Top Asian Fusion Restaurant in Ojai
Mandala Restaurant - Tibetan, Japanese and Indian
11400 N Ventura Ave B, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
GO, GO, GO... IT IS SO Good!. This is among the top 3 food experiences of my life. I felt closer to God in appreciation of their food. If you are not into alternative spicy food, just try it and go here to be happy you experienced something different and amazing. This guy has no idea how good the food is, It is EXCEPTIONAL!!! This kitschy, semi-tacky, but youre still curious experience is the 2nd best meal I have ever eaten in my life; It only compares to a 12-course meal dining with members of the Jordanian Royal family in a private dining room in the most exclusive restaurant in Jordan and the first time I had Blue Fin Toro moves to #3 . I am that serious!!!I am an eco, local supporting foodie who cooks better than most restaurants... Im that good and I live in Los Angeles. Get to this place as fast you can for a divine culinary unique experience before he moves and has a 6-month waiting list. The Pakoras with mango dip will send you to heaven (and I do not like mango fruit... how did he do it?).The excellent quality sushi with seaweed salad and cucumbers after the pakoras was a delightful sensation. Then, we went for the gluten-free momas with an amazing chili dip and the chef said he hadnt tried them yet so he hoped they would be good. They were fantastic and then we used that delectable chili sauce from that dish on top of our final round tapas style ordering of crispy tuna rice (we wanted to compare it to our local place at home). They knocked everything our of the park by miles. I want to live here just to enjoy their food several times a week. We ate the night before my birthday and had reservations for my birthday.someplace else. If I repeated this night for my birthday dinner, I would be ecstatic.
Top other services in Ojai:
Yume Japanese Burger Cafe
254 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
For such a high review stars I was disappointed. But Im giving 4 stars because the staffs are extremely welcoming and helpful.1. Pictures dont match actual dishes. There is no price and description on the front door menu so I asked whats in the shake - answer was Oreo flake, pocky stick and mochi waffle. And boba can be added. So I ordered a matcha shake adding boba. But when my drink came there was only boba not the toppings. Waitress told me those are not included which contradict from the answer I heard earlier so Im very confused, maybe I misunderstood it but they promptly took the drink to added these in upon my request so I really appreciated that.The burger my partner ordered showed fried onions in it, but the burger came with sautéed onions, which was very disappointing to him and made the bun wet as well. The taste is good though.2. Some of the boba in my drink were still frozen - which is a big no-no for me. If youre selling boba drink you better make sure all the bobas are cooked through.3. Chicken karaage was kind of wet/oily, not the traditional crispy type to which Im very disappointed. Some people may like it? But really not what I was expecting.Overall it is still a fine place to get some snacks if youre craving for some comfort food. I did enjoy my shrimp tempura burger. Just need to set the expectation right and remember its pricey.
Topa Topa Brewing Company
345 E Ojai Ave A, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
Beer is good. Prices not so much. Bought one and a half pints of their regular ipa chief and it was essentially 20 bucks for 1.5 pints after tax and a buck tip on each. Thats too much for 24 ounces of standard IPA. Ill grab a six pack next time and drink it at a beautiful trail destination and save myself the scene and cost. I wanted a half after ordering my pint and even though the sign said 4 and 8 for two sizes I was charged 6 for 8 oz of beer. When I asked I was told that a half was six but its not on the sign. I asked about the sign and he said taster, or whatever the word was, wasnt a half and half simply want on the sign. Six dollars is too much for 8oz of standard IPA and clarify portions in sign before charging undisclosed, and not advertised, sums. Its misleading. Not the bartenders fault I suppose though if its not posted he should clarify. I wouldve ordered a full pint for the extra two bucks. He did seem like he was about to offer to make it a pint but Im not cheap and that would have been a touch embarrassing. I didnt want to make a deal, though its uncomfortable to be put in peculiar scenarios that could be avoided. Its a principal thing.The crowd, on the weekends, also leaves something to be desired. Mostly tourist vibe but thats often the case in downtown Ojai on weekends. Obviously this is not Topa Topas fault though it likely helps boost their prices. Ill give the benefit of the doubt with inflation and all. Plus, it seems like the food is good, so maybe I should go on a weekday and give that a crack. Im a local and its known that weekends are a good time to avoid the thoroughfare.On weekends Its like the preppy kids in an 80s movie. Think Lamda Lamda Lamda vibes. Major Tri-Lams. Took a breather for a year or so since I had a less than courteous experience with tender last in a Topa Topa. Think Im done now.
The Dutchess
457 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
If youre on the hunt for an unforgettable dining experience in Ojai, look no further than The Duchess. Nestled in the heart of this charming town, The Duchess promises a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds singing with delight. My recent visit to this restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary.The ambiance at The Duchess is both warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting for an evening of gastronomic exploration. The decor exudes a subtle blend of elegance and comfort, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience. But its the food that truly steals the show.Our meal commenced with the naan, a classic favorite that never disappoints. The naan at The Duchess was warm, pillowy, and perfectly cooked. It served as an excellent canvas for the array of delectable flavors to follow.Next up were the chickpea fritters, a crispy delight that had just the right amount of spice. The fritters were expertly prepared, boasting a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. They were served with a mouthwatering dipping sauce that added an extra layer of complexity to each bite.The crispy potatoes were a revelation. Golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and creamy on the inside, they were seasoned to perfection. A sprinkling of herbs elevated their flavor profile, making them utterly irresistible.And then there was the tandoori chicken, a dish that showcased The Duchesss mastery of Indian cuisine. The chicken was succulent and bursting with the smoky, aromatic flavors of the tandoor. Each bite was a revelation, and I found myself savoring every morsel. The naan, chickpea fritters, crispy potatoes, and tandoori chicken were all exceptional, and I cant wait to return to explore more of their menu. If youre in Ojai and in search of a memorable dining experience, make a reservation at The Duchess—you wont be disappointed.
Live to Eat
842 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
My family and I went recently for the first time and, suffice to stay, we will be coming back.Food was flavorful and portions were great! I ordered the spicy dan dan noodles and they were delicious! The spice level was just right to still be able to enjoy the dish. The portion was great too because I was able to finish all of it and feel satisfied (whereas I usually take home leftovers when eating out at other places). I also ordered takoyaki and it was also delicious! The inside was creamy and I wish I had ordered more for my family and me.The staff was also inviting, kind, and responsive. The restaurant also offers various Asian snacks to purchase. I got a bag of shrimp chips and Ramune-flavored chewy candies, and our server gave us the candies on the house!I also enjoyed the restaurant atmosphere with windows lining the walls to invite lots of sunlight into the restaurant.
Little Sama Ojai
345 E Ojai Ave A, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
This was such a spectacular place to eat! I had the Wagyu Cheese Burger. This this was so well put together. The burger was juicy and has so much umami. The toppings had a slight sweetness from the caramelized onions that helped balance out the richness of the patty.We had several other dishes that were just as yummy like the Okonomiyaki Tater Tots and Crispy Brussel Sprouts. The house sauces that they use for each dish really sets them apart from every other Asian Fusion restaurant. You wont go wrong selecting any dish. But, I was thoroughly blown away with the cheese burger and would 100% recommend!The experience was wonderful and the staff were very accommodating. Steven Du is the chef and he worked his magic with every dish. As long as he is at the helm in the Little Samas kitchen, I know Im going to get the best tasting food.