Top 5 Places to Eat in Calabasas

Albacore Sashimi - Shibuya

Albacore Sashimi - Shibuya

As a Calabasas resident for the last 28 years, I’ve seen restaurants come and go like a Kylie Jenner wig swap. Very few have stood the test of time and have been able to captivate the stomachs of suburbia’s finest. But for those that have prevailed, they have become landmarks in the city we call home. Whether it’s your first time in Calabasas or Meal #102306, the below restaurants are THE go-to spots for anyone looking to get their grub on.

NOTE: The restaurants on our list are specific to Calabasas - I've tried not to include any "chain" restaurants or restaurants with multiple locations.

HONORABLE MENTION: Toscanova (Italian), King’s Fish House (Seafood/American), Sagebrush Cantina (American/Mexican), Erewhon Café (American), Lovi’s Deli (Delicatessen/American), Sugarfish (Japanese), La Paz (Mexican)

5) Pedaler's Fork

Kicking off the countdown at Number 5, Pedaler’s Fork is by far the most unique destination on our list. Located in the heart of Old Town Calabasas, Pedaler’s Fork is like no restaurant you’ve seen before. Along with the traditional dining experience, Pedaler’s Fork also serves as a premium bar, a local coffee stop, and a boutique bike shop. Yes, a bike shop. But don’t let its many components fool you. Each part of this fine-tuned machine works perfectly in unison, providing customers with an experience they won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re jonesing for a delicious weekend brunch or trying to live the Lance Armstrong lifestyle (minus the scandals and all), look no further than Pedaler’s Fork.

Miley, the Dogs, and a Doggy Bag from Pedaler's Fork

Miley, the Dogs, and a Doggy Bag from Pedaler's Fork

Selena = Satisfied after Pedaler's Fork

Selena = Satisfied after Pedaler's Fork

Pedaler’s Fork offers a robust menu full of many brunch, lunch, and dinner favorites. You can always play it safe with something like an Eggs Benedict (always substitute out the ham for smoked salmon) or keep it healthy and exciting with the Johnny Cakes (see below). I’m also a big fan of their sandwiches and burgers, none of which I’ve been disappointed with. If you’re headed in for dinner, don’t forget to pair your filet/salmon with one of the 30 craft beers on tap or a nice glass of rye whiskey (only if you’re over 21 of course). Whether it's your morning cup of joe or whiskey nightcap, Pedaler’s Fork will leave the palate wanting more…

TOP 3 MENU ITEMS

  • Johnny Cakes (Blueberry, Banana, Quinoa, Walnut, Toasted Coconut, Sunflower Seeds, Blueberry Ginger Compote, and Maple Syrup)
  • Fried Chicken and Waffle Sliders (Jalapeño-Cheddar Waffle, Sriracha Butter, Apple-Picked Onion Slaw, and Maple Syrup)
  • 10 Speed Coffee
Johnny Cakes

Johnny Cakes

Fried Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Fried Chicken and Waffle Sliders

10 Speed Coffee

10 Speed Coffee

4) Blue Table

Tucked away in a small shopping center lies this European-style cafe with vibes Straight Outta Italy. Blue Table not only features a delicious menu, but also serves as a small marketplace offering an array of wines, cheeses, and other imported goods. Take a seat at one of their communal tables or grab a scenic table on the sidewalk. Chances are you’ll see a familiar face.

Kim enjoys her Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich

Kim enjoys her Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich

Kylie and Tyga sit window-side as they await their meal

Kylie and Tyga sit window-side as they await their meal

As for the food, you can always start with a cheese or charcuterie plate – their walk-in cheese closet offers a number of gourmet cheeses that’ll satisfy the cheese rookie, as well as the cheese connoisseur. But if you ain’t with all the fanciness, head straight to the restaurant counter and choose between one of their many soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, and/or Italian pizzas. My advice is to go with a sandwich or panini, as I’ve never had one that wasn’t better than exceptional. Next time you’re in Calabasas, be sure to take a stop in this quaint piece of Heaven.

TOP 3 MENU ITEMS

  • Ellen's Special Panini (Turkey, Ham, Goat Cheese, Fig Jam, and Garlic Aioli) 
  • Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich (Brie, Arugula, Roasted Red Pepper, and Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli) 
  • Prosciutto and Burrata Panini (Prosciutto di Parma, Basil, Tomato, and Olive Oil)
Ellen's Special Panini

Ellen's Special Panini

Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich

Roasted Turkey Breast Sandwich

Prosciutto and Burrata Panini

Prosciutto and Burrata Panini

3) Le Pain Quotidien

While I attempted to only choose restaurants indigenous to Calabasas, I couldn’t leave out this gem. Located in the Hub of Calabasas, The Commons, Le Pain Quotidien sits at Number 3 on our list. I like to refer to Le Pain as Old Faithful, because you always know what to expect from a meal. This French-inspired bakery on steroids has multiple locations around the world, however the Calabasas location has a great hometown feel to it. While you typically see the Calabasas locals/regulars congregating at one of their many communal tables, Le Pain has also become a favorite to many of the celebrities in town – most notably Kylie Jenner and Jaden Smith. Hit up Le Pain during brunch hours and the odds are pretty good you’ll recognize someone you see on the big screen. One final recommendation, I would suggest going for either breakfast or lunch, as the portions aren’t huge and mainly tailored to “early day” type foods.

Kylie leaving with post-meal euphoria

Kylie leaving with post-meal euphoria

Jaden Smith leaving after another A1 meal

Jaden Smith leaving after another A1 meal

Le Pain has a special bakery counter where you can order any delectable treat or a coffee to go. If you’re staying for a full meal, which most do, their signature menu item is the tartine (open-face sandwich). Their tartines feature both sweet and savory toppings so there’s something for whatever mood you’re in. You can get all the usual breakfast items (French toast, waffles, pancakes, omelettes, etc.), but they also offer unique options like the Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl. They are also pretty deep on drink choices – ranging from freshly blended smoothies to organic coffees and teas. Tasty meal, CHECK. Great scenery and potential star sightings, CHECK. Hometown vibe with great service, CHECK. What’s not to love?

TOP 3 MENU ITEMS

  • Organic Mini Dutch Pancakes
  • Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl (Sunny-Side-Up Egg, Ancient Grains, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Avocado, Kale, Arugula, Red Cabbage, Gomasio, Citrus Cumin Salt)
  • Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
Organic Mini Dutch Pancakes

Organic Mini Dutch Pancakes

Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl

Sunny Side Breakfast Bowl

Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon

Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon

2) Health Nut

While technically not in Calabasas (right across the freeway in neighboring Woodland Hills but check our Instagram post for the trade we made), Health Nut lands at Number 2 on our list. In its early years, Health Nut started out as a vitamin and supplement shop that served a couple food items in the back corner of the restaurant. Fast forward to today, Health Nut has become a full-fledged restaurant with no traces of vitamins anywhere in sight (it’s been vitamin-free for a year now). While many locals knew of this hidden gem, its break out moment happened when it was first featured on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Since then, it seems like the Kardashian clan features a Health Nut salad in every episode. Kim even gave them a personal shout out on her Twitter account a couple years back.

Kylie and Khloe on Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Kylie and Khloe on Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Blacc Chyna opting for the Health Nut takeout

Blacc Chyna opting for the Health Nut takeout

Kourtney and Scott on Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Kourtney and Scott on Keeping Up With the Kardashians

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Now what to order - you can never go wrong with their signature food item, the salad. While they offer a number of delicious salads, the kicker is the Original House dressing. You sprinkle that on anything and you’ve got a winner. You can also add a number of different meats to your salad (chicken, turkey) but always go with the tuna. You can’t beat it. Be sure to also check out the wide range of sandwiches and wraps. Pair any one of your meals with a fresh smoothie for ultimate euphoria (and they aren’t like the crappy Jamba Juice “smoothies” that actually happen to be right next door). In summary, you’ll leave Health Nut with a meal that soothes the mind, body, and soul – both healthy and satisfying. And, you can say you ate like a Kardashian…

TOP 3 MENU ITEMS

  • Wendy's Special Salad *SECRET MENU ITEM* (Tuna, Avocado, Shredded Mozzarella, Sunflower Seeds, House Dressing) 
  • Mango Iced Tea
  • Chef's Salad with Shredded Chicken *The Kardashian Favorite* (Shredded Chicken, Shredded Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Sprouts, Sunflower Seeds, House Dressing)
Wendy's Special Salad

Wendy's Special Salad

Mango Iced Tea

Mango Iced Tea

Chef's Salad with Shredded Chicken

Chef's Salad with Shredded Chicken

1) Shibuya

OK, I have to admit, I may have done this post just to praise my favorite spot in the world, Shibuya. Located in the same shopping center as Blue Table, Shibuya is not only the busiest, but by far the best restaurant in Calabasas. Since opening its doors in 1996, owner Mark Shibuya has cultivated this one-off sushi joint into the most popular restaurant in the city. Now one thing I have to warn you about – it’s ALWAYS busy. The space itself is relatively small (seats about 25-30), so getting a table can be a little challenging. Shibuya is open from 12:30-2:30pm for lunch, closes for a couple hours, and reopens back at 5:30pm (5:00pm on Sunday) for dinner. If you aren’t there to write your name down on the famous Clipboard Waiting List prior to 5:30pm, you most likely aren’t getting in for the first seating. But once you’re in, let the foodgasm begin…

Kanye and Kim wait "patiently" for their table at Shibuya

Kanye and Kim wait "patiently" for their table at Shibuya

Once you’re seated, you’ll receive the paper menu that displays the Holy Grail of Sushi. Now let me first and foremost tell you, there’s NOTHING less than amazing on the menu. If you see something on the menu that you like and you usually order at another sushi spot, it’s BETTER here. Shibuya offers premium quality fish that is picked up daily and served at its freshest. You can indulge in sushi (individual slices of fish on rice), sashimi, rolls, hot dishes, and a number of other specialty items. I could list all my favorites from the menu, but I’m trying to keep the word count under 200,000. If Kanye and Kim will wait outside on a wooden bench for 45 minutes just like the rest of us mere mortals (pictured above), you know this place is legit. Long story short, GO TO SHIBUYA. And tell them Adam sent you ;)

TOP 3 MENU ITEMS

  • Shibuya House Roll (Crab, Yellowtail, Spicy Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Asparagus Tempura, Avocado, Green Onion, and Smelt Egg)
  • Spicy Tuna on Rice Cake
  • Albacore Sashimi
Shibuya House Roll

Shibuya House Roll

Spicy Tuna on Rice Cake

Spicy Tuna on Rice Cake

Albacore Sashimi

Albacore Sashimi