Ojai's Best Brunch Spots: Where Tai Lopez Ate Instead of the Ojai Valley Inn
TL Team Sep 10, 2025
When Tai Lopez checked into the legendary Ojai Valley Inn for a weekend escape, he knew he was in for something special. The Inn is easily one of his favorite resorts—lush, serene, and full of that understated California luxury that makes you feel like you’re part of the inner circle. And it seems Tai isn’t the only one who thinks so. The week after his visit, celebs like LeBron James and Adele were spotted there for a wedding (sadly, there were no half-time shows or surprise ballads during his stay). But while the Inn is world-class when it comes to wellness, relaxation, and vibes, Tai’s verdict on the food? Still a little underwhelming (see his very blah previous blog).

That didn’t stop him, though. Tai did what he always does: he ventured out. And lucky for anyone visiting Ojai, just five minutes from the resort’s gates is a surprisingly rich brunch scene. From bohemian burritos to global flavors and oversized pancakes, Tai leaned into brunch not just because it’s arguably what Ojai does best, but also because it gave him the perfect excuse to head back and indulge in the Inn’s amazing amenities for the rest of the day and night—the pool, the spa, the golf, and those mountain views. He explored three of Ojai’s best breakfast and brunch spots—Rory’s Other Place, The Dutchess, and Highly Likely. Here’s how it all went down.

What’s Ojai Like

Ojai is a magical little valley about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, tucked away in Ventura County. Known for its spiritual energy, boutique shops, and that golden “pink moment” sunset, Ojai attracts everyone from LA wellness seekers to international visitors who want a taste of bohemian California charm. The downtown stretch is walkable and lined with art galleries, vintage shops, outdoor cafés, and plenty of shaded patios. It’s both a foodie haven and a place to reset.

The Food Scene in Ojai

Ojai’s food culture blends rustic California freshness with a slightly offbeat, artisanal flair. Think farmer’s market produce, small-batch kombucha, local wines, and a mix of global influences. While it doesn’t have the sheer volume of restaurants you’ll find in LA or Santa Barbara, the gems here lean on personality: quirky coffee shops, hidden sandwich counters, or ambitious kitchens experimenting with cross-cultural menus. It’s a place where you can sip turmeric lattes one minute and stumble across an organic acai bowl the next.

Tai’s Brunch Crawl in Ojai

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of each restaurant, let’s set the table. Tai wasn’t just chasing good coffee and eggs—this was his mini brunch crawl, hopping from patios to bakeries to see which spots really deliver. Think of it as the Ojai version of a tasting menu: laid-back, sun-drenched, and filled with more than a few surprises.

Rory’s Other Place

Tai’s Experience

Of the three, Rory’s Other Place hit closest to home for Tai. “This feels like Ojai,” he said, sipping his flat white on the sunny patio. And it’s true. The spot is laid-back and unpretentious, tucked just off the busy arcade strip. It’s the casual brunch counterpart to Rory’s, their more formal dinner spot, and it even has a little market attached where you can grab specialty goods.

Tai ordered the breakfast burrito with chorizo—he’s a sucker for a well-made burrito—and it didn’t disappoint. His dining partner went veggie with hers, and they shared a buttery biscuit on the side. Drinks were simple but strong: a flat white for him, tea for her. “Slightly overpriced,” Tai admitted, “but the quality makes up for it.”

The only hiccup? The person at the counter wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet. But when part of their order was forgotten, the team quickly fixed it, even comping the mistake. Outdoor seating is plentiful—perfect if you’ve got a pup in tow, since the patio is dog‑friendly and full of furry brunch regulars—but if it’s a scorcher, just know there aren’t any indoor tables.



Menu Highlights
  • Breakfast Burrito with Chorizo – Hearty, smoky, and a local favorite for those who want some spice.
     
  • Avocado Toast with Poached Egg – A California staple topped with perfectly ripe avocado and microgreens.
     
  • Veggie Burrito – Packed with roasted veggies and beans for a lighter but still satisfying option.
     
  • House-Made Biscuits & Pastries – Flaky, buttery, and perfect to share with the table. Try the almond croissant or a seasonal fruit danish if you see them in the case.
     
  • Granola & Yogurt Bowl – A refreshing pick if you want something lighter before a spa day.
Ratings
  • Food: 8.5/10 – Fresh, filling, and flavorful.
     
  • Service: 7/10 – A little uneven, but redeemed themselves.
     
  • Ambiance: 9/10 – Peak Ojai vibe with a sunny patio.
     
  • Location: 9/10 – Right off Main Street, but not in the chaos.
     
  • Value: 7.5/10 – A touch pricey, but worth it.
     
  • Overall: 8.4/10 – One of Tai’s top brunch picks in Ojai.
The Dutchess

Tai’s Experience

On the other end of Main Street sits The Dutchess, a sprawling café and bakery that blends Burmese and Californian influences. At first glance, you might not think to go here for breakfast—after all, Burmese‑Californian fusion sounds more like a dinner play—but you’d be wrong. Tai was pleasantly surprised.

He ordered their “Breakfast Plate,” a classic spread with standout bacon, eggs, and bread. Simple, but executed with precision. “For $21, it’s a little steep,” he said, “but the quality’s there.” He also snagged half a waffle for the table—crispy, fluffy, and just indulgent enough. Service started strong but dipped when their table got forgotten mid-meal due to a server change. Luckily, the team bounced back and ended on a high note.

What does Tai really want? To come back and try the Burmese dinner menu and dive into their pastry case, which he skipped this time.

Menu Highlights
  • The Breakfast Plate – A classic lineup of eggs, bacon, and toast elevated with top‑notch ingredients.
     
  • Waffles – Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with just the right sweetness.
     
  • Pastry Counter – Croissants, kouign-amann, and seasonal tarts worth grabbing to go.
     
  • Breakfast Sandwich on House-Made Bread – Egg, cheese, and bacon or sausage on their fresh-baked bread.
     
  • Cardamom Bun – A spiced, sweet pastry that pairs perfectly with coffee.
     
  • Burmese Curry Bowl – A brunch‑friendly option from their Burmese side, with fragrant curry, rice, and eggs.
     
  • Seasonal Quiche – Rotating fillings with market veggies and cheese, a hearty but refined brunch option.
Ratings
  • Food: 8/10 – High-quality ingredients, well-prepared.
     
  • Service: 7.5/10 – Strong start, minor stumble.
     
  • Ambiance: 8.5/10 – Huge space, bustling but comfortable.
     
  • Location: 9/10 – Easy to find, right downtown.
     
  • Value: 7/10 – A bit pricey for breakfast basics.
     
  • Overall: 8/10 – Worth visiting, especially for pastries and dinner.
Highly Likely

Tai's Experience

Highly Likely is already a name in LA, so Tai was curious to see how its Ojai outpost stacked up. Verdict? Decent, but the least exciting of the three. “If you’re looking for something unique to Ojai, this isn’t it,” he said.

Tai ordered another breakfast burrito—this one didn’t measure up to Rory’s—and a traditional breakfast plate that was fine but forgettable. His group also tried the “pancake for the table,” which looked promising until it arrived drenched in lemon meringue sauce. “It looked like the pancake got attacked,” Tai joked. After scraping some off, the bite was better balanced.

The upside: lots of parking, a big airy space, and no wait on a Saturday morning. The downside: it felt more like a chain than a local gem.



Menu Highlights
  • Breakfast Burrito – A solid, filling option though not as bold as Rory’s version.
     
  • Traditional Breakfast Plate – Eggs, bacon, and toast done reliably well.
     
  • Shakshuka – Eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, adding a Middle Eastern twist.
     
  • Seasonal Grain Bowl – A lighter option with quinoa, greens, and roasted veggies.
     
  • Lemon Meringue Pancake – Beautifully fluffy but drenched in sauce—scrape some off for a better bite.
Ratings
  • Food: 7/10 – Fine, but unmemorable.
     
  • Service: 8/10 – Smooth and efficient.
     
  • Ambiance: 7.5/10 – Spacious, but lacks personality.
     
  • Location: 7/10 – Off the main drag, requires driving.
     
  • Value: 7/10 – Standard Ojai pricing.
     
  • Overall: 7.3/10 – Good in a pinch, but not Tai’s go-to.
Brunching Tips for Ojai

Here are some must-know tips if you’re planning your own brunch crawl in Ojai:
  • Go early for brunch – especially at Rory’s if you want shade.
     
  • Expect Ojai prices – everything runs a bit higher than LA.
     
  • Bring water and dress light if visiting in summer; it gets hot.
     
  • Pair brunch with a stroll through Ojai’s shops, galleries, and bookshops.
Beyond Brunch: Ojai’s Bonus Bites & Sips

Before you roll yourself back to the pool at the Inn, here are some bonus spots Tai checked out (or scoped out) for coffee, snacks, and quick bites. Think of these as the supporting cast to your brunch stars—they keep the day fun, fueled, and flavorful.

Sip Spots (Coffee & More)
  • Ojai Coffee Roasters – The go‑to for a strong morning latte (aka a “drink moment”)  and some of the friendliest baristas in town.
     
  • Three Birds – A charming little perch for caffeine, especially after a wander through Bart’s Books.
     
  • Pinyon – Not the best bet for espresso (pretentious vibes), but locals swear their pizza game is strong.
Snack Attacks
  • MJ’s Deli – Fast and fuss‑free sandwiches when you need something quick.
     
  • Revel – Refreshing kombucha and acai bowls that hit the spot on a hot afternoon.
     
  • Yume Japanese Burger Café – Known for giant shaved ice creations, perfect for cooling off mid‑day.
     
  • 10 Speed Coffee (Calabasas) – A stylish pit stop on your way to or from Ojai, with a big space and great coffee.
Ojai is Perfect For…

Ojai isn’t just about pretty sunsets and spa robes—it’s got a vibe for every type of traveler. Here’s a cheeky cheat sheet on who will have the most beyond-brunch fun here:
  • Couples in search of romance – Between the pink sunsets, cozy patios, and a glass of local rosé, sparks are basically guaranteed.
     
  • Wellness warriors – Do yoga in the morning, eat a veggie burrito at noon, then hit the spa. Balance, Ojai style.
     
  • Foodie adventurers – From Burmese curry bowls to flaky kouign-amann, Ojai loves to surprise taste buds.
     
  • Girls’ trip crews – Brunch, shop the boutiques, then toast with wine flights—repeat until Monday.
What to Do in Ojai (After Brunch)

All of these brunch spots are clustered near each other in downtown Ojai, so once you’ve stuffed your face, here’s what to do if you’re not heading straight back to the Inn. (And honestly, if you are staying at the Inn, go enjoy that pool, spa, or golf course—no shame in that move!) Think of these as digestif activities to your brunch feast.
  • Bart’s Books – The iconic open-air bookstore where you can get lost for hours. Best paired with a latte from Three Birds right down the street.
     
  • Ojai Olive Oil Co. – Sample liquid gold at this family-run grove. A fun detour before grabbing a snack at Revel.
     
  • Topa Mountain Winery – Sip local wines with mountain views. Perfect if you want to turn brunch into a day-long tasting adventure.
     
  • Hikes – Hit the Cozy Dell Trail for views and that famous “pink moment.” Great if you need to walk off the extra waffle.
Tai’s Final Thoughts

Ojai Valley Inn is still a must for anyone who wants the quintessential Ojai experience—it’s iconic, serene, and clearly celeb-approved. But if you’re serious about brunch, step outside those resort gates. Rory’s Other Place nails the Ojai bohemian spirit, The Dutchess surprises with its global flair, and Highly Likely is solid if you want something convenient with parking. Together, they prove Ojai’s brunch scene is alive and well, even if the Inn hasn’t quite caught up yet.As Tai put it with a grin, “Ojai always feeds the soul, but you’ve got to know where to go if you want it to feed your stomach too.”

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