Benjamin H.
Yelp
Woodland Hills just leveled up, folks.
David and Molly Gussin have officially knocked it out of the park with Prose Kitchen & Bar, and let me tell you, our neighborhood has been starving for a spot like this. This stretch of Ventura Blvd. needed a little extra elegance, and Prose delivers--big time.
Let's talk about Chef David Gussin. The man is basically a rock star in the kitchen. He's honed his craft in some of the best restaurants in the country--STK, Cleo, Fig & Olive--so you know he means business. And now? He's blessing Woodland Hills with his culinary wizardry.
The vibe? Imagine walking into an intimate, upscale dining experience that also feels like your most sophisticated friend's home den or library. Cozy yet refined atmosphere--it's the kind of place that makes you want to sip a fancy cocktail while pretending you read The Great Gatsby (but really, you're just here for the food).
Speaking of food... wow. Just wow. We went on opening night for our 10-year anniversary, and you'd never guess it was their first service. Everything ran smoother than a seasoned kitchen. The staff? Absolute pros. Shoutout to our server, Allison, who was amazing. She knew the menu inside and out, kept us entertained (yes, we bonded over the movie Twilight--she's a fellow Twi-hard - and laughed about Michael Sheen's character in Breaking Dawn), and made our toddler feel like a VIP.
Now for the food--because that's why we're really here, right?
Cheddar Chive Biscuits - Light, flaky, and flavorful. These make Red Lobster's biscuits look like amateur hour.
Crispy Squash Blossoms - If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life, it might be these. Stuffed with Poblano, melted Oaxaca cheese, charred corn salsa, and drizzled with chipotle crema, they basically melted in my mouth like that exploding brain meme.
Pear & Roasted Squash Salad - A perfect mix of baby arugula, roasted delicata squash, poached pears, whipped ricotta, and spiced pecans. Fall in a bowl.
Roasted Mary's Chicken - Perfectly cooked, juicy, and that jus? Next level.
Sticky Toffee Date Pudding - One word: AMAZEBALLS.
The final touch? The check comes in a clever wooden book cover--such a cool detail that ties everything together. This place has thought of everything.
And the best part? The price point is spot on. You're getting top-tier food without the pretentious price tag.
David and Molly Gussin aren't just running a restaurant; they're creating an experience. They're also just genuinely wonderful people, and I really hope Prose stays in the neighborhood for a long, long time.
Final Verdict: Ambience: 5/5 Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Price: 5/5
Woodland Hills, you just got a new must-visit spot.