Refresh
THE RESTAURANTS, COFFEE SHOPS & BARS
Breakfast + First Things
Farmer & The Cook
339 W. El Roblar Drive | (805) 640-9608
Nestled in the hipster enclave of Meiners Oaks, Farmer & The Cook is a market and cafe with offerings as colorful as their rainbow storefront. It’s tough to say whether the Mexican breakfasts or sunset pizzas on the patio are better so you may just have to drop by for both. Bring home jars of housemade sriracha and habanero mango salsa as tasty souvenirs.
Knead Baking Company
469 E. Ojai Avenue | (310) 770-3282
You’ll be charmed by Knead’s sunlit patio, and the toasty breakfast sandwiches and tasty pastries will ensure you’re a fan.
The Oak
905 Country Club Road | (855) 697-8780
It’s hard to resist huevos rancheros beneath a dappled sunlit oak tree… so we didn’t. Ojai Valley Inn’s al fresco restaurant looks out over the resort in a way that encourages a second latte as you watch the morning unfold.
Three-Mimosa Lunch
NoSo Vita
205 N. Signal Street | (805) 646-1540
We can’t really say enough wonderful things about this cozy coffee, breakfast and lunch spot. The lively patio with a chicken piccata shooter or coq au vin panini is a truly pleasant place to be.
Hip Vegan
928 E. Ojai Avenue | (805) 646-1750
Set back from a towering cactus and jaunty signage is Hip Vegan’s awning-shaded patio and tasty lunchables. The burgers and bowls here are so tasty, you don’t miss the meat or dairy (a real feat for these cheese n’ charcuterie plate lovers). Treat yourself to a date shake for the road.
Boccali’s
3277 Ojai Santa Paula Road | (805) 646-6116
In a sea of orange trees beneath red and white boardwalk paneled umbrellas sits Boccali’s, a family-owned ristorante on the outskirts of town. Pretend you’re there for pizza and we’ll keep the truth between us: it’s all about the famous strawberry shortcake. A biscuity layer piled high with fruit and a towering swirl of whipped cream, it’s a treat worthy of top billing. The bucolic scene (complete with honor system farmstand) will ensure your repeat visitor status.
Coffee + Cocktails
Tipple & Ramble
315 N. Montgomery Street | (805) 319-9496
We’re hard pressed to dream up a better name for this reverie of a place, so simply enchanting are its environs. After perusing the irresistible retail wares, order a glass of refreshing vino or any one of the beers on tap and commandeer the hammock on the patio that is everything. The time will come that you’ll have to move on but you won’t want to; we can’t wait to go back.
Ojai Coffee Roasting Co.
337 E. Ojai Avenue | (805) 646-4478
A quick refresher after a deKor & Co. shopping binge, we love this ivy-covered shoppe’s classic vibe, opportunistic location and tasty snacks.
The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room
109 S. Montgomery Street | (805) 798-3947
Belly up to the wine bar in this immaculate tasting room. Impeccably reimagined in calming shades of gray and white, the earthy touches and glass display are eye candy while the killer syrahs seal the deal.
Dinner Dates
Azu
457 E. Ojai Avenue | (805) 640-7987
This tapas institution has never been content to rest on its laurels. The menu embraces local flavors for a result that is always even better than it was the time before.
Osteria Monte Grappa
242 E. Ojai Avenue | (805) 640-6767
This main drag mainstay serves up authentic Italian fare in a lively setting. Snag a courtyard seat for an especially bella notte.
Nightcaps + Desserts
Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Highway | (805) 646-4256
“Legendary Since 1932” proclaims the signage and you sort of thank your lucky stars that places like this aren’t simply the stuff of movies. As high-concept as it gets, this is a cabin-esque watering hole meets juke joint, replete with taxidermy and Native American homage. It’s every bit as awesome as you’d imagine.
Chief’s Peak
615 Ojai Valley Trail | (805) 646-1434
The bar at elevated motorlodge Ojai Rancho Inn is as hip as it is cozy. Claim a barstool, look out at the pool, chat up the rad bartender and revel in your good fortune at having happened upon such a gem.
