Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks to nearly double in size with debut of new patio

This is going to be a big year for what is perhaps the San Fernando Valley’s most famous restaurant and celebrity hangout.

The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award-winning Casa Vega is turning 70 this year and to mark the milestone anniversary the eatery is nearly doubling its footprint thanks to the opening of a new patio named in honor of the famed restaurant’s founder.

The Ray Vega Patio, a new 3,000-square foot expansion honoring founder Rafael “Ray” Vega, Jr., opens to the public March 9.