Posted: Thursday, Dec 19th, 2024
Cozy Restaurants in Ventura to Get in the Holiday Spirit
When the holidays roll around, Ventura transforms into a coastal winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, cool breezes, and festive cheer make it the perfect time to explore the city’s coziest restaurants. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a festive drink to warm your spirits, these local spots embrace the festive magic. Here are some must-visit restaurants in Ventura to help you soak up the holiday spirit.
Dargan’s
Irish coffee anyone? A beloved Irish pub right in the heart of downtown Ventura, Dargan’s is a local favorite year-round, but especially during the holiday season.
Cozy up inside by the fire and order your favorite cocktail or a pint of Guinness along with classic fish n chips or loaded Irish potato skins. Whatever you decide to order, it always hits the spot — pub food is the ultimate cozy meal for the holidays. Dargan’s is the place to gather with friends, share a laugh, and toast to the holiday season.
Rocks & Drams
Voted by the LA Times as a must-visit holiday pop-up bar to visit in Southern California this season, grabbing a drink at Rocks & Drams is an absolute must!
Hosting the Miracle Pop-Up, this popular cocktail bar and restaurant is dressed to the nines for the holidays. With an insane holiday cocktail menu (don’t sleep on the Jingle Balls Nog or Christmapolitan), a delicious food menu, and over-the-top holiday decor, Miracle at Rocks & Drams fully embraces the magic of the season. Tip: make a reservation in advance!
Asiatique Eatery
For a fusion of flavors that’ll warm your soul, head to Asiatique. This Asian-inspired eatery offers a blend of Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisines as a Christmas tree twinkles inside.
Decked out with fun holiday decorations, you can enjoy a delicious warm meal while getting in the festive spirit. Everything on the menu is delicious but make sure you end your meal with a bite of their Bingsu (a Korean shaved ice dessert).
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Rumfish y Vino
Rumfish y Vino is the epitome of the holidays at the beach. Serving Central American-inspired plates, Rumfish y Vino brings warmth and color to Ventura’s holiday season with its vibrant flavors and easy breezy California cool ambiance.
Grab a seat on their beautiful heated outdoor patio and enjoy the winter season in Ventura (it’s the best of both worlds!). Still need to do some last-minute gift shopping? No problem. Across the way, the Livery offers a unique sip-and-shop experience. Sip on a holiday-themed cocktail and browse through local vendors.
Cafe Fiore
Looking for a perfect blend of romance and holiday charm? You’ve come to the right place. Cafe Fiore is known for its intimate outdoor patio adorned with string lights creating a magical winter wonderland even in Ventura.
Inside, sit at the decorated bar and try their espresso martini before ending the evening on a high note with tiramisu. Add live music into the mix, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a cozy holiday evening.
Cafe Zack
Tucked away in a charming cottage-turned-restaurant, Café Zack feels like dining at a close friend’s home. This intimate restaurant is the perfect date night spot for the season and a menu filled with seasonal flavors.
Little Lion
For a cozy brunch or lunch spot serving the holiday drink lineup of your dreams, visit the Little Lion.
Offering fresh, locally sourced dishes with a seasonal menu, the Little Lion has quickly become a popular spot for whatever brunch item you’re craving. Known for Taylor Swift-inspired cocktails, it’s not surprising that their new holiday beverages are named after some of Taylor’s songs like Willow, Tis’ The Damn Season, and Clara Bow.
Art’s Corner CafeÂ
Sometimes, nothing beats a classic diner breakfast on a crisp winter morning. And if it happens to consist of a full plate of homemade cinnamon rolls, we’re not complaining.
Art’s Corner Café is a Ventura staple known for its hearty portions and welcoming atmosphere. The retro decor and comforting plates of fluffy pancakes or sizzling bacon and eggs make it a cozy stop during the holidays. It’s the kind of place that feels like home, especially with a mug of hot coffee to start your day (or an espresso martini, we’re not judging!).
Indian Rasoi
For a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, Indian Rasoi is a gem on the Ventura Avenue for some killer chicken tikka masala tacos (yep, you read that right — tacos!).
With cute holiday decorations lining the walls and tables, Indian Rasoi is a unique eatery that puts a fun twist on the holidays.
Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room
Cheers to the holiday season on Deep Sea’s intimate outdoor patio as the harbor lights twinkle in the distance. The Ventura Harbor Village itself is completely decked out for the holiday season (not to mention plenty of fun holiday events). Deep Sea is a great intimate date night spot with all of the festive vibes of the season.
Sip on Deep Sea’s signature wine options while watching as people walk along the harbor promenade and snack on a charcuterie board or pizza and celebrate the little moments during a busy holiday season with the people who matter most.
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