Adam And Kerstin’s Ojai Guidebook
Lunch & Dinner
Rory's Place is a newcomer to Ojai and walking into this buzzy restaurant you could be forgiven for thinking you've left Ojai and been transported to Silver Lake or Venice. The menu is divided into goodies from the raw bar (like oysters and an impressive seafood tower) and dishes showcasing the bounty of the local farming community. The food is delicious, you can't go wrong, and the wine list is a curated selection of biodynamic wines from around the world.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rory's Place
139 East Ojai AvenueRory's Place is a newcomer to Ojai and walking into this buzzy restaurant you could be forgiven for thinking you've left Ojai and been transported to Silver Lake or Venice. The menu is divided into goodies from the raw bar (like oysters and an impressive seafood tower) and dishes showcasing the bounty of the local farming community. The food is delicious, you can't go wrong, and the wine list is a curated selection of biodynamic wines from around the world.
We love the delightful French-Lebanese style rotisserie chicken platters at Ojai Rôtie, which make for an excellent takeout if you don’t want to enjoy sitting on the lovely patio, complete with tree-hung string lights. Served with Middle Eastern inspired picnic sides, like tabooli (organic bulgar wheat and cherry tomatoes dressed with Italian parsley, green onions, mint and lemon) or caramelized cauliflower (with turmeric, toasted pine nuts, golden raisins and baby kale) and signature sourdough baguettes, you can’t go wrong here.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ojai Rotie
469 E Ojai AveWe love the delightful French-Lebanese style rotisserie chicken platters at Ojai Rôtie, which make for an excellent takeout if you don’t want to enjoy sitting on the lovely patio, complete with tree-hung string lights. Served with Middle Eastern inspired picnic sides, like tabooli (organic bulgar wheat and cherry tomatoes dressed with Italian parsley, green onions, mint and lemon) or caramelized cauliflower (with turmeric, toasted pine nuts, golden raisins and baby kale) and signature sourdough baguettes, you can’t go wrong here.
One of Ojai’s more upscale restaurants, Nocciola is housed in a century-old Craftsman-style home, with a covered patio amid oak trees that evokes the sense of dining in a tree house. The menu showcases dishes inspired by Northern Italy, with a short but very well curated selection of antipasti, salads, pasta dishes and secondi/entrées. The wine list is extensive and features both European and local varieties and with a tasting menu available, Nocciola is a wonderful place for a special evening out.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nocciola
314 El Paseo RdOne of Ojai’s more upscale restaurants, Nocciola is housed in a century-old Craftsman-style home, with a covered patio amid oak trees that evokes the sense of dining in a tree house. The menu showcases dishes inspired by Northern Italy, with a short but very well curated selection of antipasti, salads, pasta dishes and secondi/entrées. The wine list is extensive and features both European and local varieties and with a tasting menu available, Nocciola is a wonderful place for a special evening out.
Run by Ojai native Kiona Wachter, The Nest is the perfect place for a healthy-ish lunch or dinner and a cocktail. It’s a super casual affair: you order at the counter, find a table and wait for your name to be called out. The menu is focused on organic, local ingredients and features comfort dishes with a twist. Try the healthy Ahi poke bowl, which is made with black rice; the crispy calamari tacos; the fried chicken sammy on a brioche bun; or one of the very satisfying pizzas. And please don’t leave without trying a cocktail – we especially love the Oaxaca.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Nest
401 E Ojai AveRun by Ojai native Kiona Wachter, The Nest is the perfect place for a healthy-ish lunch or dinner and a cocktail. It’s a super casual affair: you order at the counter, find a table and wait for your name to be called out. The menu is focused on organic, local ingredients and features comfort dishes with a twist. Try the healthy Ahi poke bowl, which is made with black rice; the crispy calamari tacos; the fried chicken sammy on a brioche bun; or one of the very satisfying pizzas. And please don’t leave without trying a cocktail – we especially love the Oaxaca.
Breakfast & Brunch
The Ojai outpost from celebrated Los Angeles restaurateurs Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb (Rustic Canyon), The Dutchess is a café cum bakery by day and a buzzing bar and restaurant by night. It is named after a century old brick oven and while it’s expensive for Ojai, the pastries, sandwiches and baked goods are exceptional, and the back patio is a gorgeous place to while away a lazy morning. At night The Dutchess becomes a vibey restaurant serving an innovative Indian-Burmese menu and excellent cocktails.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Dutchess
457 East Ojai AvenueThe Ojai outpost from celebrated Los Angeles restaurateurs Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb (Rustic Canyon), The Dutchess is a café cum bakery by day and a buzzing bar and restaurant by night. It is named after a century old brick oven and while it’s expensive for Ojai, the pastries, sandwiches and baked goods are exceptional, and the back patio is a gorgeous place to while away a lazy morning. At night The Dutchess becomes a vibey restaurant serving an innovative Indian-Burmese menu and excellent cocktails.
This little deli café squeezed between Rory’s Place and a clothing boutique on Ojai Ave serves a European style menu of pastries and baked goods, sandwiches, quiches and breakfast and brunch items, as well as salads, cheese and charcuterie platters. Owned by Pat Cluché and Gay Martin, who have run restaurants in Ojai for almost 30 years, it’s a true local spot.
Marche' Gourmet Delicatessen
133 E Ojai AveThis little deli café squeezed between Rory’s Place and a clothing boutique on Ojai Ave serves a European style menu of pastries and baked goods, sandwiches, quiches and breakfast and brunch items, as well as salads, cheese and charcuterie platters. Owned by Pat Cluché and Gay Martin, who have run restaurants in Ojai for almost 30 years, it’s a true local spot.
The Oak serves a daily breakfast, lunch and dinner experience featuring locally sourced products, many of which come from the resort’s own kitchen gardens. Al fresco dining under the pergola offers dramatic views overlooking 200-year-old Oak trees, the championship golf course and sweeping mountain vistas.
The Oak
905 Country Club RoadThe Oak serves a daily breakfast, lunch and dinner experience featuring locally sourced products, many of which come from the resort’s own kitchen gardens. Al fresco dining under the pergola offers dramatic views overlooking 200-year-old Oak trees, the championship golf course and sweeping mountain vistas.
Vegan & Vegetarian
Right in the heart of town on Matilija St, Hip Vegan is one of those vegan spots that you don’t have to be vegan to appreciate. The menu features everything from burgers and sandwiches to healthful bowls, wraps and vegan iterations of classic salads as well smoothies and rotating daily specials. The menu is written out on a chalkboard wall and items can be taken on the road or enjoyed on the pretty outdoor patio.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hip Vegan
201 N Montgomery StRight in the heart of town on Matilija St, Hip Vegan is one of those vegan spots that you don’t have to be vegan to appreciate. The menu features everything from burgers and sandwiches to healthful bowls, wraps and vegan iterations of classic salads as well smoothies and rotating daily specials. The menu is written out on a chalkboard wall and items can be taken on the road or enjoyed on the pretty outdoor patio.
This organic café/food store in Meiners Oaks is quintessentially Ojai, with a rustic hippy vibe and drinks that include Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate and Turmeric Toddies. The vegetarian Mexican-inspired menu is as unpretentious as it is delicious, with farm-to-table dishes like cauliflower tostada (served on a fried tortilla) and goats cheese veggie tacos (with sautéed shiitake mushrooms and summer vegetables). Whether you want to grab a smoothie to go or sit and people watch, Farmer and the Cook is as Ojai as it gets.
111 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Farmer and the Cook
339 W El Roblar DrThis organic café/food store in Meiners Oaks is quintessentially Ojai, with a rustic hippy vibe and drinks that include Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate and Turmeric Toddies. The vegetarian Mexican-inspired menu is as unpretentious as it is delicious, with farm-to-table dishes like cauliflower tostada (served on a fried tortilla) and goats cheese veggie tacos (with sautéed shiitake mushrooms and summer vegetables). Whether you want to grab a smoothie to go or sit and people watch, Farmer and the Cook is as Ojai as it gets.
BōkU Superfood has been making its health-boosting powders in Ojai for the past 15 years and now showcases them in their café. The food offer comprises a plant-based menu of accessible comfort foods. The idea is to serve healthy, vegan versions of American favorites. Not only is there a selection of smoothies and juices, there’s mac and cheese, made from gluten-free pasta, vegan cheese and topped with panko breadcrumbs; a vegan quesadilla with jerk jackfruit that resembles pulled pork and is lathered with bbq sauce; and even a Super French Toast.
Café BōKU
987 West Ojai AvenueBōkU Superfood has been making its health-boosting powders in Ojai for the past 15 years and now showcases them in their café. The food offer comprises a plant-based menu of accessible comfort foods. The idea is to serve healthy, vegan versions of American favorites. Not only is there a selection of smoothies and juices, there’s mac and cheese, made from gluten-free pasta, vegan cheese and topped with panko breadcrumbs; a vegan quesadilla with jerk jackfruit that resembles pulled pork and is lathered with bbq sauce; and even a Super French Toast.
Hikes
Located next to the Friends Packing House – the big turquoise building you can see from our cabin just across the river, is the Cozy Dell trailhead. We love this hike as it’s so close and at about an hour up and down, it’s a relatively quick and easy hike up Sheldon Canyon. Once you get to the top, the trail levels off and opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Ventura River and Matilija Dam as well as the Santa Ynez Mountains.
From here there are several options to continue on longer hikes to explore the mountains behind Ojai and below Nordhoff Ridge, including Foothill Trail and Pratt Trail. The Cozy Dell Trail itself heads eastward continuing through another canyon and eventually descending to Cozy Dell Creek where it ends.
Cozy Dell Trail
Cozy Dell TrailLocated next to the Friends Packing House – the big turquoise building you can see from our cabin just across the river, is the Cozy Dell trailhead. We love this hike as it’s so close and at about an hour up and down, it’s a relatively quick and easy hike up Sheldon Canyon. Once you get to the top, the trail levels off and opens up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Ventura River and Matilija Dam as well as the Santa Ynez Mountains.
From here there are several options to continue on longer hikes to explore the mountains behind Ojai and below Nordhoff Ridge, including Foothill Trail and Pratt Trail. The Cozy Dell Trail itself heads eastward continuing through another canyon and eventually descending to Cozy Dell Creek where it ends.
Located just a few miles down the road from us, the Ventura River Preserve covers almost 1,600 acres of protected land maintained by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Stretching along the Ventura River and into the adjoining foothills, it’s a stunning wilderness of native plant and wildlife that is easy to get lost in.
The preserve comprises a vast network of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to moderate uphill treks. Most of the trails are also open to equestrians and mountain bike users. The preserve has three different trailheads: on Old Baldwin Road, Rice Road and Myer Road, all of which offer parking and access to the various areas of the preserve. One of the most popular hikes is the Wills-Rice Loop trail, a five-mile loop that starts at the Oso Trailhead off Meyer Road and opens up to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ventura River Preserve - Meyer Rd Trailhead
1290 Meyer RdLocated just a few miles down the road from us, the Ventura River Preserve covers almost 1,600 acres of protected land maintained by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Stretching along the Ventura River and into the adjoining foothills, it’s a stunning wilderness of native plant and wildlife that is easy to get lost in.
The preserve comprises a vast network of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to moderate uphill treks. Most of the trails are also open to equestrians and mountain bike users. The preserve has three different trailheads: on Old Baldwin Road, Rice Road and Myer Road, all of which offer parking and access to the various areas of the preserve. One of the most popular hikes is the Wills-Rice Loop trail, a five-mile loop that starts at the Oso Trailhead off Meyer Road and opens up to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
About a 30-minute drive north of Ojai, up the 33 and down the Sespe River Road, also known as Rose Valley Road, hiking from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead is a bit more of a commitment. An adventure pass is required to park in the lot, which serves three major trails, all of which share the first half-mile before the first junction. The easiest of all is the Piedra Blanca Formations Trail, which is a 2.6 mile out and back trail that passes the Sespe River and leads to the famous white mountain rock formations that are simply stunning to behold. Other options are the eastward Sespe River Trail, which leads on to the Sespe Wilderness; the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail which climbs the major mountain range to the north called Pine Mountain; and the Middle Sespe Trail, which least westward and ends at Highway 33 north of the Rose Valley junction.
Piedra Blanca Trailhead
Rose Valley RoadAbout a 30-minute drive north of Ojai, up the 33 and down the Sespe River Road, also known as Rose Valley Road, hiking from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead is a bit more of a commitment. An adventure pass is required to park in the lot, which serves three major trails, all of which share the first half-mile before the first junction. The easiest of all is the Piedra Blanca Formations Trail, which is a 2.6 mile out and back trail that passes the Sespe River and leads to the famous white mountain rock formations that are simply stunning to behold. Other options are the eastward Sespe River Trail, which leads on to the Sespe Wilderness; the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail which climbs the major mountain range to the north called Pine Mountain; and the Middle Sespe Trail, which least westward and ends at Highway 33 north of the Rose Valley junction.
Wine
We love this wine store, which sells well-priced, interesting and often natural wines from around the world. The knowledgeable staff are lovely and always have something special up their sleeves.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Point de Chene Wine & Beer
108B N Signal StWe love this wine store, which sells well-priced, interesting and often natural wines from around the world. The knowledgeable staff are lovely and always have something special up their sleeves.
This tasting room is housed in a colonial-style building off Ojai Avenue that was once a firehouse. The huge room features a large wall of wine at the back that fittingly sets the scene for there are more than 300 wines available to sample or buy here. A typical tasting flight at the Ojai Vineyard showcases five wines and our personal favorite is their elegantly aged Syrah. But their very moreish Rosé, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or delicate Pinot Noir are also not to be scoffed at. The highly knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help and there are tables both inside and out where you can sit and enjoy a glass, flight or bottle.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Ojai Vineyard
109 S Montgomery StThis tasting room is housed in a colonial-style building off Ojai Avenue that was once a firehouse. The huge room features a large wall of wine at the back that fittingly sets the scene for there are more than 300 wines available to sample or buy here. A typical tasting flight at the Ojai Vineyard showcases five wines and our personal favorite is their elegantly aged Syrah. But their very moreish Rosé, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or delicate Pinot Noir are also not to be scoffed at. The highly knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help and there are tables both inside and out where you can sit and enjoy a glass, flight or bottle.
Topa Mountain Winery is an outdoor wine tasting experience with some of the best mountain views in Ojai. Reservations are required and bookings are available a month in advance. The extensive selection of wines covers everything you could possibly lust for, including sparkling and dessert wines, and the wines are hand-crafted from the Ojai Valley and Central Coast. The wines are available by the glass and bottle, while the wine tasting flight of four wines costs $18 plus tax. Bring your family, a picnic and enjoy.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Topa Mountain Winery
821 W Ojai AveTopa Mountain Winery is an outdoor wine tasting experience with some of the best mountain views in Ojai. Reservations are required and bookings are available a month in advance. The extensive selection of wines covers everything you could possibly lust for, including sparkling and dessert wines, and the wines are hand-crafted from the Ojai Valley and Central Coast. The wines are available by the glass and bottle, while the wine tasting flight of four wines costs $18 plus tax. Bring your family, a picnic and enjoy.
Nestled on a corner at the edge of Ojai’s East End just as you leave town, Boccali’s is a full service Italian inspired restaurant that offers wines from its family-owned vineyard. The family produces 100% estate wines, made from fruit grown on their ranch in the Upper Ojai Valley, with vintages including the aptly called Shangri-La Grenache Blanc, Pink Moment Rosé Syrah and the Topa Topa Syrah. Boccali’s is open for outdoor wine tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5pm only and the tasting fee for a flight of seven wines is $10.
Boccali Vineyards & Winery
3277 E Ojai AveNestled on a corner at the edge of Ojai’s East End just as you leave town, Boccali’s is a full service Italian inspired restaurant that offers wines from its family-owned vineyard. The family produces 100% estate wines, made from fruit grown on their ranch in the Upper Ojai Valley, with vintages including the aptly called Shangri-La Grenache Blanc, Pink Moment Rosé Syrah and the Topa Topa Syrah. Boccali’s is open for outdoor wine tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5pm only and the tasting fee for a flight of seven wines is $10.
Beer
A little off the beaten path, the Ojai Valley Brewery and its outdoor beer garden is located on Bryant Street. With 15 beers on tap as well as kombucha, cold brew and both cans and growlers sold to go, it’s a beer drinker’s mecca. There’s always something happening here, from food trucks to live music and it’s a great lively place to be.
Ojai Valley Brewery
307 Bryant StreetA little off the beaten path, the Ojai Valley Brewery and its outdoor beer garden is located on Bryant Street. With 15 beers on tap as well as kombucha, cold brew and both cans and growlers sold to go, it’s a beer drinker’s mecca. There’s always something happening here, from food trucks to live music and it’s a great lively place to be.
Ojai Places We Love
This gorgeous yoga studio in the heart of downtown Ojai offers a range of different classes from early morning yoga to Pilates and dance classes. All proceeds go towards local charities so by coming here you’re not only being good to yourself but are also helping the local community.
Move Sanctuary
306 East Matilija StreetThis gorgeous yoga studio in the heart of downtown Ojai offers a range of different classes from early morning yoga to Pilates and dance classes. All proceeds go towards local charities so by coming here you’re not only being good to yourself but are also helping the local community.
There are few places in Ojai that are as iconic as Bart’s Books. Listed in just about every travel piece ever written about the town and featured in TV documentaries and even a Hollywood movie, the almost 60-year-old largest outdoor second-hand book store has achieved nothing short of cult status.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bart's Books
302 W Matilija StThere are few places in Ojai that are as iconic as Bart’s Books. Listed in just about every travel piece ever written about the town and featured in TV documentaries and even a Hollywood movie, the almost 60-year-old largest outdoor second-hand book store has achieved nothing short of cult status.
The Day Spa of Ojai
209 N Montgomery StOur favorite spot for massages, facials and all things pampering.
Located just west of Ojai, directly adjacent to the Ventura River Preserve, is Oso Ranch – named after the nearby trailhead. It is a sanctuary for any animal lover, with almost 100 horses and ponies as well as cows, goats, pigs, bunnies, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and a particularly vociferous peacock. Daily trail rides take both locals and tourists into the protected river preserve with its grasslands, meadows, and surrounding canyons offering a spectacular escape into nature. Riders are greeted by friendly guides and tacked up horses, and regardless of riding experience, the steady steeds are there to take them on an hour-long adventure they won’t soon forget.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company
1290 Meyer RdLocated just west of Ojai, directly adjacent to the Ventura River Preserve, is Oso Ranch – named after the nearby trailhead. It is a sanctuary for any animal lover, with almost 100 horses and ponies as well as cows, goats, pigs, bunnies, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and a particularly vociferous peacock. Daily trail rides take both locals and tourists into the protected river preserve with its grasslands, meadows, and surrounding canyons offering a spectacular escape into nature. Riders are greeted by friendly guides and tacked up horses, and regardless of riding experience, the steady steeds are there to take them on an hour-long adventure they won’t soon forget.
FiG first opened its doors in August 2013, featuring a curated selection of unique gifts for home and garden, with a focus on local, handmade, and fair trade goods. Find a little bit of everything: handcrafted garden decor, plants and planters, beautiful textiles, ceramics and glassware, bags, locally made jewelry, candles, natural bath and body goods, baby items, cards and paper products, stylish home decor, and so much more.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
FiG Curated Living
327 E Ojai AveFiG first opened its doors in August 2013, featuring a curated selection of unique gifts for home and garden, with a focus on local, handmade, and fair trade goods. Find a little bit of everything: handcrafted garden decor, plants and planters, beautiful textiles, ceramics and glassware, bags, locally made jewelry, candles, natural bath and body goods, baby items, cards and paper products, stylish home decor, and so much more.
Our favorite ice cream spot in Ojai, with lots of uniquely local flavors like Pixie Tangerine, Topa Topa Tin Roof and more.
SANDERS & SONS GELATO
334 East Ojai AvenueOur favorite ice cream spot in Ojai, with lots of uniquely local flavors like Pixie Tangerine, Topa Topa Tin Roof and more.