Sage Ojai

When Sage Ojai opened in spring 2019, there was a sense that it has always been there. Perhaps that is because it fits the aesthetic and feel of Rainbow Bridge Village Marketplace just around the corner.

Five years ago, Mary and David Trudeau, owners of Rainbow Bridge, decided to open a full-service restaurant that offered sustainable and organic ingredients fresh from local farms. Their dream was realized in Sage.

“We wanted the food to hold all the criteria that are so important to us at Rainbow Bridge,” says Mary.

Thanks to their market affiliation with so many local farmers, sourcing for Sage was in the bag.

Behind the counter a posted chalkboard informs guests which farms contributed to the current menu.

This collaboration and connection to their community is very important to the owners. “We want people to eat well. Opening Sage was an act of love for our community,” Mary says.

Sage boasts Executive Chef Michael Chavez-Martinez, whose training in France, global culinary travels and collaboration with chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, Jacques Pepin, Mark Gold and others has helped to inspire the seasonal menu at Sage, which offers something for every diet from vegan to Paleo. Organic fresh-baked pastries, made daily by Francesca Lopez, include gluten-free and low-lectins options.

In their newly opened lounge, which showcases gorgeous hand-stenciled walls and a carefully crafted bar and ceiling, mixologist Whitney Page creates clean healthy-esque “apothecary libations” like Lavender & Velvet, made with Ventura Spirits Gin, organic lemon juice and a housemade lavender tonic; and Siren’s Heart, which includes Channel Islands Distillery’s rum, matcha and adaptogens. Beer, wine and live entertainment are also being served both in the lounge and on the gorgeous outdoor patio.

217 E. Matilija St., Ojai
805-646-9204; SageMindfulMeals.com