Known for its fantastic beaches, shopping, and beautiful year-round weather, Oxnard, Calif., is a popular place to live for those who want an affordable lifestyle with plenty of nearby amenities. In addition to surfing, lounging on the beach, and hiking or camping in the nearby Ojai mountains, those who own Oxnard beach homes can also choose from a variety of quality restaurants with cuisines of all types. Whether you’re craving a fine dining establishment to celebrate a special occasion, or you just want to grab a casual drink and some apps, you’ll find just the right place in and around Oxnard. Here are some top choices.
Dominick’s Italian Restaurant
Family-owned and operated since 1949, Dominick’s is the place to go for traditional Italian food and excellent New York-style pizza that you can customize with toppings like meatballs, zucchini, or fresh basil. Their large menu encompasses old favorites like Baked Ravioli and Fettuccine Alfredo as well as specialty dishes like Shrimp Scampi and Stuffed Shells.
Though this is a traditional establishment, their bar menu is contemporary and unique with a variety of martinis (the Strawberry Blonde Martini made with strawberry vodka, triple sec, sweet and sour, fresh strawberries and fresh lemon comes highly recommended), house special cocktails, and plenty of wine and beer selections. This is the place to go for comfort food at its finest.
Dominick’s opens at 4 p.m. every day except Monday, when they are closed. The restaurant closes at 8 p.m. most nights but is open until 9 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are not accepted, and they warn there will be limited seating for groups larger than six, with tables capped at ten people.
Though this is a traditional establishment, their bar menu is contemporary and unique with a variety of martinis (the Strawberry Blonde Martini made with strawberry vodka, triple sec, sweet and sour, fresh strawberries and fresh lemon comes highly recommended), house special cocktails, and plenty of wine and beer selections. This is the place to go for comfort food at its finest.
Dominick’s opens at 4 p.m. every day except Monday, when they are closed. The restaurant closes at 8 p.m. most nights but is open until 9 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are not accepted, and they warn there will be limited seating for groups larger than six, with tables capped at ten people.
Fisherman’s Catch
Many of those who own Oxnard beach homes love the luxury of having access to some of the freshest seafood around. If you’re craving freshly-caught orange roughy, halibut, red snapper, or a variety of other choices, Fisherman’s Catch is the place to go.
Located in the Seabridge Marketplace, this restaurant and fish market is run by a father and son who catch many of the offerings themselves and get the rest from high-quality seafood vendors. Some favorite dishes at Fisherman’s Catch include Calamari Grilled Tacos, Lobster Rolls, and New England Clam Chowder. If you want to take some fish home, peruse the 10-foot showcase and tanks full of live lobster, prawn, and fish.
Fisherman’s Catch is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m.-6:15 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday the restaurant's hours are from 11:15 a.m.-7 p.m.
Located in the Seabridge Marketplace, this restaurant and fish market is run by a father and son who catch many of the offerings themselves and get the rest from high-quality seafood vendors. Some favorite dishes at Fisherman’s Catch include Calamari Grilled Tacos, Lobster Rolls, and New England Clam Chowder. If you want to take some fish home, peruse the 10-foot showcase and tanks full of live lobster, prawn, and fish.
Fisherman’s Catch is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m.-6:15 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday the restaurant's hours are from 11:15 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tierra Sur
Located inside Herzog Wine Cellars, Tierra Sur has achieved the highest rating from ZAGAT and is often regarded as one of the finest restaurants in all of Southern California. The chefs at Tierra Sur focus on using the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local growers. If you stop in for lunch, you can choose from selections like the Tagliatelle or Tierra Sur Bacon Cheeseburger with a side of Roasted Squash or Sweet Potato Fries.
Dinner is offered as a four-course prix fixe meal from 5-8 p.m. An example of what you might experience is the first course of Potato Leek Soup, a second course of Kale Gnocchi, the third course of Braised Lamb Shoulder, and the fourth course of a Lemon Meringue Donut. You can add on a wine pairing for each course or choose your own glass or bottle from the Herzog winery.
Dinner is offered as a four-course prix fixe meal from 5-8 p.m. An example of what you might experience is the first course of Potato Leek Soup, a second course of Kale Gnocchi, the third course of Braised Lamb Shoulder, and the fourth course of a Lemon Meringue Donut. You can add on a wine pairing for each course or choose your own glass or bottle from the Herzog winery.
Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina
Charming and full of energy, Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina is the perfect place to go if you want to forget your worries and just have a good time (and some great food). Those who are in town to look at Oxnard real estate can stop in during happy hour for a Cabo Margarita and some tableside-made Guacamole or a Cabo Giant Seafood Goblet. Enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather by choosing outdoor patio seating and munching on Chile Rellenos, Vegetarian Burritos, or freshly-made Sopas. Cabo has a live mariachi band on select evenings if you want to enhance your dining experience with some entertainment.
Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Hook Burger
Owners of Oxnard beach homes who want a high-quality, delicious burger or sandwich gravitate to locally owned Hook Burger. In addition to burgers made with 100% fresh lean beef, Hook also features hormone- and- antibiotic-free chicken, fresh line-caught fish, and free-range fresh turkey. Every sandwich you order comes on a bun baked fresh daily by a local bakery called WildFlour, and the sauces and dressings are all made in-house. Just a small sampling of their menu includes the Maui Burger (fresh grilled pineapple, melted jack cheese, and teriyaki glaze with lettuce, tomato, and mayo), Fresh Albacore Sandwich, Caprese Chicken Sandwich, and Asian Kale Salad with Peanut Ginger Dressing. Choose a side of fries, salad, sweet potato fries, or onion rings and complement your meal with a draft or bottle beer, glass of wine, or handmade shake or float.
Hook Burger is open every day from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Otani’s
This family-owned seafood restaurant has proudly been serving the Oxnard area since 1952 and serves diners Japanese-style seafood with a Mexican twist. Not sure what that means? Think Fish and Shrimp Tacos, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Teriyaki Red Snapper, and Ahi Tuna Plates. Their fresh seafood comes from only the most qualified local vendors, and locals who own Oxnard beach homes often come to Otani’s to buy fresh fish from their market to take home.
Otani’s is open every day except Monday for both lunch and dinner and is the perfect casual spot to stop in for friendly service and some of the best seafood in the area. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Otani’s is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Otani’s has extended hours, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., on Thursdays and Fridays; Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Otani’s is open every day except Monday for both lunch and dinner and is the perfect casual spot to stop in for friendly service and some of the best seafood in the area. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Otani’s is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Otani’s has extended hours, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., on Thursdays and Fridays; Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
La Dolce Vita
A popular date night spot for those who live in Oxnard beach homes, La Dolce Vita offers both indoor and outdoor dining complete with signature cocktails and delicious fine Italian food such as Seafood Risotto, Chicken Piccata, and Linguini Bolognese. This is also the home of 1901 Speakeasy, a relaxing hideaway where you can enjoy Prohibition-style craft cocktails like the Hemingway Daiquiri, Sazerac, and Old Fashioned.
La Dolce Vita is open from 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 4-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Whether you are already a proud owner of an area home or you’re in the area to start looking at potential vacation properties, make a note to visit one of the restaurants on this list. If you’re ready to look at Oxnard real estate, contact Ann Howarth for expert service.
