Camarillo, in California’s Ventura County, has a lot to offer. It’s nestled just off Highway 101, about 50 miles north of Los Angeles. Although many flock to LA or continue up the coast to Santa Barbara, Camarillo deserves a closer look.
I’ll be quick to admit that I live near Camarillo, so it should be a go-to. But I wasn’t too familiar with this charming town until a weekend of exploring with my family (including our two dogs). Camarillo’s diversity makes it appealing to a wide range of visitors, from surfers and road trippers to those seeking to escape a harsh winter.
Eating Camarillo
What struck me most was the foodie scene. Locally owned restaurants, cafes, and “hole in the walls” fill the area. The vast options are what drew me to visit, and the authenticity will keep me coming back.
Here are a handful of the places my family and I enjoyed visiting. From all-American breakfasts to Filipino fare to even a menu for dogs, these spots clearly won us over.
Hidden Cafe
The Hidden Cafe lives up to its name. We found ourselves circling the parking lot more than once, searching for the place.
Once we found it, tucked in a back corner, we knew we must be in a good place as numerous folks were waiting to be seated. We added our name to the growing list. As I glanced at the menu, I thought the offerings seemed pretty….basic. Think bacon and eggs, pancakes, waffles. Although the choices seemed endless, I didn’t expect anything too special from an egg combo order.
I was wrong.
The portions are generous, and the dishes taste homemade. The gluten-free pancakes tasted as if they were made from scratch. I got a side-eye from my husband, Mike, as I helped myself to more than one bite of his O’Brien potatoes.
Too often, a diner’s breakfast tastes as if the ingredients came from a frozen bag. Not at the Hidden Cafe. We also appreciated how knowledgeable our server was about food allergies. It’s clear the cafe has many regulars, and I envision becoming one of them.
Rice by Mama Thai Cuisine
Another restaurant that takes pride in being authentic is Rice by Mama. A favorite among the locals, Rice by Mama has an ample menu of fried rice, curries, noodles, and entrees. Owner Poonnie Boonklong takes frequent trips to Thailand for inspiration and to stay true to the ethnic flavors on her plates.
Most dishes can be prepared gluten-free or vegan. Since I have a gluten allergy, I always feel at ease when dining at Rice by Mama.
We enjoyed being on their intimate patio. It’s ideal with dogs and children in tow. My pineapple fried rice managed to pack both sweetness and a hint of spice. The best part? A considerable amount of fried tofu. It’s a pet peeve when there’s a lack of chosen protein in my order. Mike chose the Tom Yum fried rice. Thai food is one of his favorites, so he can be critical of the quality. He immediately complimented the level of spice (on the hotter side) and fresh basil leaves on top.
Lure Fish House
Despite the fact that I’m a seafood fan, I’ve been a bit skeptical about trying Lure. It’s part of a chain, though a small one (under 10 locations). That usually doesn’t scream “good” to me. Little did I know that my dinner at Lure would move me to tears.
I was instantly drawn in by the lively vibe, with the large bar taking center stage as we walked in. It was a packed Saturday night and appeared to be another local favorite. With the dogs along, we dined al fresco.
I began the evening with their signature cocktail, Tangerine Dream, a juicy vodka concoction. It set the mood for the plates to come.
I savored the wild Pacific rockfish dinner so much that I began to cry. As I took a bite of my side Parmesan potato cake, Mike noticed my eyes tearing up.
The innocent fried cheese cake vigorously took me back to my childhood. Growing up in Southern California, I would eat a potato cake nearly identical to the one at the Crab Cooker in Orange County. I felt four years old again. It’s safe to say that Lure won me over.
Braxton’s Kitchen
It was time for our pooches, Hammy and Nova, to pick where we ate next. The only answer is Braxton’s Kitchen. The cafe features a small indoor dining room with an abundance of outdoor seating. Their clientele is certainly dog owners, dog lovers, and dogs themselves. The bright decor is welcoming with portraits of canines everywhere you turn.
The menu is mostly breakfast and brunch, with a few lunch options like sandwiches and salads. But the best reason to come to Braxton’s is to order for your dog. They have a small dog menu with a chicken, rice, and veggies bowl. We ordered them a large one to share, and it must have been paw-some as they devoured every bite.
Other offerings for humans include espresso drinks and smoothies, making it ideal to pop in with the pups for a quick date.
Lola Betty’s Kitchen
Despite being just a small walk-up window, Lola Betty’s family roots run deep. The Filipino kitchen started the first food truck of its kind in Ventura County five years ago. In 2024, owners Adelia and Tyrone Lasal opened their restaurant in Old Town Camarillo.
Betty was Adelia’s mother, and “Lola” means grandma. The Lasals are keeping Betty’s legacy alive by serving her Filipino-inspired dishes. The recipes, like the popular pancit noodles and pork skewers, are the same as when Betty was cooking for Adelia growing up.
The beef short rib plate, along with the pancit noodles, is a go-to for the regulars. The short rib has a sweet and tangy flair thanks to a banana ketchup paste. While the stir-fried noodles are savory and complement the sweetness well.
Because some may find authentic Filipino food too “exotic,” the entrepreneurs intentionally left some plates, like liver, off the menu. Lola Betty’s is quite inviting even for those needing an intro to Filipino food.
If You Go
It’s safe to say that Camarillo is brimming with a fantastic cuisine selection.
There’s also the Premium Outlets shopping mall, the Old Town district, and a dozen hotel options. My stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites was ideal thanks to our spacious room, comfy king bed, and its central location.
Learn more and plan a visit to Camarillo here.
Special thanks to Visit Camarillo for hosting this visit.
Read more from Mary on her website, Along Comes Mary.
