Giardino, a new Italian dining destination, just opened in Westlake courtesy of seasoned restaurateurs Giorgio Pierangeli (Sherman Oaks’ OlivA, Brentwood’s Pecorino and Newbury Park's Local Table) and Matteo Carletti (Calabasas' Toscanova) in the former Plug Nickel. Helming the kitchen is chef Francesco Pesce (Crudo in Santa Barbara and London’s Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli). All three are from the Marche region in Italy—which in turn is the inspiration for Giardino's menu and ambience, as a "love letter," you could say, to the region.

(l-r: Matteo Carletti, Chef Francesco Pesce and Giorgio Pierangeli)

The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining. The interior is a 50-seat dining room with a wall-to-wall, handmade wine rack highlighted with vintage wares, garden-inspired handmade fixtures, fresh flowers and antique china. The exterior seats 60 and features lights and a gazebo in a garden atmosphere with basket chandeliers.

 

"We wanted to create an Italian restaurant that combines the rustic and casual attitude of Italian culture with a level of refinement and quality that both Westlake locals and visitors will appreciate," says Matteo.

An eclectic array of authentic Italian dishes include: seppia al guazzetto—cuttlefish in a spicy white wine tomato broth with Swiss chard and polenta; crudo di tonno—sashimi grade yellowtail, baby artichoke, crispy pearl onion rings, green chili vinaigrette; strozzapreti salciccia—slow pan-roasted pork sausage, cherry tomato, thyme and pecorino; linguine al nero—black ink linguine “Campofilone” with mixed seafood and cherry tomatoes; agnello alla griglia—grilled rack of lamb with sautéed spinach and potato gratin; pesce spada alla griglia—grilled swordfish loin with vegetable caponata and a basil pesto pine nuts sauce. 

The wines were carefully selected and also feature vintages and brands representative of the Marche region not commonly found or presented at most Italian restaurants. Desserts are all made in-house. A lunch prix fixe and quick lunch service is available Monday through Friday.

Giorgio says he hopes that the restaurant will "inject dining excitement into the culinary landscape of Westlake Village." 717 Lakefield Road, Westlake Village, 805-495-3469