La Finestra in Tarzana
by Scott Immerman
Finding good Italian food in Los Angeles’s San Fernando Valley isn’t as easy as one would think.
Thankfully, I found La Finestra on Ventura in Tarzana and it immediately became my favorite.
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Asked to recommend and write about one of my favorite restaurants, it was easy for me to want to recommend La Finestra. From my first visit in early 2009, both the staff and decor made me feel very comfortable. It’s a perfect atmosphere for a relaxing evening or a business lunch.
On an autumn evening in 2009, I brought a few friends in for dinner. After starting with their Pizza Margherita ($13.50) as an appetizer, our entire table agreed we were in for a treat. We then tried the Caprese ($7.95) and were equally impressed. As a regular there, I knew they would be.
You can tell a lot about a restaurant by their simpler dishes, which most take for granted.
Their specialties include a Fresh Atlantic Salmon ($18.95) — oven roasted and topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic and basil (just enough for additional flavor, without distracting from the salmon).
If you are looking for something unique and well worth trying, I suggest the Battuta di Manzo Arrabbiata ($19.50) — a New York steak pounded thin and sautéed with garlic and crushed red pepper to create a truly special dish.
For those who enjoy pasta, La Finestra has a wide selection with a couple of standouts. One of my favorites is Ravioli di Ricotta Aurora ($15.50) — handmade ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach in a pink sauce. Then there’s the Fettuccine Alfredo con Piselli e Prosciutto ($15.95).
After your meal, sit back with a Cappuccino and desert, relax, and forget that the 101 Freeway even exists.[/column]
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La Finestra is exactly the kind of restaurant we need more of in the Valley. Rustic food with a wonderful taste, prepared authentically and at a reasonable price, served in a comfortable and casual setting.
Open for both Lunch and Dinner, entrees range from $5.50 to $15.50 for lunch and $6 to $22 for dinner.
There is plenty of parking in back and street parking in front.
After you have enjoyed your meal, and I expect you will, add yourself to their email list and you’ll be notified of specials and new menu items. You will be treated to some great discounts via this list.
Oh… be sure to ask about the Latin saying on the wall for a great story.
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La Finestra
19647 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 342-2824
LaFinestraTarzana.com
Menus at LaFinestraTarzana.com/menu.html
VISA, MasterCard, AmEx, and DiscoverCard cards accepted.
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Scott Immerman is an LA-born Certified Apple Consultant. Visiting clients since before there was even a Mac, he has dined at many, many restaurants all over the Los Angeles area!
Photo credit: These photos are taken from the restaurant’s website.
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