Hip Vegan is an all-vegan café located just one block north of Ojai Avenue downtown. Their menu features colorful salads, innovative bowls, wraps, tempeh-based burgers, smoothies, and baked treats—for anyone who loves nourishing, plant-based cuisine. They have a lovely outdoor patio. Hip Vegan is open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. For more details or to explore their offerings, visit their website at https://hipvgn.square.site/

Nestled in the charming Meiners Oaks area just west of Ojai, Farmer & the Cook is a relaxed, bohemian-style café, market, and casual eatery that serves up farm-fresh vegetarian and vegan fare. Their menu features creative Mexican-Cali fusion—think Swiss chard enchiladas, cauliflower burritos, Orange Pizza, smoothies, juices, lattes, and baked goods—all sourced from their organic farm just steps away. The vibe is California-casual meets garden-café with a bright, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere with a spacious patio. Farmer and the Cook will appeal to health-conscious food lovers and anyone craving creative, wholesome, organic dishes in a laid-back, outdoor-friendly setting. Hours of operation: Sun 8 AM – 8 PM, Mon-Wed 8 AM – 4 PM, Thurs-Sat 8 AM – 8 PM. http://www.farmer-and-the-cook.com/


Papa Lennon’s Pizzeria in the Meiners Oaks neighborhood of Ojai is a cozy spot with a relaxed, welcoming vibe, best enjoyed on its ivy-wrapped patio with a fountain. The menu blends scratch-made Italian comfort with fresh, local flair—focaccia, crisp salads, hearty panini, classic pastas, and standout pizzas. The Papa’s Favorite pizza is a rich white-sauce creation with three cheeses, blackened chicken, mushrooms, artichokes, and fresh cilantro, while house-made gelato makes for a sweet finish. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM (until 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday), it’s a community favorite.

Casa de Lago in the Oak View area of Ojai is a small, family-owned Mexican restaurant where locals gather. The menu is full of classic favorites—enchiladas, burritos, combo plates, and plenty of chips and salsa—served up in generous portions that lean more toward comfort food than health food. It’s nothing fancy, but that’s the charm, especially on Taco Tuesdays when you can grab tasty tacos for just $3 or $4.

Om Thai Cuisine, nestled in Oak View, is a small, family-run gem where locals drop by for delicious Thai dishes in a relaxed, casual setting. The menu features all the comforting favorites—Pad See Ew, a variety of curry dishes, savory noodle and fried rice options. It’s tiny and unpretentious, just the kind of place that feels like home. And if you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, the Thai iced tea with boba is such a treat! Om Thai is open every day from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM for lunch, and then reopens for dinner from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Boccali’s is a must-visit for anyone craving hearty Italian food in a warm, family-run setting. Founded in 1986, the restaurant has been carried forward by four generations of the Boccali family, making it a true local tradition. The menu highlights classic Italian dishes prepared with fresh produce from the family’s ranch in Upper Ojai. Popular items include their hand-tossed pizzas, fresh pastas, and robust salads. A favorite among locals and visitors alike is the rich and flavorful eggplant lasagna layered with ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella. For dessert, the seasonal apple cobbler is a beloved treat, along with their famous strawberry shortcake when berries are in season. Beyond the food, the setting makes Boccali’s special. Guests can dine on the welcoming outdoor patio or relax on the spacious grassy lawn shaded by oak trees, which offers plenty of room for families and kids to enjoy. Boccali’s is open Sun, Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sat 11:45 am-9:00 pm, and Mon and Tues 4:00 pm-9:00 pm.

Zaidee’s Bar & Grill in Ojai, located in Soule Park Golf Course, offers a relaxed and scenic dining spot with sweeping views of the golf course and surrounding mountains. The interior has been updated with mid-century touches, rustic tones, and a wraparound bar, but many guests prefer the outdoor patio where the vistas really shine. Their menu blends casual classics—think smash burgers, the buffalo chicken sandwich, fish tacos, fresh salads, and hearty breakfast items. Patrons often praise the shoestring-style onion rings and delight in comfort food like grilled cheese with tomato soup. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing meal with a view—especially at sunrise or sunset—Zaidee’s makes for a great choice. Hours are daily from 7:00 AM-8:00 PM.

Ojai Rôtie, tucked into downtown Ojai, is a relaxed, chef/farmer-driven spot serving up French-Lebanese style fare under shaded trees and on a lovely patio that feels a lot like a picnic. Their rotisserie chicken is a must, paired with sides like caramelized cauliflower, tabbouleh, or cardamom carrots. They also do inventive sandwiches (like the chicken-salad “Le Sandwich” with figs and tarragon), plenty of salads, sourdough breads, and desserts like baklava or “Bea’s Hurricane Brownies.” The wine & beer list leans local and highlights Ojai Valley vintners, which pairs nicely with the fresh food. If you want a casual but elevated meal, especially outside with mountain-air and good ambiance, this is a great choice in Ojai. They’re closed Mon and Tues; open Wed-Sun for lunch from about noon to 3pm, and for dinner most evenings—on Fri and Sat dinner extends to about 8:30pm.