Lava Kitchen

We checked out Lava Kitchen based on the 5-star reviews on Yelp, and it did not disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious—full of flavor and cooked perfectly. The restaurant itself is small and cozy, which added to the charm, and the service was friendly and fast. We’re definitely coming back!

This place was delicious!!! The food looked just like what was on the website and tasted just as amazing. So fresh, flavorful, and filling. I got the Lava plate with the boneless chicken and ground beef. Both were tender, juicy, and paired well together. Got the baklava for dessert. OMG, the flavors were like a flavor bomb in your mouth! The owner was very friendly. It was a pleasant experience with the music and decor. Very clean, great portions, and food was out quickly.

Absolutely delicious! Our whole family loved everything. The salmon, chicken, and beef were all really well marinated, juicy, and flavorful. The eggplant dip is also a must!

What a gem!!! Seriously the food is soooooooo good! Tastes perfect and the portions are just a Thanksgiving dinner size! The atmosphere is such as if you were on vacation in the Middle East! Dorsa the young lady serving, so kind and polite, excellent service and excellent hosting! They play soft ethical music in the background which makes it even more welcoming! If you need a place nice and amazing to eat at… Lava Kitchen is the one!

I came here with my family to celebrate a birthday on 6/4/25. The restaurant is a little on the smaller side, about a 21 person capacity, but it is very nicely decorated and you are not close to other diners. The acoustics were also very nice, it was easy to hear the rest of my party in a normal conversational volume. I would recommend making a reservation if you are going there with a group. But enough about that, on to the important stuff. The waitress was so attentive, super nice, and a joy to be around. She took great care of us and helped out with some special dietary needs. There were three of us there, two of us split the hummus while the third got the Mediterranean salad. The hummus was delicious, but the salad stole the show! I wish I had gotten a picture of it. Finely chopped veggies in a cucumber bowl. It's a thing of beauty. For our mains we each got a Kabob plate. We had the Chicken Kabob with cubed chicken, the house special the flattened chicken kabob, and the steak kabob. We each enjoyed our meal very much. I loved the seasoning on mine, the saffron rice was fantastic and the grilled tomato was delicious. We each cleaned our plate. We were very happy with the portion size, the taste, and the value. It was our first time there and we'll be back for sure. I'm looking forward to trying out their lunch specials.

I recently visited Lava Kitchen, a Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of West Lake with my girlfriends for dinner, and we had an absolutely fantastic experience! All three of us ordered the Steak Kabob (filet mignon) with a side salad, and the meat was incredibly tender, cooked to perfection, and the portions were generous. Despite there being only one server working that evening, the service was excellent and attentive. The restaurant is small and located in a plaza, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a hidden gem worth trying! They’re open six days a week, closed on Mondays. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be back the next time I’m in the West Lake area!

Had a pleasant experience at Lava Kitchen. It’s a cozy spot with about 6–8 tables and plenty of parking. Service was friendly and attentive. We tried the triple appetizer combo—hummus, yogurt, and olive tapenade—all fresh and flavorful. The ground beef and chicken combo with white rice was nicely spiced, and the cherry rice was excellent. Everything tasted fresh. Would definitely come back!

We really enjoyed our dinner at Lava Kitchen. It's pricey but that's expected in WL. We got the hummus & beef samosas. The hummus was fine, I like it more whipped, more garlic, more flavor..maybe needed a little salt, too but it wasn't bad..just not a standout. Bread should be toasted or grilled and that'd give it an extra point. The beef samosas were delicious. I don't usually like samosas but these were crispy, light and full of filling. Definitely a winner! For dinner we got the ground kebab combo & the Steak & boneless chicken combo. Both were delicious. The ground kabobs were so good. The boneless chicken kabob was flavorful and tender. Steak kabob was really good, too but the others were just a lot better. The Basmati rice was tender and perfectly cooked. For presentation purposes, I'd add a tiny salad for color. The plates look a bit drab and I know you serve the roast tomato and pickled red onions but a little greenery would beautify the plate for the wow factor you're wanting. People 1st eat with their eyes. My biggest gripe was I ordered a glass of Prosecco (which we all know is a cheap sparkling wine, usually under $20/bottle) I believe I paid $14/glass. My glass wasn't even half full. My husband was shocked how small of a serving they gave me. I know these servers/owners must have never bartender so maybe that's why they felt that small portion was ok but it was a turn off. Don't be cheap with cheap wine. Your food isn't cheap...keep your customers coming back by pouring them a nice pour. I bartender in a lot of restaurants snd bars for more than 18 years, I know a proper pour. I'm not asking for a double...just a legit glass of wine especially when the bottle you're pouring isn't expensive and you're asking $14 for a glass. Will be back to try other dishes. The restaurant itself is very pretty but if you want to convey "passion" & "Mediterranean" a little color...even a tiny bit would add some warmth & fire. The decor is pretty but cold.

My family and I came here for Father's Day, and the lunch options were amazing. I eat a lot of Mediterranean cuisine in LA, and I was happy to find somewhere in this area that is comparable. The portion sizes were great and definitely worth the price. The customer service was top notch, and everything was served at a good pace. All in all, it was a great dining experience. So glad to know that I can get delicious kebabs in Westlake.

Very good! I will be back again! Beef Kabob very good! Clean and customer service was great!

Our first time to Lava Kitchen in Westlake Village was a great experience. This charming and cozy restaurant has a very intimate and relaxing atmosphere, where you feel like you're at a small dinner party hosted by friends. The owner, Pegah, greets every visitor and makes them feel welcome. The decor and design of the restaurant is tasteful and evokes Mediterranean vibes. Food wise, you need to start with the crispy saffron rice and choice of stew toppings (herb, lentil and/or walnut/pomegranate), and the fried eggplant dip which pairs well with the warm toasted flatbread they bring to the table and refill as much as you like. For the mains, we got the Lava Combo (one skewer of ground beef and boneless chicken kabob each, seasoned and grilled to perfection) on a bed of fluffy saffron Basmati rice. We also got the salmon Kabob with the Lava salad (tomatoes, walnuts, raisins, avocado with homemade dressing). Salmon was barbecued just right, very juicy and flavorful. To end the delicious meal, we had their homemade Baklava, which was aromatic with hints of rose water, along with a bowl of traditional saffron ice cream which was creamy and fragrant with toasted pistachios. We had such an enjoyable experience and will definitely be back. This is the perfect place to take your family and kids, or for a romantic date night. Thank you Lava Kitchen!

While the food at this restaurant was good, the service left much to be desired. I received a $25 coupon from a guest via Restaurant.com as a kind gesture for my birthday celebration. Additionally, I had a $15 coupon. However, the owner refused to accept the $25 coupon, arguing that she couldn't validate it. This confrontation significantly marred what was supposed to be a special occasion. I chose to return to this restaurant because I enjoyed my first visit, but the owner's unwillingness to honor the gift certificate and her argumentative demeanor ruined my birthday dinner. Despite spending over $100, the owner only agreed to accept the lesser $15 coupon after much back-and-forth, which felt like a slap in the face. This unpleasant experience has ensured that I will not be returning with my family, friends, or colleagues. While the food is good, the poor service and combative attitude of the owner are deal-breakers for me. I value good service and believe in supporting local businesses, but this experience was deeply disappointing. The only reason I'm not giving a 1-star review is because of the quality of the food. However, I cannot recommend this restaurant due to the unacceptable service. I told the owner after she was about to refund me the extra dollars to give it to the waitress. For me it was all about experience and principal. The arguing should have never occurred especially when spending over $100 for a meal.

I am a business owner in the Countyline Shpping Center and my review is 100% non biased. I am excited for Lava Kitchen to do well but as a business owner I pay attention to detail and the hard work that goes into achieving quality. I also believe in honesty and I don't write reviews just to write them. This restaurant is quaint, meticulously clean & beautifully decorated. Every detail is perfect. I am always warmly greeted and every person has gone above and beyond to see that I am happy while there. The owner is a beautiful, intelligent young woman and her husband that have put their heart, culture, family support and entrepreneurial spirit into this business for our pleasure. I have been into the restaurant several times and each time I order something different. I wanted people to know that I have thoroughly enjoyed every item I have tried. The quality of the proteins and vegetables are generous, fresh and flavorful. The perfect amount of seasoning and cooked to perfection. I feel nourished while dining with a balance of color and texture artistically displayed. My favorites so far is enjoying a chilled glass of white wine with the Creamy Cucumber Dip appetizer, the Ceasar Salad with the added Boneless Chicken kabob and ( with quilt) the Chocolate Lava Cake or the warm homemade Baklava. Actually I think I am going to order the Baklava with a side of vanilla ice cream next time, I can't wait! I already know, it will be amazing! And I am certain that you will think so too! Thank you for supporting small business in our community.

Such flavor... authentic Persian flavor profiles. You can taste the cinnamon and the fenugreek.... so beneficial, as well. Our favorite was the quinoa salad with chicken. The chicken is so fluffy, tender, and well seasoned. Portions are relatively smaller than typical Persian restaurants, yet filling. Decor is lovely. Service was prompt and attentive. An elevated neighborhood Persian dining experience.

We visited this place on Sunday. It's not crowded and atmosphere was good. The server was nice to us. We ordered felafels, veggie samosas, greek salad and shish kebob. The greek salad came out first and it was good. I liked there samosa too. But I didn't like falafels, it was too hard to eat and I felt like it was overcooked. The main dish which is kebab didn't taste good. It's just too blend and too much rice. Stars are for some part of food that I liked and for the nice server.

Tried the chia seed cucumber drink- so refreshing. Their meals are all tasty. Loved the chicken kebab the most. Ambiance is great. Service is wonderful. Will definitely come back again to try more from their menu.

Finally an authentic mediterranean restaurant in thousand oaks. Has all of the classic persian dishes. Portion sizes are generous, too. Restaurant is very clean, and ambience is calm. Pegah, the owner, is very hospitable. I only hope there is room for expansion behind the walls, as I want this local gem to succeed.

Food is soooo good & fresh. Wish they had cherry rice. Everything we have tried has been excellent.

Delicious food prepared as requested. Special requests are not a problem. Most everyone in our group was happy with their food. Clean. They adjusted the temperature when we came in because it was super cold. Everyone was very nice. I look forward to returning soon.

Great local restaurant!! The ambiance is relaxing with an intimate feel. Delicious food, especially the herb and beef stew (ghormeh sabzi). Very good service as well! We will be back :)

I'm thrilled to report that my latest visit to this exceptional restaurant was nothing short of fantastic! The food was outstanding, with each dish expertly prepared and presented with great care. The hospitality was warm and welcoming, with friendly staff who went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. The quality of the cuisine and service was top-notch, making this restaurant a true standout in the city. If you're looking for a dining experience that will exceed your expectations, look no further!

We got the ground beef kabob (wow so amazing) even for a very picky person like me who doesn't like most ground food. And the Mediterranean bowl (half lentil & half chickpeas) - it was very refreshing.

Tasty Persian fare in Westlake Village. We came here for dinner on. Saturday night, a little on the early side. Glad we were able to get a table because the space is very small - probably seats 20-30 people. There are two small tables outside. If the restaurant is full, which it was when we dined, it will be very loud. So, not a quiet romantic atmosphere, per se. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. You could tell that they were running around a lot, as it got very busy quickly. The two people did a good job juggling everything. Food was solid. The ground chicken kabob was the standout for me- very flavorful and juicy. The hummus was good, albeit thick in texture. The eggplant delight (aka kashke bademjan) was also good. Lentil salad was tasty also. DH liked the boneless chicken kabob as well. This was served with basmati rice. Overall a solid experience.

We just ate Mediterranean food here and wanted to share! Brand new 3 month old restaurant, owner was there, so sweet! FOOD WAS DELISH! Lentil soup and veggie samosas amazing. Ground beef kabobs were also cooked to perfection. The room was beautifully decorated too with good taste in music.

Tried the ground beef kabob, food was great & so was the service. Cute & clean restaurant, will be back to try more items.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lava Kitchen in Westlake Village, and it was an absolute delight. The modern ambiance and attentive staff (owners) immediately set the stage for such an enjoyable lunch. The restaurant's commitment to quality extends beyond the cuisine - it's evident in the comfortable seating, stylish decor, and overall atmosphere. Lava Kitchen will become a standout addition to Westlake Village.

Just tried this local neighborhood spot for the first time and we are very impressed. Nice decor, cozy, friendly service and the food is great. We had a couple of their dips, Samosas, falafel and a Greek salad, all of which were delicious. Highly recommend it, something new and different and well worth a try! We will definitely be back.

Food was amazing, please visit for great kabobs! Nice ambiance good service . In the Old Twin Theater shopping center.

I've been to Lava twice now and each time was excellent. The food was fresh and very tasty. The service was perfect, anticipating every need. Will return!!

I highly recommend this beautiful cozy place. The food was so delicious homemade Persian food and warm hospitality. Try to order the pomegranate chicken stew ( FESENJOON)

SO so good! This place has the most delicious food. The salmon kebab was so juicy and full of flavor. The restaurant has nice, relaxing atmosphere, you can tell they keep the place super clean. I'll definitely be back!

The food was amazing and so was the service . The chicken was juicy, flavorful and seasoned to perfection. I highly recommend this restaurant.

I recently experienced Lava Kitchen at an event they catered and let me tell you I was blown away. I had the ground beef kabob, the boneless chicken kabob and the rack of lamb plus an assortment of appetizers. Let me start by saying, I never like lamb, ever. Well there is a first time for everything bc the lamb was my absolute favorite. It was so delicious as were the other dishes. Every bite was so juicy, fresh and delicious. I couldn't stop talking about the lamb. It goes to show, keep trying things bc someday someone is going to make it so delicious that you change your mind.

Had a wonderful meal here tonight. So happy we came to try this out. The ground chicken kebab was super moist and yummy. The cherry rice was delicious. Ambience is super calm and service amazing! We will be back for more delicious Persian food again!

Very good koobideh. Amazing service. Also recommend the lamb chops. Must have. This was catering at an event in Woodland Hills.

I recently dined at Lava Kitchen and was thoroughly impressed by both the exquisite cuisine and the impeccable service. The menu showcased a variety of innovative dishes, blending bold flavors and beautiful presentation. The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensured that our meal was a memorable one, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring our satisfaction. I can't recommend lava kitchen enough for a fantastic dining experience.

Delicious Persian food, very tasty with great presentation... friendly and attentive service... Very cozy, highly recommended....

Excellent food, super kind service, and very clean and lovely place! The servers were exceptionally kind and attentive. The food was delicious and not a single thing we ate was bad.

Wonderful food, great service, very cute atmosphere, and the owners were very friendly. Will be back very soon!!!

Highly recommend! I got the crispy saffron rice with the pomegranate walnut stew and it was so flavorful. The staff was extremely accommodating and super friendly. Will definitely be returning!

Excellent and tasty food every time!!!! The owners are very friendly and make you feel very welcomed. I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant.

Loved this place. Very small, quaint setting. Service and food were both exceptional. I'll be back!

This is my second time here and I have to say that the food is fantastic! Delicious kabob dishes that do not disappoint. I've tried the lava special with boneless chicken and koobideh kabob and it's sooo good! Food was ready pretty quickly and nice and hot.This place is a must try in Westlake village!

Amazing food. Authentic Persian cuisine. Best in town! The eggplant and beef stew was delicious and better than my mom makes. The Baklava is the real deal.

Busy the first night. Not much seating available. Food was good. Takeout or indoor dining available.

Lava Kitchen is an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, you're greeted with warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like you're part of the family. The ambiance is cozy yet chic, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. But let's talk about the food - oh my, it's a culinary adventure! Each dish is meticulously crafted, bursting with flavor and creativity. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan, there's something for everyone on the menu. And the presentation? Simply stunning. The service was excellent and friendly, with staff who are knowledgeable and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. Trust me, Lava Kitchen will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving for more. A definite must-visit!

Just discovered this new local Westlake Village gem, Lava Kitchen. The food is high quality, fresh and absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!

I happened to be at a gym near this (later I found) gem of a place and I went there cus I was starving. OMG! Not a single thing I ordered that didn't go above my expectations! Food was super amazing! I first ordered tahdig with stew (I ordered Ghormeh Sabzi and Fesenjoon) and they were delicious. I asked if their doogh (yogurt drink) is homemade and they said yes and of course I had to have it! It was so tasty and well decorated with a little rose floating on the drink :) so cute! For the main course (yes, I still had room or basically I made room! lol), I ordered barg kabob with their super cute tomatoes and cucumber salad, very well decorated. We call it salad shirazi . I don't like raw onions so I asked to exclude raw onions. I had a very tasty barg kabob with a salad. The food was delicious, the ambiance was so relaxing and soothing to eyes. The decor was earthy and warm tone . Overall experience was 10 out of 5! I'm back very soon to try the other things on their menu.

Amazing food and they are very friendly. Romantic and cozy place. We had a great Sunday lunch.

Me and familly enjoyed the persian food in here Good people good food (meat was tender and juicy) My concern was the samosas were extremely oily The lava cake was not a hit really it was like ready made and heated for the table which we received twice both of them were cold The prices are high for what you get paid $182 for 4 plus tip and the meat plates needs to be served with lavash or pita

Right from the start! Restaurant owner made my experience delightful. His personality, friendliness made me smile.He recommended the crispy rice with fesenjoon. It totally hit my sweet spot. Amazing food, great service, high quality ingredients and delicious food! I would definitely recommend this place Thank you for Baghlava & rose tea

Hungry for some good food at a new place? EXCELLENT Persian food in Westlake Village in a brand new establishment. Please support our local eateries. Highly recommend LAVA KITCHEN. The decor is very smart, very clean, cute and with incredibly comfortable chairs--very important to be able to sit in comfortable seats. I was in the mood for some Persian (Middle Eastern) food and Yelpers were spot on when they gave it 5.0 stars so I opted to give it a try. Very glad I did. The owner is very pleasant and a great cook! Give it a try you won't be disappointed. https://lava-kitchen.com/menu

Terrific food and service especially from a place which just opened. More Persian than "Mediterranean." Homey atmosphere. A true gem.

I love this place, service with a smile, great food and atmosphere, and value for money !

Beautiful design and cozy spot. Delicious food. Loved the boneless chicken sandwich! Will be back!

The food at Lava Kitchen is simply outstanding. Every dish was a burst of flavor and beautifully presented. The Sultani Kabobs dish was a highlight - perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection. The service at Lava Kitchen is top-notch. The staff were attentive and friendly, making sure our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Our waiter went above and beyond to accommodate our requests- Thank you

Found this place randomly on Yelp and what a find it was. Exceptional food and very friendly family style service. Will definitely be back in the future and will recommend to friends and family.

Absolutely delicious!!! We tried it tonight for the first time and everything we ordered was so fresh and amazing. From the koobideh to the chicken and lamb chops we tried, it was all great!!! I highly recommend!