Nine Great Off the Beaten Path Ventura Restaurants

Rewarding travel is about exploring hidden corners, here in Ventura and anywhere else you choose to adventure. Here’s what you get when you venture outside the norm. Lost, maybe. But also the satisfaction of a special find. In the cases below, restaurants that are as good as they are affordable. Restaurants that are family-run and go far beyond the extra culinary mile. Restaurants where you can hobnob with Venturans who appreciate your extra effort and the delicious barbecue sauce dribbling from your loopy grin.

And now is the perfect time to do good for yourself and your Ventura town, or the Ventura town you’re kindly visiting. Our restaurants can use your help.

So thank you for doing a good thing.

And please enjoy yourself immensely while you’re doing it…

Buster’s BBQ & Grill

Nothing fancy to look at (tucked in the corner of a strip mall at 2855 Johnson Drive on Ventura’s East end), but no one comes here for the view. They come for ribs, chicken, tri-tip, hot links, chili beans and, yep, barbecue sauce that stand with the best you’ll ever have. They don’t even bother with social media. Kind of refreshing.

Taqueria Cuernavaca

Some claim Taqueria Cuernavaca has the best tacos anywhere. Why not investigate that claim? Start with the al pastor (marinated pork) or veggie tacos (potatoes or mushrooms; they have lots of good vegetarian options). Proceed from there. Thoroughness is an admirable trait.

La Parrilla Yucatan Mexican Food

The Lopez family takes pride in everything on their wide-ranging Yucan-style menu, from chile relleño burritos, to barbacoa, to chilaquiles, to what some say is the best Pollo Pibil (Half roasted chicken, marinated in sauces and spices and slowly cooked in banana leaves) anywhere. They try to keep everything local, from their ingredients to their beers.

Santa Cruz Market

Santa Cruz Market is off the tourist track but on the local radar because their deli is as good as it is interesting. Great Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare. Their Shawarmas are mouthwatering; chicken, lamb, and tri-tip cooked perfectly, cut thin, and served in a saucy wrap.

Danny’s Deli & Grill

Locally owned (there’s a theme here), Danny’s is a New York-style deli serving all the things you’d expect: thick Reubens, crispy on the outside steak fries, Tuna Melts, and soups and breads made daily. Rows of pies on display, brined pickles on the table, servers who know the regulars by name. All that’s missing is the traffic and sharp elbows of New Yorkers.

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Taqueria Cuernavaca 1117 N Ventura Ave, Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 653-8052

La Parrilla Yucatan Mexican Food 100 N Ashwood Ave, Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 650-1736

Danny’s Deli & Grill 3263 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 289-9200

Himalaya Restaurant Cafe 35 W. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 643-0795

Stephen’s Market and Grill 2632 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 648-4200

Two Trees Restaurant and Taps 7822 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93004

(805) 659-3365

Pete’s Breakfast House 2055 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93003

805-648-1130

Santa Cruz Market 1947 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 643-7810

Himalaya Restaurant

Casual and tasty, they offer dishes from Nepal, India, and Tibet. Curries, vegan and vegetarian entrees, even Tikka Masala pizza. Don’t miss the Samosa appetizer (a crispy pastry wrapped about mildly spiced potatoes and peas, accompanied by homemade mint and tamarind chutneys). If you’re not so familiar with South Asian cuisine, their helpful servers offer, well, helpful direction. There’s also a dog-friendly patio.

Stephen’s Market and Grill

Greek and Mediterranean food, in generous portions, served via a bakery, market, and sit-down deli. Gyros, kebobs, moussaka, lip-smacking sauces, and homemade baklava with just the right amount of crisp. And Greek family-owned. Plus, easy parking in the adjacent lot. 

Two Trees Restaurant and Taps

Killer burgers for starters. Add in tasty seafood enchiladas, a renowned chile Verde omelet, and friendly servers. Oh. And a fun selection of local beers. Adventuring alone? Pull up a seat at the bar and order a chorizo burger and your favorite cold beverage. Their Sunday brunch (and their beignets) is a local favorite. Yes, there’s a wait, but it’s worth it.  

Pete’s Breakfast House

It sure isn’t a secret, but if you’re visiting Ventura for the first time, Pete’s might be new (and good) news to you. Pete’s has been serving breakfast to Ventura since 1981. When the original owner, Pete Ransom, sold his place to Peter and Lyndsay Timpson in 2003, the three agreed to keep Ransom’s recipes and let no employee go. It’s that kind of place. Everything’s good, but you would be remiss to neglect the fresh-baked biscuits with gravy.  

Bonus Bites

Looking for more off-the-radar local eats to try? Check out Pierpont Tacos, just steps from the beach. Grab a taco and make it a day on the sand! Caribbean Haven is another local’s favorite located on the east side of town. Known for their Caribbean and Filipino fusion dishes, they’re definitely a local restaurant to stop by. Last but not least, a brewery may not be at the top of your mind for dinner but Bright Spark Brewing might change your mind. Smash burgers, pizza, delicious fried chicken sandwich — hang out at Bright Spark to enjoy some killer food over a pint.

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