Summer by the lake

On a hot summer night, there’s no better local outdoor dining venue than The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar, located on the lake in Westlake Village.

Patio tables make up the majority of the seating and provide beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

While dining, you can watch ducks waddling by or locals sailing their small craft.

The Landing offers an eclectic fare including Japanese bento boxes and sushi, an array of salads, fresh seafood entrees, pastas and steaks.

The sushi is made fresh, but this is not really a place I would recommend for sushi unless all you’re looking for is a California roll.

Start off your meal with a fresh mozzarella and grilled eggplant salad. With capers and balsamic vinaigrette, the taste is fresh and appealing.

Another excellent appetizer is the seafood chowder, which is rich and creamy and loaded with seafood.

If you’re not that hungry or it’s too warm for a hot meal, try the cold poached salmon salad at $13 or the teriyaki shrimp salad with grilled pineapple tossed with an orange vinaigrette.

The bento box meals seem to be a favorite and include miso soup, California roll, a standard iceberg lettuce salad and rice. Priced at $12 to $17, this is an enjoyable and filling meal.

If not in the mood for Japanese fare, try some of my personal favorites, such as the baked Chilean sea bass with tomato cream sauce ($18) or the pad Thai––rice noodles, eggs, and bean sprouts, tossed in a spicy Thai peanut sauce with shrimp and chicken ($15).

My guest tried the rack of lamb with a mint sauce and said it was delicious.

The dessert list leaves a bit to be desired, but you can’t go wrong with the hot apple puffs with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

The Landing is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and is a great place to escape the hectic pace and enjoy a relaxing meal with beautiful scenery.

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar is at32123 W. Lindero Canyon Road. Marty Bee is a pseudonym for The Acorn’s restaurant reviewer. To preserve the objectivity of Mr. Bee’s work, his appearance at each restaurant is kept a secret. He could be at a table next to yours. To read past reviews or make recommendations, go to www.marty-bee.com.