fan.
Raw Junkies
12930 Ventura Blvd Unit 114, Studio City, CA 91604
The best smoothies in the San Fernando Valley! They only use the freshest ingredients, which really shows in the taste of the smoothies and the overall quality of the food. If you want to dine in, I recommend either the Vegan Pesto Pasta bowl or the Turmeric Cauliflower bowl. All the dishes and smoothies are truly unique and the staff is very courteous and inviting.
Burgerama Gourmet Burgers
5424 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607
What an amazing find. This no-frills, old-school burger joint in North Hollywood, founded by Chef Steph, has been serving exquisite gourmet burgers since 2018. I tell you man, North Hollywood is where it’s at when it comes to some of the best hidden gems in LA. I love the vibe of the store with the retro, graphic wall design. Also, the fact that it’s family-run makes it even more special. If you want to have the best veggie burger of your life, order the Veggie Lover burger! I highly recommend adding Burgerama to your list of places to try out if you want to enjoy a delicious chef-crafted burger. Big portions and just a great bang for your buck. Instagram
Blazin’ Burgers ‘N Fried Chicken
2320 W Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506
Besides Burgerama, if you’re looking for another plant-based burger option in the valley, Blazin’ Burgers is where it’s at. This newly opened plant-based burger joint in Burbank not only serves delicious veggie burgers, but also a few Southern staples such as fried chicken and fried chicken sandwiches! My only gripe is that the milkshakes were pretty pricey ($8), but they are vegan and as close as you can get to the real flavor without guilty ingredients.
Tipsy Cow
15005 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Gastropub with really solid burgers that you can enjoy in a more intimate setting than Burgerama. My friend and I used to drive there during our first year in LA. We spent many nights and brunches eating their delicious gourmet burgers and gigantic shakes. Tipsy Cow will surely satisfy your burger cravings. Their menu ranges from salads to sandwiches, as well as vegan and gluten-free menu items that will keep everyone happy and satisfied.
Poke Motto Foods
19100 Ventura Blvd Ste F
With its original location in North Hollywood, which opened up in 2018, Brian Kim (owner and sushi chef), has quickly gained a loyal customer base in LA’s vibrant and eclectic Noho Arts District. In June 2020, Brian Kim permanently closed this location. Everyone was in a funk, but not for too long! In July 2020, he announced on his Instagram that Poke Motto, now called Poke Motto Foods will be opening in Tarzana along with a few other locations around the San Fernando Valley, including North Hollywood! To read my in-depth review, go to my post “The Best Poke in LA, OC and San Diego”. If you’re looking for a poke option in the Valley, Poke Motto has you covered!
Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop
12186 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
With three locations in Central LA, you can finally enjoy this Australian-inspired chain that serves coffees and other specialty Aussie brunch dishes in the Valley. Great coffee, amazing avocado toasts and warm staff with lovely accents, what else could you ask for? The only drawback is the small space and the limited seating options.
786 Degrees Pizza
8879 Laurel Canyon Blvd unit # a, Sun Valley, CA 91352
Who knew that one of the best pizzas in LA was made out of this hole-in-the-wall deep in the Valley? Their establishment is located in a nondescript location in Sun Valley.
What makes their pizzas so special? For starters, they specialize in Neapolitan style pizzas and many of their pizza pies have earned awards. Yes! Pizza awards are a thing! If you need more proof to corroborate the veracity of how good this place is, in 2016, 786 Degrees Pizza was named one of the best restaurants in California by Yelp. Furthermore, they have a badge at the entrance that certifies this pizzeria as one the 15 officially authenticated Neapolitan pizza spots in the US. If you’re an adventurous eater and want to veer off from the classic margherita, the Bombay Tikka Masala pizza is their most popular menu item. I had their Neapolitan pizza and it was just too good to put it into words. It was simple, but the flavors were something truly unique and distinctive. Their ingenious flavor combinations and the excellence of their handmade fermented dough are what have made them stand out as one of the best pizza places in the US. The name derives from the wood-fire oven they use, which is heated to 786 degrees Fahrenheit. The place only has three tables, so I suggest eating either in the parking lot or on one of the park benches right across the street, and take amazing photos against this genius wall for Instagram.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret: Besides 786 Degrees Pizza in the Valley, DeSano Pizza Bakery in East Hollywood also has one of the best pizzas in LA.
Hanks Bagels
4315 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
Thank you so much Genevieve Hannelius (Disney Channel actress) for introducing this place in your quarantine vlogs!! I’m not a bagel connoisseur, despite being born in NYC and spending countless summers there. I was raised mainly on Dominican and Spanish food, so when I saw Genevieve going to this place in Burbank, showing the mouthwatering bagels, I had to check out this place. I got the #3, which is their best-selling item. Unfortunately, the stiffness of the bagel made my eating experience difficult. While the inside was amazing, I was having a hard time chewing the bagel bread. I later learned that bagels are supposed to be chewy and dense. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bagel at a restaurant before. Hanks Bagels replied to me with a very kind message stating that next time I could request to have it toasted, which would soften the texture, albeit altering the authentic bagel quality. They were also nice to invite me back!! Overall, if you’re looking for a bagel place in the San Fernando Valley, head over to Hanks!! Aside from the bread, the ingredients were super fresh and melded together seamlessly.
Sushi
Upon doing research about sushi places in the Valley, I learned that the San Fernando Valley boasts the largest concentration of sushi joints in the US. I counted the number of sushi joints in the Valley and there is an astonishing amount — over 70! Can you believe it? I guess with one sushi restaurant per strill mall, it really adds up. I read countless articles about restaurants in the Valley, and not one article mentioned the same sushi joint twice. Ninety nine percent of celebrities will be spotted leaving the most star-studded sushi place in LA, Nobu Malibu. On any given day you will find paparazzi waiting across the valet stand to photograph whoever is there that afternoon or night, but I digress. The truth is, the Valley, although not the most glamorous setting such as Beverly Hills or Malibu, is where the authentic, low-key places are.
Brothers Sushi
21418 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
In December 2021, Vogue posted a video following Chloe Moretz for 24 hours in LA. She deems Brothers Sushi the best sushi you will find in LA. So thank you, Chloe, for letting us in on this amazing gem! When she was doing press for her movie Kick Ass in Tokyo, she said enjoyed eating at sushi bars. Once she came back to LA, she would love to discover hole-in-the-wall sushi joints. In one of those restaurants, she met sushi chef Mark at Asanebo and they would get into deep conversations about food and life – that’s how their friendship formed. Mark is now the sushi chef at Brothers Sushi. Chloe likes to get the omakase, which runs $75 per person.
Sushi Spot Tarzana
19658 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
This mom and pop sushi joint has been proudly serving sushi in the Valley since 1989! The freshness of the fish and the unbeatable prices are what makes this place downright outstanding. Patrons that frequent Sushi Spot have been doing so for years, praising their quality and great, generous fish cuts.
A really popular celebrity sushi spot in the valley is Asanebo in Studio City, which is also George Clooney’s favorite restaurant to visit when he’s in LA. Additionally, Dua Lipa was also spotted at Sushi Brother’s, also in Studio City. I recall having a great meal with my father at Iroha Sushi of Tokyo. The ambiance was just so peaceful and beautiful. Katsuya is another celebrity-frequented sushi joint, although I think it’s overrated. Like I said, there are just too many!
Go’s Mart Sushi
22330 Sherman Way c12, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Since the Valley boasts an impressive sushi scene, I wanted to write about this prohibitively expensive place. This exclusive place that serves world-class sushi is located next to a Papa John’s pizza and a dance studio. Who knew that a place like this could have the most simple storefront?The fish is sourced daily from International Seafood in DTLA by the chef’s wife. The sushi pieces change daily based on what’s available that day. You have to go with an open mind and let the chef decide what you’re going to have. Go, the chef, used to work in Malibu prior to opening this place in 1997. One Yelper wrote that you should expect to drop at least $150 per person. The lowest rating reviews on Yelp are the most hilarious and worth a thorough read. One Yelper wrote: “A simple dinner where we did not over order and no alcohol (they don’t have a liquor license) was a shocking $237. I nearly fell off my chair”. Another Yelper wrote: “Over $80 for five pieces of awful sushi for myself and my wife. We went to another restaurant for dinner on the way home – that’s how bad it was”. Share in the comments! Would you go there? The best sushi in LA for me without a doubt is Yama Sushi in Downtown LA: exceptionally fresh fish at a reasonable price. Not the cheapest, but far from exorbitantly expensive.
King’s Burgers/Got Sushi
9345 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 9132
Hidden gem alert! This sushi joint is inside a burger place.
La Bamba Restaurant
2600 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91504
I found La Bamba through an IG foodie and the photos of the food instantly had me salivating. This Cuban/Caribbean restaurant is nestled in Burbank in a pleasantly secluded location. I went there on a weekday and just as I was sitting, there was already a line forming. The island vibes of this place will transport you to the Caribbean or a beach in Mexico. I’m not a burrito kind of person, but the carne asada burrito was noteworthy. If you opt for vegan options, order their veggie burrito. If tacos are what you’re craving, the shrimp tacos are highly, highly recommended. The portions are really big and the service is just stellar. Don’t forget to order one of their refreshing aguas frescas to help you combat the heat!
Tel Aviv Grill
17201 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91356
I was surprised to find online reviews by Middle Easterners claiming that this fast-casual Israeli restaurant in Encino is the closest you will get to eating authentic Israeli food in LA. They say the chicken shawarma, the eggplant and falafel are life-changing.
A verified Yelper wrote: “It’s authentic Israeli food, the same that you would find in Israel”. Another Yelper wrote :”Food tastes just like the shawarma in Israel”. You order at the counter and then you pick your salads at the salad station. The portions are enormous so make sure to go on an empty stomach and be prepared to endure a line.
Joey Restaurant
6344 Topanga Canyon Blvd Suite #1010, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Frequented by Khloe Kardashian and other well-known celebrities and influencers in the Valley, Joey boasts an eclectic menu that includes 4 types of pastas, sushi, curry, burgers and so much more. You can’t go wrong with anything. The indoor area has floor-to-ceiling windows to the kitchen so you can actually see the chefs cooking the food. Adding the black upholstered booths, it will make you feel like you’re at one of those fancy restaurants in Tribeca, New York. I love their chicken Pomodoro pasta. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the perfectly cooked chicken harmonized seamlessly.
You’ll get a much better overall experience if you go at night or late in the day. If you live in LA, you know the Valley is hell in the summer. The author of this article, a Canadian of Italian descent who grew up in an Italian household, evaluates each pasta served at Joey, and gives her seal of approval to all of them. Rightfully so, you will get hooked on the food at Joey, encouraging you to go back to further venture into their multicultural menu.
Republic Of Pie
11118 W Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Are you craving something sweet and rich in flavor? Head over to Republic Of Pies! Not to be confused with The Pie Hole franchise! I remember reading an interview where Aaron Carter, who briefly dated Madeleine Petsch in 2014, mentioned that before her Riverdale days she used to work there and that’s how they met! Moreover, Brian’s partner at Poke Motto, Sang, told me that he used to co-own this place.
The interior is so charming, just perfect for a Friday afternoon. They even have a stage where they host live music events and readings. Think of Republic Of Pies as the cute coffee shop you see in movies and TV shows. Another plus is that they serve Stumptown Coffee, which is higher quality than most coffees. I ordered their delicious cherry pie. Unfortunately, due to COVID19, only the patio was available for seating when I went. If you take it home like I did, I recommend heating it up in the microwave before you eat it. Not only does Republic Of Pies boast a delicious selection of homemade pies, but they also offer other savory menu items such as sandwiches and quiches!
Black Market Liquor
11915 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
This gastrobar offers eclectic small American plates, creative cocktails and specialty crafted beers. Italian-American Chef Antonia Lofaso is at the helm of this restaurant. She’s one of the top Chefs in LA and was also featured on Selena Gomez’s new cooking show Selena+Chef. The food is served in tapas style, so it’s intended to be shared. Although the main focus of Black Liquor are the small plates, they also have options if you want to have a full plate of your own. The lunch menu features salads and their brisket burger, while their dinner menu includes hearty pasta dishes. Celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Chris Evans are big fans of this place.
Petit Trois Le Valley
13705 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
This French Bistro has been the talk of the town for quite a while thanks to their Big Mec burger, which was featured in a handful of LA-based food articles/blogs. Petit Trois has earned favorable reviews by prestigious magazines and blogs since it opened in 2014 in the Central LA area. Besides the exquisite food, their original location has a no-reservation policy and there are no seating tables, only a counter with stools, just like a Parisian bistro. One of the chef and co-owners, Ludo Lefebvre, was also featured on Selena’s new cooking show. What did they make? Petit Trois’ $18 signature French omelette.
If you go there to have a glorious breakfast, you can’t go without trying it. This visual masterpiece is silky smooth on the outside and filled with nothing but delectable ingredients, including their special butter and cheese that will literally melt in your mouth.
Note: Due to COVID-19, Petit Trois’ original location is using the parking lot as their outdoor dining space.
Lodge Bread Company
20929 Ventura Blvd #22, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
This Culver City hidden gem opened its second location in Woodland Hills in 2018. Lodgebread is a bread haven: toasts, sandwiches, pizzas, baked goods, and other menu items to munch on. The bread and the dough are made in-house. Overall, if you’re looking for a stellar brunch with scrumptious bread and high quality ingredients, head over there! Although they have an array of salads, I would stick to their bread menu items, which are their specialty. I absolutely love their avocado toast, but they’re mostly known for their cinnamon bread, pizzas and ricotta cheese toast.
Açai Jungle Bowls Café
326 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502
Whether you want to have a delicious hearty Açai bowl, a tasty sandwich or a quick nourishing healthy salad in a beautiful, jungle-themed space, you can’t miss this place. The interior of the restaurant is an Instagrammer’s dream: bamboo pendant lights combined with the black and white register stand and the abundant greenery, will make you feel like you’re in a tropical destination.
Their Açai sorbet is made from Açai berry puree and organic cane sugar. All the ingredients are explained in great detail on their website, but in a nutshell, all the sandwiches and salads are organic, their smoothies are raw and vegan, and they only use Bulletproof coffee. I recommend their chicken pesto sandwich!
The Palm Coffee Bar
2922 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
I think this is the cutest coffee shop I’ve been to in LA. Following Acai Jungle Bowl Cafe’s jungle theme, The Palm Coffee bar offers beautifully crafted coffees and many other caffeinated drinks. The interior is decked out with plants, bright pink neon signs and even a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
It was very reminiscent of Palm Springs. Don’t be scared by this, but you have the options to add edible flowers, glitter or lucky charms to your drink. They even have a drink called Lucky Charms Matcha.
Cavaretta’s Italian Deli
22045 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Hidden gem alert! Cavarettas has been a Valley landmark since the 1950’s and their fresh sandwiches are deemed the best in the Valley! All the sandwiches are made to order and they only use the highest quality ingredients to craft them. Cavaretta is also a marketplace and grocery store where you will find a handful of imported Italian goodies, as well as a small dine-in area.
They don’t offer pastas, but they do serve hot dishes like their homemade lasagna and meatballs. It’s really hard to find a place in LA that offers simple lasagna with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their cannolis and desserts are also made in-house.
Domingo’s Italian Deli
17548 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
Another famous Italian deli in the Valley! Just like Cavarettas, you will be able to find a plethora of Italian products including jars of homemade sauces and exquisite handmade sandwiches. If you want to sit down and have a full meal, Domingo’s menu is very extensive: pastas, pizzas and antipastos. At Domingos, the pasta is freshly made. I had their spaghetti and meatballs and it was phenomenal. The meat was super tender and the sauce was tomato heaven. The pieces of meat just melted in my mouth. To top off this delicious experience, they give you a large complimentary piece of garlic bread! The lady said that they add different spices and herbs to make it more flavorful. I’m not a bread type of person, but this specific one was fluffy, soft and all the ingredients on top achieved that oomph effect which really surpassed my expectations. If you don’t like garlic bread, they have other bread options. Whatever you order, don’t skimp on the bread! Domingo’s is family-owned, so you can feel good about supporting a small, local business. Please go to their website to find more about their menu items. Truly a gem.
Brent’s Deli Northridge
19565 Parthenia St, Northridge, CA 91324
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Brent’s Deli. Accolated by countless LA-based food magazines, this place has been serving the best pastrami sandwiches in the Valley since 1967. There are usually crowds of people waiting, but the process is very quick. I also recommend Lovi’s Delicatessen in Calabasas. It has a slower pace and more modern atmosphere, but the pastrami is absolutely fantastic.
10 Speed Coffee Calabasas
23504 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
If you happen to be in Calabasas, you can’t miss this coffee shop. Only in LA can you drink coffee surrounded by perched bicycles in a quaint and cozy atmosphere. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for working on your laptop. Go there for their exceptional coffee! They have your standard pastries and snacks, but they’re nothing to write home about. A great bonus point is that Miley Cyrus and Megan Fox are regulars at this place!
The Carving Board
216 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502
18607 Ventura Blvd #100, Tarzana, CA 91356
If it weren’t for paparazzi pictures of Joe Jonas leaving this place, rest assured I would never have found it. This sandwich franchise has two locations in the San Fernando Valley and others in the Central LA area. Their sandwiches are really delicious and the freshness of the ingredients speak for themselves. I got the Bohemian sandwich, which is a veggie sandwich with a side of kale pasta! So good! The ingredients of the sandwich were: portobello mushrooms, sauteed red pepper, spinach, onions, melted mozzarella cheese, sunflower seeds and basil pesto sauce. They have so many varieties to choose from! And if you’re not feeling in the mood for a sandwich, they have salads and burgers!
Porto’s Bakery
3614 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
Porto’s is a Valley institution. I can’t think of anyone who frequents or lives in the Valley that hasn’t heard of Porto’s. This well-oiled machine has been operating for over 40 years and is a Burbank staple.
In addition to Porto’s Burbank, they also have another one in Glendale. On any given day, you are bound to find lines of people eager to get their famous pastries, Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and guava rolls. The line moves super fast and the employees are super efficient in managing the flow of people. I’m going to be honest here, I’m not a big pastry person. I cannot attest to their empanadas or sandwiches, but I wasn’t particularly mind-blown by their standard pastries, perhaps I ordered wrong. However, I can honestly say that this place has the best chocolate almond milk in LA. All the employees are super nice. If you’ve never been to Porto’s, it’s imperative that you go and try out a pastry or empanada!
Not really hidden gems, but if you’re in the mood for some ice cream, the most popular options in the Valley are McConnell’s and Salt And Straw in Studio City. The Salted Caramel Chip flavor from McConnell’s is like crack. So good!
Vegan Options
There is no shortage of vegan places in the Valley. Follow Your Heart in Canoga Park was the first vegan restaurant in California! In summer 2020, El Cocinero Restaurant in Van Nuys, was the first all-vegan Mexican restaurant in the San Fernando Valley! To read the thorough reviews on each restaurant, please visit my other blog post “A Guide To The Best Vegan Restaurants In LA”.
The Harvest Bar
15030 Ventura Blvd #8, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Best acai bowls in the valley! The Harvest is your number one stop for superfood Bowls, acai bowls, smoothies, green juices, cold brewed coffee and so many more healthy options! You might run into Miley Cyrus or Machine Gun Kelly!
The Joint Eatery
13718 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
“Our cafe serves hand-crafted drinks brewed from specialty coffee beans and premium tea leaves from around the world. The adjoining seafood market offers fresh fish, shellfish and live crustaceans, carefully selected and responsibly sourced. Seasonal delicacies and exotic imports from around the world are also available, making us the neighborhood’s premier locale for avid home cooks in search of high-quality and sustainable options” – Website
Yakumi Sushi
3919 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505
The newest sushi restaurant in Burbank!
“A new Japanese dining concept that unites the elements of stylish décor, ultra-premium sushi and care-free convenience. Yakumi feels like the kind of Japanese shop you would come across perusing some of Tokyo’s trendier neighborhoods. We offer the highest quality sushi in its most accessible form. ” – Website
Taisho
NEW CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE RESTAURANT IN SHERMAN OAKS!
14016 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
“At Taisho, take your pick of four gorgeous dining areas: the front outdoor patio overlooking Ventura, the sprawling bar and lounge, the stylish dining room and our back patio oasis. The entire setting exudes a Japanese-meets-California vibe that’s airy and cosmopolitan — and anchored in a natural beauty that marries the indoors and out. From the food to the ambiance to the service, TAISHO is a sought-after destination because no detail is ever overlooked.” Resy.com
Upscale:
Who knew the most romantic restaurants in LA were in the Valley?
Castaway Burbank
1250 E Harvard Rd, Burbank, CA 91501
“VOTED TOP 50 RESTAURANTS FOR A DATE IN AMERICA
Castaway has curated a whole new dining experience where everyone feels like a star, and every seat is magic. From the meat dry-aging room, floor-to-ceiling wine cellar, charcuterie station, to the breath-taking views of the valley and Los Angeles Skyline, Castaway is ready to serve you.
Our Culinary Team’s seasonally-inspired, steak-forward menu features interesting cuts of meats from top-notch butchers including Filet Mignon, Dry Aged Ribeye, Bistro Steak, Wagyu Zabuton, a raw bar, vegetable-centric sides and build-it-yourself charcuterie boards.” – Website
Firefly
11720 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
“Firefly is the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles. Dine in our outdoor patio or just stop by for cocktails and appetizers in our indoor library lounge.”
With the overwhelming size of the Valley, it would be an impossible task to list all the good places in this post. However, I also wanted to include different world cuisines. The places that are marked with an asterisk are considered hidden gems by reviewers. Whether you want to impress a relative who visits from out of town, or you simply want to venture out on your own, the Valley boasts a good amount of ethnic enclaves. Please note that the majority of these places are no-frills, and most of them are owned by hard working immigrants. If you want to travel the world through your tastebuds, here’s a list of the best world cuisine restaurants in the San Fernando Valley.
Szechuan Place (Chinese)
Sol Y Luna (Mexican)
Salsa And Beer (Mexican)
*Carrillo’s Tortilleria (Mexican) – Apparently they make the best handmade flour and corn tortillas of all time.
Vinh Loi Tofu (Vietnamese vegan)
For amazing Pho and Vietnamese food:
Pho So 1 (multiple locations)
Pho 999 (Van Nuys)
Mom’s BBQ House (Southern Food)
Salsa And Beer (Mexican). This North Hollywood Mexican restaurant is a big hit. The owner says: “The plates are large and you will leave this restaurant feeling well-fed.” It’s always really crowded.
The Country Deli (Traditional deli food)
*Johnny Pacific (Empanadas). All the reviews agree on the fact that this is the best place for empanadas.
Papa Juan’s Baja Grill (Shrimp tacos)
*Hy Mart Sandwiches (Mediterranean) Mom-and-pop establishment that serves Mediterranean-style sandwiches.
(Food Truck) Maine Street Lobster 6200 N Balboa Blvd Encino. See hours on Yelp
*Adrian’s Trattoria in Reseda (Italian). Mom-and-pop business that not only serves Italian food, but also other European specialties.
*India Sweets and Spices (Indian). This Indian restaurant in Canoga Park is located within an Indian grocery store. Baba Sweets specializes in Indian desserts, as well as Vegetarian Indian food.
Streets Of India Cafe (Indian) – Encino
India’s Clay Pit (Indian) – North Hollywood
*Cilantro Mexican Grill (Mexican) – This Mexican food stand serves tacos and burritos with locally-grown ingredients and made-from-scratch sauces inside a GAS STATION!
Pablitos Tacos (Mexican) – This place specializes in Tijuana-style tacos with a Peruvian touch. Everyone raves about their green sauce!
Carrillo’s Mexican Deli (Canoga Park)
This place has been a staple in the Valley for more than 40 years. The tortillas, just like at Carrillo’s Tortilleria are handmade daily!
Mandarin Deli Restaurant (Chinese)
Chinese Delight (Chinese) Mom-and-pop. They make all the dumplings by hand and never serve anything frozen.
Sagebrush Cantina (Mexican) – This is Kylie Jenner’s favorite Mexican restaurant in Calabasas.
Thai restaurants
Anajak Thai Restaurant
14704 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
“Anajak has been a neighborhood hang for 39 years, serving up the menus of father and son team, Ricky and Justin. Our wine selection is a list of iconic natural wines from all over the world. Any night of the week you can see our family serving bold classics like our Nakhon fried chicken, our dry-aged fish from “The Joint”, and seasonal farmers market produce. Come find something comforting or adventurous in our Thai food.” – Website
Vic’s Thai Food To Go
12527 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606
Thank you to whoever submitted this celebrity sighting to DeuxMoi! For those who don’t know, Jim Parsons is best known as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory.
Rincome Restaurant (Thai) – Mom-and-pop.
Gala Thai – I used to work right next door and have been twice. Great food. Gala Thai was also featured on Zendaya’s Postmates history receipt, where she ordered their fried rice and yellow curry.
Little Siam (Thai)
Krua (Thai) – Their pad thai is supposedly the best in Los Angeles. Krua was also featured on Jonathan Gold’s 99 essential LA restaurant list.
Alcazar Fresh Mediterranean Food in Encino, also made it on to Jonathan Gold’s 99 essential LA restaurants list.
Takatis (Peruvian)
Boulevard Burger (American)
Boneyard Bistro (BBQ)- Barbecue restaurant in Sherman Oaks known for their Texas-style briskets, burgers and other types of slow-cooked meats. Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Jessica Simpson have been photographed picking up food to go from this place! Both of them are Texans so you know this place has got to be good!
Chuy’s Tacos (Mexican)
Angel’s Tijuana Tacos (North Hollywood). They say the carne asada tacos at Angel’s are some of the best in LA. Be prepared to wait in line!
Bob’s Big Boy (Burbank) Also a classic. The Beatles dined there during their 1965 U.S. summer tour. Fans and tourists from around the world now go to this restaurant, just to dine in “The Beatles Booth.”
Poquito Mas – Fast casual Mexican chain with five locations in the Valley! It’s a more local alternative than Chipotle. Even Jared Leto thanked the staff from the Studio City location he frequents in his Oscar speech in 2015! That’s a shining example of power right there.
Hugo’s Tacos – It’s a nice Mexican stand just off the 101 freeway in Studio City and it’s full of vegan and gluten-free options.
Dan’s Super Subs – Old-school sub sandwiches
Little Tony’s (Pizza)
Toluca Bakery And Café (vegan pastries)
Kai Ramen (Ramen)
Bill’s Hamburgers
14742 Oxnard St, Van Nuys, CA 91411
This place is a Van Nuys institution. Bill, the 94 year old man behind the business name, has been working the grill at this old-school burger joint since 1965. Many of the reviews say that the burgers are great, but not worth the 30 minute wait. Others compare his burgers to the ones from In N Out, stating their similarities, while other reviews praise Bill’s Hamburgers as the best homemade burgers you will ever have. It has pretty mixed reviews to say the least so you’ll just have to go and see for yourself. CASH ONLY. Read my review here.
Ceremony Bar
11814 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
Modern Mexican
“Mexican with European influences. There’s a restored and refitted 1969 VW Kombi bus located near the entry and the room is filled with colorful lanterns that give it a party patio sort of feel. The VW isn’t just a prop — there are actual cooks in the bus prepping and cooking tacos.” – LA TIMES
Black-Owned restaurants
Whether you’re in the mood for some authentic Southern food, African or Jamaican cuisine, these are the best Black-Owned restaurants you will find in the San Fernando Valley.
Black Bottom Southern Kitchen (North Hollywood)
Fresh and Meaty Burgers (Studio City) – Temporarily closed due to COVID-19
Sattdown Jamaican Grill (Studio City)
Uncle’s Andre’s BBQ (Studio City)
Fishbone Seafood Tarzana
Lotus Vegan (Toluca Lake) – This hole-in-the-wall Asian-fusion style restaurant is a local’s favorite thanks to their vegan menu that runs the gamut of Asian and non-Asian dishes.
Jaliz East African Cuisine (Van Nuys) – Ugandan cuisine!
Mom’s Haus (Van Nuys) – Hole-in-the-wall that specializes in Louisiana-style Southern food.
Sweet Blessings (Van Nuys)
Toto’s African Cuisine (Van Nuys)
Beignet Box
This is the famous food truck that serves Beignets and it’s owned by Christina Milian! Before the pandemic, the truck was usually parked right in front of the Barnes And Noble in Studio City. Beignets are traditional desserts from Louisiana. For more information regarding the truck locations, please go to their Instagram and website.
Bree’s Cakes (Reseda) – Reviews say that Bree’s Cakes cupcakes are pretty dangerous because they are so unique and delicious. Website
Kings Deli (Burbank)
Lou, The French On The Block (Burbank) – THE BEST ALMOND CROISSANT IN LA!!
“The croissants, the baguettes, are of exceptional quality! Enough to make any bakery in France jealous of the consistency and technique!” said one Yelper. Apparently, their freshly baked croissants are a success because there is always a line!
Les Sisters (Chatsworth)
One876 Caribbean Restaurant (Chatsworth)
JamaFo Jamaican Food Xpress (Canoga Park)
What are your favorite restaurants in the Valley?
