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Welcome to the VORTEX
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Welcome to the VORTEX
PHOTO: THE DUTCHESS
The Dutchess is a place to come for a cappuccino and a croissant, take home a loaf of bread, meet friends for sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads at lunch, and come back for great drinks and Burmese-Californian flavors at night.
PHOTO: IZAKAYA FULL MOON
Izakaya means Japanese gastropub. Come here for sweet, malty Echigo Koshihikari lager and tasty BBQ skewers, fresh sashimi, and ramen. It's tricky to get a table, so we recommend showing up right at 5 pm.
IMAGE: OJAI ROTIE
How about a "casual yet elegant...Lebanese French Picnic?" Menu highlights include rotisserie chicken with delicious veggie sides and labneh with charred lemons. Rotie's bread is a mild, naturally fermented sourdough served with a healthy portion of house-churned butter.
PHOTO: RORY’S PLACE
Rory's features live-fire cooking and a raw bar with excellent charcuterie and natural wines. "Our menus are inspired by the fresh, seasonal produce, seafood, and livestock from Ojai, Santa Barbara, and the surrounding areas." Reservations recommended.
PHOTO: NOCCIOLA
This romantic spot is among Ojai's best for dates and celebrations, off the main drag, and situated in a cozy old house. Nocciola boasts rich, homemade pasta dishes, fabulous cocktails, and delicious desserts that make for a solid experience. The prix fixe menu is spendy but amply portioned.
PHOTO: SAMA SAMA
Little Sama is the third offering from the growing Sama empire (including Sama Sama Kitchen in Santa Barbara and Dim Sama in Los Alamos). Located in the back of the Topa Topa taproom, they serve sharable small plates. Stars include the pixie wings, togarashi tots, and wonton nachos.
PHOTO: FRAN GEALER
Ojai is having a pizza moment, but the Pinyon folks are doing something different: pies come topped with fancy ingredients like kefir cheese, mozzarella (handmade in-house), and egg yolks. Additional menu items add to the decidedly grown-up vibes of what otherwise looks like a typical (but elevated) New Jersey joint: tasty veggie sides, salads, and prosciutto with Giardiniera preserves.
PHOTO: TRES HERMANAS
Tres Hermanas in Ojai offers lunch and dinner, featuring a happy hour from Wednesday to Friday. The culinary experience at Tres Hermanas pays homage to the iconic New Mexican chile, available in red or green varieties, which embodies the state's food and culture. These chiles, grown for over 400 years in New Mexico's unique high-altitude and desert climate, contribute a unique flavor to the restaurant's sauces, stews, and more.
PHOTO: HIP VGN
So many all-vegan restaurants veer into the comfort food territory, relying on deep-fried junk foods like onion rings. While Hip Vgn does make a mean french fry, most of their offerings are simply healthy, balanced plant-based meals with filling portions. Favorites include the Indian falafel (the coconut chutney is perfection) and Ashram Lunch with spicy daal. The casual atmosphere has plenty of outdoor seating.
OJAI NOODLE HOUSE PHOTO COMING SOON
OHN is a local gem where traditional Vietnamese cuisine meets the warmth of family heritage. Each dish, from the rich and soul-warming pho to the aromatic garlic noodles and vibrant, zesty salads, is crafted from the owner’s mother’s recipes. It’s not uncommon to find her in the kitchen, infusing every meal with love and generations of culinary tradition.
PHOTO: MICHAEL DAGONAKIS
MHT celebrates the rich history and unique essence of the Ojai Valley through its culinary practices. The arrival of baker Chris Ritke has brought a new dawn to their breakfast offerings, with delicious fresh-baked sourdough sandwiches that are as nourishing as they are flavorful. At Meiners Heritage Table, the commitment to local collaboration and quality ingredients shines brightly in every meal.
PHOTO: P LYN MIDDLETON
Steve Sprinkel and Olivia Chase have run this veggie-friendly Meiners Oaks market, cafe, and certified organic farm forever. Farmer hosts music events, pizza nights, frequent art shows, and a weekly CSA pick-up. The diverse crowd it draws makes for some of the best people-watching in the valley.
Open til midnight Friday and Saturday. The casual and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with a diverse menu of craft beers and house-made sausages, makes it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you're a sausage enthusiast or just looking for a cozy place to unwind, Ojai Pub won't disappoint.
Open til 10 pm Friday and Saturday. An eclectic bar food menu that pairs perfectly with their extensive selection of craft beers and spirits. The laid-back vibe and friendly service create an inviting environment for a night out with friends. From hearty burgers to crispy fries, the food here is just as impressive as the drink selection.
Open til 10 pm every night. Located at the Ojai Valley Inn, Jimmy's Pub is a convenient late-night spot offering a variety of bar food, pizzas, and fresh salads. Open late, it provides a reliable option for guests looking to enjoy a meal after a long day. Jimmy’s is the only spot in the Valley with a mozzarella sticks.