Cliff House Inn and Shoals Restaurant

The view is amazing, however the food was a mixed bag. My burger was a frozen Costco patty that was undercooked. My guest had the chioppino and enjoyed it.

The service was good, but I think they were understaffed. It took over an hour to get our food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 3

Great food with excellent welcoming service and a wonderful beachfront view. My kind of place. I shall return soon 👍🏼.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Creme Brulée, Manila Clams Appetizer Platter, Porcini Mushroom Risotto

We were really disappointed because we’d had great food in Carpinteria up until this point. Cliff House Inn is a great place to stay — unfortunately the restaurant does not match the hotel.

We got the calamari, clam chowder, lobster risotto with scallops, and steak. The calamari was good, standard calamari in a decent sized serving. The clam chowder was probably the best part of the meal — it was a bit more on the brothy side and very flavorful. A unique take on the standard thick, creamy clam chowder.

Unfortunately the rest of the meal was a disappointment. My husband had ordered his steak medium rare, and it came out rare. Like, not more pink than usual, full rare with blood and it was actually hard to cut into. It was taken back and he got it back on the medium well side, as almost always happens when you send undercooked meat back. Undercooked steak happens sometimes, but I wouldn’t expect it from a place charging almost $50. And even cooked, it was just…kind of tasteless. The grilled vegetables on the side were also undercooked, too crunchy.

My grilled scallops and lobster risotto were okay, but nothing to write home about. It was just too salty and frankly, kind of boring. Over salting takes away the nuance of flavor — and seafood already brings so much natural flavor that just needs to be enhanced!

I think most people come here for the view and that is what you’re paying for. If you’re staying at the hotel you already get the ambiance (and it is spectacular) so I would recommend skipping the restaurant. We had far better meals in town.

I think the restaurant needs to do better — we shouldn’t be paying almost $50 per plate for undercooked and over salted food. A spectacular view deserves food to match.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 2

A really beautiful ambience to eat and all the food was good we love how relaxing it was one of the best restaurants here in Ventura

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish and Chips

Had lunch here in front of a gorgeous view of the ocean. Food was excellent and the service was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend if you're passing through this area, the location is very hard to miss.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Cioppino, Mushroom Risotto, Shoals Cobb Salad

Food was good, service was okay. Decor was in need of some upgrades. Maybe a little modernizing.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 1

Beautiful spot and very relaxing!! Love this hotel

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crunchy Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Sauce, Steak

Delicious, flavorful food that was even plated pretty. Friendly staff. The best atmosphere, elegant oceanviews inside and perfect outside just feet from the waves.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Shoals Banana Reef Dessert, Spinach Salad with Tiger Prawns and Scallops, Stuffed Chicken Breast

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.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Two days of food experience. It was amazing ?.
The Banana Desert was my favourite

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was delicious; we are so much and each dish was a pleasure. View, service, and ambiance were absolutely wonderful. Happy birthday to me.

Why drive far away when this excellent place in our backyard?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a restaurant under a hotel overlooking the beach. Food and service is average. Food is overpriced but you’re paying for the view. This place is ONLY worth it to go to for the incredible view of the ocean and the close proximity to it. Sitting on top looking down. They have weird hours so check before you go.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

A little glimpse of paradise a stone's throw from LA. A bit of a shame about the proximity of the motorway.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Beautiful hidden gem along the 101! While we were there enjoying brunch, the dinner menu looks very appetizing.

Parking: Challenging parking if you are driving a sports car.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Huevos Rancheros with a Gin Martini