California Pizza Kitchen at Tarzana — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Hear that? Do you feel the ground shaking? That's hundreds of hoves pounding the forest floor responding to Tarzan's call.

Tarzana was the location for the jungle found in the Tarzan movie series (1932-1948) starring the Olympican, Johnny Weissmuller. His famous recorded call was used by every actor playing Tarzan, except, perhaps, Carol Burnett, whose comedic interpretation brought Tarzan to her CBS comedy program.

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950), Tarzan creator, lived nearby in Encino California. He was laid to rest in his creation, Tarzana. Tarzana's post office has a collection of Burroughs' memorabilia on display.

The CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN at Tarzana (CPK), part of the national chain, offers a unique interpretation of international dishes. CPK offers almost two dozen "international" pizzas. Their various toppings include barbecued chicken, Thai chicken, pepperoni, roasted artichoke, and wild mushroom. All are built on thin wheat or califlower crust.

This very busy eatery provides excellent, attentive service. Our server, Edgar, is knowledgeable and friendly.

Sliced French bread is accompanied with an oil and balsamic vinegar dip.

Our meals at CPK came out quickly. Instead of pizza, which we have had several times, I ordered the (vegan) Bolognese Spaghetti sans the cheese. The pasta was served Al dente, with a fresh tomato garlic sauce. My partner's Chicken Milanese, is topped with arugula, house made checca sauce, finished with olive oil, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Servings are large.

My partner also ordered a slice of key lime pie on a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. (Several desserts are available.)

On another visit to CPK, I ordered an off menu vegan "Guacamole Pizza."

Two menu items are required. First order a small, baked, wheat pizza crust. The kitchen will divide it into four wedges. Also, add an order of spicy, white corn guacamole. Spread about half of the chilled, jalapeno, white corn guacamole onto the warm pizza crust. And enjoy. Take home the extra guacamole and chips.

STUFF: This is a good, busy eatery. Everything is ADA compliant. Parking is free in their lot. The restrooms are near the front, just...

The menu is extensive, lots of items to choose from and almost all of their dishes are great for sharing. My mom and I like to come here because we can split a pizza and salad or pasta, so we don't have to face the difficult task of choosing just one item off of their menu, in which everything looks delicious! The service has always been A+ every time I've visited this location - the servers treat the guests like friends/ family and take the time to talk to us even when the place is super busy, which it has been pretty much every time I've been here. I know what it's like to work in a busy restaurant where there doesn't seem to be a second to spare, and this is no easy task, so kudos to those that work here and always manage to find the time to do so! The only reason I didn't give this location 5 stars was that it feels nearly impossible to have a conversation at your table! The insanely busy atmosphere on EVERY night of the week definitely factors into the reason for this frustrating situation, but I understand that's not the restaurant's fault, in fact it's something they should be proud of! However, the blasting music is, in my opinion, totally unnecessary, when it's already hard enough to hear your dinner companion(s), and because it's a family restaurant, so I don't exactly see the point. The last time I visited this CPK, it was so bad, it definitely affected my desire to visit again in the future and my overall opinion of the restaurant in a negative way. I left the place with a headache from attempting to have a conversation with my mom during our meal, straining both to hear what she was saying and to say anything over the noise in return. I will most likely give this CPK another try in the future for lunch or during slower business, but if it were my choice, I'd probably choose a different location or a different restaurant altogether if it was as busy as it has been the last few times...

First time on the states in the last 12 years, I felt so discriminated and sorry to step in a restaurant! I’ve been Canada, France, Turkey, and this was exceptionally bad! It was busy, so my wife stepped in to reserve a table; then I did, to ask the hostess if we can sit on a table inside because our 85 year old gust who had a very bad back pain and 5 stents in the heart couldn’t wait “25 min” standing upright outside, and waiting benches where occupied. First, I noticed she had put our name down 2 empty spots after the last name! I didn’t say anything. Not very welcomingly she agreed we sat on the first table next to the waiting area and her desk. After waiting about “45 min” my wife went to remind her we where there and she said we where next. Then another 15 min, seeing everybody who came after us already being served, she told my wife “we called your name twice and no response”!!! My wife said “I was just there for a reminder, how’s that possible? Even after an hour waiting, we’d be leaving if not having a dear guest”!! And she says “you should!, we called you twice”! And all this in front of our guest! I finally got upset and went to talk to the manager. He automatically apologized without letting me talk, without listening to me, starting to sweat on forehead! My guest was more important to me, so accepted and no more discussion, like nothing happened! And THIS is why I’m spending so much time writing this essay, 4:30 in the AM, not able yo sleep, thinking how easily our weekend got spoiled! That one star up there and 10% tip I gave (ALWAYS have been 20% and above) are for the waiter and food! I’ve been places and believe that customer service in US, at least in CA, is the best! We have high expectations here, which we pay for. But you who are a manager! Please watch who you are hiring, for what position! Feel your...