Padri Restaurant & Martini Bar

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here's this week's choice:

Overview: With delicious cocktails, fabulous entrees, and an entertaining atmosphere, what's not to love about Padri? The decor channels an old Tuscan farmhouse with large oak trees, a giant patio and soft-back booths for a romantic atmosphere. It's fun to start the evening in the Martini Bar with Happy Hour from 5-7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Enter into the dining room for the fresh Italian cuisine and fantastic service. Chef will keep you coming back. I recommend this restaurant for a ladies or gents night out, a romantic date, a lovely outing for friends or a night of drinks and dancing. The menu is a little pricier for those on a budget.

Martini Bar: The Martini Bar is open for parties big or small. During Happy Hour, enjoy complimentary passed appetizers and drink specials. Dance to live music, and on the weekends enjoy DJ Scott Blackwell. Looking for a fun night out? Make a reservation for bottle service. You can order from the smaller bar menu or the full dining menu. Enjoy Chicken Lollipops ($5) with balsamic glaze or Marinated Beef Skewers ($12) served with homemade potato chips. I love the BBQ Chicken Pizza ($6) and their  Turkey Sliders ($6) with melted provolone and marinara sauce. Want something simple? Share an Assortimento Di Formaggi ($6) with cheese, fruit, and bread.

Drinks: What's a martini bar without made with fresh fruits and squeezed juices to choose from? Whether you like your martini dirty, sweet, simple, or complex, there is something for everyone!.My personal favorite is the Raspberry Lemon Drop. Other popular favorites are Sex In The City with red passion fruit liquor, The Flirtini with a champagne float, and the Basil Lemon Drop with muddled basil. If you like grapes, try the Uva Bella with fresh muddled grapes. Not looking for anything fancy? They have the classic Dirty Martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. They also have the ever-popular mojitos. The Blackberry is my favorite, but they have quite the assortment to choose from. If you are not sure what you want, the bartenders are great at helping you decide or will make something to your liking. Padri has a full bar with an extensive wine and beer list as well. To see the full bar menu, click here.

Lunch: Padri is open for lunch. Besides some favorites on their regular dinner menu, they also feature some delicious sandwiches that are served with salad and homemade fries. Dine on the Sausage and Peppers ($10) or Chicken Parmigiano ($10) with mozzarella and marinara sauce. My favorite is the T.B.L.T. ($10) sandwich with turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.  And the most popular? The Padri Ruben ($10) with roasted porchetta, pickled cabbage, provolone and sundried tomato aioli.

Appetizers: Start with Salumi ($9 each) or Formaggi ($9 each), or for those not up on their Italian, meats and cheese. Choose from Prosciutto, Salame, Porchetta, and more. Accompany with Burrata, Buffalo Mozzarella (my favorite), or Pecorino to name a few. For some small tastes  ($9 each), enjoy Marinated Roasted Bell Peppers,  Lentil Salad, or Marinated Mushrooms. My personal favorite is the Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese. Don't worry seafood lovers, there is something for you too. Enjoy Crab Cakes ($18) served over a Tuscan cabbage salad, Calamari Fritti ($14) with lemon aioli, or Pancetta Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp ($18). For a small taste, enjoy the Bruschetta Classica ($15) with aged Parmigiano.

Soup/Salads: Minestrone  Soup ($7) is one of my favorite dishes, and Padri's is filled with cannellini beans. They also have the Zuppa di Aragosta ($8), which is lobster bisque with fresh corn and sweet potato. The Caprese ($18) is a classic and Italian staple with imported Italian buffalo mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. The Devon's Salad ($18) is a fan favorite with mixed greens, watercress, almonds, avocado, grilled chicken and more. Keep it simple with a Insalate Cesare ($12) or Insalata Della Casa ($10). And you have to try the Insalata Di Perra  E Gorganzola ($15) with carmelized walnuts, poached pear, and gorganzola.

Pasta: Besides the martinis, my absolute favorite dish on the menu is Gnocchi A Tuo Piacere ($18) with your choice of pesto, tomato, Bolognese, or four cheese sauce. I recommend going with the four cheese. They melt in your mouth. Another favorite is the Risotto Alla Valdostana ($21) with roasted chicken breast stuffed with Italian speck and fontina cheese. Enjoy favorites like Lasagna A Ragu Di Pollo ($20), which is chicken lasagna, or Spaghetti Con Le Polpettine ($20), also known as spaghetti and meatballs. And you can't go wrong with Ravioli Di Argosta Alla Vodka ($22) or lobster raviolo with braised leeks in a vodka sauce.  

Entrees: If you make it past the martinis, appetizers, soup and salad, plus gnocchi then congratulations. Pour that glass of red wine and enjoy some delicious main courses. Chicken Alla Parmigiana ($22) is my favorite Italian dish with their fresh mozzarella and pesto pappardelle. Another favorite is Osso Bucco ($28) served over a bed of creamy risotto. Fish lovers can dine and enjoy the Zuppa di Pesce ($22) which is fish soup in tomato white wine broth, or the Salmone Alla Griglia ($22) on top of farro and a grilled vegetable salad. Meat lovers try the Tagliata Di Manzo ($28), a grilled 16-ounce steak with mushrooms,  cognac cream sauce, and potatoes au gratin.