Shoshana Raphael, Manager, Arnon Raphael, Owner & Adam Horton, Executive Chef

Opened in October 2009, Raphael features a “mixology program” which focuses on signature cocktails with fresh fruit and herbs and classic cocktails with a twist.

11616 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City | 818-505-3337 raphaelonventura.com

Manager Shoshana Raphael describes the restaurant owned by her father, Arnon Raphael, as “a city restaurant in the Valley.” Opened in October 2009, Raphael features a “mixology program” which focuses on signature cocktails with fresh fruit and herbs and classic cocktails with a twist. The Raphael family has lived in the Studio City area for 35 years, and they enjoy cooking together—both in the food business and when they get together outside their name-sake restaurant. “My dad is an expert griller, and my mother is also an excellent cook,” says Shoshana.

Executive Chef Adam Horton has lived in Sherman Oaks his entire life. A self-proclaimed computer geek, he studied computer science in school but didn’t enjoy the programming side of it. So he switched to culinary school and then enjoyed chef work around the U.S. and Europe. He was recently executive chef at Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabasas before making the switch to Raphael in March. “Wanting to utilize a bit more of a global pantry and modern techniques, I came to Raphael to try and bring something different to the Valley,” he says. “As the space was already very different than anything in the Valley, I was excited. The stage had already been set. The space, the Raphael family, the opportunity to cook a bit more progressive food were all a huge draw for me.”