5 Best Local Favorite Restaurants in Thousand Oaks, California

Nestled between wide-open hills and family-friendly neighborhoods, Thousand Oaks is where SoCal laid-back meets a hint of rustic luxury.

You’ll find farmers market freshness and family-owned gems outlasting the chains, plus a melting pot of Mediterranean, Japanese, and classic American fare that’s as unpretentious as it is delicious.

Here are the spots locals crave, from casual tacos to farm-to-table feasts.

Holdrens Steaks & Seafood

Locals celebrate milestones here, whether it’s a graduation or just a Friday night.

Holdrens is all about classic steakhouse indulgence—think perfectly grilled ribeyes, buttery lobster tails, loaded baked potatoes, and that old-school, wood-paneled warmth.

It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, drink deep, and order dessert.

Mouthful Eatery

A standout for inventive sandwiches and globally inspired salads, Mouthful is what fast-casual should be: fresh, vibrant, craveable, and run with feverish local pride.

The Peruvian-styled chicken is legendary, and the ciabatta is made in-house daily.

It’s light, healthy Californian food with real soul and just enough quirk to become a weekday addiction.

Los Agaves

Los Agaves brings the best of coastal Mexican cooking a bit farther north.

Locals rave about big, artfully plated shrimp enchiladas, tender carnitas, and colorful salsas that pop with heat and brightness.

It’s bustling, modern, and friendly—family-run, but polished enough for date night.

Bakery by the Yard

This spot is the definition of small-batch sweetness—think crumbly coffee cakes, signature cupcakes, airy croissants, and beautiful special occasion cakes.

It’s as much a spot to stock up for a party as it is to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

Locals adore their morning pastries almost as much as their warm, old-fashioned hospitality.

Mastro’s Steakhouse

The LA-based icon’s location in Thousand Oaks pushes the local special occasion scene to the max.

Everything here feels a little larger than life, from the dry-aged steaks to the martinis and the show-stopping “butter cake” dessert.

It’s pricey, but locals swear by the experience for birthdays, anniversaries, and—for some—just because life is short and appetites are large.

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