La Finestra

We were very disappointed . The food was MEDIOCRE and lacked flavor. The service was unfortunate. We had to constantly ask for refills on our ice tea. Considering the poor taste and quality of the food, La Finestra is over priced. We ordered three salads to be split amongst the six of us and they charged us a split fee. That is ridiculous. They should have told us and we would have done it ourselves. The chicken parmesan ($17.50) had no flavor and was a small portion. It was served with vegetables that were not appetizing. The pizza was pathetically small (12in.) and thin and not worth the $15. Almost tasted, like it was a frozen pizza. I would really have to say that Olive Garden would be a better bet for the taste of the food. For the price, I would go straight to Adaggio's or Giovannis. I wish we would have stayed home, because I really feel ripped off.

After a meeting in Tarzana I was craving italian food. When I walked into La Finestra, it smelled so good, like homemade sauce and garlic. I picked from their lunch menu. I have to say my side salad for awesome...it was simple with a tangy red wine vinegarette on it which I loved. Lol, I actually went out and bought red wine vinegar after trying this dressing. My penne with mushroom, peppers and italian sausage was also delicious it came out steaming, tasted fresh and the penne was al dente. I'd definitely want to visit La Finestra again whenever I'm in the valley. I will definitely make the trek for this restaurant.

Pros: Salad, pasta, free parking
Cons: Tarzana is a kinda far from my house :(

My favorite Italian Restaurant! Nice small family type atmosphere. Elegant yet kid friendly. Best Gnocchi and chicken marsala I've had yet. Owners and service is outstanding, friendly. I have been a customer for years.

Pros: Amazing Food, Friendly service, Small Quiet Atmosphere
Cons: parking

We showed up for our 8:30 reservations, only to be promptly told that the kitchen was closing early because the place was "dead". From the minute we sat down, we felt rushed and rather unwelcome. It was as if we were a burden to the staff for daring to come and eat at this establishment! We opened a very special bottle of wine. Our server did not even pour a taste of it first (which is common wine service ettiquette), she simply filled our glasses up and walked away! I was irritated by that. Our salads were served immediately, but, we were barely able to eat three bites of them before our entrees came out. We had to have them put our entrees under the heat lamps to keep them hot, so we could finish our salads. Our entrees came back and were mediocre. My pasta with fresh red pepper had no fresh red pepper in it and my husband's pasta was crunchy from being under the lamps. Yet we ate it anyway, because we didn't feel like sending it back was an option. Throughout our entire meal we were constantly reminded of how little time we had left to eat (manager was leaving by 10ish and staff was finished with their sidework and ready to go home), so we basically scarfed down our food and were forced to plow through our special wine. When we finished dinner, our server offered us coffee, but no dessert (honestly, at that point we figured we weren't welcome for dessert anyway, but it would have been nice if she offered it). We paid our check and stayed a little longer with the manager's convincing. The manager was very nice and offered to "take care of us next time". Too bad there won't be a next time. We ended up going to Cold Stone for dessert - ridiculous! The food is decent and well-priced, but the service - forget it. This place is just not worth it - there are dozens of other good Italian places in the valley. And to the owner - I'm not "hiding behind my computer" - I spoke my mind last night. Bottom line: It's not our problem if you decide to close the kitchen early!

Pros: Moderately priced, decent food, nice manager
Cons: Service is terrible, the customer doesn't feel important and is treated inappropriately

Best. Pizza.Ever.

Quattro Formagi Cheese pizza: thin crust, lightly sauced; so tasty I ate en entire piza by myself (I'm 5' 3" and weigh about 105-110). Need I say more? :)