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    Rory's Place

    3.7 (237 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Rory's Place Photos

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    RORY'S PLACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Oyster varieties
    Monica S.

    Rory's Place is a fun place for a group since many of the dishes are tapas style. The hangar steak was beyond compare, and the sweet potatoes, although not in a fry form, were absolutely delicious. I'm not an oyster eater, but my friend ordered them. Oysters from CA, MA, and Maine provided a nice variety for people who enjoy that type of delicacy. The atmosphere was lively and the service was impeccable. I definitely want to return later this summer with my husband.

    Summer herb salad
    Ching L.

    Review of most of the vegetarian stuff on the menu (granted there isn't a whole lot): Gigante beans (3/5) - marinated and too sour for my taste. I ate it for the protein solely. Cucumber Gazpacho (5/5) - I was a total skeptic on this, have such a aversion to gazpacho that I tried to dissuade my table from getting it to no avail. And joke's on me because I actually really liked this. So creamy and cooling and refreshing. Totally faded all my disappointed memories around pathetic tomato gazpacho. Herb salad (5/5) - wow this was so good and I don't even like chicory normally. The pepitas were also so perfectly crunchy and flavored. Just the right amount of dressing too. Dandelion greens salad (5/5) - my favorite. I ordered another for the table i loved it so much. Something about the balance of the bitter dandelion greens against the sweetness of the dates and the saltiness of the parmesan was just perfect! The dates are not super well distributed though and could benefit from a more thorough chopping/mixing. I didn't mind the almonds either. They added to the texture. Tomato Plum Salad (4/5) - pretty delicious and fresh tasting but not super special. Close cousin to the tomato burrata salad that I am quite fond of making myself (really easy to make). Japanese Sweet Potato (4/5) - not originally vegetarian but we got the bonito on the side so the veg folks could try. Pretty good but not a standout. And the drinks! All so unique both in presentation and flavor. Such a delight! Melon Sour (5/5) - my favorite, not overwelmingly sweet, and a delicious flavor without being too spirit forward. Salt N Pepper Martini (3/5) - too strong and spirit forward to me. Not my cup of tea. Tiki Drink (5/5) - close second for me. All the ingredients sound like they would make the drink too sugary (also being a tiki drink) but it was really well balanced. Hello Satan (4/5) - for being a mezcal drink (I usually don't like), it was pretty good.

    Bar POV
    Betty B.

    They have ambiance down! I went right when they opened for dinner service. They let me sit at the bar for dinner which was the perfect view to the restaurant. Food - Hamachi crudo with fennel and tangerine strips. This was the crudo of the day it was slightly acidic with a fatty hint from the olive oil. Then it has this savory lite crunch from the tangerine and fennel. Such a clean and satisfying bite. - Japanese sweet potato, now I have had a similar dish from Gjelina in Venice. But this one might be my new favorite. The miso butter added a nice smokiness to the dish. But the lime that i squeezed in top of the bonito flakes gave this such a bright lift. Smoky, acidic, rich, sort of shrimpy. Love this dish, almost not enough. - Pesto pasta rags, I had to look this style of pasta up. It's like a lasagna noodle just flat and al dente. The pesto was rich and velvety. It was such a clean ending to my meal. I absolutely loved it! Overall another great service and eating experience. My only critique is that the dessert menu wasn't as exciting as the food. So I opted to go to Ojai ice cream across the street. Please give us some yummy dessert options

    steak
    Nicholas G.

    Delicious drinks and food. got there early, didn't feel too packed. People say the inside is sardine-like seating but I wasn't bothered, have seen much tighter. The mole cocktail and hello satan were amazing. Steak too. Great oysters. Unbelievable halibut. Definitely higher than a 3.5 star place. A shame they got 1 star review-bombed by an 11 member bachelorette party that didn't understand what kind of place it was.

    Arpineh E.

    Shoutout to Angie, she went above and beyond. GGIATA TEAM LOVES AND APPRECIATES YOU. Food is great and atmosphere fun.

    Makayla A.

    restaurant vibe is cute and has potential but i'm pretty sure all of the employees hate their jobs. Megan should never serve another customer again! after getting seated and looked at the menu, one of the people in our party asked "do you guys have any lighter sweeter cocktails?" server gave us a look like we were crazy... and offered a negroni?? i've never had a light sweet negroni. we came just for drinks and apps and the server made us feel so terrible about that. giving us very confused dirty looks "are you guys just not hungry??" because we wanted to share a few things. drinks came out and they were so mid for almost $20 a piece. none were remarkable cocktails, just unbalanced and bad. honestly every business has such terrible customer service and energy. servers shame you for not ordering enough "are you not ordering anything else beyond that?" with the same dirty face. we would have ordered more if she wasn't judging out every move. unfortunately gratuity is included, otherwise we would have left $0. not sure if it was racial as we were all asian. if you're a minority thinking about visiting ojai, DONT! update: after checking out some of the other 1 star reviews on yelp and google reviews; seems like management knows that there service is a joke and even has some snappy responses to customers. this place does not deserve your money.

    Desert

    Food was delicious. Oysters were fresh, steak sauce had great flavor. Sweet potato was amazing. Wine list was good. Desert was also very tasty and fun.

    Menu
    Jaidyn N.

    Amazing food Service is a bit slow but not bad Depending on where your table is, it can be noisy Raw oysters - fresh and tasty Uni and ikura - Sweet and smokey Bluefin tuna crudo - so good we wanted second Dandelion salad - delish, though not your typical salad. Dandelion greens are a little tougher than your typical lettuce but boy, whatever dressing they toss them in was amazing Braised leeks - cold and strange. The only dish we didn't like so our server took it off the bill. Such great service Duck - shio koji, say no more. So much flavor with every bite Steak - cooked to perfection, and the sauce with a hint of acidity just cut thru the richness of the dish. I read others' reviews about how their steak were lukewarm, I can see what they meant. However, with the type of cut, how it's prepared is just perfect - tender with no chewy parts. Panna cotta - creamy, light, and not gelatinous, a must Honestly, don't know why this place has 3.5*. The restaurant was packed. There were diners who'd give the servers, manager warm goodbyes as they leave, I assume they were frequenties.

    Dana T.

    Definitely check this place out for dinner if you find yourself in Ojai! The ambience was great and food was all tasty. The hangar steak was my favorite and it was cooked perfectly medium rare. I also really enjoyed the sauce it came with.

    Aguachile with shrimp chips and mole manhattan

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    7 months ago

    Bad service, rude staff, save your money and go somewhere else. Food is average, not worth the hassle

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    Page 2 of 6

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    Little Sama Ojai

    Little Sama Ojai

    4.2
    (137 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Great food options, especially when paired with bevvies from Topa topa. You order at the counter…read moreand they'll buzz you when food is ready. 5/5 tater tots, perfectly fried and seasoned 5/5 pork katsu sandwich, good balance of bread, pork, and cabbage 4/5 Vietnamese noodle salad, felt healthy and satiated after a big bowl of veggies, chicken, and noodles. The rice noodles could've been one smidge softer I've had the wings and karaage chicken before and those dishes are also nicely done.

    Stopped by Little Sama in Ojai for some fuel after Chief's Peak. We got the sweet and spicy chicken…read morewings and they really hit the spot after a long hike. The Korean-style wings were juicy on the inside crispy on the outside and nicely sauced. The okonomiyaki tots were also a hit and worth ordering. It's located inside Topa Topa Brewing Company and the setup is straightforward. You order at the counter they give you a buzzer and pick up your food when it's ready. The service was so nice especially for counter service. They paid attention to small details without us having to ask and having worked in the service industry we definitely noticed and appreciate that The vibe is casual and family friendly. Dog friendly and kids running around, it's super relaxed. Food comes out fast and it's a chill spot to hang out

    Photos
    Cute casual interior shares space with the brewery.
    Cute casual interior shares space with the brewery.
    Chicken wings
    Chicken wings
    Delicious fried chicken wings with a sweet tangy sauce, not spicy

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    Delicious fried chicken wings with a sweet tangy sauce, not spicy
    Joplin's

    Joplin's

    4.2
    (83 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    The service, the vibe, and the food are all top-notch! The owner has really crafted an atmosphere…read morethat makes customers feel at home. The brisket was incredibly tender. Plus, the live music really brings the magic to this dining spot. And don't leave without trying their "life changing banana pudding".

    Foodie Alert! Joplin's Ojai is a Masterclass of Fire, Smoke and Flavor…read more Some restaurants serve food. Others tell a story. Joplin's does both. BBQ seems an understatement. Saw, the chef-owner, was raised in Burma with an Indian father and it seems as if he was blessed with an instinctive understanding of spice and flavor. His culinary journey includes 4 years at Tallula, (Mexican) in Santa Monica and today he's creating something uniquely his own in Ojai. Open-Fire BBQ with an artist's touch that makes even cornbread elevated. I promise- you'll be a fan too. The spiced compound butter with honey and flaked salt takes this dish over the top. I ordered the Smoked half chicken with lemongrass curry and rice. The meat was perfectly tender and smoked and complimented by the fabulous curry sauce. I wanted to lick the plate- it was that good. We shared the pulled pork with tamarind BBQ sauce and it too was a flavor bomb. The tamarind sauce was both Smokey, a tad spicy and just enough sweet to balance it. As sides we shared the beans and the garlic slaw. Each dish had its own garnish and flavor surprise in my mouth. Both were delicious. I can't say enough about the food other than -Do yourself a favor and eat at Joplin's. The setting is equally inviting with a charming outside patio with plenty of shade and Mountain Views. It's an ideal spot to linger over lunch. The indoor dining room is dark and dramatic with the bold rock-n-roll soundtrack playing in the background. The front of the restaurant is run by Saw's wife and you order before you're seated. They are gracious hosts and the service is good but remember- they are busy. Be patient and take your time to enjoy your flavor experience.

    Photos
    Inside sitting area
    Inside sitting area
    Spare ribs platter
    Spare ribs platter
    Spare ribs- so tender

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    Spare ribs- so tender
    Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill

    Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill

    3.9
    (341 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    29 years in business
    Family-owned & operated

    So, felt like a short drive. My posse (most of them today, some were MIA)...drove up to Ojai and…read morewhoa!-Music Festival and Pottery Festival going on. Traffic all around but we did get out and walk around. Someone said, "I'm hungry, anyone else?"...Of course they were obliged by ALLLL of us! We decided to walk a few blocks from the crowds, came upon Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill + the cantina. We went in and ordered. The service was very good and a few of us saved a large booth as the others went next door to the cantina...there was a good number of folks in there already eating...some locals, you can just tell-made me feel better. Our food arrived: Smash burger I had ordered was great. The pickles as someone else mentioned were a very tasty yet the meat flavor was still there. A chicken burger, some tacos, and some buffalo wings, fries..Cold beer(it was a warm afternoon)-rounded off the 'posse' order. Everything was very good. Jim & Rob's serves some very tasty food. Nothing pretentious, just down right good food. I will stop back in next time I am in Ojai-good food.

    It's great prices and great low key vibe for all…read more They are friendly and quick Small bar is fun for sports

    Photos
    Grass-fed Watkins Ranch beef Cheeseburger and Fries at Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill Ojai and Lisa's Cantina
    Grass-fed Watkins Ranch beef Cheeseburger and Fries at Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill Ojai and Lisa's Cantina
    Fajita Platter looking delicious at Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill Ojai and Lisa's Cantina
    Fajita Platter looking delicious at Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill Ojai and Lisa's Cantina
    Adult beverages on the Lisa's Cantina bar at Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill Ojai

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    Adult beverages on the Lisa's Cantina bar at Jim & Rob's Fresh Grill Ojai
    The Rochers at the Ranch House

    The Rochers at the Ranch House

    3.1
    (13 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    An interesting attempt at being creative. I would call it a strange experience…read more Picture walking into a beautiful Japanese inspired garden that's been there for many many years, bamboo and lush gardens, and sitting down for an elegant meal. Then the music is turned on and I'd call it 1960 English rock mixed in with other genres from all over, a little too loud and not really be fitting of the environment. We mentioned it to the waiter and he said it's the chef's jam so to speak. The food was certainly adventuresome. It just missed the mark too often. Either a bit too acidic or a bit off on a funny flavor profile, or in the case of the tuna really inedible as it was very tough. When all 4 ppl leave most of it, you'd think the server(s) would inquire but they just cleared the plates as if it were normal. I really hope the restaurant makes it and of course being a prefix menu we might just have been in on an off night. The plating was beautiful. The dishes were beautiful and unique. There was certainly thought put into it and the service was very nice and attentive. Wine pairing was nice and generous. If you do go here, it's worth adding it on as an option. Overall It just missed on too many flavor profiles that didn't quite go together. They do say the chef likes to combine all types of different cuisines and he certainly did that. I'm just don't know if they blended well. I probably would give it a 3 1/2 if that were possible.

    Permanently closed! This restaurant is no longer open. The chef didn't make it work. He had the…read morewrong vision and also treated his employees poorly firing people left and right for no reason.

    Photos
    A window by the terrace offers guests a sneak peek into the kitchen--where the magic of each course begins.
    A window by the terrace offers guests a sneak peek into the kitchen--where the magic of each course begins.
    A peek through the garden gate offers a first glimpse of the lush, hidden world that awaits just beyond.
    A peek through the garden gate offers a first glimpse of the lush, hidden world that awaits just beyond.
    Our lounge offers garden views through full-length windows--complete with a gleaming white grand piano to set the tone.

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    Our lounge offers garden views through full-length windows--complete with a gleaming white grand piano to set the tone.
    The Oak

    The Oak

    3.8
    (205 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$

    Enjoyed everything about this restaurant! It is conveniently located in the middle of the hotel…read morewith the most spectacular view specially at night! We came for breakfast and dinner and loved everything. For breakfast we had the the chilaquiles with the morning juice. Kids hand pancakes and the special cinnamon roll (only 3 made a day) The Cinnabon was a little dry on the edges, not so sweet. Everything else was good. Dinner at the Oak was my favorite. First night we had catch of the day- branzino. This was 10/10. So flavorful! The tortilla soup 4/10 Kids had the salmon plate ( came with mashed P and broccoli), and the Mac and cheese. It was great! They finished everything. Service was some what slow however everyone was so nice!

    Location: Amazing. The restaurant is out in front of the golf course so you have amazing views. Was…read morehoping for a slightly earlier dinner time (no reservation) but when we arrived at 6:30, we were told the next opening was at 7:30. This ended up working out because we had two drinks and sat out at the little fire pits on the lawn and enjoyed those. There were tons of families with kids there for Easter weekend and all the kids were making s'mores at the fire pit, which was cute to watch. We were notified our table was ready at 7:25 which was nice that it wasn't later. We sat down at a table that wasn't directly under a heater and after a few minutes asked the busser if we could switch to the table next-door. He obliged and moved us to the new table and turned the heater on. We were at the front of the patio and had a gorgeous view, again out over the golf course. The staff were all fantastic. From the hostesses to bussers to wait staff, everyone was highly attentive. Ok well all that is 5 stars for sure, but on to the food. Bread and butter were tasty, the rosemary butter was awesome. Our stomachs were a little bigger than their eyes and we ordered two entrées and FOUR sides. Lamb chops and Rib-eye were both cooked perfection but didn't blow me out of the water (especially for the price). The mashed potatoes were my favorite, perfectly seasoned and buttery smooth. Broccolini was also cooked perfectly, the lemon garnish helped to bring out a little flavor, but I do think it could've used something else, a little pepper or some Parmesan. The Mac N Cheese was good but mild for my taste. A little more of the crumb topping or a dash of salt and pepper would've helped make it pop a little more. Then there was the one big miss, which was the mustard greens. I feel like I've had them before, but I've certainly had many other types of similar greens and they had one single flavor which was extreme bitterness. It was just completely devoid of any other seasoning, salt, acid, SOMETHING, although with how better it was, I'm not sure much could be done. I just can't imagine that was the way it was intended to taste. For dessert, we had the old-fashioned doughnut bread pudding, which had a delicious marionberry ice cream on top and a sharp lemon blueberry compote on the side. All in all, it was a wonderful experience and I definitely return to celebrate a special experience although I'd probably be a little more selective on some of my food choices next time.

    Photos
    Brunch buffet
    Brunch buffet
    Seafood
    Seafood
    Apple Pastry Dessert

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    Apple Pastry Dessert
    Spa Cafe

    Spa Cafe

    3.4
    (12 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Healthy Food! Superb Atmosphere!! Great Service!…read more It's actually two places... a juice bar that opens early, and a beautiful dining, room that is only open from noon to 2:00 P.M. Carmen, at juice bar was highly accommodating, and offered to let me sit in the dining room, four hours before they open. I took accepted her offer, and met the manager of the dining room, Ian, who informed me that patrons can also be served by the pool, sauna, and jacuzzi. These two areas will definitely become part of a routine, the next time we stay, or co-host another large event at the Ojai Valley Inn.

    Pretty disappointed by the food and service at what I I thought was the best resort in Ojai. I was…read morefinally approached by one of the pool servers and while yes, I was interested in ordering some food, I had to ask for a menu. There are some very, very healthy options but I ended up going with the ahi poke "tacos" and the "all greens" cold pressed juice (spinach, cucumber, celery, parsley, green apple). The tuna tacos were served with bigeye tuna, butter lettuce cups, sweet onion, shoyu dressing, chili garlic crunch, seaweed, and side salad or rice but I opted for fresh fruit as my side. The food and juice were both good but definitely not worth the price point, coupled with the lackluster service. In Yelp terms, the overall experience was "OK."

    Photos
    Ordered poolside
    Ordered poolside
    Real plants grace the table with their Beauty!
    Real plants grace the table with their Beauty!
    Hotel Guests are encouraged to refill the insulated containers that they provide at no cost!

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    Hotel Guests are encouraged to refill the insulated containers that they provide at no cost!

    Rory's Place - newamerican - Updated July 2026

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