The Truth About Dining at Ojai Valley Inn: Tai Lopez Rates Every Restaurant On-Site
TL Team Aug 25, 2025
If you've ever seen a picture-perfect sunset over the mountains with fire pits flickering in the foreground and kids running barefoot on a golf course, chances are you were looking at a photo of Ojai Valley Inn. Tai Lopez has been a longtime fan of this stunning California resort—but before you grab your credit card and book that weekend getaway, here's what you need to know. FYI this is not a review of the property. This is strictly about the dining. And let’s just say... if you’re coming for the food, you might want to read this first.

Tai made a last-minute trip to one of his favorite places in the world and sampled the best (and worst) of what the Inn’s restaurants had to offer. Some highs, some lows, and a whole lot of room for improvement. Let’s dive in.

Why Tai Keeps Coming Back: The Magic Behind Ojai Valley Inn

The Ojai Valley Inn is a historic, top-tier luxury resort—and one of Tai Lopez’s absolute favorite places in the world. It’s nestled in a magical pocket of Ventura County and manages to deliver the kind of tranquility, beauty, and energy that makes people come back year after year. Originally opened in 1923 as a golf course and expanded over the decades, it’s now a sprawling estate with a world-class spa, 220-acre golf course, family and adult pools, tennis courts, bike trails, fire pits, and yes—several restaurants. It's both family-friendly and adult-friendly. By day, it’s kid central: think s’mores, scavenger hunts, and barefoot romps through the resort. By night, the energy shifts. The golf course becomes an adult hangout zone, and couples sip cocktails around fire pits during the famous Ojai "pink moment"—a sunset phenomenon that paints the entire valley in a rosy hue.

Guests range from young families from LA and Orange County to older couples and wellness seekers escaping city life. The Indigo Pool is adults-only, serene, and overlooks the mountains, while the Pixie Pool is your go-to if you’re rolling deep with little ones. Oh, and yes—they’ll tell you the exact time of that pink moment every evening. Don’t miss it.

So, What’s the Deal with Ojai?

You’ve probably heard whispers about Ojai being some kind of boho-spiritual-wellness haven tucked away just 90 minutes from LA—and honestly, the whispers are true. Ojai is like Sedona’s laid-back, avocado-toast-eating cousin. It’s small but packed with charm: think indie art galleries, citrus groves, boutique inns, and locals who swear by their crystal healer.

It’s famous for its "pink moment," a dreamy sunset phenomenon when the sky lights up with pastel shades that make the whole valley glow. The town itself is ringed by mountains, dotted with orange trees, and loaded with that calm, grounding energy you only find in a handful of places on earth.

Ojai has long been a magnet for artists, spiritual seekers, and nature lovers—and in recent years, foodies and wellness tourists too. You'll find kombucha on tap, vintage bookstores, and more yoga studios than gas stations. And despite the mystical edge, it's also a place where you can unplug and just breathe. No big chains, no high rises, just a vibe. It’s the kind of place where it’s totally normal to follow up your farm-to-table brunch with a sound bath and a hike.

Bottom line: Ojai is a nice, warm feeling. Whether you’re leaning into your inner zen master or just looking to slow down, this little town has something for everyone.

Ojai Valley Meh? Tai Dishes on the Resort’s Dining Hits and Misses

Let’s be clear—Tai Lopez loves the Ojai Valley Inn. This resort is a 10/10 across the board when it comes to location, aura, activities, and overall experience. It’s one of his favorite places on the planet. That said, when you're staying somewhere this premium—and in a town with such a great food scene—it’s extra disappointing that the dining doesn’t live up to the rest of the resort. Because really, who wants to leave the property when you're lounging by the Indigo Pool or catching that perfect pink moment

In this section, we’re breaking down the three main on-site restaurants Tai visited, starting with the most expensive and formal and working our way down to the more casual and grab-and-go options. Strap in, because it’s a ride.



1. The Oak
  • Vibe: Elegant, al fresco, overlooking the golf course and valley
     
  • Tai’s Order: Whipped goat cheese w/ roasted strawberries, fried chicken bites, tortilla soup, 8 oz grilled bistro steak au poivre, dirty martini w/ blue cheese olives
The Oak wins big in the ambiance category—picture white tablecloths and mountain views that belong on a postcard. Tai managed to snag a walk-in table despite being told reservations were tight. Service started off great but dipped once a nearby VIP table arrived.

Food-wise? Meh. The apps were forgettable, and the steak—at $55—was overcooked, salty, and drenched in an overpowering sauce. The highlight was the dirty martini (filthy, with blue cheese olives). Tai skipped dessert out of disappointment.
  • Food: 5/10 – Beautiful setting, underwhelming execution
     
  • Service: 6/10 – Started strong, fizzled out
     
  • Ambiance: 9/10 – One of the prettiest spots on the property
     
  • Location: 9/10 – Prime real estate overlooking the resort
     
  • Value: 4/10 – Way overpriced for the quality
     
  • Overall: 5.5/10 – Great view, weak execution. A place to sip a drink, not savor a meal.


2. Jimmy’s Pub
  • Vibe: Casual sports bar with indoor and limited outdoor seating
     
  • Tai’s Order: Buffalo wings, burrata peach salad, pepperoni pizza and burger (to-go)
Jimmy’s Pub is the closest thing the resort has to a casual go-to. Tai stopped in once for lunch and again for dinner—and funny enough, it was the to-go dinner that delivered the most enjoyable bites. He took his $26 personal pepperoni pizza (!) and his equally-overpriced smash burger out to the golf course lawn to eat under the stars, surrounded by the post-sunset buzz of resort guests. Not gourmet by any stretch, but in the context of the other dining experiences, it felt like a win.

The rest of the food was serviceable but unremarkable. The buffalo wings (six for $20) were average, and the blue cheese dip was more like salad dressing than the chunky kind you’d want with wings. And while the burrata and grilled peach salad had potential, ultimately, the prosciutto was a little tough for Tai’s liking.
  • Food: 6.5/10 – Best of the bunch, but still mid
     
  • Service: 7/10 – Friendly and attentive
     
  • Ambiance: 5/10 – Very average unless you take your food outside
     
  • Location: 7/10 – Easy post-golf pit stop
     
  • Value: 6/10 – Not cheap, but doesn’t feel like highway robbery
     
  • Overall: 6.5/10 – Casual and overpriced, but if you lower your expectations, it works.
3. Libbey’s Market
  • Vibe: Grab-and-go casual market
     
  • Tai’s Order: Italian sub (heated), flat white
This is the resort’s version of a general store—coffee, sandwiches, snacks, ice cream. Tai tried the Italian sub (that was thrown in the oven for a few minutes) and it was, in his words, “rubbery and burnt.” A friend’s grilled cheese also missed the mark. Coffee was fine, one notch above Keurig.

Cool feature: they sell s’mores kits for the nightly fire pits. Cute idea, but $17 for four marshmallows and a mini Hershey’s bar feels s’more like highway robbery.
  • Food: 3.5/10 – Hard pass on the hot food
     
  • Service: 6/10 – Efficient, but it’s counter service
     
  • Ambiance: 4/10 – Limited seating. Grab-and-go to the room, golf course, or pool for a better view.
     
  • Location: 6/10 – Convenient for a snack run
     
  • Value: 4/10 – Expensive for what it is
     
  • Overall: 4/10 – Only worth it for a coffee or maybe a s'mores kit. Skip the hot food.
A Note on Olivella & Vine

Olivella is the Inn’s fine dining, prix fixe option. Tai had plans to go his last night, but after multiple dining letdowns, he opted to eat off-site instead. It looks gorgeous from the outside, but at over $150/person and with subpar food elsewhere, it didn’t feel worth the risk.

Perfect For...

Let’s be real: the Ojai Valley Inn is perfect for just about anything—except maybe a serious foodie vacation. But if you’re looking for romance, relaxation, family time, or just a dreamy weekend escape, this place delivers in spades.
  • Romantic Getaways – Especially if ambiance matters more than food
     
  • Family Trips – Tons of kid-friendly activities and s’mores
     
  • Golf & Spa Retreats – Two of the resort’s top strengths
     
  • Girls’ Weekends or Wellness Trips – Embrace your inner chakra
Tips for Visiting Ojai Valley Inn Restaurants (If You Must)
  • Make reservations early, especially for The Oak and Olivella
     
  • Don't expect amazing food—just decent bites with great views
     
  • Grab dinner before sunset so you can catch the pink moment
     
  • If it's too hot to eat outside, Jimmy’s Pub is your best indoor option
     
  • Consider packing snacks or heading to town for at least one meal
If You’re Going to Ojai Valley Inn for the Food, Go for This Instead

Ojai is a good-vibes-only kind of place, and the Ojai Valley Inn is the crown jewel of it all. Even if the dining leaves something to be desired, the rest of the experience is pure magic. So let’s keep it positive—here’s all the incredible stuff you can (and should) do on the property:
  • The Spa – Widely considered one of the best in Southern California, the spa features a Himalayan salt sauna, private outdoor soaking tubs, eucalyptus steam rooms, and bespoke apothecary treatments. Book early—slots go fast.
     
  • Golf – This isn’t your average course. The 18-hole, par-70 course winds through rolling hills with views of the Topatopa Mountains. It’s playable for all skill levels and breathtaking at golden hour.
     
  • Pools – Two vibes, one resort. The Pixie Pool is great for families (expect floaties and sunscreen), while the Indigo Pool is strictly adults-only with plush loungers and a full bar—plus insane views of the mountains.
     
  • Bike Rentals & Trails – Grab a cruiser and ride through the resort’s peaceful bike paths, orange groves, and scenic trails. Early morning or golden hour is the sweet spot.
     
  • Tennis, Fitness Classes & Artist Studio – Hit the courts, try yoga under the oaks, or explore your creative side at the Artist Cottage, where you can take watercolor or pottery classes—very on-brand for Ojai.
     
  • The Pink Moment – Yes, everyone talks about it. Yes, the resort literally tells you what time it will happen each day. And yes... it really is that magical. Grab a drink, find a view, and watch as the sky turns cotton candy pink. It’s Ojai in a nutshell.
How to Prepare for a Pink Moment

It’s not just a sunset—it’s a thing. Locals know, the resort reminds you, and yes, it’s totally worth planning your evening around. So here’s your official prep guide:
  • Time it right: The Inn posts the exact pink moment time daily. Set an alarm. You don’t want to miss those 10 magical minutes.
     
  • Claim your perch: Grab a cozy fire pit, Adirondack chair, or one of the Indigo Pool loungers with a view of the mountains.
     
  • Drink in hand: Whether it’s a dirty martini, sparkling rosé, or just a lavender lemonade, pink moment hydration is key.
     
  • Unplug: This isn’t the time to be on your phone. Snap a pic, then just watch. The sky really does turn cotton candy pink. It’s not hype—it’s Ojai.
Things To Do Around Ojai

Let’s be honest—there’s really no reason to leave the Ojai Valley Inn (other than the food). Between the spa, the golf, and the mountain views, it’s paradise. But if you do step out for a bite, the surrounding town of Ojai has plenty to explore—and it’s all just a quick drive (or e-bike ride) away.
  • Downtown Ojai – The town’s main strip is a postcard come to life: charming boutiques, crystal shops, indie bookstores, and more organic cafes than you’ll know what to do with. Great for an afternoon stroll and people-watching.
     
  • Ojai Olive Oil Company – Hidden in an orange grove, this family-owned operation offers olive oil tastings straight from the source. It’s rustic, peaceful, and the samples are generous.
     
  • Ojai Meadows Preserve – A perfect pre-brunch walk or decompress-from-the-resort stroll. Expect native wildflowers, slow-moving trails, and the occasional local walking their rescue dog.
     
  • Bart’s Books – A local institution. This outdoor bookstore is basically a book lover’s dream yard sale. You’ll find everything from vintage cookbooks to obscure philosophy texts—plus it’s open-air and totally charming.
Tapping into the Ojai Vibe (Yes, There Might Be Crystals Involved)

Sure, Ojai is known for golf, orange groves, and adorable inns—but it’s also a full-on spiritual playground if you’re open to it. Whether you're mystic-curious or already carrying sage in your weekender bag, Ojai welcomes you with open arms (and a smudge stick). Here’s your cheeky-but-real crash course:
  • The Pink Moment: It’s more than a sunset—it’s a ritual. Locals pause, tourists gasp, and Instagram goes wild. Catch it with a cocktail in hand for peak Ojai energy.
     
  • Chakras & Auras: Don’t be surprised if someone casually asks about your third eye. Energy healing, aura photography, and chakra-balancing treatments are all fair game here.
     
  • Sound Baths, Reiki & Vortexes: Grab a yoga mat, lie back, and let someone wave singing bowls over your body. It’s weird. It’s relaxing. It’s Ojai.
Get a crystal-infused facial, light some palo santo, and lean all the way into the Ojai energy. Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, there's something kinda magical in the air.

So... Where Can We Get a Good Bite Around Here?

Look, no one wants to leave the Ojai Valley Inn. But if you’re serious about food, you just might have to. Tai’s planning to do a full breakdown of his off-site eats soon, but if you're hungry now (or just hangry from your last resort entrée), here are a few quick picks to get your taste buds back on track:
  • Ojai Rotie – Rotisserie chicken and fresh, locally sourced sides
     
  • The Dutchess – Burmese-Californian fusion
     
  • Hip Vegan – Don’t knock it till you try it
     
  • Beacon Coffee – Top-tier espresso
     
  • Topa Topa Brewery – Chill spot for a local beer
Tai’s Final Thoughts

“I love Ojai Valley Inn. I’ll keep coming back. But the food? Man, it just doesn’t live up to the beauty of the place. You come here for the sunsets, the energy, the vibe—not the entrees. That said, if you set your expectations right, grab a drink, and keep it casual, you’ll still have an amazing time. Just maybe save that fine dining splurge for somewhere off property.”

And one last thing—yes, you can say "Oh, hi Ojai" once to your travel buddy. But that's it. The locals have heard it before.

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