Toronto native Maggie Rasoul previously ran a luxury car dealership in her hometown and recently spent a considerable chunk of time working to open her first restaurant in Woodland Hills, debuting Azure Mediterranean Cuisine on October 24.

A stone façade and Spanish tile roof gives way to a big patio covered with a tan tarp, vine-covered west wall with a stone fountain and tables covered with black cloths. Further back, people enjoy beer, wine and hookah puffs at a lounge with orange cushioned banquettes and twin fire pits. A dining room houses art-lined tan walls, open kitchen and more black clothed tables. The space formerly held Buenos Aires Gardens. Maggie chose the name Azure because it’s “soft, easy, clear blue” and a favorite color.

Chef Angel Cerrano delivers a “fusion” of Mediterranean, Argentinean and Greek influences. His menu consists of mezze, sandwiches and salads at lunch. The dinner menu gets considerably more ambitious. House-made pastas include vegetarian lasagna with tomato basil sauce; Ronnie’s ravioli filled with arugula, ricotta, Parmesan and Provolone cheeses dressed with beurre blanc; and basil fettuccine with shrimp and Cognac sauce. Proteins like lamb chops, skirt steak, Alaskan salmon and Mediterranean sea bass help form the backbones of “deluxe platters” devoted to meats and seafood.

22458 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818-914-5619