Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills Brings Some Colorful Charm to San Fernando Valley

Is Woodland Hills coming up? You might think so after checking out Gasolina Cafe, which quietly opened along Ventura Blvd in March. The outwardly unassuming breakfast and lunch eatery is tucked into the former Grillworks Greek restaurant space next to the popular Pickwick's Pub, and could quickly become a breakfast destination for anyone heading north on the 101.

The cutesy, colorful Gasolina is bringing a bit of SQIRL’s flair to the Conejo western reaches of the San Fernando Valley, with an underlying motorcycle/old gas station theme throughout. A white counter stretches out to greet customers while an orange La Marzocco sits ready to pull another shot. The kitchen acts as a sort of out-in-the-open short order experience, with customers bellying up to the bar to get a look at their meal being made. A few taller two-tops are scattered throughout and there’s lots of umbrella’d seating up front on the sidewalk, but otherwise that’s just about it inside the cozy spot.

The menu is the work of chef/owner Sandra Cordero and her husband John Hensley. Cordero is a Dutch-Spanish chef around town who has been popping up in kitchens and with her own private dinners for a few years now, but this is her first full solo venture.

At Gasolina, Cordero leans the offerings towards the dishes of her past. That might mean a Manchego, tomato and arugula salad; a tortilla española; or a serrano ham breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, all on a brioche bun. The cafe is working with local ingredients where they can, though they do bring in their coffee from James Coffee in San Diego.

Gasolina Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch only, Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Mondays). On weekends, they’re open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gasolina Cafe
21014 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA