One of the best places to watch airplanes and helicopters land and take-off is this WW II-themed restaurant located at the northern end of the Van Nuys airport runway. Unusual artifacts and delicious fare.
If you go:
The Erickson helicopter base is located directly south of the restaurant and a great place to view the CL-415 super scoop air tankers used in wildfires in the summer months. Has a nice patio and bar!
Links:

16320 Raymer Street
Van Nuys, California 91406 USA
Phone Numbers:
Information & Reservations
+1 (818) 994-7437
+1 (818) 994-7437
Message from RoadTrip America