The 16 Best Restaurants In Sherman Oaks In 2022


With the almost endless amount of restaurants that line the streets of Ventura Blvd and the surrounding area, it can feel like an overwhelming task to find the right restaurant to satisfy your cravings. But have no fear! To make your life a little bit easier, our local guide has handpicked the 16 best restaurants that Sherman Oaks has to offer.

The 16 Best Sherman Oaks Restaurants

Rustic Spoon

rustic spoon

This is one of my favorite Sherman Oaks restaurants on the list and one that I find myself going at least once a week. The food here is a modern take on Thai cuisine and they do an exceptional job of marrying authentic flavors with their modern sensibilities.

I’ve pretty much tried everything on the menu and I can confidently say that everything is delicious! I have yet to try anything that I dislike. However I find myself going back to Hainam Crispy Fried Chicken time and time again. It’s just the perfect balance of taste and texture.

The papaya salad is quite nice too. It’s the perfect appetizer. It’s light and refreshing and has a little kick from the peppers. Oh and don’t forget about their juices. Very flavorful but not overbearing with sweetness. I always get their Bloody Lychee, which consists of lychee juice, pomegranate juice mixed with fresh lychee and sparkling water.

14845 Burbank Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91411

Malama Pono Restaurant

Malama Pono

Malama Pono is a seafood restaurant that is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best Hawiian restaurants in Sherman Oaks and maybe in all of Los Angeles.

Malama Pono elevates Hawaiian fare and makes it something uniquely their own. On the menu, you will find things like Uni Crispy Rice, Seafood Ricotta Dumplings, Braised Short Rib Adobo, Kalua Pork Lettuce Wraps and Yuzu Aguachile.

If you are unsure what to get, try their Pono Mix Plate, which comes with a little bit of everything, including Mochiko chicken, filet mignon, fish, spam and local style mac salad.

They have a great happy hour everyday from 4-5pm and there’s deals on appetizers, food and drinks.

13355 Ventura Blvd Los Angeles, CA 91423

Blu Jam Cafe

Blu Jam Cafe

For the best breakfast and brunch in Sherman Oaks, head to Blu Jam Cafe.

Blu Jam’s history dates back to 2006 when its first restaurant opened on Melrose. Serving up breakfast and brunch with a commitment to quality and consistency, they managed to quickly cultivate fanfare from residents from all over the city.

With it success, they have been able to spawn 6 other locations throughout Los Angeles and they have done so without any drop off in quality that often happens when a restaurant expands to more than a couple locations.

The only downside to the restaurant is the persistent line out the door that never seems to go away, but I guess that’s a testament to how good the food is here.

15045 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza

MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza

No list of the best restaurants in Sherman Oaks is complete without MidiCi, which serves up one of the best Neapolitan-style pizza in the valley.

The centerpiece of the restaurant is the two massive wood-fired oven that stand front and center in the restaurant. The concept of the restaurant is Chipotle-esque where you start with a base and build your own pizza from the ingredients displayed in front of you. They also have a bunch of specialty pizzas already sourced out if you are not fond of picking out individual ingredients.

However you order your pizza, the crust always comes out immaculate. Bubbly with the right amount of chewiness.

For all you non-dairy and plant-based people out there, they have vegan cheese and its good vegan cheese too! It’s not as good as regular cheese, but it is passable.

Kai Ramen

Kai Ramen

Since 1997, Chef Nishimura has sought out to set to craft the best bowl of ramen to best of his abilities. His dedication to this singular goal has yielded a multitude of successful ramen restaurants through out Los Angeles.

One taste of the broth and you can see why Kai Ramen is so successful. It’s a broth that is 20 years in the making. A broth that has been brought as close to perfection as possible.

While you can’t go wrong with any of the offerings here, we recommend the Tonkotsu ramen, which is a pork based broth that is thick and rich in flavor and is paired with pork belly, seasoned egg, scallions and kikurage.

Don’t forget to put this spot on your must-visit good restaurants in Sherman Oaks.

Black Market Liquor Bar

Black Market Liquor Bar

When you are in the mood for well crafted cocktails, stellar food and great ambiance, you come to Black Market Liquor Bar, one of our favorite Sherman Oaks restaurants.

Lets start with the drinks. You have a vast selection of libations here. Craft cocktails? Check. Even fancier craft cocktails? Check. Craft beer? Check. Bottled beer? check. Wine? Check. You are not going to leave Black Market disappointed that they didn’t have a drink that was to your liking.

The food selection is nothing to scoff at either. They have American-inspired cuisine that is bound to treat your taste buds. Here’s a path that your stomach will thank you for: start with the deviled quail eggs, get the fried chicken and end with the sticky toffee pudding.

Oh and lets not forget about the interior. The low lighting and brick covered roof really makes you feel like your drinking and dining in an underground railroad in Europe.

11915 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604

Il Tramezzino

Il Tramezzino

Il Tramezzino makes one of the best paninis in all of Los Angeles. Period. Their paninis sets the standard for all other paninis to be judged and compared upon.

One bite of their chicken panini will make you see the light. The bread has the right ratio of crunch and softness. The provolone cheese is gooey and marries the flavor of the sun dried tomato, avocado, and their basil garlic sauce so perfectly.

There’s a duality that exists when enjoying this sandwich. Although I savor every bite, it pains me a little to see the sandwich diminish before my eyes. I know that with every bite, im inch closer to having no panini and that makes me sad.

Besides paninis they have an vast selection of salads and pastas. And don’t forget to grab a coffee or espresso, its pretty dang awesome!

We love the paninis here and definitely consider it one of the best Sherman Oaks restaurants.

13031 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604

Garden Cafe

Garden Cafe

Before you arrive at Garden Cafe and wonder why there is meat on the menu, you should know that Garden Cafe is not a plant-based restaurant and that it takes its name from its patio which is engulfed in a secret garden like awning, that shields itself from the hustle and bustle of Woodman Ave.

Garden Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves up really, really tasty food. It doesn’t matter what you order, its bound to be good. They are just that good. I get the breakfast burrito in the morning. I get the turkey club at lunch and for dinner I order the fish and chips. Never once have I been disappointed.

4351 Woodman Ave Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Mardi Gras Tuesday

Mardi Gras Tuesday

You don’t have to travel half way across the country to get authentic flavors of New Orelans, Mardi Gras Tuesday is serving up cajun and creole food that would make the vendors on Bourbon St proud.

What should you order, you ask? You can’t go wrong with the Jambalaya, the shrimp po’boy, the catfish bakset, the gumbo or the red beans and rice with sausage. There is no wrong order here. Everything is teeming with flavor and is cooked with love from the staff.

Oh and not only do they have stellar food, they also host live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm and Sundays from 1pm to 3pm.

Mardi Gras Tuesday is one of our favorite Sherman Oaks restaurants when it comes to getting that cajun and creole flavor.

14543 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

The Crabby Crab

The Crabby Crab

One restaurant we ALL agreed had to be on our guide to the best Sherman Oaks restaurants is The Crabby Crab.

You might be already be familiar with the concept of the seafood boil that has been popularized by restaurants like The Boiling Crab or Hot And Juicy Crawfish.

Basically, you choose from a list of seafood (crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, etc), you pick a sauce (garlic butter, lemon pepper, cajun), and you pick a spicy level (mild to OMG!) and some minutes later, a waiter brings out a piping hot bag of your seafood drenched in the sauce.

You can pour it all out on the table and enjoy it like you did back in the day, in those summer months when your family would get together and have a seafood boil in the backyard of your uncle’s house.

4457 Van Nuys Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Carnival Restaurant

Carnival Restaurant

One of the best restaurants in Sherman Oaks is Carnival, an establishment that has been serving up the best Lebanese food in town since 1984. Yes, you read that right. They been in business for nearly 4 decades and their passion and zeal for providing authentic Middle Eastern cuisine has never wavered.

On the menu you will find Lebanese staples such as lentil soup, kabobs, shwarma, falafels, humos chicken, Makanek and Houssa. There really is no wrong order. Everything is tasty as hell and is cooked to perfection.

4356 Woodman Ave Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Homestate

Homestate

Homestate is definitely one of the best places to eat in Sherman Oaks. It’s story starts in 2013 as a popup in backyards and various other spaces around the city to test the creations and concepts of owner and chef Briana.

9 years later, the small popup has evolved into 5 thriving restaurants strewn throughout Los Angeles and its newest location finds itself in Sherman Oaks.

The food here is Tex-Mex and they do an incredible job of showcasing this regional food to the people of LA. Everything here is fantastic.

Definitely get the breakfast tacos. There are 9 different varieties ranging from chorizo to shredded brisket. I’ve had them all and they are all delicious.

Get the Lonestar Migas, an egg scramble that comes with brisket, cheddar, onion, avocado and pico de gallo.

And definitely get some booze! The frozen Margarita is next level!

13424 Ventura Blvd Los Angeles, CA 91423

The Local Peasant

The Local Peasant

With its prohibition style ambiance, its exquisite American fare and its large rotating selection of craft beer, craft cocktails and wine, The Local Peasant is one of the best Sherman Oaks restaurants without a doubt.

It’s the perfect spot to get together with coworkers after a long day of work or to celebrate a special occasion with friends.

When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with the fish and chips or the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich or a classic cheeseburger. Pair those with one of their icy cold craft beer or cocktails and you got yourself a meal to remember.

Happy Hour is Monday – Friday, 4pm – 6pm and you can get great deals on appetizers, food, beer, cocktails and wine.

14058 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Taisho

Taisho

There are quite the selection of sushi and Japanese restaurants on Ventura’s restaurant row, but our pick for one of the best Sherman Oaks restaurants is Taisho.

Taisho’s modern vibe is a reflection of the food that the serve. On the menu you will find items such as Spicy Kurobuta Fried Rice, Wagyu short ribs, Rib Eye Warpped Asparagus and a nice assortment of sushi, sashimi and rolls.

They have happy hour available everyday from 5-6pm and you can get great deals on cocktails, beer, wine, appetizers and many other items off the menu.

If you’re looking for a. restaurant to write home about, you’ve found it.

14016 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Spumoni Restaurant

Spumoni Restaurant

It’s no secret among locals, that Spumoni is one of the best Italian restaurants in Sherman Oaks.

Their commitment to providing guests with authentic, high-quality Italian food has earned them a following that is not shy about sharing the virtues of this restaurant with the entire world.

Their menu has an excellent array of salads, specialty pastas, seafood dishes, and pizzas and you will find staples Italian dishes such as Bruschetta Toscana, Linguini Primavera, Penne Arrabbiata, Linguni con le Vongole,  Chicken Cacciatore and Cioppino.

Leave some room for dessert because you don’t want to pass up on the Tiramisu. It’s such a divine treat for the tastebuds!

14533 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Petit Trois

Petit Trois

Petit Trois is the brainchild of famed chef, Ludo Lefebvre and is arguably one of the best Sherman Oaks restaurants for French cuisine.

You can’t go wrong with the french onion soup or the classic croque monsieur, which is a sandwich made with Parisian ham, gruyère cheese, mornay sauce and Boston lettuce.

Nor will you do yourself a disservice if you order the Steak Frites. But if you want to inject some real decadence in your life, spring for the Big Mec, which is Ludo’s version of McDonald’s Big Mac and taken up to level 11. Think of a high end double cheeseburger that just oozes with his bordelaise and special sauce.

13705 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

 

Map Of Sherman Oaks Restaurants:

 

Mariska Lee

Mariska is a recovering attorney who gave up her professional job to discover new perspectives of life while traveling in a 2009 Ford Transit. She has been living the van life for 3 years and has not looked back since.

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