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Taste of Thousand Oaks: Uncovering the City’s Best Food Places

Thousand Oaks, a charming city in California’s Ventura County, is home to a vibrant culinary scene that caters to diverse tastes. From upscale dining to casual eateries, there are numerous places where food enthusiasts can enjoy delicious meals. 

Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge: Best Food in Thousand Oaks

Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge will quickly rise to fame in Thousand Oaks, and become a top choice for food lovers. Known for its innovative approach to Coastal Californian Cuisine, Selvin’s offers a menu that is both diverse and exquisitely crafted. The restaurant’s ambiance, marked by modern decor and warm lighting, complements the culinary experience perfectly.

Diners can indulge in a variety of pizzas, made from scratch and cooked in a fire burning oven. Try their version of a classic roasted chicken, served with salted labneh, apricot jus, sunchokes, on a bed of smoked paprika couscous. From the sea, don’t miss the seared Pacific halibut with braised cabbage, caramelized parsnip puree, sunchoke chips, and finished with a rich smoked roe citrus butter sauce.

For some smaller side plates, try the homemade sourdough focaccia with whipped Squash blossom butter and the roasted seasonal squash with harissa. Try a variety of their shareable dishes like the crispy rice bites called arancini with bacon, peas, pecorino, and crispy prosciutto are a crowd favorite. The gold corn agnolotti is plated with nutty brown butter, smoky charred corn, and a sourdough crumble. For something veggie forward, don’t miss the cauliflower symphony with candied kumquats, kale salsa verde, and finished with a yogurt cream sauce.

The electrifying menu was put together by Executive Chef, John Vega, and his passionate team. Each bite is a testament to their love for food and its ability to evolve from sustenance to artistic expression, innovation, and connection. Selvin’s is a gem in Thousand Oaks, where the dining experience is elevated. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, small bites with adult beverages, or family gatherings, Selvin’s in Thousand Oaks welcomes you.

The Stonehaus – Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

The Stonehaus is a winery, coffeehouse, and restaurant all in one picturesque location. Nestled in the heart of Westlake Village, The Stonehaus is the perfect spot for a relaxing meal amidst beautiful vineyard settings. The menu features an array of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. The Stonehaus also boasts an impressive selection of wines, making it an ideal location for wine enthusiasts. Their outdoor seating area, complete with fire pits and scenic views, provides a serene dining experience.

Anarbagh Indian Restaurant Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

Anarbagh Indian Restaurant is a hidden find in Thousand Oaks, offering authentic Indian cuisine in a welcoming environment. The restaurant’s traditional decor and friendly service make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The menu at Anarbagh features a variety of classic Indian dishes, including favorites like chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and saag paneer. Their tandoori dishes, cooked in a traditional clay oven, are particularly noteworthy. The garlic naan and samosas are perfect for starters, while their mango lassi provides a refreshing finish to the meal.

Harvest Kitchen & Bar in Thousand Oaks

Harvest Kitchen & Bar, located within the Hyatt Regency Westlake, provides a farm-to-table dining experience that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The modern yet cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed yet upscale meal. The menu at Harvest Kitchen & Bar changes seasonally to highlight the best local produce. Diners can enjoy dishes like the roasted beet salad, herb-crusted salmon, and the signature Harvest Burger, which features a house-ground beef patty with smoked cheddar and caramelized onions. 

Top Food in Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks’ food scene covers all bases of tastes and preferences.  Whether you’re in the mood for a California Coastal meal at Selvins, a winery setting at Stonehaus, Indian comfort food at Anarbagh, or farm to table dining at Harvest, this city has something to offer everyone. Selvin’s Restaurant and Bar stands out as the premier dining destination for locals and visitors looking for the best food in the area.

The Best Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

In the picturesque Conejo Valley is Thousand Oaks, a city possessing a diverse culinary scene. Among its many dining options, Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge emerges as a standout destination for those seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Selvin’s delivers a special sophistication that excites gastronomical enthusiasts.

Best Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge will earn a reputation as the top dining destination in Thousand Oaks due to its commitment to excellence and a genuinely warm atmosphere. Specializing in Coastal California cuisine with a gourmet twist, Selvin’s uses locally sourced ingredients to craft dishes that are both innovative and flavorful.

Executive Chef, John Vega, leads the kitchen. His culinary team share his passion for an unwavering commitment to perfection and a relentless desire to explore culinary boundaries.  They meticulously source the finest local ingredients, ensuring that every dish on the menu is a testament to the bounty of the region.

One of Selvin’s signature dishes is the Pan-Seared Scallops. Perfectly seared to a golden brown, the scallops are served atop a delicate truffle risotto and accompanied by an array of spring vegetables. The truffle risotto adds a touch of earthy elegance, while the vegetables provide a vibrant and refreshing contrast.

Another must-try is the Filet. Cooked to perfection, the filet is tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth. It is paired with duck fat potato rosti, a crispy and flavorful potato cake, and green beans. The duck fat adds a rich and savory flavor to the rosti, making it the perfect accompaniment to the succulent filet.

In addition to its exceptional cuisine, Selvin’s also offers an impressive selection of wines and craft cocktails. The wine list features a carefully curated collection from home and abroad, while the craft cocktails are a creative and refreshing way to start or end your meal.

The ambiance at Selvin’s is elegant yet relaxed, creating the perfect setting for both casual dinners and special occasions. The warm, inviting décor and attentive service ensure that every guest feels comfortable and well-catered to.

Whether a local or visitor to Thousand Oaks, Selvin’s is a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Its commitment to culinary excellence, warm atmosphere, and impeccable service make it the ideal destination for a memorable meal.

Other Dining Options in Thousand Oaks, CA

Mastro’s Steakhouse

For those who appreciate a classic steakhouse experience, Mastro’s Steakhouse in Thousand Oaks is a must-visit. Renowned for its prime cuts of beef, including the bone-in ribeye and New York strip, Mastro’s offers a luxurious dining atmosphere with dim lighting and plush seating. The menu also features fresh seafood options such as the popular chilled seafood tower and lobster mashed potatoes.

Lazy Dog 

For a more casual yet equally satisfying dining experience, Lazy Dog in Thousand Oaks offers reliable elevated classics. Known for unique flavor profiles and high-quality ingredients, Lazy Dog’s menu features options like tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. The casual and trendy vibe of Lazy Dog, combined with its inventive menu, makes it a great spot for lunch or dinner. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers and creative cocktails, making it a popular choice for both burger enthusiasts and foodies.

Brent’s Deli

For those seeking a taste of classic deli fare, Brent’s Deli in Thousand Oaks is an iconic establishment known for its generous portions and authentic flavors. Offering a menu packed with traditional Jewish deli favorites, Brent’s is famous for its Reuben sandwich, matzo ball soup, and black pastrami Reuben. The welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere at Brent’s Deli, along with its extensive menu that includes breakfast items, salads, and desserts, makes it a versatile choice for any meal of the day. The quality and consistency of the food, combined with friendly service, ensure that every visit to Brent’s Deli is a satisfying experience.

Best Food Dining Restaurants in Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks boasts a vibrant dining scene with restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes and occasions. Selvins, with its exceptional contemporary American cuisine and elegant ambiance, stands out as the top choice. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet steak, a classic American meal, an inventive burger, or traditional deli fare, these restaurants provide memorable meals that showcase the best of what Thousand Oaks has to offer.

EATER LOS ANGELES – An Alinea Alum Is Opening an Exciting New Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

Cathy Chaplin is a senior editor at Eater LA, a James Beard Award–nominated journalist, and the author of Food Lovers’ Guide to Los Angeles.

Chef John Vega, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa and worked in Grant Achatz’s modernist kitchen at three-Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago, is opening Selvin’s in Thousand Oaks on Friday, June 21. The chef is keeping edible helium balloons and Anti Plates in his back pocket for now and is focusing on California coastal cooking on the ground floor of the Palm Garden Hotel. The restaurant is named after Harry Selvin, the hotel’s owner since 2012.

The slate of approachable dishes includes starters like truffle fries and corn agnolotti, along with heartier mains like pizzas and seared halibut. For those looking for a taste of molecular gastronomy, find some mango powder alongside the hamachi crudo under the raw selections and a Parmesan truffle foam served with the seared scallop risotto.

Selvin’s is located at 495 N. Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, and is open Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Inside Selvin’s in Thousand Oaks. John Troxell

AVERAGE SOCIALITE – Selvin’s, Thousand Oaks

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge opens in June 2024, becoming Conejo Valley’s premiere dining destination for all occasions. The Ventura County’s dining destination provides a lush interior oasis serving a signature California coastal cuisine menu and mixologist-crafted cocktails. It is located in the Palm Garden Hotel, TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s number-one Choice since 2019, fostering a welcoming neighborhood vibe and inviting you to relax, celebrate, and savor the moment with us.

At Selvin’s, guests can expect a culinary journey curated by, Chef John Vega. With a stellar culinary background from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, he’s celebrated for his exquisite palate, creative flair, and extensive experience working at the Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago. Having honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, Chef Vega brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to Selvin’s.

To celebrate the grand opening and to thank guests for joining, Selvin’s is offering a limited-time tasting menu and complimentary signature cocktails to the first 97 guests. Featuring timeless dishes that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, innovation, and American cuisine with a Coastal California twist, the restaurant will showcase the breadth of its culinary ambitions. Featuring tantalizing starters, a variety of shared plates, elegant main courses, and divine desserts, from all of the finest locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place for quick meetings, family and friends gatherings, corporate and social private events, and even influencer-friendly content.

About Executive Chef John Vega:

John’s culinary journey began as a young prodigy at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the institution’s brightest talents. His exceptional skills earned him a coveted position at Alin ea, a world-renowned Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago, making him one of the youngest chefs to grace its kitchen. Fueled by fond memories of bonding with his father in the kitchen, set against the backdrop of classical music, John understands the intimate nature of food—the power it holds to create lasting memories and forge meaningful connections. Driven by an unwavering commitment to perfection and a relentless desire to explore culinary boundaries, John embarked on a quest to craft unparalleled dining experiences.

For reservations, contact at reservations@selvins.com

LAS VIRGENES AND CALABASAS ENTERPRISE – Selvin’s Brings New Dining Destination to Thousand Oaks

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge will open the weekend of June 21, becoming Conejo Valley’s premiere dining destination for all occasions.

The Thousand Oaks dining destination provides a lush interior oasis serving a signature California coastal cuisine menu and mixologist-crafted cocktails.

It is located in the Palm Garden Hotel, TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s number-one Choice since 2019, fostering a welcoming neighborhood vibe and inviting you to relax, celebrate, and savor the moment.

At Selvin’s, guests can expect a culinary journey curated by Chef John Vega. With a stellar culinary background from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, he’s celebrated for his exquisite palate, creative flair, and extensive experience working at a three-Michelinstarred restaurant in Chicago. Having honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, Chef Vega brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to Selvin’s.

To celebrate the grand opening and to thank guests for joining, Selvin’s is offering a limited-time tasting menu and complimentary signature cocktails to the first 97 guests. Featuring timeless dishes that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, innovation, and American cuisine with a Coastal California twist, the restaurant will showcase the breadth of its culinary ambitions. Featuring tantalizing starters, a variety of shared plates, elegant main courses, and divine desserts, from all of the finest locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place for quick meetings, family and friends gatherings, corporate and social private events, and even influencer-friendly content.

“Our hospitality team isn’t just a group of individuals; we’re a family united by a love for creating memorable experiences. With boundless energy and fresh perspectives, we infuse each dish and every interaction with our passion for hospitality, ensuring that every visit is not just a meal but a memorable experience,” Steven Ortmann, Chief Operating Officer states.

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge is the brainchild of a team that’s passionate about bringing an extraordinary dining experience to Ventura County. Inspired by the rich culinary landscape of coastal California and the contemporary American dining ethos, Selvin’s aims to be a place where every visit is a celebration of the vibrant, diverse flavors that define the community.

Harry Selvin, owner, and proud partner, is known for his property management company, Selvin Properties of Westlake Village, and for sitting on the Thousand Oaks Cultural Affairs Commission. “Building a restaurant with a passionate management team is like crafting a symphony; each member brings their unique instrument, but it’s the harmony of our passion that creates the perfect dining experience,” he stated.

Selvin’s is located at 492 N. Ventu Park. For reservations call (805) 864-1169 or visit selvins.com.

LA FLAVOR REPORT – Premiere Dining Destination Just an Hour from LA! Conejo Valley’s Selvin Restaurant and Lounge, Grand Opening June 2024

Ventura County’s dining destination

Ventura County’s dining destination provides a lush interior oasis serving a signature California coastal cuisine menu and mixologist-crafted cocktails. It is located next to the Palm Garden Hotel, TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s number-one Choice since 2019, fostering a welcoming neighborhood vibe and inviting you to relax, celebrate, and savor the moment with us.

Chef John Vega’s stellar culinary background

At Selvin’s, guests can expect a culinary journey curated by, Chef John Vega. With a stellar culinary background from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, he’s celebrated for his exquisite palate, creative flair, and extensive experience working at the Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago. Having honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, Chef Vega brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to Selvin’s.

Special Grand Opening Menu

To celebrate the grand opening and to thank guests for joining, Selvin’s is offering a limited-time tasting menu and complimentary signature cocktails to the first 97 guests.

Conejo Valley’s  Selvin Restaurant and Lounge

Featuring timeless dishes that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, innovation, and American cuisine with a Coastal California twist, the restaurant will showcase the breadth of its culinary ambitions.

Featuring tantalizing starters, a variety of shared plates, elegant main courses, and divine desserts, from all of the finest locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place for quick meetings, family and friends gatherings, and corporate and social private events.

“Our hospitality team isn’t just a group of individuals;

we’re a family united by a love for creating memorable experiences.

With boundless energy and fresh perspectives,

we infuse each dish and every interaction with our passion for hospitality,

ensuring that every visit is not just a meal but a memorable experience.”

Steven Ortmann

Chief Operating Officer

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge is the brainchild of a team that’s passionate about bringing an extraordinary dining experience to Ventura County.

Inspired by the rich culinary landscape of coastal California and the contemporary American dining ethos, Selvin’s aims to be an establishment where every visit celebrates the vibrant, diverse flavors that define the community.

Conejo Valley Selvin Restaurant and Lounge Owner Harry Selvin

Harry Selvin, Owner and Founder has been a community icon for decades. Traveling the world for years, Harry’s always had an itch for hospitality. Acquiring the Palm Garden Hotel in 2012, warranted Harry the opportunity to transform hospitality in the Greater Conejo Valley.

In the years ahead, Steven Ortmann and his team decided to create something special to celebrate the legacy of Mr. Selvin, introducing Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge.

“Building a restaurant with a passionate management team

is like crafting a symphony;

each member brings their unique instrument,

but it’s the harmony of our passion

that creates the perfect dining experience.”

Harry Selvin, Owner

Their mission is to create a space that feels like home but inspires a sense of adventure, allowing visitors and locals alike to create memorable moments over exceptional hospitality. Welcome to Selvin’s — where good food, great drinks, and even greater company await.

Selvin’s is the premier restaurant and lounge

Selvin’s is the premier restaurant and lounge found next to the renovated Palm Garden Hotel. Modern yet classic, the food is described as California coastal cuisine. Indoor dining, outdoor patio, champagne room, and banquet event space make Selvin’s the perfect place for any celebratory occasion.

Executive Chef John Vega

John’s culinary journey began as a young prodigy at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the institution’s brightest talents. His exceptional skills earned him a coveted position at Alinea, a world-renowned Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago, making him one of the youngest chefs to grace its kitchen. Fueled by fond memories of bonding with his father in the kitchen, set against the backdrop of classical music, John understands the intimate nature of food—the power it holds to create lasting memories and forge meaningful connections.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to perfection and a relentless desire to explore culinary boundaries, John embarked on a quest to craft unparalleled dining experiences.

For reservations, contact at reservations@selvins.com

Selvin’s Website

Selvin’s Instagram

Selvin’s TikTok

Selvin’s Facebook

LA FLAVOR REPORT

DAILY OVATION – Ventura County’s premiere dining destination Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge, Grand Opening June 2024

Ventura County’s dining destination

Ventura County’s dining destination provides a lush interior oasis serving a signature California coastal cuisine menu and mixologist-crafted cocktails. It is located next to the Palm Garden Hotel, TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s number-one Choice since 2019, fostering a welcoming neighborhood vibe and inviting you to relax, celebrate, and savor the moment with us.

Chef John Vega’s stellar culinary background

At Selvin’s, guests can expect a culinary journey curated by, Chef John Vega. With a stellar culinary background from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, he’s celebrated for his exquisite palate, creative flair, and extensive experience working at the Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago. Having honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, Chef Vega brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to Selvin’s.

Special Grand Opening Menu

To celebrate the grand opening and to thank guests for joining, Selvin’s is offering a limited-time tasting menu and complimentary signature cocktails to the first 97 guests.

Ventura County ‘s Selvin Restaurant and Lounge

Featuring timeless dishes that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, innovation, and American cuisine with a Coastal California twist, the restaurant will showcase the breadth of its culinary ambitions.

Featuring tantalizing starters, a variety of shared plates, elegant main courses, and divine desserts, from all of the finest locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place for quick meetings, family and friends gatherings, and corporate and social private events.

“OUR HOSPITALITY TEAM ISN’T JUST A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS;

WE’RE A FAMILY UNITED BY A LOVE FOR CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES.

WITH BOUNDLESS ENERGY AND FRESH PERSPECTIVES,

WE INFUSE EACH DISH AND EVERY INTERACTION WITH OUR PASSION FOR HOSPITALITY,

ENSURING THAT EVERY VISIT IS NOT JUST A MEAL BUT A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.”

STEVEN ORTMANN

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge is the brainchild of a team that’s passionate about bringing an extraordinary dining experience to Ventura County.

Inspired by the rich culinary landscape of coastal California and the contemporary American dining ethos, Selvin’s aims to be an establishment where every visit celebrates the vibrant, diverse flavors that define the community.

Ventura County ‘s Selvin Restaurant and Lounge Owner Harry Selvin

Harry Selvin, Owner and Founder has been a community icon for decades. Traveling the world for years, Harry’s always had an itch for hospitality. Acquiring the Palm Garden Hotel in 2012, warranted Harry the opportunity to transform hospitality in the Greater Conejo Valley.

In the years ahead, Steven Ortmann and his team decided to create something special to celebrate the legacy of Mr. Selvin, introducing Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge.

“BUILDING A RESTAURANT WITH A PASSIONATE MANAGEMENT TEAM

IS LIKE CRAFTING A SYMPHONY;

EACH MEMBER BRINGS THEIR UNIQUE INSTRUMENT,

BUT IT’S THE HARMONY OF OUR PASSION

THAT CREATES THE PERFECT DINING EXPERIENCE.”

HARRY SELVIN, OWNER

Their mission is to create a space that feels like home but inspires a sense of adventure, allowing visitors and locals alike to create memorable moments over exceptional hospitality. Welcome to Selvin’s — where good food, great drinks, and even greater company await.

Selvin’s is the premier restaurant and lounge

Selvin’s is the premier restaurant and lounge found next to the renovated Palm Garden Hotel. Modern yet classic, the food is described as California coastal cuisine. Indoor dining, outdoor patio, champagne room, and banquet event space make Selvin’s the perfect place for any celebratory occasion.

Executive Chef John Vega

John’s culinary journey began as a young prodigy at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the institution’s brightest talents. His exceptional skills earned him a coveted position at Alinea, a world-renowned Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago, making him one of the youngest chefs to grace its kitchen. Fueled by fond memories of bonding with his father in the kitchen, set against the backdrop of classical music, John understands the intimate nature of food—the power it holds to create lasting memories and forge meaningful connections.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to perfection and a relentless desire to explore culinary boundaries, John embarked on a quest to craft unparalleled dining experiences.

For reservations, contact at reservations@selvins.com

Selvin’s Website

Selvin’s Instagram

Selvin’s TikTok

Selvin’s Facebook

DAILY OVATION