Changing Perceptions
Mediterraneo
32037 Agoura Road
Westlake Village, CA 91361
818.889.9105
CSQ Contact: Dan Margolis
by Christy Rosen
The building at 32037 Agoura Road in Westlake Village has housed many different restaurants, but Mediterraneo will change any previous perception you may have of this location. About a year and a half ago, Mediterraneo opened with a new executive chef and a new attitude. The menu underwent a complete overhaul which resulted in traditional European flavors being brought out through local produce.
Although set on the beautiful grounds of the Westlake Village Inn, Mediterraneo is anything but a hotel restaurant. It offers outdoor seating with a beautiful view of the lake that offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
We began our night by sharing three appetizers. Shrimp brindisi featured plump gulf shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic and white wine. They were served over grilled rustic bread. An arugula salad with shaved leeks, parmesan cheese and caper berries complimented the Kobe beef carpaccio. The grilled calamari was prepared perfectly with a warm potato and leek salad.
When you scour the entrée choices, you can see influences from Italy, Morocco and other European destinations. Old-fashioned rigatoni Bolognese, Moroccan lamb chops and salmon organico all caught our eye. Ultimately, we settled on the chef’s special of sea bass and the braised beef rosso. A generous piece of fresh sea bass was pan-seared and served in a light cream sauce with wild mushrooms and fresh peas that popped in my mouth. The slow roasted braised beef short ribs required no knife, they simply fell off the bone. Root vegetables and soft polenta helped round out this hearty plate of food.
A little over a year ago Mediterraneo also hired a new general manager, Dan Margolis. Dan has training as a sommelier and paired our food nicely with interesting wines. Our favorite was a Napa Valley Meritage called “Naughty Racy.” You won’t find this wine anywhere else in the area. Margolis is committed to bringing unique, boutique wines to Westlake Village.
Our very friendly and knowledgeable waitress talked us into having Mediterraneo’s signature dessert – Florentine art. A hand made almond bowl was filled with light white chocolate mousse and topped with seasonal berries. It was definitely worth the extra calories. A late harvest Zinfandel, “Dashe”, completed our dining experience. This dessert wine was sweet, but not over powering - a delicious end to our evening.
Mediterraneo is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and brunch on Sundays. They offer a fresh new menu and a distinctive wine list, all in the midst of beautiful surroundings. 32037 Agoura Road has never looked so good.
