New American Restaurants in Ventura, CA

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

“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“

“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!!!“

“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.“

“I stepped a little outside my usual food rotation and ended up at Kaapicat Cafe in downtown Ventura—and I’m glad I did.

I went with the paneer dosa, and honestly, it felt like having dessert for lunch in the best way possible. Warm, flavorful, spicy, and just one of those meals that hits right away.

I showed up about 20 minutes before closing (at 1:40pm on a Thursday), so things were already winding down. The outdoor seating had been put away, but I was still able to grab my food and sit over at the tables next door at Moby’s on Main, which worked out just fine.

It feels like one of those places that would be great to hang out if you catch it earlier. There’s a bit of an artistic vibe in the decor and the way it’s set up. The interior has those classic old red bricks that are part of the downtown Ventura scene, and I appreciate that they didn’t cover them up with some other type of wall finish.

They’re displaying artwork from a local artist, which I always appreciate as I’m a local artist myself. It adds to that relaxed, creative, vibrant downtown feel that I enjoy in spots like this. I’m always happy when a place supports the local art scene.“

“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.“

“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 healthy lunches. 😀😀“

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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.“

“Great atmosphere & the drinks are delicous.“

“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.“

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

“Shrimp scampi pizza!!!!!!“

“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.“