Best Trendy Table Hotspots Restaurants in Van Nuys
2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Camphor
Michelin-recognized French cooking with a subtle Thai-leaning spice lens.
Essential Picks
#1
Camphor
9.1
A modern French dining room in the Arts District led by Chef Max Boonthanakit, blending classic technique with subtle Southeast Asian accents. The cooking is precise and layered—rich sauces, careful char, and bright aromatics—without losing bistro warmth. Reservations are competitive for a reason: it consistently delivers special-occasion caliber meals in a relaxed, warehouse-chic space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak au poivre with frites, Rigatoni stuffed with artichoke and Comté, Seasonal crudo with citrus and herbs
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized French cooking with a subtle Thai-leaning spice lens.
#2
Gwen
9
Gwen, from chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke, combines a European-style butcher shop with a Michelin-starred, fire-focused dining room built for milestone celebrations and tasting-menu splurges. The Art Deco interior, theatrical open kitchen, and deep wine list make it one of Hollywood’s most serious special-occasion destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade charcuterie board, 30-day dry-aged ribeye, Bacon Bolognese pasta
What Makes it Special: A Michelin-starred, fire-driven steak and tasting-menu temple with an in-house butcher shop.