Eating Our Way Through Ventura County

My husband and I have traveled the country full time for the last four years. We’ve visited countless food hot spots—including some in Ventura County. During our recent visit exploring the food scene here, we found there’s much to discover, whether you’re a local or visitor to the area. Here are some highlights from our meandering visit.

From LAX we drove the PCH to Ventura. Along the way, we visited Malibu Farm on the Malibu Pier to stretch, take in some scenery and grab refreshments: Fresh juices, smoothies, coffee and tea offer something for everyone. Their oatmeal horchata is my new go-to.

In Ventura, we settled in. With lodging options to suit any taste, we had so many choices: Stay near the beach at the Crowne Plaza, downtown in the historic (and reportedly haunted) Bella Maggiore or, for a different adventure, opt for Waypoint Ventura and sleep in a renovated vintage travel trailer. I’ll leave you guessing as to which one we picked. For dinner we narrowed our choices to either staying local with Water’s Edge, offering gorgeous harbor views, craft cocktails and dock-to-dish meals (we love their new spin on surf ’n’ turf ) or journey to nearby Oxnard and Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars.

Because we were celebrating our anniversary, Tierra Sur was just the spot, complete with personalized menus and a champagne greeting. We cozied up to inspired cuisine with decadent charcuterie and Executive Chef Gabe Garcia’s unbelievably flavorful special wagyu steak. Over-the-top desserts followed— airy light artisanal doughnuts and baked Alaska were favorites. After a good night’s rest, we were off to check out downtown Ventura. Harvest Café is a must stop, with ingredients sourced from the owners’ and other local farms.  On Main Street we found the tiny gem Palm & Boy, hidden within the El Jardin patio. We ordered vanilla oat milk lattes, an acai bowl and avocado toast.

What is a vacation without time to stroll, shop and soak up some sunshine? Our morning included browsing the curated collections at Ikat & Pearls, swooning over local photography at Latitudes Fine Art Gallery and crafting natural, zero-waste products at The Refill Shoppe.

For lunch, we popped in to share bites at Lure Fish House, known for oysters and local sand dabs with lemon sauce and capers. On the list for next time: Paradise Pantry for grilled sandwiches and fresh salads, with a stop into their wine and cheese shop next door.

Down the street at We Olive, we tasted olive oils, vinegars and found gourmet gifts. Then a quick walk to VomFoss, under new ownership, for more oils, vinegars and a whiskey tasting straight from the cask.

For some nature and movement, we headed a few blocks to the beach—snapped a selfie in front of the famous Ventura sign, walked the Ventura Pier, then strolled the promenade to Surfer’s Point to watch surfers catch waves. If we had more time, we would have planned an outing to the Channel Islands National Park to enjoy hiking, camping and unspoiled nature or even a whale-watching trip on Island Packers Cruises.

If you’re up for more tastings, and in the area on a weekend afternoon, drive to Ventura Spirits Company, a micro-distillery crafting spirits with local botanicals on North Ventura Avenue. A potato-apple-based vodka, wild-harvested sage-forward gin, strawberry brandy, tequila-like prickly pear spirit and zingy limoncello are among the offerings we enjoyed.

Back on Main Street, we stopped in for happy hour at Pacific by Noru (their Hawaiian sushi-trained chef makes killer beef tataki) and then sank into fireplace-facing chairs under citrus trees at Rumfish y Vino for a five-star-worthy meal of craft cocktails, assorted tacos, flatbread and Caribbean fish stew.

If you’re in a wine mood, it’s short drive to The Cave inside Ventura Wine Company, a literal cave in the back of an unassuming retail wine store on McGrath. Enjoy a custom charcuterie board, pizzas or small plates while sampling from over 40 wines by the glass.

The next day we headed to Ojai, obviously.

We started off at Beacon Coffee on Ojai Avenue for gluten-free cinnamon rolls by SunOven and responsibly sourced coffee. Lattes in hand, we meandered next door to Cattywampus Crafts for a little creative inspiration.

We love how Ojai is exceptionally walkable. We explored the shops and restaurants downtown with particular affinity for Fig, Bungalow and deKor & Co. At Carolina Gramm’s in the Arcade, we couldn’t get enough of the local organic infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

For lunch, we tried a little of everything, splitting bites with friends so we could try even more. We love Azu—their short rib taco is craveworthy—and it’s the only place you can try a tasting of Ojai Alisal wines. Then we sat outside at The Nest and made friends with our tablemates talking about the unique cocktails and bites—the Tireman sandwich was a favorite!

If you like to relax in a stunning outdoor space, Tipple & Ramble has to be on your list. It has a fabulous wine list, charcuterie boards and what I swear was a life-changing citrus and hazelnut salad.

Afterward, we did a digestion-supporting kombucha tasting at Revel Kombucha, where lighter-style seasonal jun kombuchas are on tap. If kombucha isn’t your jam, local options for wine tastings abound—like Casa Barranca Organic Winery and The Ojai Vineyard, where you’re likely to find live music and over 300 bottles in the tasting room.

We sat for a bit at Sage, where quiet outdoor seating overlooks a small park. You’ll find mindful meals and curious elixirs here, along with coffee and tea, all with a root in a “food as medicine” mindset.

It was worth the short and scenic drive to Ojai Olive Oil for a free tasting of their organic estate- grown (and infused) olive oils and walk among the groves of 150-year-old olive trees. But beware: It isn’t likely that you will leave without purchasing at least one of the delectable oils.

Soak in the views with dinner at Ojai Rôtie, a rotisserie chicken and handmade sourdough restaurant with onsite sommelier-staffed winebox. We felt like we were dining in the south of France, eating perfectly spiced pastured rotisserie chicken and crusty sourdough bread with oh-so-spreadable butter and crunchy sea salt, of course.

After a leisurely morning on our last day, it was time to pack up and head out. En route to LAX, we took a different route to explore more of Ventura County.

We stopped at Westlake Village Inn for brunch at Mediterraneo, a newly renovated bistro with lovely views and delicious eats. If you are wanting a slightly more casual feel, Stonehaus, on the same property, offers seasonal local fare from breakfast to dinner among kid-friendly tiered courtyard gardens. Or head to newcomer Coin & Candor, a brasserie offering innovative wood-fired locally sourced cuisine at the Four Seasons, Westlake.

Next time, we’ll start at the east end of the county. On our list to check out is Five07 Coffee Bar for organic coffee and gluten-free snacks, Oak & Iron for cocktails with a “garden-to-glass” philosophy and Chocolatine French Café for quiche and a French pastry.

Or, you know, maybe we’ll just have to move here.