Best Eats in West Valley (west of 405)

[purplescout]

I'd like to hear from you chowhounds about the best places to eat in the West part of the SF Valley. I'm defining West as "west of the 405" but West of Reseda would be even better. I live in Woodland Hills, and we are stuck in a rut! Sure, I like fine restaurants, but I'm interested in the small neighborhood places or ethnic dives that serve great food, too.

For the record, our current favorites are:

Kushiyu (sushi & yakitori)
Carillos (Mexican)
Gorikee (California/Japanese)
Brandywine (old-fashioned Continental)
Brent's (deli)
The Habit (burgers (good place to go with our kids)

[foodie19]

it is so hard too find great great food in the west valley...food that i crave on a regular basis...but i have to say a consistent, always yummy treat is cafe carolina in the tarzana area-mentioned above. so good, organic and cozy. i love this place. i think it's the best in the valley.

[truefoodie]

We actullay have some decent eats in our corner (NW) of the valley...
Omino in Chatsworth for Sushi, Brent's Deli in Northridge, Pine Tree in Northrdige for Korean BBQ, Les Sisters in Chatsworth for Soulfood, Buenas Aires Grill in Northridge for Argentinian Grill, Alessio in Northridge (also in Calabasas) for Italian and A&W (three locations, I think) does decent Dim Sum ...
On the south side of town someone said Brandywine which is really excellent... also, worthy of mention in Encino/Tarzana (Ventura and White Oak area) is Cafe Carolina - organic Italian, very casual, BYOB - small and yummy... There is a Kate Mantalini's in Woodland Hills and a Versaille (Cuban food) on Ventura in Encino.
I will agree with Dos Arbolitos (someone above mentioned) - it is a dive but delicious
So, BON APPETITE!

[Diana]

I've been wondering about Carolina

[purplescout]

We'll be in piggy-heaven for a couple of months with all these great suggestions. Thanks!!

[yclops]

For low-end places, check out:
--El Tapatio (Fallbrook & Victory, also at Jordan & Sherman Way) for crispy carnitas.
--La Coronita (Canoga & Vanowen) for huevos rancheros and handmade tortillas.
--India Sweets & Spices (Sherman Way & TCB) for Indian veg dishes and snacks.
--Khun Dang (TCB & Lassen, unrelated to NoHo Khun Dang) for BBQ Beef.
--Mandarin Deli (Reseda & Nordhoff) for potstickers.
--Sandwich Express (Sherman Way & Reseda) for banh mi.

Good luck!

[tastebuds]

Sushi Iki in Tarzana (expensive but great)
Ueru Ka Mu in Woodland Hills (great Japanese pub)
Las Fuentes in Reseda (homemade Mexican)
Top Thai in Reseda

[WHills]

Gorikees
Shibuya for sushi
California Chicken Cafe
Ruth's Chris
Le Frite
A&W Seafood

[SIMIHOUND]

If you go to Chili My Soul go down Ventura Blvd a few short miles to Weiner Factory at Kester and Ventura. Best dogs around and a very tasty polish dog to boot.

[SauceSupreme]

Las Fuentes (Reseda)
Les Sisters (Chatsworth)
Pho So 1 (Reseda/Van Nuys)
Woodlands (Chatsworth)
La Paz (Calabasas)
Chili My Soul (Encino)

[carter]

If you count the upper reaches of Calabasas, then Saddle Peak Lodge should be on the list.
Carrillo's Deli on Sherman Way in Winnetka for quality Mexican.
Gorikee in Woodland Hills.
Riviera Wine Bar is a favorite of several friends, yet I have not been yet.

[Diana]

What is the Riviera's address?

[WestsideLisa]

23683 Calabasas Road
Calabasas 91302

It's in the Babies R Us shopping center, across the street from The Commons.

[purplescout]

Thanks for the suggestions - we'll check them out!

[TomSwift]

I neglected to include Pat's Topanga Grill, just a short drive south on Topanga Canyon. Breakfast and lunch only, 7 days a week. Their burgers are quite good and huge. The Juan's Burrito is more than a meal and delicious. They have the best breakfast ham steaks I've found within a reasonable drive. Outdoor seating too (with heaters at this time of year). VERY dog friendly and kid friendly, but not intrusively so. Highly recommended.

[adair66]

Roy's (Topanga & Victory) is a little more upscale, but very good food. We also like Fin's in Calabasas and I hear that the Native Cafe in Calabasas is also good. Le Frite on Ventura & Shoup is decent authentic French food. Hope that helps!

[silence9]

I cannot employ the term 'best', but for satisfying and worthy consideration I'll add: Les Sister (Chatsworth) for soul/southern grub; and Dos Arbolitos (Northridge) for casual user-friendly sit-down mexican. Both work equally well for solo diners and families, and unless you're a piggy-piggy like me, you'll always bring home tasty leftovers...

[Diana]

Woodlands Pure in Chatsworth
Gorikee
Anarbagh (although service usually SUCKS!)
Alexis Greek in Northridge
Snapper Jon's for fish
Bea's bakery (the deli is OK, too)
Gelson's Deli/Salad bar
Shiraz in Encino
Alcazar
BJ's (beer only, the food is horrendous)

[TomSwift]

Boulevard Burger on Ventura accross from Fatburger is far superior IMO. They'll cook rare and their grilled onions are a good match. Dan's Super Subs on Ventura has pretty good subs. Cavaretti's Italian market/deli on Sherman Way has excellent sandwiches and is a pretty good little Italian market too. The Fire House has very good Greek food. Family run. German Cold Cuts International on Topanga is a fine German market with good sandwiches and a well-stocked deli case. The deeper you get into Canoga Park the better the little storefront Mexican places get.