Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [123]
Andria's Seafood Restaurant and Market
In Ventura Harbor Village, 1449 Spinnaker Dr. ☎ 805/654-0546. Main courses $7–$15. MC, V. Sun–Thurs 11am–9pm; Fri–Sat 11am–10pm. SEAFOOD.
Set aside your inevitable hesitancy after seeing the fast-food decor here and proceed to the counter to place your order. Andria's, which doubles as a fresh seafood market, has been voted Ventura County's best seafood restaurant for over a decade. The fish goes directly from the ocean into the deep-fat fryer (charbroiled selections are also available) and onto your plate, with only a short stint on the boat in between. The food isn't fancy, but it's fresh, and the outdoor harborside seating is pleasant.
Jonathan's at Peirano's
204 E. Main St. ☎ 805/648-4853. Main courses $9–$20 lunch, $17–$35 dinner. AE, MC, V. Tues–Sat 11:30am–2pm; Tues–Sun 5:30–9:30pm. MEDITERRANEAN.
Inhabiting the first commercial building in Ventura County (1877), Jonathan's is the sleek anchor of the west end of downtown Ventura. Chef-owner Jason Collis, a veteran of Wolf-gang Puck's empire, bought the place fom Jonathan Enabnit in 2004 and kept up the high standard of the eatery's namesake. The attractive room, with a Douglas fir floor, is an ideal setting for Collis' sumptuous selection of pastas, stews, and entrees from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and other Mediterranean locales. Among the specialties are a spicy cioppino (with a pinch of saffron), almond-crusted halibut, and rack of lamb with a Greek chili sauce. Collis also puts together seasonal chef's menus, and there are excellent wine and martini lists (including the tequila-based "margatini") and decadent desserts. Attached (and under the same ownership) is J's, a casual tapas bar with live entertainment.
71 Palm
71 Palm St. ☎ 805/653-7222. Main courses $9–$14 lunch, $14–$32 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm; Mon–Sat 5–9:30pm. FRENCH/ECLECTIC.
Housed in a restored 1910 Craftsman home, 71 Palm is the spot for a romantic dinner in Ventura, in a quiet location just off the main drag with several intimate seating areas, indoors and out. Chef-owner Didier Poirier's fare is quite good—try terrific horseradish-crusted Chilean sea bass, tender and with just the right amount of bite. The menu also includes a nice range of seafood, pasta, and meat. Some patrons make the drive from Los Angeles for Poirier's vegetarian selection (including wild mushroom bread pudding) and the signature fish soup.
The Sportsman 53 California St. (½ block south of Main St.). ☎ 805/643-2851. Main courses $9–$30. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Thurs 11am–9:30pm; Fri 11am–10pm; Sat–Sun 9am–2pm; Sat 5–10pm; Sun 4–10pm. Bar open later. AMERICAN.
You might walk right by the inconspicuous facade of Ventura's oldest restaurant. Like the intriguingly retro lettering on its awning, the interior hasn't changed a lick since it opened in 1950: plush leather booths, brass lamps, wood-paneled bar, giant trophy swordfish on the back wall, and light at dim levels normally reserved for planetariums. The Sportsman looks fancy, but it is quite affordable (especially at breakfast and lunch). It serves hearty omelets, burgers, steaks, and other grilled items. Or you can wet your whistle with $3.50 well drinks from the bar.
Yolie's Fresh Mex Grill
26 S. Garden St. (at Main St.). ☎ 805/652-0338. Main courses $6.50–$13. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Thurs 11am–9pm; Fri–Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 10am–9pm. MEXICAN.
This colorful cantina's funny moniker is a nickname of the proprietor, Yolanda, and the place is better than its nondescript business-park exterior suggests. Yolie's offers an impressive fresh salsa bar (authentic and delicious) as well as an admirable beer, fresh-fruit margarita, and tequila menu. The patio and dining room are festooned with rainbow serapes and sombreros; the kitchen quickly sends out traditional combination plates (as well as lighter and vegetarian adaptations). The fajitas, especially the California chicken variety, are some