Great, friendly service and food that is .. above average! Make sure you CHECK THE HOURS, when it says they close at 8 for dinner, it means you need to be DONE WITH YOUR FOOD and paid up at 8 (not ordering at 7 and finishing your food and asking for your bill at 8). In the nicest way possible I felt like I got kicked out of this restaurant at 8:09pm. read more

Paradise Pantry - soup and cheese plate - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

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Excellent afternoon treat! We enjoyed a Milk & Honey plate w/perfectly toasted bread and a prosciutto and melon salad beautifully complemented by a Grenache blanc and friendly, attentive service from Katrina. Highly recommend! read more

Such a cute spot. My mother in law stayed over and I had no red wine for us to enjoy. We were already downtown so we decided to stop by. They have a nice collection of wines. We were primarily looking at the red wine. I did see they have some almond butter I want to try. They have white chocolate, carrot cake, and 2-3 other flavors I can't remember. Space is limited so would recommend not to have a lot of big items. The wine was easy to find. The cheese on the other hand. They have a lot of good cheese we couldn't decide. We were already full from dinner and still wanted some cheese. They do offer samples. The girl who helped us was very knowledgeable. I don't know cheese like my mother in law, and the girl offered some samples based on that. We ended up picking a truffle cheese, tres leches, and manchego. So good. They have a restaurant side. We will for sure be checking out once we can sit out on the patio deck. read more

Paradise Pantry - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

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As they are closed when my wife is off we've been waiting to try this place out. Lots of charector. We sat outside on a breezy day. Split the Italian sandwich and chef's pasta. Really neat take on both. Portion sizes are bigger than some other "foodie" places. A nice treat. Look forward to trying some other items. Hopefully sooner than two years. Price is commensurate with food quality. Although we didn't feel the prices were excessive this isn't the place to find a bargain. Sandwiches are priced pretty reasonable. read more

Our regular stop on our way to Santa Barbara. Great food and service! Reservations are recommended to avoid long waits. read more

Paradise Pantry - Pantry Cheese Plate Old World Pastrami - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

An absolute downtown gem! A very unique menu that is sure to impress your guests! I love bringing people here who have never been... they always love it! I can't get away from ordering the killer Mac, Ono sandwich, Bruschetta and their desserts! Yummm is an understatement. I remember they had bacon wrapped dates a while ago and they were legendary! Bring those back! The mussels were a no-go for me personally; however, I've enjoyed 99% of the things I've ordered! read more

Paradise Pantry - Ono sandwich with haze salad... omg! Do it! - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

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Had a nice walk today and thought a glass of lunch wine to cap a busy week might work. Well, it did. Right on the closed walk street here we had a perfect outside table with wonderful service. I went with a flight of 4 tasters and loved the variety of sips. Deb had a lovely French white burgundy and it was also so cold and good. Burrata salad for her and quiche for me. Just about the perfect lunch! read more

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A FOOD HAVEN IN VENTURA "There's my two favorite guys!" She said, walking to our table. I set my glass of Lori's Lemonade on the quaint wooden surface and hug her. "Oh hush, you're the best hospitality employee in this town!" I said with a smile. "Sit, have a bite of my Bruschetta. I got an extra piece just for you." She rolled her eyes. "You say that every time. I've got wine club goody bags to fill. Otherwise, I'd drink wine with you guys till we close!" Paradise Pantry has the perfect placement in downtown Ventura. While the average absent-minded tourist might stumble upon this hidden gem, the locals seek it out. We sometimes park six blocks away and walk through the downtown chaos - to get to this brightly lit, fresh, vibrant restaurant. When we enter through the restaurant's wooden screen door, we can't help but dodge the servers rushing out with plates and platters of sandwiches, cheeses, sliced prosciutto, salad bowls with salmon, and Filet Mignon entrees. As we catch a visual sample of what we are about to eat, excitement sets in - every time. We could eat here a thousand times and still be swept up with the presentation and vibrancy of such organic and locally farmed ingredients - like it's alive on the plate. Chef Kelly is one talented individual. Not only does she create magic in the kitchen, but it's clear she's ruthless about quality and picks her partners carefully. She'll only work with farmers who share the same vision of excellence. Orange egg yolks, tender fish, fresh burrata, flavorful pesto, creamy sauces, and unique renditions. These are just a few of my favorite things about a great chef. Tina and the front-of-the-house staff make you feel like you're in "their pantry." Their gentle invitation to the grocery next door is perfectly timed as you bite down on those yummy pickles. If you're not paying attention, you'll find yourself ordering three glasses of wine and buying four bottles. These people like each other, and they support each other. The smiles are real, and a sense of urgency is displayed for the guests in an overflow-like manner they show each other. To be able to sweep the guest off their feet is a talent only a few restaurants are capable of, but Paradise Pantry does it every time we visit. We enjoy hearing the busboys' conversations about after-work plans as they clear tables. At the same time, the servers explaining the menu's specials to tables around us, struggling to find the perfect descriptive word for Chef Kelly's newest dessert - sings greatness. It all fits. The ambiance, the service style, the banter. Every aspect of this restaurant accents the shared love for quality food and wine. read more

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Service: very welcoming staff, attentive and checked up on us multiple times even though they were very busy. We enjoyed a Saturday brunch and found seating pretty quickly but keep mind this was in September when kids are back to school so it may not be true in busier months such as summer months or spring break. Our server recommended dishes that were delicious so I recommend asking your server what they like and hopefully you will find a similar experience Ambiance: love the ambiance, especially if you are a cheese and wine lover! They have a bar inside. I came across it on my way to the restroom. They also have a cheese shop with plenty of wine options! They also sell dog treats, had to buy some for my dogs. We sat outside with our dog and it was nice, it was a beautiful weather and the patio area is nice. Keep in mind it can get busy, there may be other dogs passing by and folks checking out your plate which I didn't mind as long as they don't touch haha Food: one of the best brunches I've had! We started with some sardines and toast. It was delicious! Highly recommend it. I think this may be a seasonal item so check with your server. For my dish I had the smoked salmon with toast. Plenty of serving to share with another person! For drinks, I had the pineapple mimosa, so refreshing! Perfect for brunch! And of course, for dessert, our serve recommended butterscotch pot de crème and my oh my, it is one of the best desserts I've had! I love sweets so if you do too then this one is for you! Try it out. We will be coming back to try more dishes! They have a wide variety to keep you coming back! Enjoy read more

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If I ask to go out to dinner, my husband already knows it's Paradise. It's my favorite local restaurant for all the right reasons-- delicious homemade, gourmet, and often locally sourced food, hardworking servers who make you feel like family and will accommodate you any way they can, and a cozy environment inside or outside on the patio. Oh, and don't even get me started on desserts or the wonderful French press coffee.... read more

I was in town visiting with a friend and we couldn't resist the patio set up at Paradise Pantry (late summer 2021 so I'm not sure if it's still there- this one has been in my drafts folder for a bit!) It's in the heart of everything with lots of shops and things to see nearby. We got started with cider and wine - they had a good selection with a few unique ones. I got a spicy cider, but I forgot who made it. Very good! We shared a salad and I think a sandwich if I remember correctly and had a great time. I do recall everything being fresh and tasty! When I went to use the restroom I saw they had an adorable market full of artisan foods available for purchase. This would be a great place to pick up some things for a wine/cheese board or a gift for a friend! I'd definitely stop by Paradise Pantry again next time I'm in Ventura! read more

Amazing spot!! Fantastic food and impeccable service! A true gem in Ventura. Of note - if you sort by date you'll find the next review down is Rosie R. We were there when her friend and her arrived and started causing chaos. This place has a rule that 2 people cannot sit at 4 tops on a busy Saturday. They explained this to them but the two of them couldn't be bothered to look up from their phones and listen. They then sat down at a 4 top outside (we were on the wait list for a 2 top). The waiter tried explaining again the rule so they changed tables vice just waiting for a 2 top to clear. Finally the staff gave in and let them sit there upon which they began complaining about everything while ordering 1 sandwich to split between them with no drinks (totally justifying their policy about 2 people on four tops). Entitled is the only word that comes to mind when I think of Rosie R. read more

Let me just say that I never write reviews. I was visiting the Mission Church in Downtown Ventura and was hungry for lunch. I went to this place since it was close by where I was. It's such a special place. I loved the vibe as soon as I walked in. I got to sit in a little nook by the window. The food was SO delicious. I had a half purple haze salad and half a caprese sandwich. It was all fresh ingredients and the salad dressing was so good that I bought a bottle. To top it off the staff is so kind, they love talking to people and it makes it such a pleasant experience. I will definitely be back. read more

Paradise Pantry - Half Purple Haze Salad - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

Just went in as cheese counter virgins to get some items for a small charcuterie board. Chris was very helpful. We WILL be back!

Paradise pantry never fails to provide some of the yummiest food around. Something to appease everyone and everything is uniquely prepared and is always very tasty. Great place for a lunch or a date night out. The restaurant is cozy and the staff is always wonderful. read more

What draws you in is the lovely patio. The menu is also pretty extensive (actually three menus: one for wine, one for lunch/dinner, and one with the specials). Everything is pretty good, but I haven't been wowed and the prices are too high for what you get. $18 for a grilled cheese? $25 for stuffed pasta shells (just two and smallish)? So a nice place to sit outside and watch the people go by, but not amazing and overpriced. read more

Paradise Pantry - Grilled cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

Sooooo many good things to try here. It's great for going with friends so you can get several dishes and taste lots of things. The portions are a fair size too. Now don't judge the amount of food we ordered- haha -We got the baba ganoush , the cheese plate for 3 (there were 4 of us and it was enough ), and the port soaked figs to start. Everything was delicious but we ranked the starters - figs at the top (served with a sharp pecorino style cheese), cheese plate (with yummy accompaniments like dried fruit , nuts, grapes, olives etc) second and baba ganoush third. Then we had the chef's special squid ink pasta with yellow tomato miso and Chilean sea bass. The fish was cooked perfectly. And the macaroni and cheese with pork belly. Good but heavy. Dessert : can I just say OMG - don't skip it . We had the Meyer lemon pie which was delicious but..... The chocolate pot de creme was so so good - very chocolatey and came with whipped cream and a raspberry sauce. Perfect with our last sips of red wine. Speaking of wine , the market part of the pantry has a nice selection of wines and you can bring in the bottle you buy there for $20 additional. This was my only thumbs down. I really felt that if you buy the wine from them , there should be no additional fee to have it with your dinner. The prices aren't inexpensive overall so it felt like a bit of a gouge to charge basically a corkage fee on top of the cost of the bottle. Our, albeit huge , dinner for 4 was almost $400, over that with tax and tip. Hopefully if the owner reads these reviews , she will consider waiving this . The service was friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our vast meal. I would love to come back . Give it a go ! read more

Paradise Pantry - Cheese plate for 3 - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

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I want to give a shout out to Chris!!!! About a week ago I hosted a wine and cheese pairing night at my home and searched for a place that sold specialty cheeses and came across Paradise Pantry. I am not savvy about wines and cheeses and Chris went above and beyond in educating me and helping me pair my wines. I was so appreciative and my entire party was pleased. Unfortunately I have not been here before and therefore have not tried the restaurant but let me tell you, walking in I felt like I was somewhere other than Ventura, the ambiance was great! Will definitely be returning to try the restaurant as well! Thanks Chris!!! read more

My go to lunch place. Never had an even okay meal. Always excellent. Tried the carrot lentil soup of the day and half grilled cheese. So yummy. read more

If you want to have the freshest most creative food that your mind and tongue will thank you for....you need to try paradise pantry . Every time I come here I get completely blown away! Flavor, choices, ambiance service! What a unique menu. Local farm fresh produce and ingredients. read more

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The service and food were so well done. The decor was cool and looked like it supported local artists and vendors. Although it was quite busy inside, we didn't feel rushed by anyone and were left to enjoy the experience. read more

Good was so good here! We had the Milk & Honey and Yum! Toast with fresh cheese and local honey and a little fresh fruit. It was so tasty and I wanted more. Then shared the daily special of Mac & Cheese. It was delicious ! Then shared the cream brûlée. Super Yum! It was a very pleasant lunch and the service was terrific! There are seats outside and in. We sat inside as it was a little breezy. Will definitely go back ! read more

Paradise Pantry - Cream brûlée - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

Every time I stop by this lovely little restaurant I am so very very very impressed with how delicious the food is. Regardless of what I order, it is great. They really pay attention to everything from the pickles, the mustard, etc. to the main course. It does not matter what you order, you will love it. read more

Fabulous meal (brunch) and service on Main Street in Ventura and there is absolutely something for everyone! I had the vegan soup selection -- the Wintah Chowdah, which was BEYOND delicious. And then I had the Mushroom Scramble which was also amazing, spiced perfectly. My friend had a salad with Beets in it -- can't remember the name and he raved about it. The menu is robust -- as are the servings -- and according to our lovely server, Ariel, the menu changes often based on seasonal foods and what's available locally, which is cool. The food was fresh and the ambience was comfortable, clean and welcoming. I will definitely be back on my next visit to Ventura. read more

The bread service alone should be -1star. The rest Meh. Friendly service. Cute place!

This is one of my very favorite places downtown Ventura. The cheese and charcuterie selection is phenomenal. We come almost weekly to stock up on cheese, meat, nuts, mixed dried fruits, and crackers. The staff is so knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. We love the cozy atmosphere, coming for romantic dinners, and Chef Kelly's pasta specials. My daughter is obsessed with the chips and caviar too haha. It goes without saying their wine selection is extensive and has something delicious in every price range. We have been coming regularly since moving to town 8 years ago and have never had a meal or cheese platter we didn't love. read more

This is one of my favorite spots. The food is fantastic, very rich and flavorful. I have had several versions of the Mac NCheese, all were delicious and provided 2 meals for me. Same with the sandwiches, half is way enough unless you want leftovers, and I do. Fresh ingredients, house made soups, inviting salads. The charcuterie plates are generous. Many many wine and bear selections that are not served elsewhere. They are extremely customer service oriented. All of the staff are friendly and eager to please. Summer was our server and she could not have been nicer or more efficient. We love the outside seating all up and down Main Street. PP is beyond dog friendly. Benny enjoyed a dog bowl and lots of positive attention, despite the fact that the servers had to step over him a few times. There are less expensive places near by but you are paying for quality and service. No staffing shortages here so I assume they treat their employees well. Everyone seems happy to be here. Benny is looking forward to another visit, he said the lunch was better than Lazy Dog! read more

Paradise Pantry - 3 well fed - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

We had the nicest Brunch here on Sunday. The charcuterie board was a perfect balance of unique cheeses and meats and fruits. We decided to have the mystery flite of wines which was a reasonable and fun way to taste some very interesting and delicious wines. We shared the egg, mushroom and bacon omelet which came with delicious potatoes and toast and jam and our friends had the best salad with white shrimp. The coffee is a French Press which is fantastic and strong and the service terrific as well. The Perfect Sunday in Ventura! read more

Small seating area but the cheese board and service were so good it didn't matter! Would definitely return to try more.

Came here for brunch and it was fantastic! I got the veggie scramble and girlfriend got the breakfast grilled cheese. Both were delicious and the tangerine mimosas were tasty. read more

Dinner last week - inside was noisy so we moved outside. Service was 5 star - very nice waitress and other staff were also helpful. The food was disappointing. The bread + olive oil, the first thing on the table, was mediocre at best. The bread was truly awful - no texture, soft crust, air-nothing middle like stale wonderbread. The waitress was super nice and brought us a few pieces of a different bread, toasted. New bread was definitely better but very little of it. Olive oil and balsamic were fine but the whole thing was def not worth $12. Market salad was the best thing we had - good assortment of veggies and a reasonable tomato dressing. The main courses were both misses and expensive for what they were - seabass with rice, and pasta special with branzino. The pasta was not al dente and it was a bit of a gooey mess with the sauce. Fish on both plates was overcooked but edible. The rice + veggies on the seabass was totally plain. I think we just ordered the wrong things. We saw a lot of mac-n-cheese and sandwiches on other tables and diners looked happy with their selections. That said, we won't be going back - for what you get food-wise and ambiance-wise, there are much better choices. If you go, do not order the main dishes or the bread + EVOO. read more

Maybe the best meals we've had in Ventura (and we're here often). It's always been our favorite. Charming atmosphere, chill staff and unbelievable food. If you haven't yet been here you're missing out. read more

Was looking for a place that did cheese plates and we found one! So happy! It is on Main Street across from Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. It's so cute in there and they have an outdoor patio! We got the cheese plate for two. This had juat the right amount of cheese, bread, figs, strawberries, dried apricot, apples, walnuts, grapes, and olives! Also got the mushroom toast. This was sooo good! It looked almost too pretty to eat! Washed everything down with the tangerine mimosa! Yum! If I end up in this area again, I would come back! read more

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I was having a shopping girls day with my friends downtown, we came across this restaurant, so we got a table because we wanted to try some new. Very small but cozy so I did not mind it. I am a mac & cheese lover, so I ordered the mac & cheese, and it was so good. I would go back alone for just that dish. One of my friends ordered a charcuterie, like plate. We all enjoyed the vibe of the restaurant and agreed we would go back again next time we go shopping downtown. read more

Paradise Pantry - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

Aptly named, Paradise Pantry is the best possible version of an eatery based on the concept of farm/local to table. Each item on the menu, down to the almonds on the charcuterie and the bread on the sandwich is locally sourced and made with love. Many restaurants have tried to have a picturesque wine bar and cafe, but Paradise Pastry is the best version of this because the plates and menus are so beautifully curated and unpretentious. Each dish is special and simultaneously effortless, even though the menu is ever chaning to reflect what is happening locally. Some highlights today were the tiny, flavorful local champagne grapes and edible flowers on the charcuterie plate. The sandwiches are delicious and the salads are delicate. The wines featured in the wine flight were excellent and well described. The creme brulee was *muah*. Lastly, you can't beat the charm of a breezy, street-side, mid afternoon bite on Main street. read more

This is one of my favorite spots for dinner in all of Ventura! I have never once met a meal I didn't like from here. The food is all very high quality; while I've tried many items from here, the last time I went my family decided to order the Milk & Honey plate to split for a starter. It's a mix of ciabatta toast, cheese and honey for dipping. It was the perfect amount to satisfy the palate without losing too much of an appetite for the main event. While Kelly's Killer Mac is always, ALWAYS a safe bet for a wild combination of flavors and a delicious meal, I opted for the grilled cheese this time. This seemingly classic dish is anything but: A combo of rosemary jack, cheddar, caramelized onions and added tomato on the crusty bread is incredibly delicious. Every flavor combines with the other perfectly, and the overflow of cheese adds a crunch factor to the crust of the bread. Served with delicious pickles on the side, you truly cannot go wrong with a gourmet version of a classic. My family also never, EVER leaves without splitting the Butterscotch Pot de Creme for dessert; the burnt caramelly flavor pairs perfectly with the utterly creamy texture. I cannot recommend this place enough! read more

Paradise Pantry - Grilled Cheese, add tomatoes - Cheese Shops Near Me - Ventura, California

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Not my favorite, i liked the staff and front of house workers but the food lacked flavor and that signature organic feeling from their food. The outside patio seating was dirty and not as well taken care of as the inside seating. Deli didn't have that much variety. read more

Average food at high prices . The service is okay. Plus, the selection is minimal at best. I would like to see more comfort food, sandwiches and salads. read more

Amazing service and the food is on another level. You can taste the simple yet flavorful food. The eggs, pork belly, potatoes and that sour dough toast was cooked to perfection. A must stop if you are in Ventura, I will drive out here just for this place. Very impressed and happy with them choice to stop in. read more

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Great early afternoon brunch! We really had great service and the food was great. The grilled cheese sandwich was so huge and delicious. read more