Posted: Tuesday, Aug 6th, 2024
Updated: Friday, Nov 22nd, 2024
Best Restaurants in Ventura: Top Must-Try Restaurants
What Are the Best Restaurants in Ventura? Locals Weigh in
Whether you’re looking for an intimate date night spot, a casual take-out place, or the best breakfast house, Ventura is a haven for food lovers, offering an array of dining options that cater to every taste and occasion. There are so many amazing restaurants here in town, that it’s hard to name all of them!
That’s why we asked you, our readers, for your favorite restaurants in town. And you shared with enthusiastic support for your favorite places to eat in Ventura. Over 200 of our readers put their two cents in and voted for the best restaurants in Ventura.
And now what you’ve been waiting for (drum roll please)…here are the best restaurants in Ventura, according to Ventura locals themselves.
1. Lure Fish House
At the top of the list, Ventura locals voted Lure Fish House as the best restaurant in Ventura. And it’s easy to see why. Known for its commitment to serving sustainably caught seafood, the restaurant boasts a delicious menu of fresh seafood that’s fitting in our beach town. Start with their famous charbroiled oysters at the oyster bar or, if you’re looking for something a little more casual, locals love their fish n chips. Make sure to leave a little room at the end for their widely popular key lime pie too!
Located in Downtown Ventura, Lure Fish House is easily one of the best restaurants in Ventura as it’s perfect for seafood lovers, family gatherings, or a romantic date night. After your dinner, stroll along Main Street or head down to the beach for sunset!
2. Rumfish y Vino
A little further down Main Street in Downtown Ventura, tucked away on Palm Street, a meal in Ventura wouldn’t be complete without visiting Rumfish y Vino — and it looks like our readers agree! Second on the list is Rumfish y Vino, a gastropub with delicious plates inspired by Central American cuisine. Colorful and vibrant, with a laid-back island vibe, everything on the menu is to die for.
The fish or pork belly tacos and braised beef lasagne are always a crowd pleaser — and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with their addictive plantain chips for something to munch on. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a beverage on their cocktail menu!
If you’re looking for a restaurant with an amazing ambiance that is great for a fun and casual lunch or dinner, Rumfish y Vino should be on your list of best restaurants in Ventura to try.
3. Cafe Zack
Cafe Zack is has been a Ventura staple since the 90s. Ventura’s well-known secret spot (as one local put it on Yelp), Cafe Zack is the restaurant you go to for that dinner that deserves a little extra celebration. Dress up, go out, and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable experience at Cafe Zack.
Known for their filet mignon and amazing course meals for special holidays, you can sit in and settle in Cafe Zack’s cozy yet elegant ambiance. Tip: make a reservation in advance just in case!
4. Aloha Steakhouse
Aloha Steakhouse is Ventura’s only beachfront steakhouse and, as you can imagine, the views you will enjoy as you feast are breathtaking.
From delicious seafood spreads to juicy burgers and steaks, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’ve been craving for at Aloha. Sit indoors and enjoy the fun and lively ambiance or sit outside to feel the cool ocean breeze and people watch on the Ventura Promenade. With an awesome happy hour menu, fun cocktails, great service, and spectacular ocean views, Aloha Steakhouse is an absolute must-try in Ventura; no wonder they were voted by locals as one of the best restaurants in Ventura!
Ideal for special occasions or a delightful bite to eat with a view, Aloha Steakhouse is perfect for your date night or celebratory dinners.
5. Cafe Fiore
If you’re looking for a taste of Italy in Ventura, you’ve come to the right place. Cafe Fiore is a family-owned and operated casual Italian trattoria-style restaurant in Downtown Ventura. Expect tasty handmade pasta, live music, a full bar, and a whole lot of fun at Cafe Fiore. On a warm evening, sit outside in their small patio with string lights overhead for a romantic dinner.
Any of their pasta-based dishes are a crowd pleaser and make sure to save some room at the end for their lightweight yet creamy tiramisu. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner date or a place for the whole family to reunite, Cafe Fiore is most definitely one of the best restaurants in Ventura according to locals.
6. Paradise Pantry
According to most locals, your first time at Paradise Pantry probably won’t be your last. A quaint restaurant that doubles as a cheese shop and wine bar, it’s called Paradise Pantry for a reason. From artisanal sandwiches to made-from-scratch pasta dishes, Chef Kelly keeps guests on their toes with a rotating weekly menu with fresh options that will leave you wanting more.
Cozy and intimate, with charming rustic decor, any local will tell you to save room for dessert (please try their bread pudding, you won’t regret it!). Perfect for a relaxed lunch or a romantic evening, Paradise Pantry offers a unique dining experience for cheese and wine enthusiasts.
And when you’re done, walk along Main Street for boutiques and thrifting!
7. Cafe Nouveau
The first breakfast spot on this list, Cafe Nouveau is one of the most unique restaurants in Ventura (and one of the best!). Located in a home-turned-breakfast/brunch eatery, Cafe Nouveau is known for its delicious beignets and really cute atmosphere. Their menu features a lot of twists on classic breakfast dishes like sweet potato biscuits and blueberry corn muffins and are worth trying.
Be ready to wait on the weekends — it’s rare to pass by Cafe Nouveau on the weekends without a line. But once you take a bite of anything on their menu, you’ll know why it was all worth the wait. And once you’re done, head down the street to the beach for the ultimate Ventura vacation.
8. Peiranos
Home to an outdoor patio with one of the coolest views in Ventura, Peirano’s is filled with history. Located in one of the oldest buildings in Ventura, Peirano’s offers a mix of Italian and American deli favorites. Casual and charming, with a vintage market feel, sit outside on their terraza for wonderful views of a Spanish tiled fountain and the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura.
Order one of their deli sandwiches, particularly the Italian sub, and take a glance at their happy hour menu (their mocktails are delicious!).
Great for a dinner date or a lunch work meeting, you won’t regret checking out Perianos, voted one of the best restaurants in Ventura.
9. Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market
It’s no surprise that Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market was voted one of the best restaurants in Ventura. Once you try their fish n chips, you’ll know why. Located at the Ventura Harbor Village, Andria’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving fresh seafood since 1982, making it one of the oldest businesses in Ventura. Perfectly family-friendly, casual, and always bustling, you and the crew can sit on the open-air patio and waterfront views. Not to mention, the Dallas Cowboys have been known to go here when they’re in town for their summer training camp.
You just can’t beat Andria’s location, just steps from the harbor, making it feel like a true authentic seafood restaurant. When you’re done eating, you can head down to Ventura Boat Rentals at the harbor for some fun out on the water.
10. Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen
Perfect for that classic American lunch you’ve been craving, head to Finney’s located in the heart of downtown Ventura. Whether you’re looking for a flatbread pizza, a juicy burger, or chicken wings to dig into, you can’t go wrong with pretty much anything on the menu.
A great place to hang out with friends and catch the latest sports game or play skee ball up on the second level. Sit indoors or sit on the outdoor patio and watch people walking around Main Street. Finney’s is a staple and never seems to miss and that’s what makes it one of the best restaurants in Ventura.
Don’t sleep on their awesome selection of beers, margarita flights, and delicious cocktails!
11. Pete’s Breakfast House
One of Ventura’ most iconic breakfast spots, you may recognize Pete’s Breakfast House from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Long before it made its TV debut, Pete’s has been a staple in Ventura’s breakfast and brunch scene since 1981.
Cozy and casual, with a nostalgic, diner feel, most of the seating is out on its outdoor patio where you can bring your pooch for breakfast too. Order just about anything on the menu (definitely try their crispy potatoes) and you’ll be happy. Perfect for a classic breakfast or brunch spread with family or friends, Pete’s stands out as not only one of the best restaurants in Ventura according to our readers but also one of the best places to get breakfast and brunch in Ventura.
In the afternoon after breakfast, explore Midtown Ventura or head down to the beach, just a few blocks away.
12. Baja Bay Surf N Taco
Tucked in the Ventura Harbor Village, you can’t go wrong with fish tacos here at Baja Bay Surf N Taco. Known for their battered fish tacos, this small family-owned taco restaurant right by the beach is a local’s favorite.
Order at the counter and sit indoors or out on their patio. Or, order for takeout and head across the street to the beach!
13. Boatyard Pub
Ventura locals are loyal to Boatyard Pub. Located at the Ventura Harbor Village, head here for a taste of fresh seafood dishes.
After a day out at the Channel Islands National Park (tip: book ferry tickets in advance), a warm meal from Boatyard Pub is all that you need. From halibut to crispy fish n chips, Boatyard Pub is unpretentious, family-friendly, and down to earth with food that doesn’t disappoint. It’s a true Ventura family-friendly restaurant — no wonder it made it on the list for one of the best restaurants in Ventura — and it has to be on your list to try.
14. Corrales
You can’t talk about iconic places to eat in Ventura without a local mentioning Corrales.
One of the oldest Mexican joints in Ventura, Corrales Mexican Food is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and generous portions. Order to-go at one of the locations in Ventura (there are two) and take your burrito to the beach or sit outside on one of the tables. Known for their incredible breakfast burritos, you’ll know you’ve eaten in Ventura once you check out Corrales.
While these are the top eateries that made the cut for best restaurants in Ventura, there are so many different food options available all across town. If you’ve tried everything on this list, take a look at our list of more obscure restaurants. And don’t forget about our bustling craft beer and cocktail scene, breakfast places, the Ventura Taco District, and so much more.
We’re excited for you to have a taste of Ventura no matter where you choose!
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