Insider Tips

Top Restaurants in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Christina Wicker

Whether you’re a returning visitor or a first-time traveler, Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills have a wide variety of fun, approachable culinary experiences sure to please any palate. Taste your way through all the dining scene has to offer with the best restaurants in Conejo Valley.

Best Agoura Hills Restaurants

Basta

Authentic, handcrafted Italian takes center stage at this Agoura Hills bistro. Everything from the pizza dough to the pasta sauce is made in-house, using the best available local ingredients. Relax on the patio facing the Santa Monica Mountains for a stunning meal paired with equally stunning views, or spend an evening soaking in the ambiance in their intimate dining room. Their menu features both classic Italian staples, such as pappardelle, bigoli cacio & pepe and whole branzino, as well as dishes that take inspiration from international flavors, such as grilled Spanish octopus. Take your sweetheart here for a romantic date night, or split a pizza with a group of friends. Either way, Basta’s authentic Italian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere make for a memorable evening.

Photo Credit: @eatatbasta

Old Place

True to its name, Old Place is steeped in local history and eccentricities unlike anywhere else in the area. This historic restaurant offers visitors the opportunity to unwind in a rustic, Old West-inspired setting while enjoying fire-roasted fare. They pride themselves on always serving the freshest seasonal ingredients, making every meal a unique, memorable experience. The heart of their restaurant is the grill, where most of their food is slow-roasted over red oak. On the weekends, while you’re waiting for a table, you can even hit the Old Truck Coffee House and Store and snag a fresh espresso beverage, served from within a restored farm truck. Once you wrap up your meal, head next door to Cornell Winery & Tasting Room for a glass of wine.

Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House

A culinary team adept at taking modern American food and giving it a gourmet twist, a relaxed ambiance and a wide selection of brews, wine and cocktails — what’s not to love? Tavern 101, located right off of Highway 101, serves up all that and more. Their award-winning barbecue is sure to wow any visitor. You can’t go wrong with their baby back ribs, pulled pork, tri-tip or any of their other fantastic options from the grill. If you prefer something a little lighter, they have you covered, too. They offer a sizable array of great salad and sandwich options.

Tavern Tomoko & Ladyface Brewery

For a taste of Japan blended with classic California pub food, head to Tavern Tomoko. This fun, casual eatery offers a large menu sure to suit any appetite, as well as an expansive wine, beer and craft cocktail list. For a light bite, try their spicy tuna crispy rice dish, or select something from the grill for a taste of barbecue goodness. Pair any dish with a Ladyface craft ale to create the perfect dining experience.

Plata Taqueria & Cantina

This family-owned Mexican spot provides a unique blend of authenticity and innovation. At Plata Taqueria, the menu is equal parts traditional dishes and new, creative takes on California cuisine, all made with good quality ingredients. Try an order of tacos, featuring interesting components such as grilled cactus, and pair it with a house margarita. Each of their sauces, as well as their tortillas, guacamoles and tamales, are made completely in-house, so you can be sure authentic Mexican flavors are infused into every dish.

Best Thousand Oaks Restaurants

Phil’s

This intimate, upscale, yet approachable Thousand Oaks bistro’s motto is, “where everyone knows your name.” Those who have been will confirm. The service is driven by a passion for food and wine as well as a desire to create a truly unforgettable, personalized experience for each guest. Their beer and wine list features local, regional and international options, while their menu is seasonally driven and utilizes the freshest ingredients possible.

Tuscany il Ristorante

Voted as one of the top 50 restaurants in Los Angeles, Tuscany il Ristorante invites every diner to feel like the guest of honor in its warm yet upscale Italian ambiance. This pick features impeccably crafted cuisine from classic pasta dishes, fresh seafood, indulgent desserts, homemade gelatos to award-winning wines, born from the culinary dreams of well-known chef/owner Tommaso Barletta. Buon Appetito.

Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine

Experience the best of Brazilian cuisine with Moqueca in Thousand Oaks. Taste authentic dishes inspired by the southeastern Brazilian state of Espírito Santo with traditional clay pot dishes, juicy shrimp, mouthwatering Brazilian steaks and beautiful desserts. Locals laud the personalized, attentive service and laidback, family-like atmosphere.

Photo Credit: @moquecarestaurant

Limeña Peruvian Eatery

A family-owned business, Limena transports you to Peru via classic dishes, while keeping you grounded in the California experience with West Coast influences apparent in every bite. Relax on their airy, open patio or settle down in their quaint dining room for an unforgettable meal.

Decker Kitchen

Creative cocktails and farm-to-table cuisine come together in harmony at this laid-back Thousand Oaks eatery. Here, you’ll find a rotating specials menu that shifts to showcase the best of what’s in season, as well as fan-favorite staples waiting for you like an old friend whenever you visit. Everything at Decker Kitchen is handcrafted with passion, right down to the loaves of bread, made daily using a 24-hour fermentation process. Stop in Wednesday-Saturday for dinner service, and if you’re lucky, you might catch some local talent on one of their live music nights. They also serve brunch on Sunday mornings.

Photo Credit: @deckerkitchen

Book Your Stay to Enjoy the Tastes of Conejo

With so many delectable eats to explore, you’ll need a few days to cover them all. Book your stay in Conejo Valley today for an unforgettable Southern California getaway. If you are interested in seeing the full scope of Conejo’s culinary scene, be sure to plan a trip around the fall, and add the Taste of Conejo event to your itinerary. Food and wine enthusiasts are invited to join more than 50 of Conejo Valley’s food and wine vendors at the Taste of Conejo event. Sample dozens of unique culinary offerings, sip your way through Conejo Valley’s wine varietals and meet some of the viticultural and culinary geniuses behind it all. Reserve your tickets today!