Thousand Oaks has long been more about quiet suburbs than destination dining, but in recent years a handful of newer spots have started to change that.
You’ll find chefs bringing in global influences, from Italy to Brazil, and giving the Conejo Valley a more modern restaurant lineup without losing its laid-back feel.
- Tarantula Hill Brewing Co.
Tarantula Hill is more than just a brewery—it’s a full-blown hangout with a serious food program.
The space is huge and social, with indoor-outdoor seating, communal tables, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
The menu leans into wood-fired pizzas, burgers, salads, and shareable plates that pair naturally with the rotating lineup of house beers.
It’s casual, but the quality of the ingredients and the care in the cooking stand out.
2. Made in Italy
Bistro Made in Italy feels like a neighborhood trattoria transplanted straight from a small Italian town.
The room is cozy and unpretentious, with a focus on hospitality and simple, satisfying food.
Fresh pastas, thin-crust pizzas, and classic mains like ossobuco and grilled fish form the backbone of the menu.
The flavors are straightforward and rooted in tradition, with good olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs doing most of the work.
3. Moqueca Brazilian Restaurant
Moqueca brings the flavors of coastal Brazil to Thousand Oaks, with a bright, colorful dining room and a menu that centers on its namesake seafood stew.
Served in traditional clay pots, the moquecas arrive bubbling hot, fragrant with coconut milk, dendê oil, and fresh cilantro.
Beyond the stews, you’ll find grilled meats, rice and beans, and plenty of appetizers that work well for sharing.
It’s a welcome alternative for anyone looking to branch out from the usual Italian-Mexican-American circuit.
4. Pedals & Pints Brewing Company
Another sign of Thousand Oaks’ evolving scene, Pedals & Pints combines craft beer with a surprisingly robust menu.
The atmosphere is laid-back and sporty, with TVs, long tables, and plenty of space for groups.
The food goes beyond standard pub fare, offering hearty sandwiches, creative pizzas, loaded fries, salads, and seasonal specials. It’s the kind of place that can handle everything from a casual date to a post-ride group meetup.
5. Los Agaves
Part of a small regional group of restaurants, Los Agaves brought a more modern approach to Mexican dining when it opened its Thousand Oaks outpost.
The room is bright and stylish, with a mix of traditional and contemporary touches.
The menu focuses on fresh ingredients and generous portions: seafood-forward plates, grilled meats, big salads, and signature dishes like their namesake Agaves enchiladas.
It’s relaxed enough for an easy weeknight dinner but polished enough to feel like a night out.
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