Once, Granada Hills spelled wide-open spaces, endless citrus groves, and everything classically Southern Californian. More recently, developers took over, building strip malls, chain restaurants, and modernist condo-boxes faster than you can order a double tall latte. Suburbia aside, make sure you don’t neglect the incredible views, which, if it’s not summer, stretch to the Pacific.

Restaurants

• Brent’s Delicatessen • 19565 Parthenia St
818-886-5679 • $
Once you go black pastrami, you’ll never go back.

• Claim Jumper Restaurant • 9429 Tampa Ave
818-718-2882 • $$$
A beef-eater’s paradise; the night the giant potato ate the patrons; includes a full bar.

• El Torito • 8855 Tampa Ave
818-349-1607 • $$
The Mexican-styled dishes are delicious and the atmosphere is fun.

• Maria’s Italian Kitchen • 9161 Reseda Blvd
818-341-5114 • $$
This restaurant’s motto, “Your Neighborhood Italian Restaurant,” is a perfect fit.

• Orange Grove Bistro • 18111 Nordhoff St
818-677-2076 • $$
California cuisine, sandwiches, Sunday brunch.