You’re driving down Ventura Boulevard in Encino, past the usual suspects of trendy coffee shops and high-end sushi bars, when you hit Plaza de Oro. It’s a typical two-story strip mall, the kind that defines San Fernando Valley architecture. But tucked away inside is EuroAsia Restaurant, a place that honestly feels like a glitch in the Matrix—in the best possible way.
One minute you’re in Los Angeles traffic; the next, you’re sitting by a bubbling fountain on a patio, listening to Russian pop music, and tearing into a piece of non (traditional Uzbek bread) that was literally just pulled out of a clay tandoor oven.
The Uzbek-Russian Identity Crisis (That Works)
People often get confused about what "Euro-Asian" means here. It’s not fusion in the way we usually think of it—there’s no "miso-infused borscht" or anything gimmicky like that. Instead, it’s a reflection of the owner, Gulya Latipov’s, actual life. Born in Uzbekistan to a family that ate the diverse cuisines of the former Soviet Union, Latipov has created a menu that is basically a culinary map of Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
You’ve got Ukrainian borscht sitting right next to Uzbek Plov. It shouldn't make sense, but it does.
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The restaurant has been around for over a decade, surviving the pandemic and the complex political shifts of the last few years. While other "Russian" spots in LA have struggled or rebranded due to international tensions, EuroAsia remains a "Russian-speaking" hub. As Latipov once pointed out to LAist, the distinction is key: the people coming here aren't just from one country; they are a community tied together by a shared language and a deep, nostalgic love for the food they grew up with.
What You Should Actually Order
If you’re a first-timer, don't just stare at the menu until a server comes over. You need a strategy. The menu is massive, covering everything from sturgeon kebabs to beef tongue.
Start with the Bread
Seriously. The Uzbek Non (Tashkent non) is non-negotiable. They bake it in-house in a specialized tandoor. It’s thick, chewy, and usually arrives with a salmon-colored cream cheese spread that is oddly addictive. It’s roughly $5 and worth every cent.
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The Heavy Hitters
- Plov: This is the national dish of Uzbekistan. It’s a mountain of fragrant long-grain rice, simmered with beef, carrots, and chickpeas. It’s oily, rich, and deeply comforting. In 2013, food critics were already calling this "rock-on rice," and not much has changed.
- Kavurma Lagman: These are hand-rolled, hand-pulled noodles. They’re thick and have a "toothiness" that puts most Italian pasta to shame. They’re fried with beef, bell peppers, and celery, then dusted with a heavy hand of fresh dill.
- Chebureki: Think of these as giant, deep-fried turnovers. They’re filled with ground meat and onions. When you bite in, a little bit of hot juice usually squirts out, so watch your shirt.
The Banquet Culture
If you walk in on a Saturday night and see people dancing like it’s a wedding even though there’s no wedding, don't be alarmed. That’s just the EuroAsia vibe. It’s one of the few remaining "banquet halls" in the Valley.
These aren't just meals; they’re events. You’ll see tables covered in zakuski (cold starters) like kholodets (beef in aspic—it’s an acquired taste, let's be real) and shuba (the "herring under a fur coat" salad). There’s usually live music, and the service can be... let’s say "authentic." Some diners find it slow or a bit curt, but it’s part of the experience. It’s not corporate "service with a smile"; it’s a family-run business where the focus is on the kitchen.
Dealing with the "Valley Tax"
Let's talk prices for a second because, honestly, they’ve crept up like everywhere else in LA. Back in the day, you could get a massive plate of Plov for $13. Now, you’re looking at closer to $25. The Lamb Chops will run you about $35, and a bowl of Borsch is around $14.
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Is it cheap? No. Is it a "hidden gem" prices-wise? Not anymore. But the portions are still generous. Most people end up taking half their Plov home in a box, and it honestly tastes better the next morning for breakfast anyway.
Surprising Menu Finds
Most people miss the Neptune Salad. It sounds like something from a 1950s diner, but it’s actually a mix of crawfish tails, shrimp, eel, and baby greens. It’s one of the few lighter options on a menu dominated by meat and dough. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Braised Rabbit in Sour Cream Sauce. It’s tender, rich, and exactly what you’d want to eat if you were hiding from a Siberian winter instead of sitting in 80-degree Encino heat.
A Note on the Atmosphere
The interior is a bit of a time capsule with its burgundy tablecloths and old-school decor. It doesn't care about being Instagrammable. It cares about being a place where a family can sit for four hours, drink a lot of tea (or something stronger), and feel like they’re back in Tashkent or Kyiv.
If you want a quiet, romantic date where you can whisper over a candle, maybe don't go on a Friday or Saturday night when the live singer is in full swing. But if you want to feel the energy of a community that refuses to let its culinary traditions fade away, there’s nowhere better.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Parking Hack: Don't fight for a spot in the front of Plaza de Oro. There is a much larger parking lot in the back that most people forget exists.
- Timing: Go for lunch on a weekday if you want a quiet meal. Go Saturday night if you want the full "banquet" experience with music and dancing.
- Order Ahead: If you're doing takeout, use the major apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash, but be aware that the Kazan (the traditional pan for certain dishes) is for dine-in only.
- The "Non" Rule: Always ask if the bread is fresh. If the tandoor is running, get two. One to eat there and one to take home.
- Location: 17209 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316. They’re closed on Mondays, so don't show up then expecting a feast.