Lianne K.
Yelp
A drive out to Boccali's on the east side of Ojai is always like a mini vacation for Dear Hubby and me. Even more so in 2024, since a large slide took out a section of Highway 150 / aka Santa Paula-Ojai Road some months ago. We usually like to go "the back way", especially since Boccali's is at the base of Dennison Grade. Eventually the through route will be restored.
I had feared that the traffic on Route 33 into Ojai from Ventura would be extra-crowded because of the alternate road closure, but we got lucky. We went over on a Sunday afternoon. There must not have been any sort of big event happening, so our ride went smoothly.
We picked up a dear friend who lives in town so that the three of us could enjoy a leisurely meal out on the lawn area adjacent to the restaurant. Shaded beautifully on a hot afternoon, with just a hint of a breeze, it was a perfect setting for homemade taste delights from the kitchen.
Their famous tomato salad won't be served for a few more weeks. The tomatoes are still busy ripening on the vine. That seasonal salad is now listed on the menu as available August - October.
Their beyond-amazing strawberry shortcake is available, and oh-so-delicious! The blend of sweet Ventura County strawberries with their own buttery shortcake and an extremely generous whipped cream topping is just divine. I had to avoid most of the whipped cream, sadly, but even a hint of it made the strawberries sing.
DH split the lasagna with meat sauce with our friend. They also offer spinach-filled lasagna, too. It's so rich that it would take a very hearty appetite to finish it by themselves. It's perfect to share, with the bubbly baked cheese as the top layer which presents so beautifully. I ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce, and brought enough home for two more meals after the serving that I had at the restaurant. Very generous portions!
Their garlic bread is my all-time favorite iteration of said bread. They just have the best combo of crisply finished crust with softer center and enough garlic to lend its flavor without overwhelming the bread. It's perfect for my taste buds.
Also perfect are the friendly staff members that do the serving. I've been enjoying the escape to Boccali's for five decades. I'm so grateful to the Boccali family for creating this wonderful spot in the country for all of us to enjoy for all these years.