1. Nonna (Westlake Village)
Why it stands out: This is a polished yet approachable Italian spot in Westlake Village, with live music sometimes and a comfortable “casual-elegant” vibe.
- Price: “$30 and under” for dinner.
- Rating: Strong — On OpenTable it lists $30 and under and is highly rated.
- Address: 951 S Westlake Blvd., Suite 102, Westlake Village, CA 91361
- Parking: “Plenty of free parking”.
- Good for: A date-night or slightly upscale casual outing.
- Tip: For date night or a nicer outing, arrive early (5 pm when they open dinner) to secure a patio spot if available.
2. Casa Nostra Ristorante (Westlake Village)
Why it stands out: A “hidden gem” in Westlake Village — upscale but still welcoming for families and special occasions.
- Price: “$30 and under” on OpenTable.
- Rating: Very high – 4.9 stars on OpenTable based on over 3,600 diners.
- Address: 717 Lakefield Rd #H, Westlake Village, CA 91361.
- Parking: “Plenty of free parking.”
- Tip: Ask for the patio if you can — it’s highlighted in guest reviews as a favorite seating. Weekend nights fill up fast, so reservations help.
1. Tuscany Il Ristorante – Westlake Village
Why it stands out: Elegant, upscale feel with private rooms, full bar, and focused on fine Italian dining, yet friendly atmosphere, and excellent service.
- Price range: ~$31-$50 for dinner, described as casual-elegant.
- Rating: 5.0 stars.
- Address: 968 S Westlake Blvd, Suite 4, Westlake Village, CA 91361
- Parking: “Very easy parking in front of the restaurant.”
- Tip: Ideal for a special occasion or nicer outing. Because of the higher price range and elegant ambiance, consider reserving ahead.
3. Made in Italy Bistro (Westlake Village)
Why it stands out: A more casual but superb-quality Italian bistro offering handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a friendly vibe.
- Price: Around $20–30.
- Rating: 4.7 stars (497 reviews).
- The best gluten-free pizza I’ve had. They also do gluten-free pasta and ciabatta.”
- Address: 3825 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Unit F, Westlake Village, CA 91362
- Parking: Mixed — “Free parking, however, parking can be challenging due to the busy location.
- Tip: If you go at lunch or early evening, you’ll have the best shot at convenient parking; if dinner or on weekends expect to arrive early or allow extra time.
4. Boccaccio’s Restaurant (Westlake Village)
Why it stands out: Beautiful setting with lake views and a long-standing name in the area.
- Price: Listed $30–50 for this spot.
- Rating: 4.5 stars with 1,521 reviews in the listing.
- Address: 32123 Lindero Canyon Rd #110, Westlake Village, CA 91361
- Parking: Free parking available; check for specific event nights.
- Tip: For sunset dining with a view, ask for a table with a lake view. Might be slightly higher in cost given the setting.
5. Buca di Beppo – Thousand Oaks (Thousand Oaks
Why it stands out: If you’re looking for a family-friendly Italian chain with large portions and casual ambiance, this fits in Thousand Oaks.
- Price: “$30 and under."
- Rating: 4.1 stars by 453 diners on OpenTable.
- Address: 205 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
- Parking: Free self-parking at Janss Marketplace, plus multi-level structure available.
- Tip: Great for groups or families; if you want something more upscale you might prefer one of the Westlake Village spots above.
Some Tips Before You Go
- Reservations are recommended for the higher-end spots (especially Casa Nostra, Tuscany and Nonna) on weekends.
- Parking in Westlake Village can vary by time of day — earlier is easier; for Made in Italy Bistro expect more challenge around peak hours.
- If you’re celebrating something, mention it when you reserve — some places have specials, live music or nice patios.
- If budget is a concern: Made in Italy Bistro offers more casual pricing; Buca di Beppo gives a more “value” option too.
Final Thoughts & Tips
- If you’re aiming for a special occasion or upscale, go with Tuscany Il Ristorante or Casa Nostra.
- If you prefer casual but still good quality, Made in Italy Bistro is a strong pick.
- For family dining or group outings, Buca di Beppo offers value and comfort.
- For ambience: If you want a view and slightly higher-end setting, Boccaccio’s is a nice choice.
- Parking varies — for the dwellings in Westlake Village, arriving early helps, especially at dinner time.
- Make reservations for weekends for more popular spots (Tuscany, Casa Nostra) to secure preferred tables (patio, lake view, etc).
Happy Eating! May your taste buds dance!
