Posted: Thursday, Feb 1st, 2024
Updated: Monday, Feb 5th, 2024
15 Romantic Restaurants in Ventura
Are you looking for the perfect romantic restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or to rekindle the romance? Picture it: a table set for two over an amazing meal and some quiet time set aside to laugh and share memories together. What could be better than that?
Wondering what are some of the best romantic restaurants in Ventura? There are plenty of different romantic restaurants in Ventura — from dinners with a front row seat to magical beach sunsets to cozy candlelight meals perfect for getting lost in conversation. Read on for 15 romantic restaurants in Ventura that you can add to your next date night!
1. Rumfish y Vino
Tucked away in Downtown Ventura, you won’t want to miss the opportunity for a meal at Rumfish y Vino. Escape to the tropics and enjoy a meal that blends island flavors with an intimate ambiance. Sit outside in the beautiful patio with heaters or stay inside with a full bar at your fingertips. Try their delicious salmon or cochinita pibil tacos and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, setting up a romantic evening together.
2. Eric Ericsson’s
Head over to the historical Ventura Pier (the oldest pier in the state of California!) for a meal right on the water. Eric Ericsson’s is a Ventura staple; it’s been part of the community since 1981 and continues to be one of the most romantic spots in town. Climb up the steps of the Ventura Pier and you’ll find Eric Ericsson’s at the very beginning of the pier, overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Take in the views, relax, and sip on a brew from MadeWest, just on the second floor. Eric Ericsson’s is known for their fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner in Ventura.
3. The Cave
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience look no further than the Cave on the east end of Ventura. Do yourself a favor a buy a wine card — you’ll get to have a truly fantastic wine experience! With 40 wines on five of their wine serving machines, it’s just as fun to pick and pour your wine as it is to enjoy it! Plus, enjoy their weekday prix fixe menu and live music on certain days of the week. The Cave is a great place to have fun, enjoy a delicious meal, and make memories together. Check out the Cave, a great option out of the many romantic restaurants in Ventura.
4. Aloha Steakhouse
Just feet away from the beach, Aloha Steakhouse is a local and visitor favorite for a mouthwatering meal. From their hand-cut steaks to spectacular ocean views, plus two large outdoor patios so you can feel the warm sunshine on your face and the ocean breeze through your hair, check out Aloha Steakhouse for a romantic restaurant experience in Ventura.
5. Paradise Pantry
A small restaurant with thoughtful, curated meals, Paradise Pantry lives up to its name. Its “scratch based” menu sources seasonal local ingredients resulting in an exciting list of new dishes to try — you just never know what meal you’ll end up ordering (and you’ll have a hard time choosing!). Next door, check out their pantry filled with wine, cheese, and other bites. Head over to Paradise Pantry for an intimate dinner where the food won’t disappoint.
6. Cafe Fiore
Handmade pasta. Fluffy, light tiramisu for dessert. And a cozy outdoor patio fit for a romantic dinner in Ventura. Next on our list of romantic restaurants in Ventura is Cafe Fiore. The restaurant prides itself on its authentic Italian meals and mouthwatering handmade pasta. Try their Ravioli Di Ricotta for a classic Italian meal and top it off with one of the classic cocktails. You can’t go wrong with an evening at Cafe Fiore, a great choice when you’re searching for a romantic restaurant in Ventura.
7. Water’s Edge
Watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of purple, pink, and orange, as you laugh over a meal at Water’s Edge at the Ventura Harbor. Executive Chef Alex has crafted not just a menu but a unique dining experience perfect to celebrate that special event or for a fun night out with amazing views of the harbor to top it all off.
8. Lure Fish House
Lure Fish House offers a romantic seafood dining experience, right in the heart of Downtown Ventura. Cheers with your loved one over a plate of fresh seafood in a cozy and elegant ambiance. Whether you stick to the basics or want to try something a little different at their oyster bar, Lure Fish House is a great choice in this list of romantic restaurants in Ventura!
9. Prime Steakhouse
Prime Steakhouse combines a refined and stylish atmosphere with delectable cuisine, an easy choice when you’re figuring out the perfect restaurant for a romantic night out. With the striking interiors from the dazzling chandeliers and black granite countertops, Prime Steakhouse’s atmosphere perfectly matches its elegant menu offerings.
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10. Casa Bella
Classy and romantic, Casa Bella has a ton of different menu specials to choose from — just pick the day! Lobster Wednesday calls for a four-course meal plus a 10oz warm water lobster tail. Monday specials and happy hours make for a great romantic night out.
11. Cafe Zack
One of the best steaks in town is hidden in a renovated 1930s-style cottage restaurant — Cafe Zack is waiting for you to discover it! Their signature Filet Mignon is enough to check out Cafe Zack for an intimate dinner but don’t miss out on the other items on their menu.
12. Barrel 33
An under-the-radar wine bar in Ventura with exceptional food, Barrel 33 is an intimate dinner spot, ideal for a cozy date night in Ventura. You’ll often be able to talk and chat with owner Parfait about the menu and the best wine pairings for a unique and personalized experience. Make sure to make a reservation in advance!
13. Jolly Oyster
What is more romantic than eating right on the sand as the sun dips below the ocean? The Jolly Oyster is a perfect fit for an adventurous couple, unafraid of getting their feet in the water while eating fresh seafood and oysters. Truly a fun and unique dining experience, the Jolly Oyster is right on the beach, making it the perfect romantic dinner or lunch spot in Ventura.
14. Brophy Bros
With incredible harborside views and amazing clam chowder, Brophy Bros is a romantic sit-down restaurant that will start the night off right, located at the Ventura Harbor. Sit inside or outside on their covered second-floor patio — either way, you’ll be able to see the water and mountains! While you’re at the Ventura Harbor, make sure to check out all the shops and boutiques. Plus, walk over to Island Packers to book a wildlife or whale watching cruise for a fun date idea!
15. SPASSO Cucina Italiana
Last but not least, SPASSO is a classic Italian restaurant located in South Seaward. Little fun fact, John Lennon once sang there when it was known as John’s on the Beach. Just steps from the beach, you can enjoy a delicious Italian meal and then head down to the beach to end the night.
Bonus 16: Model Citizen
A local restaurant and wine bar, Model Citizen wraps up our romantic restaurants in Ventura list in style. Upscale yet cozy, Model Citizen’s menu focuses and specializes in local ingredients and flavors, making a meal there a true sample of Ventura’s flavor. From their handmade rigatoni to their pan-seared sea bass, Model Citizen’s dishes will start the evening off right. Check out their killer happy hour too!
What Fine Dining Restaurants are in Ventura?
Looking for more romantic restaurants in Ventura or fine dining restaurants in town? Check out this list for more ideas. Plus we’ve got you covered as you plan the entire night— here are some date night ideas in Ventura to help you out!
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