The absolute best food I've had in all of Ventura county. Everything was so delicious and fresh. Great ambience, great service. Ojai fine dining at its best. The halibut was insanely good, plus the fresh oysters. read more

This restaurant has been highly recommended from everyone who has been there. After watching the show the Bear my boyfriend and I wanted to try a yummy restaurant. His sister gave him a giftcard so it seemed to be a serendipitous occasion. Based on reviews on Yelp I decided to reserve a table (I was able to get a table Saturday evening of Labor Day weekend a week in advance - mind you we were a party of two). The food is amazing- fresh and handmade. The aesthetic both inside and on the patio was amazing. The one thing I will say is I wasn't expecting the restaurant to be as crowded as it was. There is a section on the patio with table for twos. It was a little crowded I felt like we were on top of each other and could definitely overhear other couples conversation. I felt a little distracted from my date and from the overall experience. Other than that, wonderful dining experience I think I would be back with a large group because it seems that larger parties had more secluded seating areas. read more

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This place was okay, nothing crazy to write home on. You can order to go or they have some outdoor seating. They have a small shop where you can buy misc non-perishables. Drinks: They do have alcohol and coffee. The coffee was okay but they do give HUGE pours of wine which is a plus Food: Their ice cream is delicious and very creamy, recommend getting the small kiddie cone for size as the ice cream is very rich. I got the veggie sandwich and it was horrible. No flavor at all and the bread was sooo dry it crumbled apart. It needed a spark or some flare to bring it to life, maybe other food items would be better but I felt this was far from good. Service was pretty good, if I needed something I went to the counter and they were pretty efficient. read more

I absolutely loved this place. It has a high end feel with the perfect balance of laid back. My friend and I shared 5 different entrees all which were wonderful but loved the aguachiles the best! read more

Loved my meal at Rory's ! We got there right at opening with no reservation and were immediately taken care of. Two highlights of my meal were the salt and pepper martini and the uni pasta. Will definitely make it a point to come back next time I'm in Ojai ! read more

Honestly disappointed in our experience. I had wanted to check out Rory's place for a while. I think this place is a little overhyped. The seating is extremely crowded, the service was preposterously bad. Our server was possibly the most unfriendly we have ever experienced. The food was truly a highlight, but our entrees probably took 45-60 minutes to reach our table after ordering. read more

The menu is primarily very expensive small plate offerings. Trying to be cool but not pulling it off. Halibut in the fish and chips was mushy and almost not worth eating. Very disappointing. read more

We dined on a crazy night. Much of Los Angeles had been evacuated that morning (4:30am), and much of Ojai was without power. Rory's was crazy busy. We snagged a no show! Our server was delightful despite being over committed with tables. Our food was pretty good, but not exceptional. My radicchio Caesar salad was excellent, although the lemon pasta was just ok, but the 1/2 chicken was very, very good! If I was still a local, this would be a once-a-week splurge! read more

This place was excellent! The food truly did not disappoint and left me wanting more. However, I came here with my two year old at the time and he was NOT well received haha. The ambience is lively but is kind of a scene. The service was good except for our rude waitress who was very unhappy that we brought a child to the restaurant. read more

We were very excited to check this place out! The food was excellent, no complaints. Portions were advertised by staff as shareable, but they were very small and it was objectively not a lot of food, so not more than a taste (typical for fine dining, so no surprise here). The entrees were more tapas sized. Service was terrible, we were seated in the back corner even though we had a reservation. There were at least three other identical tables with heaters that we could have been offered. The staff said there was no availability, which we could visibly see was not true. We were almost left in the cold. The host eventually moved us to a warmer table. The server was noticeable angry with us for the remainder of our experience. The food took an hour to arrive, and the server never came to check on us. We left starving! I would not recommend Rory's based on the service quality. Lastly, the $17 cocktails were about 4oz as opposed to the standard 6oz. They were flavorful but mildly boozy, nothing special. Overall, not impressed and left disappointed. read more

*not a comprehensive review - didn't eat the entire menu and only came once Two stars - specifically for nonexistent evening outdoor dining atmosphere Four stars - excellent drinks It's best you make reservations so you don't find yourself outside, or if you end up on the waitlist and someone cancels an outdoor table..don't take it. Inside vibes are where it's at with the colorful pink and purple lights and vibrant energy. We definitely would've stayed longer and ordered more than appetizers and drinks if we were. Outdoor space seems like it would be lovely during the day but at night it's basically the family/kids table. There is no sense of atmosphere or vibe outside. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive, but I couldn't help but feel bad that he was having to attend every table We ordered a martini and teagroni both drinks were great and the latter came with a beautiful large ice cube embedded with a bachelor's button (I think) flower. A plate of fries - nice crisp, kind of reminded me of McDonald's in flavor, generous in portion. Daily Crudo - came out too fast, seemed like it was either pre made or someone decided to cancel their order and it came to us. Crudo plate was pretty but underwhelmed with the balance of flavors, every note tasted too bright read more

Rory's Place - Daily crudo - New American Near Me - Ojai, California

Booked this place for an anniversary dinner for my husband and I. Rory's place has a beautiful atmosphere and good food. We did not try any cocktails this time maybe next time. We started with the seafood tower which had oysters, mussels, clams, caviar, shrimp and half a crab. We surprisingly got full from just the tower but had to try the yellowtail crudo. Our waitress was nice and helpful explaining the menu to us since it was our first time dinner there. I think the only think that was we noticed was we did feel a little bit rushed. But even with that we still think we'd come back to give the menu another try, since we really enjoyed our food and are interested in trying their cocktails next time! read more

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My girlfriend and I were at the door as soon as it opened Saturday night. We were seated at the bar and had a wonderful evening. The food and the vibe were both great. Timothy and the staff were attentive the whole time. We'll be back. read more

They claim to have a pork chop; not a pork chop! Not sure what it is, but definitely not a pork chop. They also marinate it in vinegar; oddest preparation I have ever tasted. Maybe the most disgusting meat item I have ever had . This place is a LA hipster wanna be that appears to have never been to a place in LA or anywhere else. The menu has promise in description but very little in delivery. The oddest part is that they were very busy. I will say the drinks are great, the servers are great, the management chose to argue as opposed to accept legitimate criticism. The guy sitting next to us commented that he thought the "pork chop " was a weird looking steak. This place may be successful, for a bit, because they have the support of hotel and locals but it won't last. Honest review from a couple that has dined in the best restaurants in the world . No axe to grind, just an accurate evaluation. After the meal we tipped 22% because the waiter was good even though the food was not. read more

Absolutely delicious. Started out with the shaved ham, and mustard, and beautifully rustic bread. Superb! The next course of celery root soup was so perfect and rich for a cold winter evening. We shared the artichoke and pasta with mushrooms, both rich, comforting, and not overly seasoned. I'll dream about this pasta, extra points for the warm bowl it was served in. The interiors are warm, dark, and on point, as is the service. Wine was delicious too, next time I'll start with a cocktail though, and oysters. Can't wait to return. This restaurant has so much to love about it.... Def a high recommendation!!! read more

Fine dining, but creative and fun. Very much of a community gathering vibe. I'd eat here three nights a week if I lived in Ojai. read more

Rory's Place - fettuccine w locally sourced razor clams - New American Near Me - Ojai, California

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Rory's is hands down the best dining experience I've ever had. The cozy atmosphere, lovely servers, and incredible food make it a place I take my friends when I want to share an unforgettable meal. Every visit feels like being welcomed by family! The food is truly unmatched--crafted with fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients from farmers they know, it's clear how much care and creativity goes into every dish and it makes every bite feel special. The menu always surprises me with exciting new options, but the steak is so delicious and unique that I order it almost every time--along with the marinated olives, a staple I simply can't resist. If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience, Rory's is it. 10/10 in every way! read more

Good food, good waitstaff, nice interface- haven't checked out the patio yet. Try the pate, oysters, any of the salads. Great drinks including nonalcoholic. Yeah, nice place! read more

We also had the hanger steak but forgot to take pictures and the fries were delicious, everything we had... sooo good Everyone was nice and it was pretty fast for the quality of food you get. We shared all the plates and also had desert which I also forgot to take a pictures. Will be back!! read more

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Absolutely terrible. I do not recommend coming here unless you want to spend an absurd amount of money on small portions of low quality food with lackluster service. To the owner- look at the food that you are selling on your shelves and remove anything that's expired. I'm a little confused why and how you are trying to sell black rice thats been expired for 8 months. Get with it. read more

We had an absolute wonderful dinner at Rory's this evening. We shared the chicken liver pate, the little gem salad, the french fries, the hanger steak, and the chicken. Everything was delicious!! Especially the little gem salad and the hanger steak. The salad was super fresh and crunchy and the steak just melted in my mouth. I love the flavors with the chicken as well. It's a really lovely venue. Sometimes it can feel very crowded there but on a weeknight by 8 o'clock it's not too hectic. Our server was phenomenal. So attentive and she gave us great recommendations for dinner. I can't wait to eat there again. read more

There are a lot of great things about Rory's Place. The first being the Crudo. It was perfectly curated for the flavors to pop. The hearth bread and feta, fresh halibut, melon & prosciutto, fries, fennel salad. Service was excellent and friendly. read more

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Good/great broiled oysters -- typically I don't consume oysters but this time the they were different....? Great broil, over salt -- wonderful!! read more

I can't say enough about this little specialty delight of a restaurant. Menu - spectacular we ordered almost one of everything - the food was delicious, the menu was unique and inviting. Our service was spot on, friendly not stuffy or overbearing. The drinks menu was creative and fun. The seating is tight, but not uncomfortable, you will be in ear shot of your neighbors conversation and they yours. It's likely you will make new friends. Within this little place they have created an ambience you will likely appreciate, like most of Ojai, even when busy it seems peaceful. read more

Lovely romantic spot, can't go wrong with either outdoors or indoors. Our server was sweet and very friendly and took very good care of us, we had the seafood tower which was really good but only wished they took the skin off the shrimp cause that was a bit tough but delicious. For entrees we had the pork chop and pesto pasta which were also very very good. Overall I highly recommend Rory's if you are in Ojai and also maybe you should call for a reservation because it was a full house on a Monday! read more

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I certainly appreciated the atmosphere and the staff. However, paying $54 with taxes and tip for half a chicken (on a puny strip of escarole) and a bottle of water is preposterous. I only paid 18% tip because I couldn't bear to spend more. The food was flavored well, but even my steak knife couldn't cut through the escarole. There were a lot of great staff present... a lot. Maybe I was paying for that? read more

The reviews don't lie! I am still giving Rory's 10/10 though. Just ignore the somewhat snooty staff. The staff really does act better-than-you, they don't approach things in a service mindset. If Rory's want these reviews to reflect good service, they might want to consider training staff for impeccable service. Friendliness, smiling, kindness, communication stills etc) BUT the foooood. Oh my goodness. Top 5 dining experiences in my life. So much flavor, bursting from everything. Things were well cooked, with inspired flavors. We closed with Parmesan ice cream and it was amazing! Just go. It's so very good. Keep a good attitude yourself and just know the staff is probably cooked from dealing with so many entitled people. read more

We enjoyed the most amazing dinner at Rory's Place. The atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing, we were blown away by the OUTSTANDING and seamless dinner service for a newly opened restaurant. Our server was so sweet and attentive, if we lived closer we would definitely be regulars here. The highlights were the bread served with herb jam and ricotta, the citrus avocado salad and the hanger steak. The dessert sticky toffee pudding was also phenomenal. Wish we could have tried more things! If you're in the Ojai area, this restaurant is a must. It's also open on Monday which is great if you are visiting during the week. read more

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You know when a restaurant first opens and you have to give them slack because of growing pains, and getting their sea legs, and training up staff, and getting timing right, and they've been trying to open in the midst of a global pandemic for two years? Yeah. It's tough! Rory's doesn't need any of that slack. At all. It was a wonderful experience with really lovely ambience on the back patio and attentive service. The food was great, too. We had the olives (fennel forward and excellent with nice feta and a unique and tasty jam!), the hearth bread (beautiful), the baked sweet potatoes, tiny clams (hearth baked, too, in a fantastic broth with sausage, so good had to pack it up for a little snack later), fresh uni and the borscht, which our friend enjoyed. The wine selections were also unique and went well with all the food. The bread, which came for dipping with the clams, was also excellent but we agreed, could use the aioli on the side, simply because the bread stood up on its own for broth dippin'. We will be back on our next Ojai visit. read more

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What an amazing experience. EVERYTHING we ordered (and we pretty much ran a gambit on the menu), is excellent and very tasty. This is now our 'special event' place. A bit costly but WAY worth it. read more

Loved this place. Food. Music. Decor. Service. Get the oysters and the halibut and the flank steak and the pork chop - all good choices. This is how food and service should be done. Only thing I'd suggest is ordering early on bc the food is made to order and takes a bit to come out. read more

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Excellent food and menu. I love this place. The service is excellent. The ambiance is cheerful and lively. But the food? That's amazing. Rotating seasonal specials that are creative and delicious that I was so pleasantly surprised by. I initially thought it was a bar and since I don't drink, I didn't consider it. A friend insisted I try it and I was so pleased. Great menu. Highly recommended! read more

Delicious food, had the chicken live pate, hanger steak, and pappardelle pasta. All were great, I probably enjoyed the pate and steak the best; the pasta was good although I felt it could have had a bit more sauce to it to add more depth of flavor. Be prepared for smaller portions and a pricey meal as the dishes are meant to be shared and add up quickly. Great wine selection as well too. Definitely make reservations. read more

Rory's is a scene to be sure - probably the only scene in Ojai, which is fine as it's a small town in the mountains. The service was great but the food was meh. The menu is very limited and somehow you can't order a glass of red wine from California - the only two on the menu were from France and Germany. That should be illegal. Anyways, the bill included a 3% surcharge for "employee health" which we took to mean the restaurant was shifting its healthcare obligations to its diners. I'm all for healthcare for everyone, but it's not my responsibility to pay for the healthcare of the employees (what services are being provided, do the owners get coverage from diners too, who is eligible,etc). I know it's California and all things progressive are condoned, but I wouldn't eat here again because I don't like mixing politics with my oysters. read more

Food is great. Hostess is horrible. I've been twice, both times with a reservation and wasn't seated for almost 30 minutes after the reservation time. The long wait with a reservation ruins the experience. read more

Great food. Not great service. We ordered an appetizer and then we ordered two entrées. First, they brought out one then several minutes later, they brought out the second entrée. They only brought the appetizer after the entrées after we had twice asked for it. But it was delicious. We paid the bill and then sat there a little little bit longer finishing up our second round of cocktails and making sure to drink all of our water.. We were moments away from getting up and leaving when our waitress came over and told us that they had another reservation that was waiting for our table so we had to leave. Had she literally waited two minutes we would've stood up and walked out on our own, but to tell us that we had to leave our table after spending $200 seems like really poor service. Not only that, but there were at least three empty tables. And you would think that they would have taken our appetizer off the bill considering we had to ask for it twice, and it wasn't brought to our table until after our entrées.. too bad Service wasn't better because the food was great, though rather expensive for the portions. read more

Amazing staff amazing food. Most definitely one of the best things to happen in Ojai! read more

Rory's Place - New American Near Me - Ojai, California

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Cute inside but veggie options were bad, my boyfriend calls this puddle water tortellini read more

Rory's Place - Gross looking gross tasting - New American Near Me - Ojai, California

I love Rory's Place so much. Not only is it a beautiful space with a fantastic patio, but the food is consistently delicious. I recently got married and we had a very small dinner reception that was held at Rory's Place. Rory was incredibly helpful with guiding us to pre-order some dishes so things would be smooth sailing on the night of our wedding, and it all turned out incredible. Our family was SO impressed with everything. Rory's is a must-visit if you're in Ojai. read more

Such a fun and playful yet sophisticated restaurant! The passionfruit aguachiles were so tangy and delicious, a step above a usual aguachile. The flavor combination was something we'd never tried before. It's served with shrimp chips that crackle when you scoop the fresh fish on top, which was a little ASMR action that added to the pleasure of eating the dish. The customer service was great, our waitress Stephanie was attentive. Garnish at the raw bar is so sweet and served us some beautiful plates. You can tell they enjoy working at Rory's. Our only complaint is that our meals came out at different times, which we were informed about prior to ordering, so we ate separately. It makes sense if you're eating each meal family style but we weren't and the timing between the two meals was pretty significant. It feels great supporting a restaurant that serves creative and yummy dishes while using fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. We will definitely be coming back. read more

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