Prose Kitchen & Bar, the first brick-and-mortar restaurant from Chef David Gussin known for his work with Food First Events and as a former executive chef at STK, Fig & Olive, and Cleo, announced the Grand Opening on Sunday, March 2. Poised to become Woodland Hills’ newest dining destination and located at 21150 Ventura Boulevard, the restaurant offers a modern take on California cuisine, blending peak-season ingredients with global influences.
The restaurant joins the diverse and lively Ventura Blvd. dining scene. It features a 60-seat dining room with a sophisticated interior including rich wood accents, caramel-hued ostrich leather booths, jewel-toned decor, and warm lighting to create an inviting yet refined atmosphere. Additionally, the 30-seat all-season patio is designed for year-round comfort, equipped with heat lamps and cooling misters, seamlessly embracing Southern California’s signature indoor-outdoor dining experience.
Gussin approaches this venture with his wife and co-owner Molly Gussin who will oversee operations and bring her personal touch to every dining experience. Gussin is also joined by Executive Sous Chef Brandon Francis Anaya, formerly of the culinary team at LA’s Bavel Restaurant, to execute a culinary program that blends innovation with hospitality. The menu celebrates the artistry and essence of California cuisine, showcasing a variety of genres made with farm-forward, sustainably sourced ingredients. From the prelude section—featuring Crispy Squash Blossoms and “Tokyo Style” Beef Carpaccio—to the mains and pasta entrées, which include hand-rolled shapes, intentional sauces, and delicately cooked meats like Braised Short Rib Rolled Lasagna or the Wild Mushroom & Sunchoke Pot Pie filled with black garlic cream and a madeira reduction, each plate is thoughtfully crafted. Influenced by cuisines from around the world and infused with a homestyle touch in honor of the chef’s family, Prose’s menu cultivates a grounded culinary experience.
“We feel fortunate to live in the state of California, which teems with diversity, culture, and breathtaking nature. Prose is a love letter to our home,” says co-owner Molly Gussin in a statement. “Inspired by California, it goes without saying that the state’s farmers and producers—who sustainably make our art possible—are at the heart of everything we do. Every dish we create is designed to honor this industry, and taken to new levels with adventurous global artistry for a truly unique culinary experience.”
With plans to expand to a full bar later this year, the crafted beverage program showcases a curated selection of wines from established and emerging producers and craft beers. The non-alcoholic cocktail menu will feature signature drinks such as the ‘Valley Sunset,’ served under a dome of captured rosemary smoke that releases tableside, revealing layers of house-made passion fruit syrup and fresh citrus.
“Prose is where the familiar meets the unexpected. We believe that being surrounded by the things that bring joy creates an opportunity to be more daring,” says Gussin. “That’s the feeling we aim to create at Prose: a space where curiosity flourishes, new flavors and experiences can be explored, and gathering with loved ones is always encouraged.”
As a warm welcome to the community, guests dining through March 15, 2025 will receive a complimentary dessert – limited to one per table, with the purchase of one entrée per person. Prose is open Monday–Tuesday from 11:30 AM – 9 PM, Wednesday–Thursday from 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM, Friday–Saturday from 11:30 AM – 10 PM, and Sunday from 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM. Parking is available onsite in addition to street parking. Additional information, menus, reservations, and more are now available via the website, eatatprose.com.
