Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Van Nuys

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

HollywoodSan Fernando ValleyWest Hollywood / Beverly Hills / Mid-WilshireWestside

Neighborhoods

Beverly HillsBrentwoodBurbankCanoga ParkEncinoHollywood

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

60 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Benihana - Encino, CA restaurant

1. Benihana - Encino, CA

4.3

Awesome(4834)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Encino

Booked 118 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

2. Casa Vega

4.6

Exceptional(435)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Sherman Oaks

Booked 48 times today

Casa Vega, in Sherman Oaks, opened its doors in 1956 and has been serving the people of Southern California ever since. Local residents, and even celebrities, have flocked to the family-run Mexican restaurant currently run by Christy Vega Fowler, daughter of original owner, Rafael Vega. While the decor is modern, the menu still reflects traditional Mexican menu staples. The extensive menu allows for every person to find something to enjoy. Homemade house guacamole, or one of the many soup or salad options, make for a great starter. The entree options are plentiful. Casa Vega serves everything from traditional chicken mole, a plethora of burrito options, combination plates and specialty options, such as carne chile Colorade and the signature Casa Vega molcajete. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. Top off your meal at Casa Vega with a delicious house margarita or mojito.

A photo of Davenport's Restaurant restaurant

3. Davenport's Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(2813)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Encino

Booked 36 times today

Enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, sushi and chef-inspired cocktails in a comfortable, warm atmosphere. Located just off the 405 on Ventura Blvd, our dining room and beautiful patio with fire-pits are wonderful places to relax and enjoy good food and good friends.

A photo of Panzanella Ristorante restaurant

4. Panzanella Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(2072)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sherman Oaks

Booked 13 times today

We can accommodate Private Luncheons in our Private Dining Rooms. Please call with your inquiries. Panzanella Ristorante features delicious Italian and Sicilian cuisine of the Drago family in modern, yet elegant setting. At Panzanella, they bring you an extensive choice of fine wines to compliment your palate. The warm, professional and knowledgeable staff invites you to return often for superb dinner experiences.

A photo of Larsen's Steakhouse - Encino restaurant

5. Larsen's Steakhouse - Encino

4.2

Awesome(2024)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Encino

Booked 14 times today

Larsen's Steakhouse is an upscale steakhouse offering only the finest prime steaks and freshest seafood available, flown in daily. We offer over 150 wines and 30 by the glass. With impeccable service and great ambiance, our restaurant delivers a classic steakhouse feel with a modern twist. A warm dining room, Dark Wood ceilings and stone walls bring the restaurant alive. Come relax and enjoy the finest Encino has to offer.

6. TLV Tapas

4.8

Exceptional(191)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Tarzana

Booked 22 times today

Welcome to TLV Tapas Bar, a Mediterranean dining concept that harmoniously blends culinary artistry with an elevated and sophisticated atmosphere. Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, TLV Tapas Bar invites you to indulge on an extraordinary gastronomic experience, highlighted by a vibrant ambiance.Immerse yourself in an atmosphere that balances modern elegance with a warm and welcoming ambiance. The sleek and contemporary design, paired with attentive service, creates an environment where every detail is carefully curated to enhance your dining experience.

A photo of Mistral - Sherman Oaks restaurant

7. Mistral - Sherman Oaks

4.8

Exceptional(2153)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Sherman Oaks

Booked 27 times today

Mistral - Sherman Oaks is a beloved French bistro renowned for its warm and excellent service. Reviews rave about the elegant decor, exceptional staff, and the 'exceptional service and food' that make every visit special. It's often chosen for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, with one reviewer calling it 'the place for a special dinner date'. With a Wine Spectator Award Winning wine list, Mistral is a must-visit for a special occasion.

8. La Cava

4.5

Awesome(986)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sherman Oaks

Booked 10 times today

La Cava is a top-rated Italian restaurant in Sherman Oaks known for its authentic, homemade Italian food and warm service. Many reviews highlight the excellent food and ambiance, with one review stating, 'La Cava is an experience. Everything is special. Flawless service, delicious homemade, warm crispy bread...' Another noted the restaurant's great service and fantastic food on Valentine's Day, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.

A photo of Pagliacci's Trattoria Taverna restaurant

9. Pagliacci's Trattoria Taverna

4.7

Exceptional(234)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Studio City

Booked 8 times today

Pagliacci's Trattoria Tavern in Studio City serves a wide variety of wines, has a premium selection of beer and offers a menu of American and Italian food items. All of the ingredients are fresh. Even the focaccia bread here receives rave reviews. Other great starters to consider are the tropicale salad, as well as amazing homemade fresh pastas. The chicken parmigiano at Pagliacci's Trattoria Tavern is also very popular. Another item to try at Pagliacci's Trattoria Tavern is the lasagna with homemade sauce. If you have room, the tiramisu here is huge and topped with a dusting of cinnamon and raspberry sauce. There is also a delicious hazelnut gelato.

10. Oliva Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(659)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sherman Oaks

Booked 16 times today

Tucked away in the heart of Sherman Oak, Oliva Trattoria serves authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, classic Italian setting. Past menus have revolved around familiar Italian fare, including tiramisu, pasta, lobster and other seafood dishes. Oliva Trattoria also offers a diverse range of specialty pizzas, baked in a brick oven and prepared with fresh herbs and ingredients. The menu includes gluten-free meals for diners who prefer this option. In addition to its lunch and dinner menus, Oliva Trattoria offers alternative menus for private parties. Its warm setting makes it an ideal choice for a date or intimate dinner with friends. The restaurant is open seven days a week, with late dining offered until 10:30 PM on Saturdays.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
ChrystineVIP
Los Angeles •81 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Really nice experience here. I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere and waiter. Food was delicious & a nice portion and had plenty to go!
More info
Davenport's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• American• Encino
•
4.5
D
dane
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
Great experience good place to go with the family, great service.
More info
Benihana - Encino, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Encino
•
4.3
J
Jessika
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
It was good. The food wasn’t as good as we expected with the Caesar salad. It had too much anchovies
More info
Casa VegaPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Sherman Oaks
•
4.6
J
JaniceVIP
Los Angeles •80 reviews
4.0
Dined on Apr 16, 2025
How lucky are we to have Panzanella in our neighborhood. The redone dining room is more modern, less stodgy. Service remains excellent and the updated menu is wonderful. This may be the only restaurant serving warm bread with tapenade for only $1.50 per person! The pastas are all excellent, as is the branzino. With warmer weather here, dining outdoors is a special delight.
More info
Panzanella RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Sherman Oaks
•
4.8
S
Sean
Los Angeles •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 16, 2025
Great experience. Can’t wait to go back and try other items on their menu.
More info
Larsen's Steakhouse - EncinoPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Encino
•
4.2

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