Don’t call ahead for a reservation just yet. While word that California will begin reopening some low-risk businesses in “weeks, not months” is welcome news for restaurant owners slammed by the coronavirus pandemic, there remains no firm timeline — or a clear idea of what a limited reintroduction will look like. (Masks for servers, thermometers for patrons, disposable menus, increased curbside pickup and a reduction in tables to allow for more physical distancing are some of the measures widely expected.) In the meantime, you can support what restaurants have stayed open in the Valley by ordering pickup or delivery. But as always, call ahead or go online to confirm details as hours and menus are subject to change.
Conejo Valley
Pickles Deli
1940 Newbury Road, Newbury Park 805-480-4800
Pickup and delivery: Daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A place called Pickles had better have sandwiches and this deli doesn’t disappoint, offering seven kinds of triple-deckers including a Rueben. In addition to another all-American fare such as chicken pot pie as well as Italian-themed dishes like chicken piccata (chicken breast sautéed with white wine and capers), the breakfast menu features Belgian waffles, omelets, bagels and French toast. If you prefer to cook for yourself, they offer a carton of 15 eggs for $6.99.
Ali Baba’s Kitchen
2110-B Newbury Road, Newbury Park 805-480-0324
Pickup and delivery: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Along with salads, kebabs, pita sandwiches and curries, this Mediterranean restaurant offers family combos, both large (chicken shawarma, chicken kebab, whole oven-roasted chicken, 10 falafels, rice, salad and six pita breads) and small (chicken or beef shawarma, chicken kebab, six falafels, rice, salad and four pita breads). For couples, the dinner for two consists of chicken or beef shawarma, four falafels, rice, salad and two pita breads.
San Fernando Valley
Gasolina Cafe
21150 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills 818-914-4033
Pickup and delivery: Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
This eatery specializes in Spanish-style brunch and lunch fare — from churros to Spanish-style toast to such egg dishes as the patatas bravas (sunny side-up egg with home fries, chorizo, serrano ham and aioli) and a chorizo omelet (chorizo, garlic confit, cherry tomato, baby kale and toast). Sandwiches range from the La Espanola with serrano ham and manchego cheese and chorizo to the El Vegetariano with portobello mushroom and avocado.
The Federal
5303 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood 818-980-2555
Pickup and delivery: Daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Offering 20 percent off all pickup orders more than $20, this NoHo eatery specializes in tavern fare like classic mac and cheese, salads (the sweet and spicy salmon comes with avocado and mixed greens), soups and sandwiches (the grilled cheese and tomato soup offers aged cheddar, harvati and swiss on artisan bread) and burgers, including the Fed, which stacks smoked cheddar, bibb lettuce, tomato, balsamic onion and garlic chips on a milk bun.
Santa Clarita Valley
Marston’s Restaurant
24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-253-9910
Pickup and delivery: Breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
While this family-owned eatery continues to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, they have expanded with a family-style dinner menu that offers a choice of salads (California orange or Caesar), sides (cream cheese mashed potatoes or roasted squash and peppers) and entrees including chili, chicken pot pie casserole, grilled chicken enchiladas and roasted veggie lasagna. Call before noon to place your order, then pick-up after 5 p.m.
Wokcano
24201 Valencia Boulevard, No. 3452, Valencia 661-288-1913
Pickup and delivery: Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Along with fresh sushi and maki rolls, family bundle meals at this contemporary Asian restaurant chain include a dinner for two (hot and sour soup, garden salad, choice of appetizer and choice of two entrees with white rice) and a sushi dinner for two (miso soup, garden salad, edamame appetizer, California roll and spicy yellowtail roll).