Simi Valley, California

Hidden Valley Flavors

Jamie Wetherbe

The Ventura County area is known for its beach life, but the sun and surf can overshadow the underdog restaurants hidden in the hills of nearby Simi Valley. Among the strip malls and fast food chains, these restaurants feature authentic dishes to suit a variety of tastes and budgets and remain some of the best-kept local secrets.

Dakotas Steak House

If you’re looking for a great steak in Simi Valley, you don’t have to go to bed hungry. For over a decade, Dakotas Steak House has been a hidden-valley gem, serving up tantalizing foods to excite your taste buds. In addition to signature steaks, like the12-ounce filet mignon, Dakotas offers other unique options including the Alaskan king crab and stone-pressed chicken. And for dessert? The deep-fried cheesecake is a must. Dakotas’s white-tablecloth atmosphere is ideal for a date or a nice family night out, but be prepared to pay $25 or more for an entrée.

Viva La Pasta!

Viva La Pasta!, a sweet family-owned Italian restaurant in the heart of Ventura County, combines speedy service with great food. The servers are so upbeat you’d swear they just got back from a Starbucks run. Among the dishes that won’t bust your budget (most are priced around $10), is their unique entree that features an Italian flag design using pesto, marinara and alfredo sauces over a bed of angel hair pasta. Customers can dine inside, or for a more secluded setting, check out the hidden patio surrounded by ivy and flowers.

Lakeview Chinese

If authentic vegetarian Chinese food is what you’re craving, the Westlake area can seem like a dead end. However, among the shopping malls and cafes, you’ll find the small, family-run establishment Lakeview Chinese. Lakeview is no ordinary diner; this cuisine will send your taste buds straight to the heart of China. Unlike other restaurants, vegetarians can order off the full menu as any meat dish can be served with a tofu or tempeh substitute. Veggie lovers can also order the mixed vegetables with garlic sauce served hot off the grill or the Kung Pao cabbage topped with an exotic spicy sauce, exclusive to Lakeview.

Greek House Café

Tucked behind a 7-11 and an AutoZone in Simi Valley, you’ll find the Greek House Café. The family-owned and -operated restaurant features authentic Greek cuisine, including a traditional Greek salad with hot fresh pita bread, fresh gyros and a homemade baklava made by the owner himself. With limited seating and only a handful of tables, hungry customers should get here early (around 5 p.m.) or take advantage of the restaurant’s take-out option.

Moonshadows Restaurant

A PCH getaway and celebrity hot spot, Malibu’s Moonshadows offers a variety of exquisite seafood and a full line up of beachfront classics, including the sweet and sour taste of the wok-sautéed red curried shrimp, coated with coconut sugar and spritzed with Kieffer lime. Whether you are lounging on a padded chair or sitting at one of their comfy booths, every seat has a full view of the ocean. After dinner, you can enjoy one of their delectable alcoholic drinks in the Blue Lounge while listening to music provided by their nightly DJ.

Zooma Sushi

A few seconds from the PCH in Malibu, Zooma Sushi’s trees and water- filled landscapes will have commuters feeling miles away from beach traffic. Once inside, you’ll find a variety of fresh fish options like raw salmon or California rolls. To top off the meal, satisfy your sweet tooth with the banana tempura served with vanilla or green tea ice cream. With no reservations necessary and on opening time of 5 p.m., you can make Zooma Sushi your dinnertime destination.