Rehearsal dinner around Westlake

[kalter]

I'm having my wedding in Malibu this spring and my guests are staying in Westlake Village, but I live in Los Feliz and don't really know the area. So... I'm having trouble finding a good place to have the rehearsal dinner that will be a short drive for our out-of-town guests who won't deal well with L.A. traffic. Any recommendations on a quality, reasonably priced (we're spending enough on the wedding!) please in or near Westlake for 30-40 people? Thanks!

[Das Ubergeek]

Hahhaaha... I bet I know where you're getting married! We had our wedding at Calamigos Ranch and had the same problem -- except we were stupid and had the rehearsal dinner at El Cholo!! Talk about bad traffic. Wow.

Um. There's a Brazilian place on Westlake Blvd. that has a great patio... I forget the name, though!

[the donut]

You're probably thinking of Galletto's, which is Brazilian and Italian.

[Das Ubergeek]

C'est ça. Fantastic caipirinhas, wonderful feijoada.

[portbook]

We are looking for a restaurant for an out-of-towner dinner on a Friday night before our daughter's Bat Mitzvah. We live in Westlake Village and I've explored all of the restaurants that people have recommended and more. Most can't accomodate a large group or are cost prohibitive ($50 pp without tax, tip, wine, etc.) but I finally came up with a great solution. Our favorite Chinese restaurant will close down if we eat early to accomodate us. Check out China Garden - 30853 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, 91362 - [phone]. Their food is the best and who doesn't like Chinese food? Best of luck!

[purplescout]

Padri in Agoura is very close to Westlake and it is wonderful. They have a lovely, heated patio that would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner. It's very romatic (nice for a wedding) and the food is very good. The osso bucco is especially yummy.

[Snackish]

I consider Padri's to be kind of expensive. We rarely get out of there for under $50pp. Piatti's is fairly pricey as well.

I like the Pookie's Thai reco. They are really, really nice people and I am sure they would try to make your dinner special - and their prices are very reasonable.

[SauceSupreme]

Agree. I actually prefer Fabrocini, which is about thirty yards away next to Chapter 8.

[foodieqt]

Some good Westlake-area options (all convenient from both Malibu or Westlake Village):
1) Rustico: Italian Restaurant that often hosts private parties. Great food, service: 818/889-0191
2) Piatti Locali: Also Italian www.piatti.com, 805/371-5600
3) The Melting Pot: Fondue restaurant. Never been, but might be fun! www.meltingpot.com/thousandoaksca/home.html 805/370-8802
4) Bamboom: Private room, sushi, etc. www.bamboombar.com 818/707-6226
5) Riviera: Italian, really nice interior, private room 818/224-2163

Enjoy and congratulations on your wedding!

[foodseeker]

Mandevilla in Westlake is a great option . . . not sure about group dinners, but the people who work there are always so friendly, and the food is wonderful. And, they have a large patio (w/heaters) that you could possibly take over for a big group. I'd highly recommend Mandevilla! Pookies Westlake Thai is another option -- incredible food, and I think they may have a private room now in their new location.

[liu]

Our group is also out in the Westlake area, but we had our son's Rehearsal Dinner at Maggiano's at the Promenade in Woodland Hills and found them to be a joy to work with.

Maggiano's has a beautiful private room which can be sectioned off if you want more intimacy.

[Kitchen Queen]

All in Westlake Village area and all good by my standards...

The sushi here rocks! Whatever you eat, sit on the patio overlooking the lake:
The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar 32123 W. Lindero Canyon Rd. [phone]
Brent's Deli, a valley lankmark has opened a location in Westlake Village:
2799 Townsgate Rd. [phone]
Catch 21 Westlake 30869 Thousand Oaks Blvd. [phone] -very cas, family type grilled fish place. very yum and inexpensive. Hubby and I frequent the one on Northridge
And, Alessio's is good too. :)KQ

[SauceSupreme]

They have an Alessio's there in Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks. While it is an Italian chain, it's a large charming room that doubles as a jazz lounge. Plenty of parking, too.

[chica]

My friend is having her rehearsal dinner at Duke's in Malibu. They have private rooms, and nothing beats the ocean scene.

http://www.dukesmalibu.com/