Pizza Nosh

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 town or nearby that is worth checking out.

This week:

Overview: Pizza Nosh has been a presence in Agoura Hills since 2002, and this certified kosher and vegetarian-friendly restaurant should be on your list of places to try. The menu is fresh with homemade sauces and dishes all made without MSG or rennet. Depending on what you are craving, there is something for all tastes, whether it be Italian, Chinese, or Mediterranean. Pizza Nosh serves great portions without making you feel that extra "I need to un-button my jeans" full. And their motto is "the 11th Commandment–Thou Shall Eat Pizza." They do celebrate the Sabbath, which means they are only open on Fridays until 2 p.m. and are closed Saturdays. Their regular business hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Appetizers: I am a huge fan of anything breaded and fried, so their mozzarella sticks ($4.99) with marinara and fried zucchini ($4.99) with Ranch dressing are the perfect way to start a meal. The egg rolls ($4.99) are fried and served with a sweet and sour sauce. Another restaurant favorite and great deal is the falafel platter ($7.49) with falafel, pita, hummus, Israeli salad, mozzarella and zucchini sticks. 

Soups/Salads: They make homemade soups and dressings daily. Always on the menu is the four-bean chili ($3.99) with veggie beef and a variety of beans, slow-roasted in a tomato chili sauce. Look for a new soup every day like split pea, tomato, and onion. My favorite salad is the BBQ veggie chicken salad ($8.99) topped with fresh cilantro, tortilla chips and ranch dressing. The tuna salad ($6.99) with cucumbers, black olives, and tomatoes is very popular. Another choice is the Italian Salad ($6.99) with marinated vegetables, eggs, black olives, tomato, and mozzarella cheese. For something simple, there's a Caesar ($5.99) or house salad ($4.99.) Pizza Nosh also has lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that includes soup and salad. 

Sandwiches/Calzones:  For a south of the border dish, try the burrito ($4.99) with homemade refried beans, Spanish rice, and cheese. Go Italian with the veggie chicken parmesan ($7.99) on a toasted oven roll or the Italian veggie meatball ($6.99) with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. And on the Mediterranean side, enjoy a falafel pita ($4.99) full of hummus and tahini sauce.  The veggie burger ($4.99) is served with all your favorite toppings like lettuce, onion, ketchup, mustard and mayo. 

Pasta/Pizza: The vegetable lo mein ($7.99) in a sweet teriyaki sauce with sesame seeds on top is incredible. The baked ravioli ($8.99) has me sold, with its mozzarella that's oven baked to perfection. A classic favorite is the eggplant parmesan ($7.99) with breaded slices of eggplant.

Besides making your own pizza with an endless assortment of toppings, they also have some specialties. My favorite is the Hawaiian with pepperoni and pineapple. The Brooklyn with eggplant, sauteed mushroom and garlic is a crowd pleasure, along with the Mediterranean with spinach, red onion, black olives and feta cheese. Or try something unique, like the Mexican with refried beans, tomato, onions and jalapenos. 

Sides: Complete your meal by adding some French fries ($1.99) on the side. Or try their fresh cheese bread ($1.99) or garlic bread ($1.49). You can also order pita, falafel, hummus, meatballs, and tuna salad on the side. 

Desserts: The cinnamon puffs ($1.99) are excellent. To further satisfy your sweet tooth, Pizza Nosh offers quite an assortment of candies from which to choose.