Finding a place that does high-end sushi and a proper burger under the same roof usually feels like a red flag. Most of the time, it’s a sign that a kitchen is trying to do too much and failing at all of it. But The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar in Westlake Village is different. It’s been sitting right there on the water for years, quietly defying the rule that you can’t be a neighborhood hangout and a serious raw fish destination at the same time. Honestly, if you live in the Conejo Valley or you’re just passing through on the 101, you’ve probably seen the sign and wondered if it’s just a "view" place.
It isn't.
The Landing manages a weird, beautiful balance. You have people in flip-flops who just came off a boat sitting ten feet away from a couple on a high-end date ordering Omakase-grade nigiri. It’s tucked into the Westlake Landing shopping center, which sounds corporate, but the vibe is anything but that. It feels like a local secret that everyone happens to know about.
The Identity Crisis That Isn't
Most restaurants pick a lane. You’re a steakhouse. You’re a bistro. You’re a traditional Edomae sushi den. The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar ignores those boundaries. The menu is a massive, sprawling document that somehow makes sense once you’re sitting on that patio looking at the ducks.
You can start with a plate of crispy calamari that feels very "California lakeside grill" and immediately pivot to a Yellowtail Jalapeño sashimi that rivals the spots in Malibu. It shouldn't work. It really shouldn't. But the kitchen is divided into distinct zones that actually respect the craft of each cuisine. The sushi chefs aren't the guys flipping the burgers. That’s the secret.
The patio is the big draw, obviously.
Westlake is a man-made lake, sure, but when the sun starts to dip and the light hits the water, you don't really care about the geography. It’s peaceful. It’s one of those rare spots where the atmosphere doesn't feel like it's overcompensating for mediocre food.
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What to Actually Order (Beyond the Basics)
If you're going for sushi, the specialty rolls are the crowd-pleasers, but the "real" quality shows up in the simpler cuts. The Bluefin tuna is consistently fresh. That's a high bar for a place that also serves fish and chips.
- The 911 Roll: It’s a staple for a reason. Spicy tuna, avocado, and a kick that actually lingers.
- The Landing Roll: Often features fresh fish layered over a California base, but it's the quality of the krab (the real stuff matters) that sets it apart.
- The Burgers: Don't sleep on the grill side. A medium-rare burger here, eaten outdoors, is basically a Westlake rite of passage.
The menu also dives into some heavier kitchen entrees. You’ll see Miso Glazed Black Cod sitting near Hawaiian-style Poke bowls. It’s a lot to take in. But the consistency is what keeps the locals coming back. You aren't getting "mall food." You’re getting chef-driven plates that just happen to be served in a relaxed environment.
Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
Westlake Village is a specific kind of bubble. It’s affluent, it’s quiet, and the people who live here have very high standards for service but very low patience for pretension. The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar nails this demographic perfectly. It’s "nice" without being "stiff."
You see it in the service. The staff usually recognizes the regulars. There’s a flow to the place. On a Friday night, it’s buzzing and loud. On a Tuesday afternoon, it’s the quietest place on earth to grab a lunch and get some work done or have a long talk with a friend.
The competition in the area is stiff. You have Lure Fish House nearby for seafood, and dozens of strip-mall sushi joints that are "fine." But none of them have the water. And none of them have the sheer variety of the Landing’s kitchen. It fills a gap. If you want a salad and your partner wants a 12-piece sashimi combo, there is literally nowhere else in the area that does both at this quality level.
The Evolution of the Menu
Over the years, the menu has adapted to the "lifestyle" side of Westlake. You see more gluten-free options and cleaner preparations than you might have ten years ago. They’ve leaned into the "Grill" part of the name with better steaks and more refined plating.
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One thing people get wrong is thinking it’s a "tourist trap." Because it’s on the water, there’s an assumption the prices are inflated for the view. While it’s not cheap—sushi never is if it’s good—the pricing is surprisingly fair for the portion sizes and the zip code.
A Look at the Technical Side: The Sushi Craft
Let’s talk about the rice.
Any sushi snob will tell you the fish is only 40% of the equation. The rice at The Landing is seasoned well—not too sweet, not too vinegary. It’s kept at the right temperature. This is where most "hybrid" restaurants fail; they treat sushi rice like a side dish. Here, it’s treated like the foundation.
The fish sourcing is also surprisingly transparent. They aren't just buying whatever is on the truck. You’ll find seasonal specials that change based on what’s actually good that week. If the Uni isn't up to par, they usually won't serve it. That kind of integrity is rare in a place that has a "Grill" menu three times the size of the sushi list.
The Verdict on the Vibe
Is it the best sushi in the world? No. You’d have to head to a 10-seat counter in Little Tokyo for that. Is it the best burger in Ventura County? Maybe not, though it’s in the conversation.
But is it the best experience for a group of people with different tastes?
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Absolutely.
There is something deeply satisfying about sitting on a deck, watching the electric boats drift by, and having a cold Sapporo with a plate of seared albacore. It’s a specific kind of California luxury that isn't about showing off. It’s about comfort.
Real Talk: The Wait Times
If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday without a plan, you’re going to be waiting. The Landing doesn't have an infinite amount of patio space, and everyone wants to be outside. The bar area is a solid fallback, though. It’s got a bit more of a "pub" feel, but the full menu is available.
Honestly, the best move is a late lunch. 2:30 PM. The sun is high, the crowds have thinned, and you can actually hear the water.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar, don't just wing it.
- Check the Weather: The patio is 80% of the reason to go. If it’s a rare rainy day in Westlake, the interior is fine, but you’re missing the "magic."
- Order the Specials: Always ask what fish came in that morning. The "off-menu" or chalkboard specials are usually where the sushi chefs get to show off.
- Parking Strategy: The Landing center can get tight. If the front lot is full, there is usually more space toward the back near the other retail shops; it's a short walk.
- Mix Your Orders: Don't feel pressured to stick to one side of the menu. Get a roll to share as an appetizer, then move into the grill entrees. It’s the best way to experience what the place actually is.
- Sunset Timing: Check your weather app for sunset. Aim to arrive about 45 minutes before that. You’ll get the daylight view and the "golden hour" transition, which is spectacular over the lake.
The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar remains a cornerstone of the Westlake food scene because it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s a high-quality, versatile, scenic restaurant that understands exactly what its customers want: good food, a great view, and a place that feels like home.