11 Best Restaurants in Ojai, California, in 2024

Ojai, California, like Malibu wine country, is both a foodie destination and the perfect place to get away from it all. I’ve come to Ojai for numerous day trips from Los Angeles, spent many weekends, and nestled in for a rejuvenating 2-week retreat, and I have loved it every single time. And among the many getaway cities Angelenos can travel to, Ojai is definitely one of the most deserving of a visit. Whenever I go, I stay close to downtown since most of the best restaurants Ojai has to offer are then in walking distance.

Ojai is a small, charming city northwest of Los Angeles, in Ventura County. Located just inland from the California Central Coast, this idyllic spot is surrounded by gorgeous wildlands and scattered farms that provide a bounty of year-round produce, including some of the best ingredients of California cuisine. The region’s beauty and bounty has fostered a deep connection to the land that is both a hallmark of local Ojai culture and a magnet for visitors.

With the backdrop of the Topatopa Mountains, no matter what activity you fancy, you can count on picture-perfect scenery while enjoying Ojai. Dining on delicious food, peeking in at the art galleries, browsing the titles at world-famous Bart’s Books, hiking, biking, wine tasting, strolling through downtown Ojai, indulging in a spa day, sipping craft beers while listening to live music at a brewery, or doing nothing at all except soaking in the surroundings—these are but a smattering of what visiting Ojai is all about. There’s truly something for everyone, and the same goes for the best restaurants in Ojai, California.

Sunset in downtown Ojai, along Ojai Avenue, home to many of the town's best restaurants — Stay close to downtown Ojai so you can walk to most of the best Ojai restaurants.

The Best Restaurants in Ojai, California

The Ojai food scene is bustling. Although the downtown area is primarily one main street that runs a few blocks, Ojai restaurants are plentiful. On our list of best Ojai restaurants, we have something for every palate and budget, from fine-dining restaurants to casual eateries. So, if you’re wondering where to eat in Ojai, don’t google “food near me” or “restaurants near me” or even “best restaurants in Ojai, CA,” just read on for the best places to eat in Ojai, California!

1. The Oak at the Ojai Valley Inn: Best Fine Dining in Ojai

No list of best Ojai restaurants would be complete without one of the restaurants at the Ojai Valley Inn, an Ojai institution and leading hotel since 1923! So let’s tackle this entry first: My pick is The Oak. Although the resort has an even fancier restaurant, The Oak exudes fine dining, and I consider it a splurge. In fact, it may well be the best restaurant in Ojai.

And while The Oak provides some of the best fine dining Ojai has to offer, if you want something a little less expensive, choose lunch over dinner. This is one of the best restaurants in Ojai for lunch, and eating here while taking in the scenery will really make you feel like you’re on vacation.

The lovely outdoor patio overlooks the expansive rolling greens of the golf course on the property dotted with huge oaks. This is also a great spot to view “the pink moment” of the Topa Topa Mountains. (Yes, this really is a thing; more later.) Among Ojai restaurants with a view, this one is truly tough to beat!

As you would expect from one of the best Ojai Valley restaurants, the menu changes seasonally. But no matter what time of year, I’ve never been disappointed with their scallops, pork chop, or filet mignon.

Reservations are recommended at all of the Ojai Valley Inn restaurants.

Location: 905 Country Club Rd

A view from The Oak Restaurant at the Ojai Valley Inn — Dining at The Oak Restaurant at the Ojai Valley Inn

2. Rory’s Place: Best Creative Share Plates in Ojai

SoCal sisters Rory and Meave McAuliffe grew up in Venice Beach and spent much of their childhood in the kitchen of their mom’s bakery in Santa Monica. Although the pair took different paths from there, neither lost their passion for the possibilities of creation, connection, and kinship a kitchen can foster.

Last year, the twosome reunited to open Rory’s Place and bring their creative flair featuring California open-fire cooking to town. The result is one of the most exciting new restaurants in Ojai. Located a few doors west of the town’s historic post office, the eatery features an enticing high-ceilinged, rustic-timber-topped dining room that gives way to a back patio that’s equally inviting.

The menu boasts a slew of creative share plates that highlight the produce and meats sourced in the local Ojai valleys and seafood plucked from the nearby Pacific. The last time I was there with my husband Mike and a longtime foodie friend, the three of us dove into broiled oysters with fermented chili butter, a tuna tartar tartine, aquachile with shrimp chips, and a halibut with sunchoke and turnip puree. Terrestrial highlights included a hearth bread with feta and Calabrian chile and a heritage pork chop topped with a Cara Cara marmalade and accompanied by charred cabbage and red flint polenta.

We capped off the meal with a banana cream pie. Utterly satiated and satisfied, the last thing we shared was the opinion that it was too hard to pick just one best thing of the evening because each and every component was so wonderfully delicious. We also agreed that Rory’s is now undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Ojai for dinner.

Location: 139 E Ojai Ave

3. Ojai RÔtie: Best Casual Ojai Restaurant

As a chef and a foodie, I love everything about this casual Ojai restaurant that describes its cuisine as “Lebanese French Picnic.” I recommend ordering family style from the limited but tasty menu. The simple preparation yet complex flavors of the signature Rôtie Chicken with a couple of sides (caramelized cauliflower and signature slaw are my faves) and grilled Lebanese flatbread makes me happy every time.

And I never leave without picking up a loaf of bread of some kind. If you’ve read our Famous Food of San Francisco article, you know I love Tartine bread, and the offerings here are nearly as good. The sourdough boule is my top pick, but the olive loaf and baguette are quite yummy too.

In addition to the food, the ambiance is very inviting both day and night, with ample outdoor seating on the large patio studded with centuries-old oak trees framing postcard views of the Topatopas. The chef team behind Ojai Rôtie, Claud Mann and Larry (Lorenzo) Nicola, are true artisans and very hands on. You will find them going from table to table ensuring the highest quality of food and service from their friendly staff.

The owners’ unfussy attentiveness is definitely one of the reasons Rôtie is one of my favorite places to eat in Ojai. Once we were there during a neighborhood blackout, and they impressed me with how well they handled the situation and kept their cool. Instead of suffering a minor disaster, we were treated to a memorable dining experience with an unexpected twist.

Location: 469 E Ojai Ave

Roasted chicken dinner and lamb skewers at Ojai Rôtie Restaurant

4. The Dutchess: Best Eclectic phenom

When Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb, co-owners of the highly popular Rustic Canyon Family of restaurants in Santa Monica, moved their family to a farm in Ojai, the last thing they had on their minds was launching yet another acclaimed eatery. But feeling inspired by the success of their farm, the local food scene, and the Ojai community, they ended up opening one of the best new restaurants in town—or should I say bakery, café, and restaurant.

In the mornings, the bakery creates delightful pastries, breads, cookies, and cakes inspired by whatever’s in season. Wholesome hot breakfasts are also offered, augmented by inventive sandwiches and other creative lunch options until 2 pm. From 2 til 5, cocktails and drinks flow, but eats are restricted to the goodies in the pastry case. At 5, Chef Saw Naing unleashes a Burmese-Californian dinner menu that honors the cuisine he was introduced to by his beloved grandmother.

The bar also heats up at night with a slew of creative cocktails, an extensive offering of California Central Coast and imported wines, and copious quantities of local craft beer. The Dutchess definitely has one of the most exciting Ojai bars among all the downtown Ojai restaurants!

The eclectic mix of offerings means you’ll have great food and drinks to choose from at this Michelin Guide hot spot no matter what time of day you visit. The Dutchess is without a doubt one of the most alluring Ojai restaurants open now. And the heart-of-town location and beautifully appointed space are nice bonuses as well.

Location: 457 E Ojai Ave

Lamb Biryani at one of the best restaurants in Ojai, The Duchess

5. Ojai Deer Lodge: Best California Rustic

One of my favorite Ojai restaurants is its oldest restaurant and tavern, located on the outskirts of town. Built back in 1932, this rough-hewn wood and river-stone gem has both a patina charm and welcoming vibe. Indoors is vintage All-American roadhouse, while the outdoors offer ample seating under a country sky with firepits for when the temps dip and the stars come out.

The menu is California comfort food. There’s legendary mac and cheese, famous fried chicken, pulled pork grilled cheese, and quite possibly the best burger in town—with plenty of less anticipated but equally delicious options that make the entire menu worthy of a read.

On weekends, BBQ is fired up outside, while talented live music acts heat things up inside. Generous cocktails, a trusty wine list, and more than 20 craft beers means no one goes thirsty. Enjoying timeless pleasures in this old-time treasure is worth making time for.

Location: 2261 Maricopa Hwy

Deer Lodge Restaurant in Ojai, CA — Deer Lodge Restaurant in Ojai

6. Osteria Monte Grappa: Best Italian Restaurant in Ojai

As you may have read in my recipe post for Marinara Sauce, I usually don’t go out for Italian food. Growing up with homemade traditional Italian dishes, I am easily disappointed by the typical Italian restaurant here in the USA. So, while it may seem odd to go to Ojai, California, for Italian food, Osteria Monte Grappa’s house-made pappardelle, ravioli, and agnolotti are worth a trip for dinner in Ojai.

I have the hardest time deciding between the melt-in-your-mouth agnolotti with braised beef, the green herb ravioli, and all the pappardelle dishes! Luckily, my husband is always willing to share, so we both get to try twice as many options!

Ojai dinner restaurants can fill up, especially on weekends, so reservations are recommended here.

Location: 242 E Ojai Ave

Homemade agnolotti at the best Italian restaurant in Ojai, Osteria Monte Grappa

7. The NesT: Best California Al Fresco in Ojai

I love The Nest for its wholesome and toothsome California cuisine in a laid-back, lovely outdoor setting. And since it’s open for lunch and dinner—with appealing Ojai brunch items added on Sunday, and a number of breakfast offerings other days—you can go whenever you want and be assured of a great find on the extensive menu no matter what you’re looking for or when you’re looking.

Super salads, terrific tacos, pleasing pizzas, satisfying sandwiches, various vegetarian and hip vegan options—the choices are choice. There’s even a cool kids menu. Wines, beers, seltzers, and signature cocktails are also all on offer.

On a recent visit, Mike enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad so much at Sunday brunch, we came back for more at lunch the next day. I loved the Brussels Sprout Hash at brunch, and the Brisket Tacos were top notch too. We’re looking forward to making it back on a Thursday at some point: That’s the only time the signature smashed Wagyu, bacon, and cheeseburger is available.

Location: 401 E Ojai Ave

8. Agave Maria’s: Best Mexican Restaurant in Ojai

If you have a hankering for a margarita and a giant burrito, head to Agave Maria’s, the best Mexican restaurant in Ojai. And I mean a really big, I-cannot-eat-the-whole-thing burrito.

Of course, Agave Maria’s serves much more than burritos and margaritas! The extensive menu has all of the traditional Mexican foods like tamales, enchiladas, tostadas, and quesadillas. And vegetarians need not fear: The restaurant’s delicious guacamole, veggie tacos, and famous chile relleno are just a few of the veggie-centric top picks available on the menu.

This is one of the best Ojai restaurants for lunch. Just off the main drag, the atmosphere is relaxed yet festive. It’s one of my favorite spots for really good food, great drinks, and a fun time. I like to sit by the fountain outside, where the steady stream of passers by provide some good people watching.

Location: 106 S Montgomery St

Feeling festive at Agave Maria’s, our pick for best Mexican food in Ojai. — Feeling festive at Agave Maria’s, our pick for best Mexican food in Ojai

9. Boccali’s Pizza: Best Pizza in Ojai

With all these wonderful Ojai eating establishments, the only celebrity sighting I’ve ever had at a local restaurant occurred at Boccali’s. I find that especially amusing because this place serves mainly locals since it’s a few blocks past the tourist part of town.

No matter who you are, at this longtime local favorite, you can choose your own toppings to build the best Ojai pizza. Toppings range from eggplant and artichokes, through meatballs and prosciutto, to crab and shrimp. The dough is thicker than in NY-style pies, but certainly nothing like Chicago deep-dish pizza.

Don’t expect fancy; this is a family joint. Grab a picnic table outside, and enjoy the best pizza in Ojai with a pitcher of beer while you watch the sunset behind the beautiful bucolic field just across the street.

Alternatively, if you want a scenic break from the downtown shops and galleries during the day, this is a great place for lunch in Ojai.

Location: 3277 E Ojai Ave

10. Topa Topa Brewery/Little Sama: Best Ojai Food and Beer twosome

Loved by locals as well as tourists, Topa Topa Brewery is Ojai’s neighborhood hangout. You can come for a quick beer and somehow still find yourself there a couple hours later listening to live music, playing backgammon, and eating a braised pork belly sandwich.

With continuous service from noon til 9:00 pm on weekdays and from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends, more than one person has managed to stretch out their visit to Topa Topa Brewery to include both lunch and dinner in the same sitting.

The Southeast Asian–inspired food is provided by Little Sama Ojai, and the beer by Topa Topa Brewing Co. Between their seasonal beers and core beers, everyone should be able to satisfy their thirst and palette. If beer’s not your thing, try the hard seltzer of the day.

Location: 345 E Ojai Ave

Head to Topa Topa Brewing Co. and Little Sama Ojai for the best Ojai food and beer combo.

11. Marché Gourmet Delicatessen: Best Ojai Lunch To Go

Lunch in Ojai doesn’t have to mean a sit-down meal at a restaurant. Marché Gourmet is the go-to place for an Ojai lunch to go! Fresh salads, small plates, and sandwiches on baguettes make this one of the best places for a fast Ojai lunch. Take your lunch to nearby Libbey Park in the center of town, or dine at one of the outdoor tables in front of this European-inspired deli.

The European influences are evident in sandwich cheese options like fontina and chèvre, and meat options like mortadella, capocollo, and prosciutto. In addition, small plate offerings include Beef Carpaccio and a Paté Plate.

Location: 133 E Ojai Ave

Best Ojai lunch to-go at Marché Gourmet Delicatessen — Best Ojai lunch to go at Marché Gourmet Delicatessen

Foodie Forays Beyond Ojai Restaurants

As a foodie, I know your epicurean inquiries may not end with curiosity about Ojai restaurants with outdoor seating or questions regarding who does the best lunch in Ojai or most delightful dinner. So, whether a wonderful meal at an Ojai restaurant is your main event or a pleasant sideshow, here are a few other options for foodie fun and near necessities during your stay in Ojai.

Ojai Bevvies

I’m intending to circle back and do an article on wine tasting in Ojai before long, but in the meantime, you won’t have trouble finding a wine bar on your own. Nonetheless, here’s a quick shout out to two spots worth considering for wetting your whistle.

Tipple and Ramble has a great patio in the heart of town just a few blocks off of Ojai Ave where they serve wine and beer. Chief’s Peak is at town’s edge at the Ojai Rancho Inn and offers wine, beer, and cocktails in their bar or at their poolside patio. At Tipple, you can get a charcuterie plate or other light snacks; at Chief’s, snack options are limited to little more than chips and popcorn.

The best place to load up on drinks to enjoy elsewhere is aptly named Ojai Beverage Company. This spot is well stocked with a vast selection of wines, beers, and liquors, and, surprisingly, has a pretty good menu of pub food as well.

Getting a coffee in Ojai is also an easy assignment. Beacon Coffee has never let me down, and I like the fact that the owners routinely visit the producers they work with all around the world to ensure that only the best, most responsibly grown coffee finds its way into my cup.

Ojai Foodie Events (& 2 Bonus Goodies)

When in town, I love to stop in at Ojai Olive Oil Company. Their tasting room and boutique is located right on the farm where the olives are grown. The main olive grove was planted way back in the 1800s, and the farm is still family owned and family operated. All the olive oils are 100% organic, and you can choose from multiple varieties, including some that are infused with fruits or herbs. The tasting room is open every day, and the staff can answer any questions you may have about olive oils, olive farming, or cooking with their products. There are also several tables set up under a beautiful canopy of olive trees where you are welcome to enjoy a picnic lunch you bring in.

The Farmhouse at the Ojai Valley Inn is a treasure trove of culinary experiences. The program is overseen by all-star master chef Nancy Silverton and includes a Guest Chef Series that brings some of the world’s best kitchen talent to share some magic in a stunning setting. Check the event schedule on their site for what’s coming up.

Conversely, you don’t have to check any schedule to enjoy the Ojai Certified Farmers Market. It takes place every Sunday, rain or shine, from 9 am to 1 pm at 300 East Matilija Street, and has been going strong for over 18 years. Wholesome food, including amazing locally grown fruits and vegetables, natural meats, sustainably caught fish, and prepared foods are just the tip of the tasty iceberg of offerings.

And speaking of icebergs, I’ll just throw in my favorite ice cream shops here before I wrap up. Ojai Ice Cream has been a longtime locals’ favorite—going back to 1979—but they’ve been undergoing a lengthy renovation lately. So, we’re lucky that Sanders and Sons Gelato makes reliably amazing gelato and sorbets, with their lineup of fascinating flavors changing every day. There’s nothing wrong with having two fine choices for feel-good frozens just a few blocks apart from each other!

Questions About Our Best Ojai Restaurants List

You may be wondering about a couple of things discussed in this article:

What is the “pink moment” in Ojai?

The magical pink moment occurs just before sunset in the Ojai Valley. At this time, the Topatopa mountain walls that line the valley become washed with a pink hue for just a few minutes. You can view the pink moment phenomenon from just about anywhere you get a view of the Topatopas, which can be walking down Ojai Ave or at many of the restaurants on our list.

The pink moment from the Ojai Valley Inn. — The pink moment, as seen from the Ojai Valley Inn

Who was the celebrity sighting at Boccali’s?

We spotted the British actor Malcolm McDowell pulling in to park at Boccali’s. He was kind enough to let the stranger in the photo below get into his car and take a selfie with him. If you can’t place him, he was the older conductor in the Mozart in the Jungle series and appeared in numerous other TV series that I myself have never seen.