Sharky's Modern Mexican Kitchen

The founder, Steve Paperno, had a vision to combine the variety of flavors he experienced traveling through Mexico with innovative recipes and his passion for healthy living.

Steve noticed much of the food at restaurants was processed and lacked healthy options. His passion for eating organic and natural food along with his active healthy lifestyle inspired him to fill this void and make a difference in the way people dined out.

The result is an innovative menu that strives to use fresh, natural and organic ingredients combined with unique cooking styles for enhanced flavor and the promise of excellence and satisfaction.

Today, there are 30 restaurants located primarily in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. While we continue to develop and look for new opportunities, we never forget our roots. Since 1992, Sharky’s has evolved both in style and menu, but the essential spirit and ambiance of every restaurant is tied directly to Steve’s original vision to bring about change with food.

Making a difference with food was the premise behind Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill when the first restaurant opened in Sherman Oaks, California in 1992.

A chain that sells order-at-the counter Mexican food featuring organic and locally-sourced dishes. SHARKY S HISTORY Sharky s was founded in Sherman Oaks in California, 1992. Its mission is to make a difference through food. Steve Paperno was inspired by his travels through Mexico to create innovative dishes and share his love for healthy living. Steve saw that many restaurants served processed food and did not offer healthy choices.

He was passionate about eating natural and organic food and he wanted to make an impact on how people dine out. It is a new menu with innovative cooking techniques that combines fresh and natural ingredients to create a unique flavor experience. There are currently 30 restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange counties. We are always open to new possibilities and we don't forget where we came from.

Sharky's has changed in both style and menu over the years, but its essence and atmosphere is still rooted in Steve's original vision of bringing about positive change through food.