Travel Notes | Ojai, California

There is something about Ojai that took awhile to grow on me. It’s hippy-dippy reputation always preceded itself and I never quite understood it. But now, in the spirit of accepting things for what they are, (how very Ojai of me), I really see the beauty of all it has to offer along with its newer and exciting food scene.

Winter is my favorite time to visit here - citrus trees are heavy with fruit, the mountains are back to green, and the winter sun is warm and welcome. As it is a 1 and half hour drive from Los Angeles (which can practically be the same amount of time as driving to downtown Los Angeles in traffic), it makes for a very easy trip. I often drive up just for the day and go to their fantastic farmers market. If you are looking to spend more time, it makes for a perfect relaxing weekend.

Hotel El Roblar - El Roblar has really changed the game in Ojai. After it’s highly anticipated opening, visitors and locals have welcomed it eagerly. As you enter the stylish lobby there is a flickering fire ready to greet you. The rooms are scattered throught the property and I recently stayed in newly opened Sycamore House Rooms where they really have perfected all the details. There are two restaurantson the pproperty and the food and drinks are excellent (I am always skeptical when it comes to hotel food, but they nailed it.) Lastly, the pool area is a quiet and nice place to relax, read, swim, and order a margarita and some tacos.

Ojai Valley Inn - Gorgeous property with beautiful views of the mountains. They also have a great spa, and lots of new offerings with The Farmhouse, including hosting the Ojai Food Festival.

Ojai has become a food lovers destination, here are my favorite spots and what to order!

Rory’s Place - Every meal here has made an impression on me. The menu consists of the best of what California has to offer. Seasonal dishes inspired by its surroundings. It has great energy, lots of great cocktails and wines. This is THE SPOT to go to in Ojai and it is best to make a reservation ahead of time, but you can get lucky with bar spots.

My order : Oysters (they carefully select these and even update weekly which ones they haveon their website. Do not miss how fresh these are.) Broiled Oysters (fermented chili butter) , Hearth Bread with Whipped Feta, a seasonal salad (Dungness crab with citrus and beets was the current offering and it was outstanding), Japanese sweet potato with miso butter (Normally this would not necessarily excite me, but they use small local sweet potatoes with the combination of miso, it is an absolute delight.) Lastly, don’t miss a dessert - the Passionfruit Pavlova was chef’s kiss.

Rory’ s Other Place - This cute coffee/lunch spot is is next door to Rory’s Place. They have a small selection of delicious lunch dishes. They also are known for their soft serve.

The Dutchess - This Burmese California restaurant has a few offerings. It always has a line at their coffee/pastry counter (I never without a loaf of their sourdough bread!) It offers lunch and dinner and I have always enjoyed my meals there. The menu has dishes like Coconut Chickpea Curry, Tandoori Half Chicken, along with slots easonal vegetables dishes.

Pinyon Ojai - Delicious wood-fired pizza, sourdough bakery and natural wines.

Ojai Tortilla House - This is a tiny place on a side street in Ojai that I have been coming to for your years. It is known for their oversized burritos in their homeade flour tortillas, but they have other options like tacos and nachos. Go early as they always have a line. My order : Vegetarian Burrito (mixed beans- refried and black) with spicy salsa on the side.

Condor Bar - The newest offering at Hotel El Roblar, it is a modern California-Mexican cuisine.

Ojai Roots - Sit outside for a pre-dinner drink, try the Ojai Pixie Spritz. They also have little bites like marinated olives and almonds.

Visit the Ojai Farmers Market - If you happen to find yourself in town on a Sunday, stop by the farmers market. It is small but phenomenal, with some of the best farms around. Earthtrine Farm always has incredible produce and a unique selection of herbs. If it is citrus season, be sure to pick up some of the famous Ojai Pixie Tangerines (coming in March this year!)

Shop in Town - Ojai Roots (fresh juices, curated pantry and gift items) Bart’s Books, Rainbow Bridge for natural beauty profucts and local ingredients.

Ojai Playhouse - After 10 years, this historic independent arthouse has re-opened.

BeeKeeping Class at the Ojai Valley Inn

Leather Jacket | T-Shirt (another option) | Denim | Boots | Sunglasses

The vibe in Ojai is casual and weather dependant. In the winter it can be cool in the mornings and evenings. Pack a good jacket, sweater, t-shirts, denim, some cowboy boots, and don’t forget a swimsuit.

I hope you enjoyed and can bookmark this for your next trip!