Carmelita&#x27;s Mexican Food

13

282

824

7 months ago

On a recent visit to Ojai, we were looking for some cheap and tasty eats and this place hit the spot. Hole in the wall dining at its best, and authentic mexican flavors without a big bill. In fact, this was one of the cheapest meals I've had in a while in SoCal, under $20 a person for generous portions, free tortilla chips, and a tasty salsa bar. It's an order at the counter place, there were no prices on the menu board overhead, and the staff was super friendly and caring. We had a carnitas burrito, i had shrimp enchiladas with green sauce, and we had an order of 2 sopes. All hugely generous servings, served hot. They seemed to have a lot of takeout orders going on while we were there. Not a lot of people around but a lot coming and going, and it took about 20 minutes before our food came out. All around delicious, nice patio seating if you have a dog, and a few tables inside as well. Ample parking lot. If you're in the Ojai area, this is worth a stop. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Sope - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Outside - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Salsa bar - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Reta B.

343

1932

5013

10 months ago

Great Mexican food that is authentic in my opinion and quality. I have gotten few of their dishes and all of them have been wonderful. My favorite is the fish tacos. We always get the chips with it and it is very fresh along with the salsa. Mostly when I have gotten the food, it was to go, but I also dined in previously and It was wonderful. I would recommend it and definitely return. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Best fish taco - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Asada burrito - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Isaiah B.

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1

0

2 months ago

Service was great, prices were great. Cali B was off the chain. One of the best I've ever had and the price is unbeatable. Great size and filling. Highly recommend!! read more

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Verenice S.

2

70

36

1 year ago

We came to visit my sister/her husband and newborn nephew and we decided to grab some lunch here. I ordered their "Three Amigos" plate which included 3 Tacos, Rice&Beans, my child ordered the same, and my sister ordered their Torta. For protein we got Asada, Chorizo, and Pastor, it was actually quite tasty, I feel like the sauces could have more flavor but that's just me. I would recommend this place for the most part. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Three Tacos, Rice & Beans - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Pastor Taco - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Chips and Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Laura U.

0

1

4 months ago

The food is delicious--great flavor--and the portions are perfect. The waitresses are friendly. read more

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Chuck H.

17

48

5

11 months ago

Food was tasty. However, I wish they used iceberg and not romaine. Once the beans and chicken is placed on top the lettuce just wilted and soggy. Service ok. Staff very busy interacting with each other when they could be cleaning restaurant, salt/pepper etc. refilling salsa bar empty had to ask for salsa. My biggest issue was how sticky and dirty the menu cards were. I must say the men's restroom was very clean almost new like. We will be back. We have see worse. read more

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T. W.

9

26

1

3 months ago

The food isn't that great but it's not terrible either and they are convenient, however they are FREQUENTLY out of basic things like torta bread or red sauce and they also have a history of not being open when their posted hours said they were supposed to be open so I'm done. I refuse to support unreliable businesses. I'm spending my money at the places that make a better effort. read more

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Maricela V.

Elite 25

267

377

193

9 months ago

Breakfast burritos are fire! AND they serve them all day woo hoooooo. And they have asada as an option which is pretty rare and delicious. ALSO salsa bar you can grab all the options you'd like! My favorites were the red vinegar looking one (I couldn't read the labels) and surprisingly the chili oil that is pre packaged for you matched PERFECTLY with my burrito. read more

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Lizbeth A.

0

2

1

8 months ago

Absolutely love this place! The food was great and flavorful and the staff is super friendly!! Shout out to Ximena and Liz for explaining all the types of salsas!! All so yummy! Also, the place is clean and so are the restrooms!! Highly recommend this place if you are visiting in the Ojai area!! read more

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Tom

0

6

0

8 months ago

Food is still decent even after new ownership took over last December. 3 star is because order is hit or miss depending on who is cooking and the ability to read the ticket. Requested add ons ($.50-.75 charge) only to find out when home they aren't in the food.) 5 stars for service! read more

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Erin K.

398

2073

14330

1 year ago

I came here with my husband due to all the good reviews. Ample parking, small dining area and not too crowded. I like that they have a large selection of Jarritos flavors available here. I got a chicken burrito and my husband ordered some tacos. We liked everything. My burrito was a very generous size and I should have taken half of it home but I ate it all right there. Some regrets, lol! Staff was polite and friendly. Atmosphere is very casual. read more

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Kim C.

61

196

618

3 years ago

A year later and I'm still loving this place. Great service, cool location with the cutest patio. I'm really watching my intake so I wanted to sub my chips for cucumbers with the ceviche. They created such a beautiful plate for me (see photo)! They use the freshest ingredients and I just love stopping here when I visit family in Ojai. My little sis loves their chicken tacos dorados and my stepdad said the carnitas were great. The one thing we were sad about is they no longer make the chocolate cake. For the love of god, please bring that back! It's soooo good! PRETTY PLEASE! Definitely check out this gem in Oak View! It's fantastic! read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Vegan wet burrito - I will get without the sauce next time... and no lettuce! The tortilla was so perfect warm and slightly crisp! Wow! - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Crispy tacos - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Fresh guac and chips - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Shrimp ceviche -- sub cucumbers instead of chips. So fresh! Fantastic! - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Chicken tacos durados - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Carnitas got a thumbs up! - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Lorisa R.

41

261

264

2 years ago

The food was good, the beans were a little dry, maybe old-ish but the burrito was good, the ceviche was good and the staff was really nice and helpful. You could tell they enjoyed their job. I missed the pico de gallo salsa they didn't have. The other salsas were good. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Ceviche and burrito - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Dr. Conrad U.

78

199

610

2 years ago

We dropped by Carmelita's Mexican restaurant after visiting Ojai for the weekend. Parking was plentiful on a usual dirt road and at 100 degrees, too. The waitress was extremely nice and helpful. We ordered the Asada which was thinly sliced steak; it was basically fried and very oily. It wasn't too bad but could have had a better preparation, than just cooking it as it was. Rice was just enough with the usual tomatoes and onions, guacamole was a little weird, perhaps caused by the 100 degree heat? Not too bad but could be better? read more

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Frank U.

37

3

0

6 months ago

Best Mexican food in the Ojai area! They have great customer service too!!! We will always be back...

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Curt C.

0

14

0

6 months ago

Carmelita's was a go-to restaurant for my wife and I for years. Great food and friendly service, all at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, with the recent change in ownership, all of that is now gone. We both recently ordered taco salads with margaritas. The food was unrecognizable, looking like the ingredients were smashed into a taco-shell, and stirred up. Margarita's were watered down with way too much ice. After the change in ownership, we noticed a difference, but decided to give it a few more chances. Needless to say, we are now done, and will not return. read more

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Angela R.

0

5

0

9 months ago

This place has amazing food really like it inexpensive compared to other restaurants and the foods way better

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patty W.

0

12

0

1 year ago

Carmelita's has new owners. It's good but; not great like it used to be . The rellano's are not nearly as good. Chopped chilies inside, cheese grated on top. Heavier egg coating . They understand zero English but; give the impression they do. Simple orders get a smile and nod and never arrive kind of errors... read more

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Juan C.

39

32

2 years ago

If you are tired of the fusion hipster food in Ojai, I recommend this place. No fusion here with the Mexican food. Also, don't have to pay outrages prices for food that directly comes from local farms. You get your money's worth here. Service with a smile is what you get here and the employees were personable, chatty, and helpful. Can't say the same for other places in the Ojai area. I will always make an effort to come here when I'm in the Ojai area. I guaranteed a satisfying meal here. read more

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Rae N.

0

9

0

1 year ago

Great food and service, highly recommend. Good parking and fast service. We go there all the time and never get tired of it.

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Jaime D.

3

117

45

3 years ago

Finally made it here after hearing about it for a long time. Honestly, just meh. Not bad, but just nothing to write home about. Neither my husband nor I can even remember what we got because it was just such a ho hum experience. read more

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Yesenia G.

Elite 25

15

70

228

4 years ago

Carmelitas has been my go to authentic Mexican food spot for a while now. Every dish I've had has not disappointed so far. I recommend the asada Torta to everyone! This time I ventured out and tried the asada fries, the portion was huge and it was probably the best asada fries I've had so far! Also, their salsas are spicy so beware of the habanero. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Half a torta - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Asada fries - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Robert R.

0

2

0

1 year ago

They have really good food and the service is outstanding . Good selections of beers

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Ron L.

0

28

7

3 years ago

Food and service was outstanding. Definitely recommend!! A ton of phone orders, so might take a moment..... Really great read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Tobin S.

1

33

18

3 years ago

First time here was on a taco Tuesday and let me tell ya. If you like your carne asada with big chunks of meat PACKED with FLAVOR, this is your spot. Free chips and salsa too! I will be back for sure read more

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Ray B.

43

48

2

4 years ago

Every Sunday, after I drop my girlfriend off at church, I go to Carmelitas for breakfast. I've tried all the close by breakfast places nearby but Carmelitas is the best. Everyone working there seems happy to be serving great food in a great little atmosphere. They serve typical American breakfast which is great but today I had huevos rancheros. Seriously good! I am now going to be a regular there. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Huevos rancheros. Deliciosa - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Cassandra J.

0

8

0

1 year ago

This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in Ojai. We went in tonight and found that they had whited out all the prices on all the menus. I asked for a menu with prices, and the woman at the register said the owner would not allow us to see the prices of the food before we ordered. It took me off guard. My two sons like to over order, so I give them a budget when we go out to eat. And I like to know what I am spending. We all stood there, looking at each other perplexed, thinking about why they would conceal their prices. Are they charging different customers different prices? Are food prices fluctuating so much that the prices in the restaurant are different each day? Are they in transition and raising all the prices?" It was too much to contemplate on an empty stomach, and the woman refused to explain. So we left. As we made our way across the empty parking lot, I commented, "Well, that was awkward," and my youngest said, "I feel like they wanted to scam us. I don't want to go back there again." I am heartbroken that this weirdness has happened to a restaurant we love so much. read more

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Ruby R.

2

26

5

3 years ago

Street tacos are generous, delicious and inexpensive. Asada fries are amazing and a LOT of food! And now they have in expensive and delicious Margaritas????? Heaven! A hidden gem in the OJai Valley. read more

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Grayson P.

1

12

0

1 year ago

Samantha was awesome. Great service and food was very good. Stopped her on our way back from a hike and it really hit the spot

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Tara R.

162

21

7

5 years ago

My husband picked up a couple things today. I ordered a taco salad. It is the most flavorless taco salad I have ever had. There wasn't any cheese, a small tiny scoop of guac and a tiny drop of sour cream. Had to use salt and my own sour cream at home. I know we are all hurting during this crazy time, but if you have to put a pinky size spot of ingredients, you prob should just sell those as extra sides instead of giving the customer an unrealistic impression of what they will recieve. read more

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Missy H.

0

43

0

2 years ago

Delicious burritos! Many choices on their menu. We enjoy Carmelitas all the time, & usually order a Santa Fe chicken burrito. Great size portions - chunks of chicken breast with pinto beans, rice, sour cream & guacamole. Taco salad is really tasty, too! About 5 tables inside, & a few in their outdoor patio. Margaritas, beer, & soft drinks. Wonderful staff - Hi Samantha! Double check their hours of operation- They're open early for breakfast on Weekends, but in 2024, they seem to close by 3p on Sunday & closed on Monday. When in Oak view & Ojai - let's choose to try local restaurants like these! read more

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Wesley W.

1417

1249

126

4 years ago

Camping in Lake Casitas, I needed to get a bite before setting camp up. Came here and had their fish taco Friday special. Nice large piece of fish grilled not fried in batter with cabbage and cream sauce. Tacos were delish and 2 will fill you up. Other food looked good but the tacos did me in. Service is good and you order at the counter. read more

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Shey S.

0

23

10

3 years ago

Food is so good! I love this little neighborhood restaurant for my michis and breakfast!! Service is fast and has a classic ambiance. read more

Carmelita's Mexican Food - Huevos Rancheros - Mexican Near Me - Oak View, California

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Marian C.

243

227

1

3 years ago

One of our absolute favorites locally! Food is outstanding, cocktails are amazing & the micheladas get an A+. Prices right, you can order online and the portions are huge. Great happy hour too! read more

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Jennifer P.

46

25

8

4 years ago

It was just ok. They had fresh tortillas. My menudo was missing something I couldn't put my finger on it. The pata was a little tough too. read more

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Larry S.

0

2

0

2 years ago

Always good It's a go to for local dinner or takeout for a decent burrito Home made

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Jenna G.

2

47

28

2 years ago

Every time I go there it's really good. Service. Food. Drinks. All Excellent. They make their own margaritas with lemon juice - no mixer, great guac & homemade chips. Friday grilled fish taco deals, friendly caring people. Yum and yay. Two read more

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Aastha M.

127

73

27

5 years ago

This place is such a hidden gem! The staff is so so nice. The food is stellar. The taste and the presentation are outstanding. They have some great vegetarian and vegan options. They do not use lard so their beans are vegan and so tasty. Their green enchilada sauce is a must try. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back. PS: the patio is dog friendly and also very nice! read more

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More info about Carmelita's Mexican Food

595 N Ventura Ave
Oak View, CA 93022
Directions
(805) 613-3122
Call Now
Visit Website
https://carmelitasmexicanfood.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Carmelita's Mexican Food open?

Carmelita's Mexican Food opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Carmelita's Mexican Food opens at 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Carmelita's Mexican Food close?

Carmelita's Mexican Food closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 8:00 PMSat-Sun 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food take credit cards?

Yes, Carmelita's Mexican Food takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food have catering options?

Yes, Carmelita's Mexican Food does have catering options.

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food serve alcohol?

Yes, Carmelita's Mexican Food serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food have TVs?

No, Carmelita's Mexican Food does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food have bike parking?

Yes, Carmelita's Mexican Food has bike parking.

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food have outdoor seating?

Yes, Carmelita's Mexican Food has outdoor seating options.

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food have parking?

Yes, Carmelita's Mexican Food has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Carmelita's Mexican Food wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Carmelita's Mexican Food is wheelchair accessible.

Does Carmelita's Mexican Food have free WiFi?

No, Carmelita's Mexican Food does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

We make authentic Mexican food from scratch. All of our food and sauces are made in house! Our food is always fresh and never frozen. We also offer speciality cakes for special occasions.

History

Established in 2018.

Carmelita's Authentic Mexican Food is serving up traditional Mexican cuisine to our Oak View neighborhood. Our locally owned business is committed to cooking up fresh, flavorful dishes for customers.

Meet the Business Owner: Laura U.

Laura and Leo work together to lead the team at Carmelita's Authentic Mexican Food. The team who love serving the local community delicious food.

More Info

Health Score

Carmelita's Mexican Food Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

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I had a ride to take some hschool kids up to "the camp". I do this every year and I've seen this…read morecafe place but as time would have it I didn't stop for a neal. Today was different...and on the way home I stopped. Now it was later in the morning but I had breakfast on my mind. Once inside I saw the counter and there I sat. Coffee arrived a moment later and I was reading the menu. Simple and to the point, the carne asada omelet that sounds good, no potatoes fresh fruit please. It wasn't long and my breakfast arrived. Nothing fancy here Omelet and a bowl of fruit. The Omelet looked small at first but once I realized the amount of carne asada and I was sold. This bad boy was full of it asada that is and the best mix of different fruit I've seen in a long time My choice of bread was a biscuit with a dab of gravy. Gravy tasted like dry mix with a little help from the cook, good but not to memorable on parker house roll size and was "with" so..no complaint. I gobbled the breakfast and swore I'd stop in on my run to pick up the kids. We'll see. Needless to say this is a no nonsense cafe. This is a no fluff diner, the interior is quite stark, blank but I wasn't here for frills or the romance. The delicious carne asada Omelet made my stop worthwhile and certainly worthy of four star Later Foodguy-Martin

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Berry waffles. Perfect for 4th of July

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The Dutchess

4.1(713 reviews)

4.9 mi

This place has really delicious and flavorful food! The vibes are so cute and quaint as well, and…read morethe restaurant is much larger than it appears. The chicken scallion waffles are so good and packed with flavor, and it's actually spicy. And the chocolate chip cookie is perfectly gooey. My only qualm is that the food took nearly an hour to get out, so if you're in a rush, this might not be the spot for you.

We drove here to Ojai on Labor Day for a day trip! We brought our guinea pig here for dinner. Our…read moreguinea pig sits inside a large cat carrier. One of the hosts spotted our carrier and asked us what is inside. He then quipped how he hasn't seen a guinea pig at the restaurant before and directed us to a table outside. Mind you, it was hot and I could feel mosquitoes biting my exposed legs. It became unbearable in a matter of minutes. Moreover, my guinea pig requires a temperature controlled environment and can't survive in that heat. We put in an order and asked the server whether we can be seated inside. Once a table was made available, we were told we can move inside. I liked the table we were given in the back. They had three bathrooms inside. My boyfriend was disturbed by the bleeding fish display. He thought it was gruesome. As a vegetarian, honestly, I thought the same. I ate every bite of my curry. The female servers we talked to were nice. But the guy who came to pick up our clean plates wasn't very considerate. He took my rice bowl and it wasn't even empty. Then he dropped something he had taken from our table loudly on the floor right next to us and didn't even apologize or say a thing after. I liked the potatoes and curry I ate. But I'm still suffering from the mosquito bites because I have very sensitive and irritable skin. Plus I thought the service could definitely have been more friendly and courteous.

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4.6(96 reviews)

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Best matcha latte in my life. They told me where to find it to buy some to have at home. Walked…read moreacross the street (ish) to the tea place to buy this matcha. Banana pancakes! I love it here.

Service here is outstanding! Our second time here while visiting Ojai. Good coffee and food. We…read morerecently had breakfast here. My little one didn't like the GF Banana pancakes. We asked for regular ones but they didn't have any. Instead they offered sourdough bread and jam which was a hit. Ambiance is great, friendly and welcomed kids. Recommend to stop by!

Coffee with cashew milk

Our order facing the cute counter

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Joanne and Rakesh's

5.0(2 reviews)

0.6 mi

Most warm and welcoming home EVER!! Filled with love, food, uplifting conversations, laughter and…read morefun! Went to hot springs and came back to Joanne and Rakesh's place and Rakesh had made a heaping tower of gourmet pasta, soup and salad! Deeeelicious!!! Then in the morning a scrumptious breakfast of baby Dutch babies with blackberries, raspberries and blueberries topped with whipped cream awaited me as well as a cup of fresh coffee! After breakfast I went streaking in the rain with Joanne in their backyard. Best of times!!!

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Evening in France anyone?

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4.1(669 reviews)

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We love breakfast/brunch and were very fortunate to find this place during our Ojai weekend. First…read moreoff the service was impeccable. And the decor provided a very homey feel. The food was absolutely perfect! My omelette was cooked to perfection and those country potatoes were delicious! Banana pancakes were yummy too! Everything we wanted for a weekend breakfast.

Tri tip

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The Nest

4.1(646 reviews)

4.8 mi

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I stopped in at this casual eatery for a late lunch. You order at a window and sit in the large…read morecovered patio area or at one of the few booths inside; your food is brought to you. I ordered the BLT Toast (toasted sourdough, basil, goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, bacon crumbles, chives, and hot honey). I wasn't sure what to expect until I was presented with an open-faced "sandwich". It looked tricky to actually pick up so I went with fork & knife. The flavors were great and I really liked it. Although I honestly thought it was overpriced. I also had a bottle of root beer which was refreshing on this hot day. They have their own lot so there is plenty of parking. It's a great laid-back place for a casual bite.

Inside seating (also where the restrooms are)

Fish tacos

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Rory's Other Place

3.9(95 reviews)

4.7 mi

Cute brunch/lunch/dessert stop in Ojai! I came here for the viral matcha affogato and it was pretty…read moregood. The dessert seems to be made with soft serve using real vanilla bean as I noticed the speckles in the ice cream. The soft serve was creamy and not too sweet and the matcha topped on it was delicious. The matcha used seemed to be of good quality and didn't taste bitter nor dry. However, this was pretty overpriced for $15 for a small cup of soft serve with some matcha poured on top. I'm wondering if it's pricey because of the vanilla bean used in the soft serve. Regardless, I did enjoy this dessert and it's a good option for a dessert stop after a meal. They also have food here and I would come back to try the food. They have limited indoor seating and tables, but seem to have a decent amount of them outside.

Vanilla ice cream with barely a whisper of matcha…read more Food: 2/5 The $13 matcha affogato is 95% vanilla ice cream, 3% matcha, and 2% weird frozen pieces of matcha (??). If you enjoy matcha, this isn't the place to try it in an affogato. If you don't enjoy matcha but want to larp as though you do, enjoy. Service: 3/5 Basic, standard service. Nothing to note. Atmosphere: 3/5 The patio area is cute, just really HOT tables during the summer. The line to order was a bit overstimulating and the tables are a bit too close to each other than I'd like. I'd recommend this place to someone who doesn't like the taste of matcha but wants to pretend they do. Final rating: 2.67/5 (rounding up to 3 on Yelp)

Tuna Sandwich (delish)

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Ham & Butter Ficelle (yum)

Farmer And The Cook

3.9(630 reviews)

3.9 mi

The Farmer and the Cook -- Fresh Finds Off the Main Road…read more I'll be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect walking in for the first time, but The Farmer and the Cook won me over pretty quickly. It's bright, clean, and has this easy organic warmth to it... the kind of place that feels like it was put together by people who actually care. Right off the main road, easy to find, and the family vibes are real. It's the kind of spot you want to linger in. If you're navigating dietary restrictions, this place is a quiet goldmine. Strong gluten free options, a genuinely vegan friendly menu, and plenty of vegetarian choices too... so everyone at the table actually gets to eat something they're excited about. That's rarer than it should be. The food? Solid. I went with the raw tacos, sopes, and huarache; all filling, all fairly priced for the area. The raw tacos especially surprised me... fresh, flavorful, and not in a "I wish this was a real taco" kind of way. These hold their own. Service was quick and most of the staff had a warm, genuine energy about them. The one small snag; the cashier seemed to be having a rough one. A little gruff, made me feel like my first visit was mildly inconvenient for them. It happens, we all have bad days, but first impressions do stick a little. Overall though, I'm absolutely coming back. There's more on that menu calling my name and an atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down for a bit. Whether you're vegan, gluten free, or just looking for something fresh and honest... this one's worth the stop.

A really difficult review to write. On the one hand, decent food, and decent environment…read more On the other hand, very dramatic and poorly managed "community" space. I was poisoned there with food that I am allergic to by a spiteful employee. Management not only never apologized, they never did anything. The results were lab tested. I went over and above to give them a chance to be civil and professional, and they came up a complete blank. So sad

Inside grocery store

Farmer And The Cook - I would like to give a review of Garrett's "Not a Chicken Sandwich"! It was the absolute best! I love the fresh garlicky aioli, crunchy pick

I would like to give a review of Garrett's "Not a Chicken Sandwich"! It was the absolute best! I love the fresh garlicky aioli, crunchy pick

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Inside

Casa de Lago

4.1(168 reviews)

0.3 mi

Great food, friendly and kind staff…read more Excellent prices My family and I had dinner here two nights in a row and I would love to come back

This is one of our "Go to" spots. Their food has always been consistent. The outside deck is our…read morefavorite place to sit when the weather is nice. The Tostada Grande with grilled chicken is one of my favorites.

Chile verde burrito-mild spice-filled with pork, cheese and whole pinto beans. Delicious!

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Interior

Isauro's Tacos

4.6(30 reviews)

2.1 mi

Fantastic! Wow, the asada fries were insanely good and the quesatacos also! I honestly don't know…read morewhich I liked better. Food was so fresh, fries crispy, tacos crunchy, meat delicious. Do not sleep on this taco truck.

Food always fresh and amazing flavor always recommend the Asada fry's and tacos great price easy on…read morethe wallet heavy on the portion's and as always great customer service

New special

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

10 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Enigma T.

1

11

1

3 years ago

It is not often that I come across a true gem like Carmelita's Authentic Mexican Food here in my own backyard of Oak View, California. This traditional Mexican eatery, helmed by the talented owner and chef Jessalyn, is an absolute must-visit for those who crave the true essence of Mexican cuisine. From the moment I entered Carmelita's, I was greeted with a warm smile by Jessalyn herself, which instantly made me feel at home. The cozy atmosphere and the aroma of sizzling dishes set the perfect stage for an exceptional dining experience. Carmelita's commitment to freshness and quality is evident in every bite. The ingredients, locally sourced and prepared to order, elevate the flavors of their traditional Mexican recipes. The carnitas, for example, were nothing short of divine--juicy, tender, and falling apart like string cheese with each delectable mouthful. The homemade salsas at Carmelita's deserve a special mention. My personal favorite was the green salsa, bursting with vibrant flavors that complemented the dishes impeccably. For those with a penchant for smoky flavors, the red sauce was a delightful choice, while the habanero salsa satisfied the cravings of spice enthusiasts. The beverage selection at Carmelita's is equally impressive. From refreshing jamaica and horchata to traditional soft drinks, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget the beer on tap, micheladas, and margaritas crafted with expertise by Jessalyn and her rockstar team, adding a spirited touch to the dining experience. The excellent service, combined with fair prices, only heightens the appeal of this remarkable establishment. If you find yourself cruising through Oak View, Carmelita's Authentic Mexican Food is a destination that simply cannot be missed. Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Mexico, where the essence of tradition meets the warmth of genuine hospitality. read more

Patricia W.

0

26

15

4 years ago

Fish tacos are bigger than expected and taste great! Service is quick. Chilie Rellenos are excellent with or without shrimp. Presentation is beautiful (even for takeout )for all meals ordered. Outside shaded patio and indoor seating are ample and clean. Prices are very reasonable . Employees and family members seem to like where they are working. No negative, surly people behind the counter.Refreshing!!! read more

Shirley D.

66

17

0

8 years ago

If zero stars was an option it'd be zero. Terrible bland food. How come no one around this area knows how to make chilaquiles I'm leaving here hungry the food was so so bad. Worst breakfast burrito I've ever had read more

Jack B.

0

13

0

6 years ago

The best Mexican food in The Ojai Valley. Located in the cooler temps of Oak View next door to American Hay(another great store) on Shirt Street. Excellent fish tacos . read more

Matthew M.

10

42

13

8 years ago

I love this spot! Under new ownership and w a name change. Killer breakfast burritos, Friday $5 for 2 good sized fish tacos. Highly worth checking it out. read more

Brandon M.

41

138

626

1 year ago

What is happening in Oak View? Yet another place feigning the appearance of Mexican classics without any of the substance or quality of the real thing. read more

Michael L.

122

6

2

9 years ago

Taco Tuesday six tacos they were great very flavorful. They serve Menudo daily. We're coming back try more menu items.

Lindsey C.

22

13

0

4 years ago

Love that they are open later. We love being able to walk down with our family for a quick dinner.

Sharon W.

0

51

54

7 years ago

Tamales are my favorite dish and this is the place to get them. Everything was tasty. Delicious!

Marcos G.

0

1

1 year ago

Todo está muy bueno dice mi amigo que "asta el cocinero esta de primera atentamente "Sergio

Carmelita's Mexican Food - mexican - Updated September 2026

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El Jarro

3.7

(27 reviews)

This place is adorable! I was in town from NY staying with a friend around the corner. She was…read moreworking all day so I was exploring this little neighborhood. The staff, who r the owners could not be nicer - it felt almost like eating at someone's house. Everything is made fresh there is indoor and outdoor seating. I got there around 3pm and it was empty, but that's not exactly lunch or dinner and I was happy it was quiet. By the time I got my taco salad people of various sorts were coming thru: tourists, locals, Mexican natives (good sign of quality in my opinion!) But still very chill not noisy. Nice low volume vintage Mexican music, large flat screen TV w the sound OFF. Ok the food! I got the taco salad w el pastor. Much bigger than it looks and so filling. Very generous ratio of el pastor to the other ingredients which is unusual. Most of the time, in my experience, it's a ton of lettuce. I had to put more than half in a box. The only thing I ask for next time is extra tomatoes. I noticed they have a kiosk for to-go orders, so if that's u, it will save a lot of time, as I'm assuming this place gets very busy. There is a parking lot right in front, which is a big deal for me being from NY So glad I came in here - highly recommend for anyone passing thru or in the vicinity

This was utterly ridiculous!! something as simple as nachos with chips on the side. I get this…read moreeverywhere so that by the time I get home with my to go order. The chips are not stale and soggy. Nobody wants soggy chips.Everywhere else just takes a bowl or a plate. Puts all the toppings as if they were going on top, and then put the chips on the side. For some reason. They put chips and the meat in a dish and gave me 10 different side solo cups with the different toppings. So by the time I got home. I had soggy chips and meat. I don't know why they made It so difficult and on top of that acted irritated because of it. That was the only special request on $100 order as well as leaving a tip. Where is the appreciation? Why be rude to a customer who's spending money at your business and tipping you, because of course you have to tip first nowadays. After this, I went out to my car, checked the order and was missing a burrito. Thats one persons food and it's $12 that I spent .It wasn't even checked off on the list receipt. I went back in and said I was missing this burrito, they said it's in there. We just didn't check it off. I had to say no. I counted the burritos. That one is missing.. they went back and discussed it with the grumpy short cook. Who said. Oh yeah, we didn't make that burrito. They said oh sorry. We're gonna give you some free chips.. lmao definitely needed the chips for the soggy chips that they gave me for my nachos. It was a horrible experience, the food ,Tastes good It's not bad. The competence is not there. You should be able to count on your fingers. How many you put in the bag. You should be able to look at a list and see that you didn't check one of them off. You should be able to accommodate a customer without being rude and mean to them!!!! Go to Don Lalo's right down the street.

Los Comales Fresh Grill

4.2

(25 reviews)

I don't know about the rest of the food at this place, but I was very disappointed with the food I…read morewas served. I ordered an asada burrito and it was by far the worst burrito I've ever had. The meat was a cut of high proportion of visible fat. The excessive fat made the meat greasy and less flavorful. I do not recommend this to anyone.

California Burrito was amazing but add that green sauce it becomes PERFECTION!!! Crispy fries,…read morefresh Avacado, great asada..... Def will be back

Agave Maria's Restaurant & Cantina

3.5

(469 reviews)

First and foremost, incredible atmosphere, very authentic and I felt like I was back at home. Food…read morewas incredible, the cooks and chefs here are phenomenal and have incredible talent. Customer service from everyone was outstanding, as someone who works in customer service this is the gold standard of service. Thank you Agave Maria's for such a great experience

So we were in Ojai, wandering around, and suddenly the craving for Mexican food hit hard. You know…read morethat kind of craving where chips and salsa become a matter of survival? Yeah, that one. Enter Agave Maria's Restaurant. First of all, I have no idea why this place doesn't have higher reviews. Maybe people came on a full moon in retrograde or something, because our experience was five stars all the way. We got seated immediately, and before I could even say "where's the salsa," chips and salsa magically appeared on the table. Instant happiness. Of course, margaritas were required (weekend getaway rules). They came out fast, tasted amazing, and didn't knock us on the floor. This has perfect balance enough tequila to make you smile, not enough to make you start texting your ex. For food: I went with the beef enchiladas and cheese tamale with rice. Holy moly. The beef was shredded so tender it basically fell onto the fork by itself. You can tell it was cooked slow and with love. My husband got the street tacos , it had corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, rice and beans on the side. He didn't talk to me for five minutes straight, which is the international sign of this food is too good to pause for conversation. Service was super fast and staff were super attentive. Food came out quicker than expected. Prices are a bit higher. Remember, when you're on a weekend getaway, calories and budgets don't count. Bottom line: If you're in Ojai and want Mexican food that makes your tastebuds sing, come here. Order a margarita, enjoy the vibe, and you can thank me later for this recommendation

Taqueria Cuernavaca

4.4

(587 reviews)

CLOSED FOR RENOVATION!!!!!…read more When it opens back up, I'm sure the food will be as good as I had last month. But, it's. Closed for now. If you want full selection of food, go to the Oxnard location. Main Street location doesn't have the full menu. Food wise, it's excellent!!!

We were honestly so pleasantly surprised by Taqueria Cuernavaca!…read more We're from San Diego, so we don't take Mexican food lightly--we're pretty spoiled when it comes to quality and flavor. But this spot completely exceeded our expectations. We ordered delivery, and even then, everything arrived fresh, well-packaged, and still absolutely delicious--which says a lot. The food was incredibly flavorful without being heavy or greasy (something that's hard to find). You could really taste the freshness in the ingredients, and every dish felt well-balanced and thoughtfully made. This is one of those places you don't necessarily expect to be that good, and then it totally delivers. We'll definitely be ordering again next time we're in Ventura!

La Raza

4.4

(14 reviews)

The food here is excellent. Very authentic and flavorful…read more The prices are reasonable. And the portions are average. I have eaten here several times and highly recommend it.

I heard about this place that had some real authentic Mexican food, so I had to come try it for…read moremyself. La Raza has some of the best Mexican food I've had in some time. It's small but has outside seating as well. The staff is very friendly and helpful, I won't tell you to come or not, I'll leave it to you to make that decision. They have Lamb Barrbacoa & Menudo, based on what I heard come early if you want to try this plate. I will be back to try it as they were out at time I came by.

Johnny's Mexican Food

3.9

(288 reviews)