41 Best American Restaurants in Ventura

“if you don't go here you are missing out the food is delicious. The staff is great and you can tell the owner has a big heart. Also, remember there is one in Ventura on Main Street next to the movie theater and the other is in oxnard in the collection across from REI enjoy the food“

“Today was my first time giving Happy Place Eatery Food Truck a try, Great fast service, super friendly staff. I gotta say the smash burgers are rich, juicy, and full of delicious flavor and the fries are so crispy and yummy with ranch. Hands Down!!! Follow Your Tastebuds“

“I gotta say it's was my first time being there to experience the breakfast on the cozy patio. I order the pecan pancakes with crispy bacon and their special syrup so deelish. The beignets are magnificent. The staff super Friendly!!! I highly recommend you try this French restaurant out . Follow Your Taste Buds!!!“

“If you're searching for a quiet meal on the beach, this place has few rivals. We came here for our anniversary, and LOVED the rooms, the peace and quiet, the row of chaise lounges at water's edge, the restaurant on site, and the gracious continental breakfast. The management was chill, and we couldn't ask for more.“

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Oak Street in downtown Ventura has quietly become one of the coolest little pockets to explore. Step off Main Street and you’ll find a street that’s had real energy breathed into it — trees wrapped in lights, a lively atmosphere, and a collection of businesses that make the block worth lingering on.

You’ve got VCBC Brewing pouring some of the best beer in town. Across the street is Jaguar Moon, the agave and mezcal-focused cocktail bar with its beautiful patio, paired with Corazon Cocina by Michelin-starred chef Ramon Velazquez. Nearby sits NAMBA Arts Center with its incredible programming — everything from children’s dance classes and concerts to stand-up comedy and live performances.

One of my favorite newer additions is the public community library built into the façade of the Great Eastern storefront — take a book, leave a book, completely free to the Ventura community.

But what has really evolved is Model Citizen.

We’ve eaten there for years, but our most recent dinner may have been one of the best meals we’ve had in Ventura.

There’s clearly a new level happening in the kitchen. A chef who came in from Los Angeles a few months back has elevated the menu in a big way. The standout? A Harry’s Berries dessert on a house-made pastry that was absolutely memorable.

Dinner started with house-made focaccia with aged balsamic and EVOO, marinated olives layered with fennel and citrus, and a shaved cabbage and fennel Caesar with fried capers and parmesan that was fresh, bright, and unexpectedly addictive.

The rigatoni alla vodka with ’nduja sausage and burrata was rich and balanced, and the prime hanger steak frites with au poivre sauce and gremolata was spot on.

The room feels alive — great bar energy, warm ambience, and surprisingly approachable pricing for the quality coming out of the kitchen. My wife enjoyed a couple glasses of Chardonnay, I had my NA beer, and we left talking about when we were coming back.

Ventura has some excellent dining. Model Citizen just reminded us why it belongs firmly in that conversation.“

“We all loved Paradise Pantry , the food, the presentation, and the service were all fantastic The attached gourmet wine and cheese store is not to be missed. This place is a real gem in Ventura Ca.“

“The best breakfast in USA. Don't miss it, a must-try! From Girona to Ventura, the best breakfast in all of California, without a doubt!“

“Great food great staff great all around fun place“

“Even though GrooveSession brought in the whole crowd, these bartenders worked their a$$es off to get the orders out in a timely manner.“

“We enjoyed the fried pickles and sandwiches. Fish tacos were also delicious.“

“I had jury duty at the Ventura courthouse and when I was through, I was starving so I decided to go to eggs and things I ordered the chorizo, scrambled eggs, and English muffin with strawberry raspberry preserves and then of course you get the Swedish pancake, which is exactly why I’m so obsessed with this place. The service was spectacular. I got iced tea to drink. I never waited for anything. Everything was always there. The owner of the of the restaurant was so nice. Make sure everything was good. I can’t wait to go back. I’ll actually make a special trip to go to that exit and things particularly cause the service was so great and the honor was so nice.“

“I was first introduced to Bright Spark In March at the Ventura Beer Experience. We talked with a lovely couple behind the table and tasted Day Trip, which has become my all-time favorite. We were introduced to a concept called Musical Bingo that day, and I was delighted to make my first visit to the brewery on my 55th birthday in May. Every single one of the employees there was kind, gracious, and warm. The food was absolutely amazing and the Musical Bingo is so much fun! I have since been dragging people left and right there and recommending you guys because of what a great laid back family-friendly atmosphere it is. I will be back again and again and again. and I will bring everyone I can with me! 😊🎶🤘🏼“

“Thank you Samantha for a nice early dinner tonight 10/7/22 You did a great job considering you could have been issued a bus person to help . Wasn’t thrilled to hear the manager lady reprimand you in the middle of your shift as that can throw anyone off . All in all beautiful young lady giving her all so thank you ?“

“Spendy, but isn’t everything these days? Favorites are the breakfast burritos (huge!) and the chicken fried steak. Beautiful view, friendly staff. Linger a little in the parking lot and soon you will see the Great Blue Heron and white heron activity in the eucalyptus grove across the way. That’s worth a few of those dollars right there - what a treat!“

“Awesome Smokey juicy meaty heaven, get you some now!“

“Wow. WOW WOW WOW! this place deserves it all good was made with love and care the owner was beyond attentive you can tell he cares so much about his craft and his people. I got the Filet Mignon and it melted in my mouth it was so flavorful and not too strong on the sauce it danced on my mouth. The atmosphere was very intimate. if you have an anniversary or date night please do yourself a favor and come here. It is on the expensive end, but you get every single dollar worth of food, every single dollar worth of service. I cannot recommend this place enough“

“Great food the Bangers and mashers were delicious!!“

“😊Great healthy lunches. 😀😀“

“Love this place and have been coming for years specifically for their parmesan crusted tacos, think Taco Bell on steroids! They have a lovely patio, you can bring your pups, and the service is outstanding! 👍🏻👍🏻🌮❤️“

“The busy bee café is a place to go eat you could eat indoor or outdoor. They wait on you as soon as you get in they are so nice it’s clean services top-of-the-line, and the food is more than top-of-the-line. Great food come in and get it I live in Santa Barbara and I go to eat there each time, I’m there in Ventura.“

“I have been here many times in the past, The service seems to be slipping no longer as friendly of an environment as it used to be.

I am making this comment over my last three experiences, to be fair in the past It's always been great.“

“Big ole BRC w/Avocado Burrito $10 includes chips/salsa 👌🏾“

“What can you say about this place? There is no better Sports Restaurant around. Great food, people, and sports.“

“Everything is perfect 😍 Always I go to the Finney’s in Westlake for dinner 🍲 I love this restaurant 🤩“

“Great atmosphere & the drinks are delicous.“

“It’s always a favorite. Beautiful classy interior and exterior. The best food and drinks are the best.“

“I love Stonefire Grill. Their portions are pretty good size.“

“I have visited The Cave twice, a week apart. The first time was for a wine pairing dinner, which we did with another couple. There were 5 courses (appetizer, salad, two entree courses, and dessert) and each dish was delicious. We decided to return a week later to see if it would be as good for just an ordinary night out. The restaurant was not too busy (it was a Tuesday) but each of the dishes we enjoyed was well prepared and very good. We ordered the Macadamia Crusted Salmon, a chicken special stuffed with goat cheese and spinach, and another chicken dish. The restaurant is attached to a wine shop, and if you don't want to sample wines by the ounce or order wine off the restaurant list, you can go into the shop and choose from literally hundreds of wines at all price points and then bring the bottle into the restaurant where they will serve the wine for a very minimal ($10) corkage fee. Done be put off by its location in an industrial park. This place is a gem! Inside it looks like a wine cave and they usually have some quiet live music at dinner time. This is definitely one of the better dinner spots in Ventura!“

“The food is delicious 😋 breakfast 🍳 is the best“

“Had a really great experience at IHOP. The staff was friendly and attentive, the food came out hot and fresh, and everything tasted exactly how you’d want breakfast to taste. The pancakes were fluffy, portions were generous, and the restaurant was clean and welcoming. Service was quick even during a busy time. Definitely a reliable spot for a good breakfast or late-night meal. I’ll be coming back!“

“One word, Mimosas! Owned by the same family that owns LoRu's at the Camarillo Outlets. Good food and good service. The (chorizo) breakfast tacos were very good.“

“When Ventura first opened up my wife and I ordered meals to go unfortunately things were a little shaky at the time and the meals were short certain items and some things were correct. After calling Ventura and talking to the manager they agreed that next time we come in the meals would be on them. Well as time goes along some things get lost and today the wife found the receipt and called up the restaurant and talk to the manager his name is Nicholas. Well he did a great job he not only provided the meals for us but he was Very very cordial about it and thoroughly understanding he did a great job he made a lifetime customer with my wife and I and I appreciate his hard work and the good food that comes out of this restaurant thank you“

“The food is delicious 😋 breakfast 🍳 is the best“

“I already knew they had the best ham for holidays or special occasions, so I was excited to learn they made lunch every day! They make amazing sandwiches that are very reasonably priced considering the quality of the ingredients that go into them.
For those days where you’re just craving a delicious sandwich and some chips for lunch this is the best place around for that! Grab a sandwich to go so you can take it to work or if you’re close enough take your lunch break there.

The service was fast and friendly, and the prices are so reasonable. You can eat here more than once a week without it, putting a dent in your wallet. I love a fast affordable lunch during the week.

It’s also pretty convenient to pick up dinner during the week, including side dishes, which are also very delicious and reasonably priced.“

“They have best Brussel sprouts in Ventura and we try a lot of brussels sprouts. Their margaritas are excellent as well especially the cucumber jalapeño Margie.“

“Great place. All staff I came in contact with were Very Friendly, Attentive n Nice. Our food was ready when we picked up and was Hot and delicious when we took it home. Prices were competitive, place was very clean. Highly recommend this location.“

“This is a quiet little gem you could almost walk by on accident while at the Wynn, but once inside it opens up to full height windows all around with beautiful views and intimate seating. The food is the star here although they have over 60 wines by the glass and a robust wine list as well. All the food it Tapas style and amazing. We did 6 plates and each was done to perfection and in ways I had not had prepared before. Highly recommend the scallops, crab cake lettuce cups, and the fried eggplant flatbread which is incredible. Great service , was never rushed and plates come out as prepared so you can talk and graze. Def one of my fave spots in Vegas now“

“Loved everything about it. Can't remember the bartenders name but the tattooed dude was excellent. Anyone know his name?“

“Impressive customer service, while our waiter was busy w/other tables (which is understandable and totally fine) there is a busy bus boy buzzing around with water, clearing off plates and bringing extras people are asking for. Our waiter came and took our drink order. Malbec for me… so good, I had to ask what it was: Öko 🤤 and my husband ordered a smash berry something. THAT was SO BOMB! A hint of mint and full flavor of berries bursting bar god deliciousness! We ordered the butter board, now the presentation could use some work… I’m more about flavor and that butter (two options) was finger lickin good. The waiter took a few minutes to chat and told us it was pineapple butter. 🤯 it’s served with small pieces of… maybe focaccia bread (which btw alone was so good too). Meanwhile, the manager has his eye on everything. He saw the moment we put down our menus, and was there to ask is we has any questions. I did: there’s no house salad on the menu & he accommodated my request for one, which was a deciding factor for my main course. The SoCal Bolognese was bursting with flavor. This is new to the menu, we’ve been a few times… my husband is a fan, I was never impressed… until last night. The chorizo was spicy, but not overpowering, pasta cooked perfectly. The house salad could’ve used more tomatoes, but I really can’t complain since it’s not on the menu to begin with. My husband ordered the ahi steak on top of green beans and he said it was really good. It looked amazing, but I was in heaven with the butter board & the bolognese, my palate couldn’t handle the flavor overload 😜 After about 6 visits, I finally found something worth writing home about. For sure putting this place back into rotation. And the prices… very reasonable. Might be coming here a lot more. Everyone was super nice and helpful.“

“Shrimp scampi pizza!!!!!!“

“always loved Foster freeze and this one especially since it is the original from 1962 I recommend Foster's freeze it's the best!!!“