Wood & Water Serves Eclectic Menu in Sherman Oaks

Wood & Water in Sherman Oaks offers a substantial, eclectic New American menu from Conejo Valley hitmaker Moez Megji and son Karim. Moez is the restaurateur behind successful spots like The Gallery in Westlake Village and dearly departed Fins Creekside in Calabasas.

Where to even begin given the menu includes shares and starters, salads, “nostalgia,” larger plates and veggies? That’s not to even mention their raw bar selections, which are a major strength. Fanny Bay, Beau Soleil and Malpeque oysters are all available on the half-shell. If you want to take your meal up a notch, order a half-dozen baked oysters—“salty, creamy” Fanny Bays – dressed with flavorful one-two punches like chipotle-lime and garlic-scampi-smoked paprika. The duo also serves atypical composed plates like yellowtail and watermelon sashimi with chile oil, ponzu and crispy onions.

You’ll recognize a lot of dishes on the menu, but Wood & Water takes most of them for creative spins. For instance, romaine lettuce and fresh-cracked black pepper are pretty much the only ingredients that fit with classic Caesar salad. This eatery’s version also includes cashews, spicy wasabi ginger dressing, shaved carrot and fried wonton strips.

Moez and Karim also innovate with dishes like asparagus salad and beef Wellington. Even surf ‘n’ turf is unrecognizable, with shredded duck sandwiched between seared sea scallops and potato pancakes and drizzled with blueberry cassis reduction.

Duck breast, a poultry preparation that often disappoints by being overcooked and tough, is a must-order dish. Rosy, fat-rimmed slices come plated with brandy-soaked cherries, crushed hazelnuts, earthy black rice and nutty farro.

Wood & Water also serves compelling seasonal sides. You should definitely consider vivid yellow cauliflower dressed with turmeric, cumin, coriander and lime; and roasted corn kernels folded with herbed goat cheese butter.

13359 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. 818-855-1661