The Small-Town Restaurant That Is Worth A Visit From Anywhere In The Southern California

At the northern edge of Ventura County, Ojai is a perfect place to get away from it all, with stunning natural beauty, loads of history and culture, and a walkable downtown full of art galleries, cafes, shops, and more. On the road leading out of the Ojai Valley, from downtown up into the hills, are a couple of hidden treasures - a stunning overlook in Southern California and a cozy family restaurant. Boccali’s restaurant in Ojai, CA, is worth a drive, or maybe even a weekend getaway.

Nestled at the base of the hills among fruit groves and vineyards, Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta is an Italian eatery that everyone in the state should try at least once (in my humble opinion).

Family-owned and operated since 1986, this local favorite proudly features ingredients and wine from the farm and vineyard belonging to the owners.

The little dining room is cozy with the old-fashioned red-and-white-checkered traditional ambiance of an Italian restaurant.

When the weather is good, dine al fresco on the patio or the oak-filled lawn with scenic views and fresh air.

Boccali’s is unique in that it offers wine tasting. With a lovely selection of their own Boccali Vineyards vintages as well as a host of other California reds and whites, you might just discover your next favorite.

For a light lunch or the perfect starter, try one of the amazing salads and some cheesy garlic bread. Everything is just so fresh and flavorful!

Pizzas are hand-tossed with fresh dough, a choice of sauces, and lots of fresh topping options.

And, oh, the pastas… there are lots of options, and if you ask me, you cannot make a wrong choice here. The lasagna is huge, rich, cheesy, and wonderful. Several pasta dishes allow you to choose your sauce, and I highly recommend the delicate ravioli with the “al burro” (garlic butter) sauce.

The fresh strawberry shortcake is an absolute must. It is huge, so you can easily share it, but when you taste it, you will wish you had your own! I would be remiss if I did not tell you that the apple cobbler is also crazy delicious. Both are seasonal, so you will always have an excuse to come back - as if you’ll need one.

Whether you live nearby or have to take a little drive, you will not regret a visit to this cozy and delicious spot. Have you ever eaten at this Ojai gem? We would love to hear what you think! Find hours, menus, and even more mouthwatering photos on the Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta website. You can also keep up with news, events, and specials by following Boccali’s on Facebook. If you are planning a little getaway in Ojai, you have to check out the cozy Blue Iguana Inn.

For more food and drink inspiration, learn about even more of our favorite Southern California restaurants.