Mediterraneo

I adore this place. Located at the gorgeous Westlake Village Inn, it sits before the lake, with seating... more

I adore this place. Located at the gorgeous Westlake Village Inn, it sits before the lake, with seating inside the glamorous but rustic setting, or... more

We were there on a quiet Thursday evening, so we were puzzled why our entrees would take over an hour and an half to get to our table. When we asked the server when we could expect our food, he offered nothing close to an apology -- he simply said ""Eight plates take a long time to prepare."" Really? A party of eight is too large for Mediterraneo to handle? I can't tell you what our food looked like because our patio location was so dark, I literally couldn't see what I was eating. My ribeye steak ($29) tasted OK, but it was the thinnest cut ever, only about one-quarter of an inch thick. My mother and sister had the roast chicken, and they both said it was very dry and tough. I ordered bread pudding for dessert. The menu description doesn't mention its served covered in chopped walnuts. I didn't realize that until after I took a bite (it was so dark, I couldn't really see what I was eating). For someone with a nut allergy (like me), eating nuts could trigger a serious health problem. When I mentioned to our server that the menu should have stated there are nuts in the dessert, he replied defensively, ""I didn't write the menu"". Again, nothing close to an apology. The slowest service I've ever had in a restaurant, rude/unprofessional waiter, potentially hazardous ingredients (to some) not noted on the menu, poor lighting, and top dollar for only so-so food. I won't be back! more

What a breath of fresh air to the dining scene in ventura county. The atmosphere is chic without being overdone, the food like that found in new york and the westside, the service friendly. You have to try the grilled calamari, so much better than fried. They serve the most amazing wild mushrooms. I asked the server why they tasted so much better than the ones at other restaurants and she told me they get there mushrooms from a forager called the Mushroom Hunter who hand picks them himself. I order them whenever there on the special. They serve more than the usual fare...like farro, fregola, rocket, and those amazing mushrooms. The dishes are simple and not overcomplicated, done right with perfect ingredients...Love it. more