Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Ventura
Ventura County’s coastal dining scene offers sophisticated culinary experiences that blend fresh Pacific ingredients with innovative techniques. From Oxnard’s waterfront gems to Camarillo’s hidden bistros, local restaurants showcase the region’s diverse gastronomic landscape.
Discerning diners can explore exceptional establishments like Water’s Edge Restaurant and Bar, Aloha Steakhouse, and Mediterraneo, each offering unique flavors that capture the essence of Southern California’s sophisticated dining culture.
Discover Ventura County’s most elegant dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Ventura
- Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar
- Holdren's Newbury Park (Thousand Oaks)
- Aloha Steakhouse
- Larsen's Grill (Oxnard)
- BISTRO 13 (Camarillo)
- Cafe Zack
- Mediterraneo (Ventura County)
Aloha Steakhouse
What to Expect
Ocean-view terrace with Hawaiian-influenced steakhouse cuisine
Description
Oceanside steakhouse featuring prime Hawaiian-inspired cuts in a warm, nautical-themed dining room. Offers locally sourced seafood alongside premium beef selections, with an expansive ocean view terrace and tableside carving service that highlights California coastal culinary traditions.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Aloha Steakhouse ↗
BISTRO 13 (Camarillo)
What to Expect
Owner-operated Italian bistro with personalized dining experience
Description
Intimate Italian bistro nestled in Camarillo featuring classic Mediterranean cuisine crafted by owner Giovanni Tromba. The restaurant offers a cozy dining experience with carefully prepared dishes served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere during limited lunch and dinner hours.
Restaurant Details
More Info: BISTRO 13 ↗
Cafe Zack
What to Expect
Chef-driven American cuisine with 20+ years of culinary experience
Description
Nestled in downtown Ventura, Cafe Zack offers an intimate dining experience featuring American cuisine crafted by Chef Salome Cervantes. The restaurant showcases a sophisticated menu highlighted by signature dishes like perfectly prepared Filet Mignon, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and culinary expertise developed over two decades.
Restaurant Details
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Holdren's Newbury Park (Thousand Oaks)
What to Expect
Award-winning prime steaks with vintage dining ambiance
Description
This elegant steakhouse delivers a refined dining experience featuring prime cuts of steak and fresh seafood in a vintage-inspired setting. Candlelit dining rooms and attentive service create an intimate atmosphere, while the carefully curated menu showcases award-winning steaks prepared with exceptional culinary expertise.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Holdren's Newbury Park ↗
Larsen's Grill (Oxnard)
What to Expect
Hand-cut premium aged steaks
Description
A sophisticated steakhouse nestled in Oxnard's Town Center, Larsen's Grill offers an elegant dining experience featuring premium aged steaks, intimate candlelit dining rooms, and attentive white-glove service. The restaurant specializes in hand-cut, meticulously prepared beef selections served in a refined, contemporary setting.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Larsen's Grill ↗
Mediterraneo (Ventura County)
What to Expect
60-hour marinated meats with custom Mediterranean spice blends
Description
A casual Mediterranean restaurant located inside Santa Cruz Market, specializing in kabob plates, pita wraps, and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Offers an extensive menu featuring marinated meats grilled to perfection, including chicken, beef, shrimp, and salmon kebabs. Dishes are prepared with carefully measured seasonings and marinades up to 60 hours, ensuring authentic Middle Eastern flavor profiles.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Mediterraneo ↗
Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar
What to Expect
Oceanfront dining with panoramic coastal views
Description
Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar offers a waterfront dining experience in Ventura with panoramic ocean views. The restaurant features an elegant dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the Pacific coastline, serving contemporary California coastal cuisine with fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy sophisticated maritime-inspired dishes while experiencing sweeping marina and harbor vistas.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar ↗
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