You know those individuals who want to bypass their birthdays and hardly celebrate? Well, I am the…read morecomplete opposite! My birthday is the ONE day/time a year where I want to be a queen, celebrated, live it up and adored. I expect my birthday to include multiple festivities with a birthday dinner to top it off. Casalena in Woodland Hills has been at the top of the list for trendy, upscale restaurants recently and has even been a vendor at Yelp events (2025's CarnEvil). I finally got to experience Casalena in all it's glory for my 42nd birthday accompanied by fellow Yelper Michael B.
Casalena holds real estate on the corner of Ventura and San Feliciano Drive in Woodland Hills in a building tucked behind large flora & fauna immediately giving a VIP aura and hidden mystique. This very special building was built in 1982 by the Makhani family and is currently owned by the Makhani children/siblings. Based on a fictional 'Lady Lena', a strong but nurturing idea of a goddess to the Makhani family; Casalena combines modern flare with elegance, boasting a Mediterranean menu and aiming to provide each and every guest with top-tier hospitality.
We made reservations for my birthday on a Saturday at 6:40 and arrived to a PACKED restaurant - and I mean PACKED! - but I was blown away by the architectural design and ambiance of Casalena. Casalena is a dimly-lit, wooden accented, full glass walls, arched ceiling, paradise with a bar area, main dining hall complete with fireplace and a sunroom that somehow combines Hollywood with New York City vibes. I've never even been to New York City but it has that feel. I also hear there is an upstairs area but I did not venture to the second floor. We were seated on the east side windows of Casalena and I do have to complain that it was SO loud that you find yourself repeating conversation to your fellow diner(s) but it is the tradeoff to such a popular spot. Our waiter Cory took our birthday drink orders with my choice of a Golden Sour (bourbon, Pamplemousse liquour, port, lemon, egg froth - $20) and Michael going with The Juicy Scoop (passion fruit vodka, blood orange juice, lime, dehydrated blood orange - $19); while we also elected a starter of Hamachi Crudo (ponzu, serrano, crispy leek - $25). As you can see: prices at Casalena are slightly steep so bring your A-game wallet.
Our drinks were beautifully crafted with my Golden Sour being a symphony of smoke essence, egg white, bourbon and sour; while Micheal's Juicy Scoop was the color of an island sunset and had the perfect pucker. The Hamachi Crudo started leads with Casalena tending to 'forget' the ponzu vinaigrette (they did to the table next to us, as well) so make sure to ask because the dish needs it. For my birthday meal, I selected the daily special of Pan-Seared Scallops (creamy polenta, micro mustard frill - $39) and Michael was in a pizza mood with the Spicy Soppressata (fresh mozzarella, scamorza, Soppressata, Calabrian honey - $26).
I absolutely ADORE Casalena and its energy/design but I wouldn't say you get your money's worth in terms of food. My $39 dish was TINY in portion and although the polenta was tasty; it wasn't blowing me away and neither were the FOUR, baby-sized scallops. That's right: the entree only came with four scallops and not even jumbo-sized! The dish was also sort of bland in my opinion. I dislike upscale restaurants overcharging for mediocre, small-portion plates. Micheal's pizza was better, in my opinion, than my choice which I tasted despite being Celiac and not being able to have gluten. The pizza's crust was soft but crispy, lots of cheese and plenty of salami but again: not really anything I haven't had before. Not bad, but not out of this world and what I expect for the prices.
I wanted a candle to blow out for my birthday (and I have plenty of wishes) so we ordered the Pink Lady Tarte Tatin - again, despite gluten - because Pink Lady apples are my favorite (butter caramel, pink lady apples, puff pastry, vanilla ice cream - $15). Although Casalena did provide a candle, they charged us for the dessert which most places give free for your birthday. Lame. The dessert was delicious though: the puff pastry was slightly flat but the combination of the pastry, thin, baked apple slices and vanilla was a lovely fall dessert treat.
I know this might seem like I am picking on Casalena but their bathroom situation is WILD. The ladies' room is closet-sized and only has TWO stalls which is insane for the size of the restaurant and guest occupancy while the men were standing in a long line for the unisex bathroom. What?!
Casalena has amazing energy and is a fantastic choice to impress a date or have a birthday celebration but just don't expect the food to send you out of this universe and bring your wallet. On a plus note: Michael received an email thanking us for us visit, which, although a form email, was a wonderful closing note. Not perfect; but I did love Casalena overall and would return.