Arcwood Wine Bar Launches Lunch in Tarzana

In addition to serving dinner, Arcwood Wine Bar is now offering lunch. Chef Avner Levi has prepared a focused wine-friendly menu at the increasingly ambitious Tarzana eatery.

In describing the menu, Avner says, “It’s this fine line of curiosity, crave-ability and nostalgia.” Expect comforting sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, plates and bowls.

I was particularly impressed with his meatball sub ($13) featuring soft, crumbly, all-beef meatballs on toasted ciabatta with zesty house-made tomato sauce and stretchy buffalo mozzarella. “I love our meatballs, and it would be a sin not to serve them on a sandwich,” says the chef. Who am I to give in to sin?

Silky prosciutto di Parma, tangy goat cheese and sweet fig jam also team between soft toasted ciabatta—to good effects. Every sandwich comes with a choice of French fries or house salad.

I’d also recommend a turmeric rice bowl starring seared, fat-rimmed NY strip steak and cooling jalapeño crème fraîche with a finishing kick. The colorful dish also touts parsley, red onion and bursting cherry tomatoes.

Nothing on the menu costs more than $16, which is competitive pricing for the area.

18636 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, 818-578-3098