Pearl District

Pearl District Restaurant Review:

Owner Peyman Afshar and chef Richie DeMane made a name for themselves among local foodies with Leila's, a go-to spot for interesting haute cuisine in Oak Park for more than 15 years. Before it closed in 2015, the duo opened this sister restaurant in the Westlake Plaza shopping center in Westlake Village. Afshar used to live in Portland, Ore., and he named this establishment after Pearl District, an industrial neighborhood that has reinvented itself as a cultural and epicurean destination. There's a patio out front, then an elevated section inside with several tables followed by a bisected space with the bar on one side and more tables on the other. The private dining room in the back can accommodate up to 18 guests. Make selections from the concise but well-studied wine list, California craft beers and interesting spirits and cocktails. DeMane deals directly with farms for the produce featured on his eclectic menu, which includes a medley of salads and appetizers such as crispy Brussels sprouts or a six-minute egg with grilled broccolini, crispy Parma prosciutto, Pecorino and sherry vinaigrette. Entrées may range from pan-roasted barramundi to udon noodles to roasted chile poblano with quinoa-jack cheese in a toasted pepita-ancho pipian sauce. DeMane has a background in pastry, so he's also keen on creating desserts such as his namesake Richie's Wonder Bar, made with a shortbread crust, peanut butter-white chocolate bourbon ganache, caramel-peanut topping and Dandy Don's salty caramel ice cream. Pearl District is occasionally open for special holiday brunches.