Our fair city has a very odd restaurant scene… the food seems to have a hard time matching the environment. Some restaurants have a great atmosphere and you think “this is going to be my favorite new place” when you walk in, only to find the food is marginal at best (yes I’m looking at you Brophy Bros and Cafe Fiore). Then you stop at some hole-in-the-wall and have a meal that totally catches you off guard (Spencer Makenzie’s).
So I’ve put this guide together to help you find the right place for the right time, whether you’re in the mood for a great meal or would rather chill in the right atmosphere. These restaurants haven’t asked to be here, haven’t compensated me, and will change periodically:
My Personal Favorites (in no particular order)
- Meridians Cafe
- El Rey Cantina
- Brooks
- Gourment Oriental
- Nature’s Grill
- Rice Thai Cuisine
- Spencer Makenzie’s
- I Love Sushi
- Tutti’s off Main
Meridians Cafe – 2417 Harbor ($ – $$) This is a great “anytime place” where I go for a consistently good lunch or dinner at a reasonable price. I wouldn’t take my biggest client here or anything but it’s a great solution to the Wednesday night “I just don’t feel like cooking again tonight” dilemma.
Brooks – 545 E. Thompson ($$$) I go to Brooks when I want an inviting atmosphere and good food. I’ve yet to have a bad meal here, and the owner and staff seem genuinely interested in making this a good experience.
Gourmet Oriental – 67 W Main St # C ($) I thought Oriental was a politically incorrect term? Whatever… this oriental-chinese-asian food is the bomb. I almost always get takeout though because the stark flourescent lighting gives me hives. When I sit in there I feel like I’m in one of those lonely Edward Hopper paintings.
Nature’s Grill – 566 E. Main ($) I like eating here because I feel like it’s somewhat healthy and always tastes fresh. Great iced tea too but you have to go to the counter and ask for refills. Sometimes I think they’re growing the veggies for the meal though because when it’s busy it can take forever. Sadly it’s located across the street from a movie theater, so I’m afraid a lot of people stop by for a quick bite only to find themselves missing the previews. I hope that doesn’t turn them off the place for good though because I’ve had some great meals here, even when it’s just a grilled cheese sandwich and soup.
Rice Thai Cuisine – 387 E. Main in Downtown ($-$$)
I Love Sushi – 5722 Telephone Rd. ($$) I think some creativity is important at a sushi restaurant. When I go to a new place and only see the usual tired suspects on the roll menu I have to leave. And I don’t care how much they insist or how cute the waitress is when she says it: Spicy Tuna Rolls are NOT Spicy! Thankfully I found a home at I Love Sushi. They have a very creative selection of fresh rolls on the white board behind the chefs, although it doesn’t seem to change much. They also have really good Teriyaki and other non-sushi stuff in case you have a squeemish friend. My 8-year-old son loves this place too, but his criteria is how many suckers are on the octopus sushi so I don’t know how reliable that gauge is. It’s also fun after the meal to walk a couple doors down to the Latte 101 to see who’s playing and support a local coffee shop.
Tutti’s off Main – 34 North Palm ($$$) This is a spectacular place to eat if you can do so on their patio. I find the interior seating to be loud and a bit clausterphobic, but their garden is my favorite place in Ventura to eat al fresco. The soft lighting and warm fireplace force you to take your time and enjoy the meal and engage in some thoughtful conversation. The food doesn’t disappoint either, especially the scallops on the tasting menu. My only complaint is that the wait can be really long for an outdoor table even if you have a reservation.