Encino

 

Encino is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Fernando Valley. It began when the first recorded European land entry, the Portola Exhibition, crossed the Sepulveda Pass and settled at what is now Los Encinos State Historic Park. South of Ventura Boulevard is tranquil, with winding streets dotted with large, charming estates. Their hillside locations offer seclusion and privacy and spectacular views of verdant mountains. Closer to the community center are less remote single-family homes and brand-new condominiums.

 

Along Ventura Boulevard is a vibrant dining scene, with street after street of shopping plazas and mid-rise commercial buildings. There’s plenty of green space, including the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, where you can play golf or ride the bike paths, and San Vicente Mountain Park, where the network of trails can be used for hiking or horseback riding. You can easily get to the beaches via the 405 or drive to the wineries in Santa Barbara via the 101.

 

 

 

Encino has a quaint, small-town feel. The spacious lots on residential streets make it feel somewhat rural, so it’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. But, head to the city center, and it’s always busy with people, shoppers, and traffic.

 

 

Encino’s part of Ventura Boulevard is nicknamed “The Miracle Mile” of San Fernando Valley, and it’s lined with shops, plazas, and restaurants galore. Scratch Bar|Kitchen by renowned chef Frankland Lee offers seasonal tasting menus. This highly coveted restaurant accepts reservations by appointment only. Delmonico's Steak and Lobster House serves classic surf and turf dishes in an elegant 1920s-inspired setting. A local favorite, More Than Waffles, specializes in authentic Belgian waffles called Gaufre, which are thick, but light and airy.

 

A haven for sushi and Japanese fare, you’ll find at least a dozen such eateries in Encino. Yamato specializes in sushi rolls and meats cooked on a tableside grill. Sushi Katsu-ya is an upscale eatery with signature rolls and creative cocktails. For all-you-can-eat, Midori Sushi is highly-rated for quality sushi. For ramen, Kopan Sushi and Ramen Bar has an extensive menu of fresh sushi, cooked entrees, and customizable ramen bowls.

 

For other global fares, Gio Cucina Napoletana is a laid-back Italian eatery with homemade pasta and gourmet pizza. A local mainstay, Versailles, serves authentic Cuban cuisine, including the Sandwich Cubano and Ropa Vieja. Sadaf Restaurant has Persian and Mediterranean cuisine, served in a stylish, modern space.

 

For shopping, Encino Courtyard features several retail stores, beauty salons, and Planet Fitness. On Sundays, the Encino Farmers’ Market sells local fruits and vegetables, baked goods, artisanal products, specialty foods, and flowers.

 

 

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area has sports facilities, a golf course, and a community garden. Pet owners can head to the off-leash Sepulveda Basin Dog Park. The adjacent Balboa Lake Park in nearby Van Nuys has paved trails that can be used for walking, jogging, and biking. Balboa Sports Complex has outdoor and indoor facilities for basketball, tennis, soccer, and football.

 

Los Encinos State Historic Park has nature trails and lakeside dining and hosts outdoor events, including Shakespeare by the Sea. For weddings and private events, Encino Banquet and Garden can accommodate up to 350 guests. The annual Taste of Encino showcases local restaurants plus arts and crafts vendors on the second Sunday of October.

 

 

The Los Angeles Unified School District serves Encino.

 

• Lanai Road Elementary School
• Encino Charter Elementary School
• Hesby Oaks Elementary School
• Emelita Street Elementary School
• Westmark School