Ojai is a beautiful getaway location just 90 minutes outside of Los Angeles. To get there, take the 101 Freeway to the 33, or ride your bike from Ventura on the 15-mile Ojai Valley Trail. This spectacular city is surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, the Los Padres National Forest, fruit orchards and the beautiful Lake Casitas.
Here are the links and notes to all the spots that SoCal Scene host Melvin Robert visited:
328 E Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
This charming country café serves up classic American breakfast all day and home-cooked comfort food made from scratch. When you walk through their front door, you'll be treated like an old friend. Their classic '50s décor makes you feel right at home, and they serve so many of America's favorite dishes.
302 W Matilija St.
Ojai, CA 93023
Bart's Books is the world's largest outdoor bookstore, serving the Ojai community since 1964. Wind your way through the maze of over 130 thousand books at Bart's Books, as they have books in every price range from $1 to tens of thousands of dollars. Their motto is, "If you can't find a book anywhere else, chances are you will find it here."
109 S Montgomery St.
Ojai, CA 93023
Ojai is well known as a wine-tasting destination. The Ojai Vineyard is making natural world-class wines right here in SoCal. Visit the tasting room and work your way through more than 300 wines on their lovely courtyard patio. To make reservations, visit their website. https://www.ojaivineyard.com/reservation/type/tasting-room-table-reservation/)
469 E Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
Located in Ojai's historic downtown, Ojai Rotie is a chef and farmer-driven restaurant serving up extraordinary French-Lebanese style chicken, handmade sourdough and an array of side dishes fresh from the Ojai agriculture. They also offer a wine and beer list highlighting local wineries and vineyards.
1811 Ladera Road
Ojai, CA 93023
Ojai Olive Oil is a third-generation family-owned and operated farm that began with Spanish varietal trees called Lechin de Sevilla that produce wonderful olives for olive oil. The family then grew to plant varieties of olive trees and produce award-winning olive oil and vinegar fresh and chemical-free. They are the oldest producers of extra virgin olive oil in the region. They offer free tastings and shopping seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sundays, you can find them at the Ojai Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They do not require any reservations, and tastings are free.
3277 E Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
Ojai locals say a visit to the town is not complete without a stop at Boccali's Pizza and Pasta. This spot is a go-to for delicious pizza and pasta and a slice of their famous strawberry shortcakes. The family recipe uses fresh ingredients from the strawberry fields in Ojai and is a feel-good homemade classic that is well worth the try.
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