Sherman Oaks might just be one of LA’s best-kept foodie secrets. A vibrant neighborhood nestled in the heart of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks has quietly emerged as a culinary hotspot, boasting a diverse array of dining experiences that rival the city's best-known food scenes. From innovative fine dining establishments like BLVD Steak and cozy neighborhood bistros such as Le Petit Trois to international flavors and trendy eateries, Sherman Oaks offers a dining landscape as dynamic and varied as the city itself. Whether you're a local seeking your next favorite haunt or a visitor eager to explore the Valley’s tastiest gems, our guide to the top 10 restaurants in Sherman Oaks will ensure your next meal is unforgettable.

But how did Sherman Oaks get to where it is today? Sherman Oaks has transformed dramatically since its early days as quiet farmland in the early 1900s. Sherman Oaks evolved rapidly, especially after its annexation into Los Angeles in 1962And even just in the last ten years, Sherman Oaks has evolved from a laid-back patch of Ventura Boulevard into a vibrant, walkable hub—packed with new restaurants, retail upgrades, and entertainment venues—while still holding onto that casual Valley spirit.

Part of that shift has come from a change in who’s living here. What used to be a quieter neighborhood filled with longtime residents and families has seen a wave of younger professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs move in—many of them priced out of the Westside or looking for more space without sacrificing access to the city. The average age has skewed younger, with more 25–40-year-olds settling in, especially in the condo and apartment developments popping up along the main corridors. This younger crowd has helped shape the new identity of Sherman Oaks, fueling demand for trendier coffee shops, cocktail bars, elevated takeout, and health-forward dining spots. Today, Sherman Oaks strikes a perfect balance between bustling urban energy along Ventura Boulevard and the relaxed charm of its residential neighborhoods, making it one of LA’s most appealing communities—and an ideal backdrop for exploring a vibrant culinary scene.

That changing demographic has also brought a more urban energy to the area—without losing the tree-lined calm of its residential streets. It’s still unmistakably the Valley, but with a lot more edge, flavor, and momentum than ever before.